Factory Spare Tire Lock vs Cable Lock

I am new to this and trying to lock everthing down before I do anything else. What is the best way to protect the spare tire, should I pick up the facory lock like this one , or should I get some type of heavy cable and lock?

 

I just went up under the truck and noticed I have a chain from the factory hanging down through the center of the spare. Can I just padlock this to one of the holes in the rim of the spare and be protected?

 

I guess that would work. I've never heard of a chain from the factory before...what year is your truck?
What I did it swedge a loop on both ends of a heavy cable. I ran it up through the frame and around the tire, then padlocked. Spray some WD40 in the key hole and cover it with duct tape.

 

I have this

$27 Trimax ST30 Trimaflex Spare Tire Cable Lock (Round Key) 36" x 12mm,Black / Chrome

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000ATZD5/ref=oh_o04_s00_i00_details

seems to work

 

It is a one week old 2012 that I have found out about all the security flaws the Tacoma has and I am working to fix. See pics of stock factory chain below.

 

Is that chain somehow used to lower the spare and what's it attached to up above?

 

I don't think so, there is still the place in the bumper to stick in the crank to lower the tire.

 

Maybe your dealership had a problem with spare tire theft and had the chain installed?

 

I guess I should see what this chain is tied to above the tire. If nothing else I will stick a big old master-lock on it to spook off the grab and run guys.

 

I just got my 2012 a 3 days ago. I have that chain hanging too. I haven't had the time to mess around with the truck yet. I asked around including mechanics from different places they say that is normal. So I didn't bother with it yet, but I sure have to figure out how to lower that spare tire for safety reason.

 

Hi tmt301, make sure you do the tailgate mod. It should be listed at the top of this page under mods & tutorials. I could not beleive I could walk up and pop my talgate off in under 5 seconds. Toyota needs to fix this!!!

 

Do you guys with the chains live in California by any chance? I just talked to my dealer and they say it's a regional thing either Toyota or the dealers are doing in area's of the country with high theft problems.

 

Yes, Southern California for me. Tacoma is number 4 on the stolen list.

 

I believe that chain is what holds up the spare tire carrier when lowered. My 1990 4 runner had a similar chain. it is not there for security. i would believe putting a padlock on it would help, but I am pretty naive to spare tire theft and would like to hear more suggestions

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/6391-stolen-spare.html

 

Mav44, have you determined what the chain's purpose is? admittedly, i have not sought to figure it out myself, but i have had my truck for less than 48hrs. i, too and a socal resident and i too have that same chain dangling like a dingleberry under there.

 

A cable & lock would be real fun on a rainy night.

 

I just bought a $5 combination cable lock from Wally World, threaded it through the tire and around the frame. My experience ... you just gotta do a little more than the next guy and you'll be fine.

 

i have that the spare lock, and i put a cable around it with a weatherproof lock on the cable.

 

My 1992 has exactly that same chain arraignment. Just had it down last night to work on a seized parking brake cable.

It might be possible to put a padlock on it but the links aren't that big and I imagine a good bolt cutter might make short work of the lock or chain.

BTW, be sure to lower your spare at least several times a year (I do it in the fall and again in spring, good time to check tire pressure) and spray lube the mechanism. Even with that, mine seized up after about 15 years of salt exposure and the entire mechanism had to be cut out and a new one welded in by the dealer.