Cheap spare theft deterrent. Do it now!

I'd force some grease into that lock. I had an internal spring rust and break before. Lucky I had a hacksaw.

 

OR Fab catalytic converter skid plate

For the locking gas cap, don't get the STANT brand, I tried it and it sucks

 

Funny you say that , I've actually HAD crack heads rummage through my car . I had a full stereo system , cd's (at the time !) radar detector . They rummaged throu the whole car only taking a handful of change from the center console

 

A standard security exterior grade lock through the hoist chain links work just as well.

 

I just did something like that, but can't use the factory spare location with my 315/70/17. It's probably not the best set up, but it will have to do until I can get something better. Funny, the coils make mine harder to use.. ha ha. But you're right, they're there to stay.

 

The last thing I want to do is make my own life harder when I have a flat.

Someone will steal my tailgate before my spare. Spare stealing takes tools and a lot of time.

Now if my spare was in the bed of my truck or on a gate, then I'd be clever about how to secure it.

 

Man I hate thieves.

 

Easier than trying to find a rim and tire when on the side of the freeway with your toddler & infant & wife. AAA or not, still something that'd take longer than turning a key.
I turn a key every time I start my truck and enter my house, what's one more to make sure I have an essential piece of emergency equipment when I really need it.
But to each their own, float along until you're a victim. This post wasn't to call out fear mongering, just to raise awareness to people who don't like major inconveniences that they might not expect while doing something as simple as changing a flat. In my opinion, it's a minor inconvenience.

To your point, that's a much simpler solution, didn't think of that! Simple and effective, +1 for the KISS method!

 

So, what happens when some crackhead lowers the spare, see's the cable, gives up, and you back up over the spare?

 

Cool idea, but I foresee agony on the side of the road when your trying to chew through a braided cable with your teeth after your lock is corroded and unlock-able.

 

Then use @Jimmyh 's method, and lock the lowering chain to the lug hole, then even if it's lowered it's not hanging too low to cause an issue. I myself might revise my setup to do it this way.

Then jamb a shit-ton (or cubic butload) of grease in that lock and deal with a greasy key when the time comes.

Jesus people, last time I try to raise awareness to an issue on this site... all agrivation aside I really like this site and thought I'd try to contribute to it.
Maybe I'll just sit on the sideline, filter through the good ideas, and pilfer the information I need.

 

I just noticed the OP's pic has chains. What year did that change? My 08 has a cable which I have taken some time to grease at least once a year.

 

Not trying to be a jerk.

Instead of grease I'd load it up with some fluid film, then waterproof grease the orifices shut. If you wanted to keep the cable lock on it.

 

Hey, I just came up with a better idea. Forget about locking your spare. Get 1 of those cable activated switches that are on trailers to anchor the brakes if you lose the trailer. Mount it to the frame and attach the cable to the spare so that it pulls the pin when the spare is about 1/2 way down. Wire the switch to your alarm system. That way, even if no one pays attention to the alarm and the crackhead steals your spare, you will be alerted to your spare missing when you disarm your alarm. Hopefully if he gets away with your spare, he will leave your cat alone.

 

nah, it's nice and easy to unlock. Easier to install than a hoseclamp on the tailgate. Something of a visual deterrent as well. I tend to go out of my way to make my vehicle at least appear to be a harder target.

Pic embed fail.

 

Mines a 2015 and has the chain. I know my 2009 X-runner had a chain as well.
Not sure as to when they switched from cable to chain.

 

When's the group buy?

 

You forward right back over it again and thank god you still have it! (nothing's gonna happen to the tire)

 

It saddens me that this is something people feel the need to do. No worse than stolen catalytic converters and tailgates I guess.

Agreed.