Cheap spare theft deterrent. Do it now!

So, this has been on my Tacoma to-do list for a while, and I finally did it today.
One of my worst fears has been to be on the side of the road (or deep off-road) with a flat and discover some meth-head stole my spare.
I eyed the genuine Toyota spare lock, but at nearly $50 it's hard to commit. So I went the cheap route and for under $20 I have peace of mind.
I bought a 6' coiled Master Lock cable (1/4" nylon coated) and a Master lock. I lowered my spare and looped the cable through one of the holes in the structure above the spare and looped it through the eyelet on the other end of the cable. Then I simply locked the other eyelet to one of the lug holes on the spare.

The coiled nature of the cable keeps tension on the cable and has no hazard of becoming tangled anywhere. And just to make sure I never lose the key, I looped the key ring around the factory lug wrench and put it back in the storage compartment.
Hope this helps someone avoid a crappy situation one day.

 

Yep. I have similar with one of those integrated set your own combo locks. Cheap "security" and go on to an easier deal.

 

I eyed a combo lock, but feared they may be more susceptible to undercarriage grime and seize easier. Plus, the thought of trying to see a dirty combo lock numeral on the side of the road, in the dark, was not on the top of my list!

 

Don't you get confused with two keys?

 

I try one then I try the other, 100% of the time the first one works, I guess I'm just lucky like that. Maybe I should play the lotto more often!

 

Either way you'll need light or something(luck, hair, etc) to get that stupid winch working. I keep a couple cheap headlamps and a decent standalone light in my truck

Have had the combo lock on for a few years in NC and IN. No issues as the area stays pretty clear. Besides, I'm pretty sure I can defeat whatever stuck lock I need to with just the basic tools in my truck-might take a bit though.

 

Yeah, pretty sure every cell phone has a light nowadays, so no real worry there. Glad to hear the combo locks don't cause issues. Was thinking that it's a good idea to spray the lock with some silicone spray anytime I have it down to check the spare pressure.

 

with just the basic tools in any tool box can defeat any cable... learned that years ago.

 

Odd, I got my Tacoma spare tire lock for $25.... and just doing a quick search it's going for about $30 right now.

Meh I'll stick with that

 

Yep, but for the average opportune thief, it's enough to send them onto the next (easier) prey. The same way the ole hoseclamp on the tailgate hinge does. Not saying it's invincible, just note the tread title... "deturrent"

 

Not that I do, just have been in areas while traveling that I have enough sense that if you don't have your gaurd up, you're a target. And I'm no stranger to if it's not bolted down, it's a target. Better safe than screwed!

 

Hey, you just gave me a good idea for 4 free winter rims...

 

Just make sure to bring your bolt cutters for shmucks like me!

 

Not a bad idea. I have never had anything stolen from my truck, but I know plenty of people that have. I try to secure everything I can.

 

Exactly. Even leaving loose change or CDs visible in a car is asking for trouble. Out of sight, out of mind!

 

Me neither, but I own a pop & lock for use when I have my topper on, a rear window security bar, the hose clamps on the tailgate hinges, locking lugs on my wheels, and now this. Being a victim sucks, and most of the time it happens because you let your gaurd down or don't know that something as trivial as a spare tire is a target.
This is just something I was hoping would raise awareness to a weak target.

 

Ive done everything you've listed as I tried to lockdown my Tacoma when I first bought it. Add to your list: skid plate for catalytic converters, and locking gas cap

The area I live is fine, it's when I visit other areas in the city that are questionable that I don't have to worry about coming back to something stolen.

 

Oh god, now you've got me on paranoia the gas cap I've thought about but damn, the cats, didn't put much thought to... thanks for the heads up!

 

My last tacoma I had parked in my carport and I must have not locked it. I came out the next morning and I could tell someone had rifled through it. Glove box open, console open and so on. The only thing they took was my screw jack that was wrapped up in its pouch. I knew they didn't really know what they were stealing so I drove around the block and down a side street and sure enough there was my jack and pouch where they must of opened it, laying in the grass on the side of the road.

 

Great idea!