How do you all hide keys?

I have one of those credit card type keys. I think you're supposed to keep it in your wallet but I just keep mine in one of the storage compartments in the bed under all the hitch pins and hardware for my Equal-i-zer hitch. Its all dirty and greasy....no one would even recognize its a plastic key for emergencies. Its been there for 16+ years and I've never used it. (I probably shouldn't have said that....LOL)

 

I have a non chip metal entry key hidden in the same spot. It’s all nasty and greasy but it works when I need it.

 

Honestly, I'm gonna try to figure out secure storage in the bed. Because if my shell is unlocked without valuable cargo inside, I can probably hide it somewhere in the bed.

And now that this just came out that I kinda want, it would use up the hitch space...

 

In my work truck, I had a magnetic hide a key attached to the frame near behind the passenger door with a non chipped key in it. Problems with that, trying to squeeze myself under when parked against a curb is almost impossible. Then it disappeared, I’m guessing bounced off hitting a hard bump. So next I zip tied one in the same place.

Since my Tacoma key is attached to my alarm remote and the remote locks and unlocks the door I don’t lock the keys in.

 

I can't think of anything better than this, provided road vibration doesn't wear it out
Wish I knew about it sooner

 

There's a electrical switch inside the door (attached to lock cylinder/tumbler) that is supposed to recognize when the door lock gets locked/unlocked. If it's not working the car has no way to know you're manually unlocking from the outside. This is a different switch than the "door ajar" switch that watches the door latch position.

So you manually unlock with a key but the car doesn't "see" the door lock move, but it sees the door ajar switch move when the door opens. It thinks someone is breaking in so the alarm goes off.

Basically if the door gets opened without it seeing the lock cylinder move it thinks someone is breaking in.

You should be able to cycle all the door locks with the key from the outside.

Check the lock cyl switch, it's probably bad

 

I keep my spare key in my wallet. If when going swimming or something like that, it would be good to keep the wallet and usual keys in the truck and store the spare in a good place somewhere outside of the truck.

 

I will look into what that part is called and how to replace it, thank you!

If the above works to stop triggering the alarm, this would be a great solution. Wetsuits may have a pocket to hold a metal spare keyblade

 

Inside my right rear tire...

 

I like the idea of the lanyard when you can't carry your keys.

Not the same but I have a spare (non chip) key for my wife's vehicle that stays on my keyring, had it made when we got it and said to her "worst case I spent $3 to open the door on it in case". Wouldn't you know it, not 2 weeks later she locked her keys in the vehicle.

 

assuming you have a chipped key truck. Id suggest having a non chipped key copy made, hide it on the outside of the truck somewhere way away from the normal spots via on standard method (the classic magnetic holder in the hitch / bumper is the first place and type people look for).

Then if you are of the opinion you need a backup plan in the event of fully loosing your day to day keys. Hide a chipped key INSIDE the truck in a deep dark corner under / up and in / behind something.

The non chipped key will get you in the truck but not start it at which point you can either use your locked in the vehicle day to day keys, or if you fully lost your key dig out your chipped key and be on your way.

In no way shape or form would I hide a chipped key on the outside of the truck, not when you have the added benefit of another two layers of security by doing the above.

 

If you have to leave stuff in the truck another option could be one of those sealed capsules like they have at water parks for a non chip key

 

Can't you just use a hitch pin with a combo & not use the other?

Or get this one here with the combo locking pin?

 

I had a leash that had a key pocket. The key vanished on a big day & left me stranded.

 

that’s another good option. Thank you didn’t know alternative “hitch safe” types existed.

probably gonna go with combination locking bed cubby

 

I had a spare key cut without the rubber on it and drilled out a hole so that it fits behind my license plate using the screw through the hole. Use a straight bladed screw and you can use a dime to unscrew the screw. Very hard to tell it's there unless you look for it.

 

I can't see this hitch lock box working in the rust belt. One winter and it'd be rusted shut.

 

With the way trucks are marketed as adventure vehicles a conventional key is the most practical feature the manufacturer could include.

I don't like the security key pas Ford has those always look out of place. The Ford dealer says it's for people who don't want to carry their keys outdoors. One little ignition key isn't much to carry.

Not every outdoor activity has to be pushed to the limit every time you go out there. That's just Gatorade and Nike trying to sell you more sports drink and shoes.

 

No point in me hiding a key I'd forget where I put it!

 

the new hitch did start rusting with it installed, even in a dry environment

at least if I put a DD C1R it shouldn’t since the bracket is plastic

probably a better use for the hitch when not towing