Padlock on spare tire

Looks like the padlock is one you can find at any Wally World.
Considering the location and the effects of mud, water, dirt and dust, has anyone ever changed the lock to something that would withstand the elements better?

 

I thought about this when I got my truck and I couldn't think of any good way to protect that area - the spare etc. the only reasonable solution seems to be moving the tire and wheel to some other location altogether.

 

It just seems to me that the lock is ripe for getting jammed with dirt and debris.
Maybe it’s not a big problem but if I need to get the spare tire off I don’t want a jammed lock.

 

Honestly. I would saran wrap (spelling?) the padlock a few times.

I have some padlocks on my work vehicle and did that method. Kept it working as intended. Granted, I did spray WD40 before wrapping it.

Not exactly ideal, but it works for me.

 

It just seems to me that the lock is ripe for getting jammed with dirt and debris.
Maybe it’s not a big problem but if I need to get the spare tire off I don’t want a jammed lock.
On my old F150 it had a lock over the hole that you feed the jack handle into. That lock jammed and I finally had to remove it.

 

Now that’s an idea. Thanks!

 

First a thread about tailgates being stolen and now tires... is nothing sacred anymore

 

I would get a lock from Abus or Abloy or another high quality lock maker and not worry about it. I have a few abus locks and they are awesome never had one give me any issues. One of them I’ve owned for 10 years and it’s still works like new. I just spray it with some lube every once in a while. Not sure I would spray with Wd40 and Saran Wrap it, that would most likely hold moisture and the wd40 would break down the Saran Wrap.

 

https://www.masterlock.eu/new-safety-products/safety-padlock-covers

 

On my last vehicle I used a short cable lock and the lock had a plastic over cover. I lubed and greased it up ... but not often enough. Lucky that when I got a flat tire it was in front of a nice old gents home who had a cable cutter.

I will lock up my new Taco spare - I'll use a cable lock as before and grease and lube it every season + wrap a baggie around it as well ... But I will also carry a cable cutter in with my jack just in case ....

Why just the cable ??? If they want it bad enough they can eventually get it . At Least the cable lock will prevent a snatch/grab and not make me feel stupid.

 

You should drop your spare periodically to clean above and around it or your cross members will rot out. At that time clean and oil the lock.

Myself, I don’t lock the spare. I think the possibility of a seized lock is a bigger risk than getting it stolen.

 

I like the idea but if those locks are anything like the ones we have at work, a quick hammer will destroy them. They are a plastic body.

 

Spray the whole lock with plastidip. If you ever have to use it, simply pick the plastidip away from the keyhole.
I once did this using a rubberized commercial material but plastidip would work.

 

I had a lock on my 4runner spare. Cable and “protected” SS lock. I still kept bolt cutters in my tools just in case. Haven’t locked the Taco spare yet. Still have bolt cutters in my tool kit so would just use a cable and padlock again.

 

I used to have a weather proof pad lock on the spare and a cable lock on the spare that locks to the tow hitch but it was excessive so now I just have a cable lock.

 

California problems.

 

Cali

 

I miss Cali, she's a cruel woman, tailgates, spares stolen and she shows up at the gym to smash and grab. Then her sister the franchise tax board comes around

 

For my 2016, I got a Toyota spare tire lock which is a special fitting that goes into the crank mechanism and a matching "key" that fits on the end of the crank handle.

 

I noticed most of the replies came out of Cali... shits wild out west!