How do you protect your taco?

I'm moving back down to tucson in a few weeks, and would love to not get my new taco ripped off. Or annoying things like the tail gate or wheels stolen. I'm thinking about getting a steering wheel lock.

 

I just have several Large NRA Stickers.

Kidding....Kinda

 

That one is kinda a double edged sword, as then someone might think there's a chance of a firearm in the vehicle and break in to steal it.


I really dont have a good solution for the OP. I'm really not sure about the crime rate down there, but if you're really worried about it, but best I can say is park in good areas with lots of traffic and people. Alarms are always helpful, but really wont protect you in a snatch and grab. Probably the best defense is to make it look like there just isn't anything worth stealing. Assuming you'll have a garage at home, the safest option is to park the truck and buy a beater to drive.

For first gens, the tailgate really isn't an easy item to remove (its bolted in), but again, if someone really wanted to, there's nothing you can do to stop them if they have the tools.

Wheels and tires, besides the obvious of locking lugnuts, you're still at the mercy of someone that doesn't have the tools and not willing to break a window to get the key.

 

Unfortunately, the house I'm moving into doesn't have a garage, so it's going to be parked on the street or up in the front yard (dirt yard). I was thinking about getting a steering wheel lock, but I"m not sure if that's the solution as I've heard of people cutting through the steering wheel with a hack saw to get it off. I have seen locks that go around the whole steering wheel, but I'd love to not spend $60 on one.

I also have a tool box in the bed, any idea how secure those are?

 

steering wheel lock? are you moving to the projects or something? jeesh a good alarm that goes to your remote will be good. if someone wants your truck, they will get it no matter what.

 

Remington 870...surefire...side saddle.....enough said

 

Locking Lug Nuts and Security System

 

If you have the money... how about a tire boot. Same thing the government uses.
http://www.tirelock.com/

 

I'd take an alarm over a steering wheel lock any day, but like others have said, easily defeated. An alarm will notify you if anyone does mess with the truck if you're close by, so that would probably be my first choice. Regretfully, as said earlier, there is really nothing you can do to stop someone that really wants to steal something. Best you can do is notify yourself when it does happen so you can be there to stop them yourself.

A box will only be as strong as the metal, lock, and how it connects. If you get a cheap aluminum box, it will be a lot easier to break into than one made of steal. It all comes down to cost, etc. In short, not a place to store valuables, but I dont consider a vehicle a good place to store valuables anyway.

Regretfully, AZ does not allow you to use deadly force (or threat of deadly force) to protect property. Doesn't hurt to have a gun by your side in case they pull a knife, but unless personally threatened, you cant threaten its use with out committing a felony.

I'm not saying dont carry, cause I know I wouldn't go anywhere with out my handgun. AZ is even better now in doing away with its concealed carry permit (in a few days), allowing anyone to carry concealed as long as they can legally own a firearm. Still need the permit to enter restaurants or something like that though.

 

Install an alarm with an additional siren hidden inside the cab, with backup battery. I did it to my previous truck and honestly you have to be deaf to be able to stay inside the truck.

Also wheel locks, gas cap lock, spare tire wheel lock etc etc

 

I like the idea of an alarm that could cause people to go deaf. Where could I find gas cap locks?

Also, does anyone know of a good place that would install my alarm? Or is this something simple enough for me to do?

 

you have to becareful. nice clean tacomas are target for thieves everywhere. parking your truck overnite in a jerry springer neighborhood is risky!..ues your best judgement

 

Wif one of dese in'nit?

 

You really dont need a locking gas cap as even my 94 car has a anti-siphon ball in it. I haven't double checked, but I'm pretty certain our trucks do as well. That being said, if someone does want to get your gas, its pretty simple to hacksaw after the anti-siphon and get all they want. Really not much you can do to protect it either, if they know what they're doing.

Personally though, I prefer the locking caps as I've had bad luck with ruining gas caps, making them almost impossible to get off. The locking ones make the ratcheting gears locked so you cant strip out the gears.

For the alarm, it really depends how comfortable you are with electronics. My Viper 5901 (has remote start) had like 10-15 different wires I had to splice into different places, and cutting one wire all together. A simple alarm will probably only have a few connections (doors, locks, power, ground, siren, antenna, armed led, valet mode), plus any other sensors you add in (you could add in one for if the tail gate or hood is opened, glass break, motion, etc. Just depends on the alarm you get). Its actually quite easy, but if you've never done stuff like it before, its probably worth the installation fee. For the extra siren, you could easily splice into the existing siren and run two.

 

I have full coverage insurance... hehehe

expensive but best protection

 

install a train horn in your truck with the compressor and tank in the tool box. hook up said train horn to an alarm system.

 

you sir are a genius...

 

since you'll be in AZ, tie a bobcat in your bed.. that'd keep me away

 

Paint it pink...

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/general-automotive/104752-pink-taco.html

 

X2

Someone driving around tucson one night had a train horn instead of their car horn. Scared the bajesus out of me as I was walking down the street and a truck came careening out of no where blasting that.

So maybe I'll get the system installed by a professional, and add my own bit of flair to it.