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Hide a key- emergency key dilemma

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by jethro, Jul 10, 2013.

  1. Jul 10, 2013 at 8:49 AM
    #1
    jethro

    jethro [OP] Master Baiter

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    So my last truck was a 04 2.7L with crank windows, no power locks. I used to keep a hide-a-key on the truck in a sneaky spot and I can't tell you how many jams it saved me from. Just bought the truck in my sig and it has the remote access and it seems an anti-theft situation that relies on the key FOB being present to start the truck. So, how can I do a hide-a-key on my truck? Obviously can stash just a key so I can get inside the truck, but I think that will be less of an issue since it's hard to lock the keys inside with the power locks. I do a lot of fishing and if I lose my keys overboard I want a way to drive the truck. Is there a clever solution I am not thinking of? Or just don't lose my keys?
     
  2. Jul 10, 2013 at 8:51 AM
    #2
    babytruck

    babytruck Babytruck, babytruck...I've got a babytruck :)

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    Put a spare in your tackle box?
     
  3. Jul 10, 2013 at 8:53 AM
    #3
    DriverSound

    DriverSound Señor Member

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    You can stash your valet key.
     
  4. Jul 10, 2013 at 8:55 AM
    #4
    YOTA LOVER

    YOTA LOVER Stay Calm, and Fire For Effect

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    I keep the second set at home. Three people have access to them.

    If I'm out for a scenic run along the beach or through the woods I keep the key fob on me and I have my cell if it happens to jump out of its pocket.

    I've been thinking about a hide a key with the fob and everything sealed up in a plastic baggy, then tucked up in some obscure location.
     
  5. Jul 10, 2013 at 9:00 AM
    #5
    vtdog

    vtdog Well-Known Member

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    I am also in NH and spend a lot of time on the water. The simple answer to your fishing problem is a lanyard. Whenever I am out on the water I keep the spare (valet?) key that came with the truck on a lanyard around my neck and a set with the fob in my pocket. I simply dont trust the key hides to either stay attached on rough roads or to be really "hidden" from theives.

    Just as an FYI, if you put stickers on your truck displaying high end items (Sage Rods, Sig Sauer Guns, etc) it does not matter whether you have a spare key or not as you will be able to get in via the broken window the thieves leave.
     
  6. Jul 10, 2013 at 9:03 AM
    #6
    MGMTacolover55

    MGMTacolover55 Well-Known Member

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    Keep the key somewhere where you will you be able to easily find it
     
  7. Jul 10, 2013 at 9:06 AM
    #7
    MTgirl

    MTgirl too many frogs, not enough princes... Moderator

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  8. Jul 10, 2013 at 9:11 AM
    #8
    Seer

    Seer Well-Known Member

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    Spare key on a lanyard is my off roading/ camping/ kayaking bling too.

    -Never have figured out why people put stickers on stuff without getting paid to do it....
     
  9. Jul 10, 2013 at 9:12 AM
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    11TRD

    11TRD MERICA

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  10. Jul 10, 2013 at 9:20 AM
    #10
    Gaunt596

    Gaunt596 Well-Known Member

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    umm, i don't know how they are set up in the newer trucks but in my 07 the engine immobilizer thing is in the key itself, as my spare key has no key fob but the truck still starts/runs fine with the spare.
     
  11. Jul 10, 2013 at 9:22 AM
    #11
    NYNURSE

    NYNURSE Well-Known Member

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    Make a key that will only open the door, no chip. Hide that key outside the vehicle.
    The key with the chip gets hidden inside the vehicle.
    I would not tell anyone about the outside key. Ex girlfriends/wives can be incredibly creative.
     
  12. Jul 10, 2013 at 9:47 AM
    #12
    MTgirl

    MTgirl too many frogs, not enough princes... Moderator

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    they are a little cheesy but I'm sure there are other, tougher brands out there.

    when I'm out I always make sure I have both sets of keys and I keep one set either in my pocket with a safety pin holding it to the pocket lining or some of my hiking pants have a little clip and tether to hold your keys. then the only way to lose your keys is to lose your pants too...and if that happens you got some big problems! :eek:
     
  13. Jul 10, 2013 at 11:35 AM
    #13
    TurboGT

    TurboGT Stirring the pot since...

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    When I go out for a bike ride, I keep a spare set of keys stashed away behind the cubbies (2nd gen) in the bed... the ones above the wheel wells, not at the tailgate. Works well, since I have a canopy and it's pretty easy to grab while strapping down the bike or taking it out beforehand, and mostly doesn't look like you're trying to stash anything if anyone walks by. I also make sure the bed area is completely empty to keep anyone from thinking about looking inside.

    I also have a spare set of keys hidden away inside the truck, tucked away in (what I feel is) an unobvious location but is easy enough for me to get to in a pinch for normal lost key issues (hasn't actually happened yet)... And a spare at each parent's house, just in case... Needless to say that I have a few "extra" keys.
     
  14. Jul 10, 2013 at 12:24 PM
    #14
    babytruck

    babytruck Babytruck, babytruck...I've got a babytruck :)

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    You guys are lucky that you have the extra keys. I got only two sets and to get the extra fobs would be rather pricey for me.
     
  15. Jul 10, 2013 at 12:30 PM
    #15
    YOTA LOVER

    YOTA LOVER Stay Calm, and Fire For Effect

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    You get two sets (key and fob) as well as the grey valet key when you buy it. That's all I have anyway.
     
  16. Jul 10, 2013 at 12:45 PM
    #16
    TR90125

    TR90125 Well-Known Member

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    I routinely stash my keys with fob somewhere on the truck. I started this practice after losing my keys on the trail somewhere on a very long mountain bike ride.

    If the keys are with the truck, it's going to be tough to lose them. There is always a chance of theft, but I think it is low. I don't use any obvious spots, at least not to me. lol

    I do have a spare hide a key magnetic box that I have not setup yet.

    I do like the hitch safe concept. I have the two package but rarely tow, so that may be a good idea.
     
  17. Jul 10, 2013 at 1:03 PM
    #17
    jethro

    jethro [OP] Master Baiter

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    I may be confused? You guys keep a key fob with the truck? I thought the key fob has an RFID receiver in it so that is what allows the truck to start. If you hide your key fob on the truck, then can't someone easily hotwire/boost your truck, even if they don't find the key and the fob? I was told by the dealership that the fob just has to be near the truck to start, so I'm nervous to keep it somewhere on the vehicle.
     
  18. Jul 10, 2013 at 1:10 PM
    #18
    YOTA LOVER

    YOTA LOVER Stay Calm, and Fire For Effect

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    Dunno. Leave your key fob inside the house and go try to start the truck.
     
  19. Jul 10, 2013 at 1:26 PM
    #19
    hpvds

    hpvds Well-Known Member

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    The key fob doesn't have the RFID chip in it, the key it self does. You don't need to have the key fob in order to start the truck. I lost my keys at one point and had to make a new set made (3 hrs from home, pricey - amazed that with no key to start with, the locksmith was able to open my doors, make 2 new fully functioning keys by using just the core which he removed from the door, and then reset the immobilizer system to accept the new keys in less than 15 minutes) and used just the keys for a while until I had time to order and extra fob.
     
  20. Jul 10, 2013 at 1:28 PM
    #20
    babytruck

    babytruck Babytruck, babytruck...I've got a babytruck :)

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    That's what I got as well. But you can get a key made without the chip and I think all it would do is open the door.
     
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