Hiding spots for spare key?

[4Runners]

Ok guys, so i'm taking a long road trip and was wondering where a good place was on the car to hide a spare key just in case i lose my real one while hiking or something. Thanks!

 

[4Runners]

No one knows? No key lock boxes or anything you can hide in the under carriage?

 

[CookieRoe]

maybe somewhere behind the skid plates? or a nook by the spare tire?? Have it so it isn't obvious and you can reach it.

 

[berettashot117]

I got an awesome spot, but I don't want to compromise it! just get under your truck and start lookin around

 

[jimithing]

I've seen magnetic ones in stores or online but I just don't feel the magnet would be strong enough to hold on if you go off road at all. You'd need something splash proof at least and large enough to hold the key and key fob. If anyone knows something suitable I'd love to hear it as well.

 

[Jeff4runner]

just put a good solid string, or chain, and keep the key around your neck. Its not worth having some guy find your hiding spot, and you see him off with your car. Either that, or the magnetic ones come off very easily.

 

[Atlanta_man]

Hide a real key back by the jack. Behind it, hang from wire.

Have a key made at the locksmith (no chip, steel blank) and use a strong magnet to hide it on top of frame member. They make some incredible thin strong ones about the size of a quarter
The hidden key gets you in the driver door. Then you retrieve the one hanging behind the jack.
Two steps, reduces worry to zero.

 

[Kmvreter]

Hide a real key back by the jack. Behind it, hang from wire.

Have a key made at the locksmith (no chip, steel blank) and use a strong magnet to hide it on top of frame member. They make some incredible thin strong ones about the size of a quarter
The hidden key gets you in the driver door. Then you retrieve the one hanging behind the jack.
Two steps, reduces worry to zero.

+1 to agree with this.
That way even if in the very unlikely situation that they find your very well hidden "blank" key they still can't drive off with it.

 

[V8T4R]

I use the steel blank idea for when I go running. I put the steel key into a shoe pocket and I hide the key with the chip somewhere inside the car, and I use the steel blank just to open the door. Its worked well so far.

 

[4Runners]

Hide a real key back by the jack. Behind it, hang from wire.

Have a key made at the locksmith (no chip, steel blank) and use a strong magnet to hide it on top of frame member. They make some incredible thin strong ones about the size of a quarter
The hidden key gets you in the driver door. Then you retrieve the one hanging behind the jack.
Two steps, reduces worry to zero.

This idea is ingenious! Thanks atlanta man!

Of course i didn't want you guys to tell me exactly where to hide the key or where you hide yours (berettashot117) but on this trip i'm covering 3000 miles and there will be some off-roading on some bumpy roads and dirt and possibly some water, so the key cant be in a place that will fall out or get messed up by the elements. Also the car will be left in the open for hours while hiking, etc, so i was worried that if it isn't hidden well enough or if someone happens to find it then the 4runner will be gone! However, atlanta man's plan takes care of those worries. Thanks!

 

[BurghRunner]

In the past with my old Tacoma, I simply found a hole in the frame and zip tied a key in a discrete location.

**Coat the key with a glob of grease so that it is still useful in a year when you lock yourself out!**

 

[berettashot117]

In the past with my old Tacoma, I simply found a hole in the frame and zip tied a key in a discrete location.

**Coat the key with a glob of grease so that it is still useful in a year when you lock yourself out!**

tape works better than a glob of grease

 

[Bossman]

I saw this and thought it looked interesting - a hitch safe.

Hitch Safe, Key Storage Hitches, Hide Car Key, Auto Key Safe, Trailer Hitch Covers, Receivers

I don't have one myself, but might be what you are looking for.

 

[off-road runner]

I have one of those magnetic hide a key commonly seen at auto parts stores. I wipe down a spot ON TOP of the frame and place it there. I've been though some rough spots and never lost one. I check on it a couple times a year.

 

[jow]

Use a sealed pill bottle with a tight drilled hole for wire to pass through the key and bottle. I would suggest attaching reachable above the frame, tow hitch, grill, etc vs in the frame, which might be too hard to retrieve. The challenge is that a service Tech w/n see it during normal services on a lift. A Challenge & Note Where, LOL! jow

 

[Iolaus]

tape works better than a glob of grease

Black electrical tape around the key, and then taped onto a junction of wires - looks like a sloppy splice job.

 

[berettashot117]

Black electrical tape around the key, and then taped onto a junction of wires - looks like a sloppy splice job.

just use a small piece of clear masking tape around the part of the key that goes in the car, mine has been there since 04 and every time I've peeled the tape away, voila clean key!

 

[berettashot117]

Black electrical tape around the key, and then taped onto a junction of wires - looks like a sloppy splice job.

my bad, I misread this. sounds like a great idea!

 

[BurghRunner]

The pill bottle is a neat idea. Be careful with the type of tape you use. Some, like duct tape or cheap electrical tape, will leave a gooey residue on the key after six months or so.

My key was on the inside of part of the box frame. Pretty tough to see even with the truck on a lift.

 

[rockwall]

The hitch safe does sound good. The web site does not list a price though.