Custom Spare Tire Lock

When I bought my truck new from the dealer they had a lock and cable already installed on mine but I broke the key off the lock cause the lock seized up. I cut the old lock off and never reinstalled the cable back.

 

OP, that is what is called an elegant solution. . .

 

Nice job

Frank

 

I did something similar on my spare swing out. I have a short section of receiver tube and used the locking hitch pin when I had my license plate on a peice that fit in the reciever. Now that I have a permanent place for my license plate, I think I'll use your idea and weld the hitch pin in to pass through a hole in the wheel. Very clean idea. Nice work!

 

You know, i was thinking of the same, but if i can put a pipe wrench on that pipe and lay on my back and pull really hard I may be able to bend that pipe....(I don't know...just playing devils advocate here)....

Also from what I experience the thief did'n't need to crank the winch at all...My cable was cut and gravity dropped the wheel down....If your cable is cut there's not much to keep that wheel from being rolled right off that pipe end...it seems they have the tools to cut that winch cable mine was a clean cut!!!!

I'm going to build two just like what OPS did, but put one on each side of the spare tire, (trying to get matched set of keyed locks)..then I'm going to cover up my cable with either square or round tubing, cut a slit in the tubing, then place the tubing around the cable, then re weld the slit...hopefully this will prevent the thief from cutting the cable....

OPs quick question, first i want to commend you on a great design; you said your lock held up under test... I believe you, but can you do me a favor since I cannot test this; Remove your cable, simulating someone cutting it, then with your wheel held there with just the lock holding it up try to rock your spare off stressing the lock....That lock was not design to take a vertical force...remember its just a hitch lock...That's approx 70 lbs of tire and wheel already pushing down on that little lock...now add the force of the thief yanking at it with gravity assisting him...(that's why I am adding one on each side of the tire)


BTW I am and electrical engineer, I think too much!!!

 

The factory locks can be pried off don't buy those!!!

 

I use Gorilla key lugs but i think i need something better.

 

Brilliant!!