Hitch Vault

And what is the difference between Gen 1 and Gen 2?

 

Sorry, but those look like “come and take my truck” boxes to me- around here, the crooks have resorted to evilness- they’ve been using those dang little portable lithium cutoff saws and can open up just about anything, plus they are cheap!

We had a heavy steel bunker door cut open at work with a 4-inch one (they left a broken blade on the ground) and they stole a bunch amounting to thousands of dollars, including a survey laser rangefinder and a theodolite.

 

That may be available in the future. I want to design our own lock and buy a CO2 laser engraver. This will give some depth to the logo as well as enable people to have custom end cap designs, also with the powder coating there’s over 6500 colors to use.

 

The Gen 1 vaults have “Hitch Vault” on the end cap and were machined by hand on a milling machine. Whereas the gen 2 vaults are done on a CNC. Also on the Gen 1 vaults the anodizing was done at 2 different shops so it’s looks a bit different.

 

Yeah the bright orange sticks out a bit haha We use Trimax locks which are good quality but I think that’s the weakest point. I am a journeyman welder and can probably get into anything with the right tools. Ideally I want to design our own lock that can be made of tool steel and have a design that makes it difficult to get out even when it’s been cut.

 

This would be great. The lock now is fine, but can get kinda gummed up in the winter with all the salty nonsense on the roads.

Looking forward to seeing where you go with this!

 

Yeah I flush mine with brake clean once a month or so, it’s been holding up good.

Thanks man! There’s some pretty cool stuff in the works, might even be on national TV in a month or so.

 

I guess my question is, is the gen 2 worth the extra money and why?

 

The finish on the Gen 2 is consistent on the whole piece and the Gen 2 has the option for HV logo or blank end cap. You can also get a ceramic coated Gen 2 which will keep the vault looking new for longer. I’m sure you will be happy with any vault you choose, shipping is free if you get 2 or more as well.

 

I'm thinking one of these will make a damn good birthday present for my brother in law!

 

Sounds good to me!

 

We have a couple Gloss Black powder coated vaults ready to go!!

 

Vaults starting at $60cad with free shipping!

 

Well thanks.. now I have to buy something else for my truck.. (also this will be perfect when I go kayaking or backpacking and don't want to keep worrying about my keys)

 

Yeah man! I recommend to get the powder coated vaults. Some of our anodized vaults are reacting with the UV rays of the sun, and it’s changing the color of them. This only seems to happen when the vaults are in direct sunlight for long periods of time.

 

Got some new offerings!! We did a few vaults in a type of powder coat that is like rock guard, I think they turned out very well!

 

So that is why the top edge is becoming discolored? turning a reddish brown... almost looks like surface rust.

maybe I will pull it off and clean it up and hit with some black paint

 

Yeah it’s caused by the anodizing dye when it gets really hot. It’s not rust it’s just it’s reacting with the UV rays from the sun. We’ll have the Gen 3 vaults out soon which will have type 3 anodizing so this won’t happen anymore.

This doesn’t happen with our powder coated, rock guarded or cerakote vaults either. The Gen 3s will also have 1/2” end caps and we were going to machine the HV logo into the side but we chose not to to keep costs down a bit.

 

Earlier today, I needed access to my reciever. So went to remove the hitch vault, and the lock would Not come undone...

Been a few months since Iast had it out, and never had issue before.. so i tried a couple.more times and no luck.

So I ended up resorting to a bit more drastic measures. 3lb drilling hammer and a several good taps. Spinning the pin each time. And about a minute later.

The lock dials.and locking collar are on the ground and the pin is able to pull free.

 

That's one reason why I wouldnt run the hitch vault in the receiver all the time, only when I'm away from the truck when I dont want to carry keys.