In some embodiments, an accessory retainer apparatus for a vehicle may include one or more of the following features: (a) a handle member, (b) a shaft pivotally coupled to the handle member at the proximal end, the handle member pivotally rotatable between an open and closed position to move the shaft in an axial direction, (c) a grommet located on the shaft at the distal end, (d) a fastener coupled to the shaft at the distal end, whereby the accessory retainer is adapted to retain an accessory to a mounting aperture located on the vehicle, (e) a spacer member located proximal of the grommet, (f) a second grommet located between the handle member and the spacer, and (g) a bracket member coupled at the proximal end of the shaft between the handle member and the spacer member.