Factory Spare Tire Lock vs Cable Lock

I am thinking Toyota got a little smarter with the 2012 and went with the chain instead of the cable, considering the problem with spare tire theft. I had a chain in my 83' this is old tech, but work better than the cable, which is easier to cut. I had my spare stolen last month and am dealing with this right now. Luckily they didn't cut the cable, which would have meant I had to replace the whole spare tire mechanism

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/184188-spare-tire-missing-underneath-truck.html

I ordered the factory spare lock and will be doing more to secure the pare. The factory lock should be there from Toyota!! This is obviously an issue and I don't understand why they don't just include it with the truck. Anyway I think you 2012 guys are little better off, but I would still invest in a lock of some type to protect your investment..total B/S though! I hate thieves!!!!!!!!!!

 

The chain was bugging me too. I lowered the spare and found that instead of the traditional cable they use a chain. So yes. The chain is part of the hoisting system. I'm in PA and it's a 2012 TRD Sport. We can now speculate on why they use a chain rather than a cable.

 

My 2013 purchased last week has a dingleberry hanging as well. Doesn't bother me but I will probably lower the tire soon to lube.

 

Yeah, the chain is used to hoist the spare tire up.... Mine is a 2010

 

2013.....same factory chain.

I used a rather large gauge cable through the rim & frame with a huge Master lock.

At best, these are deterrents from lazy thieves.

Hopefully the jack off that wants it, will look under,
pass on the trouble and move to the next truck.

 

Even if it's not the best option has anyone tried using a padlock on the chain to secure the spare?

It may not be the "most" secure method but could be good enough to defeat lazy burglers.

I'll probably try it tomorrow anyway on my T4R but I was just wondering sitting here at the desk if anyone knows why it can't be done.

 

If you just put the padlock ( even a small one ) onto the chain it will prevent the chain from passing through the hoist and deter theft as much as anything else.

 

That's what I was thinking.

Did it this morning, took out two birds with one lock ... no more chain dangle.

Clickety-Pop for bigger



http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/aa221/toobmonkey/T4R/T4R-SpareLock_zps6bffe5c3.jpg

 

That looks like a good idea.