Spare Tire Security

[greatape]

If you have an alarm, the sensitivity should set it off if someone was stealing your tire.

If not, security locking cables and keyed lugs too are a very good deterrent and I use them currently on my spare. If I was concerned leaving my rig unsecured for some time and I was relatively near it, I would add a cable lock alarm which can be fabricated or bought. Most transmit around a 100db audible tone and there is other things to do if you really want to get froggy.

I have used portable security alarms for years travelling. Most I have built but have proven very effective in a few interesting places..just a simple contact on/off device could be had for cheap...

 

[jpachard]

Where are you guys living where spare tires and catalytic converters are getting boosted?! That's a real bummer.


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[jwkilgore]

Where are you guys living where spare tires ant catalytic converters are getting boosted?! That's a real bummer.

Pretty much any area with tweakers or crackheads looking for a little cash. Or any area that has unattended parking lots where vehicles sit for long periods.

 

[grave]

in southern CA i have had many friends with honda elements have their cats stolen. my frontier's spare tire got stolen from a parking garage in santa ana :\

 

[greatape]

Where are you guys living where spare tires and catalytic converters are getting boosted?! That's a real bummer.


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Planet of the Apes..probably...

 

[TechWrench]

Just a thought on those that want to use a cable lock system to protect your spares, they are easier to defeat than one would think, if you use the 'right' tool. My friend has some property in upstate NY that we hunt and ride on a lot, and a while back we installed some gates to 'protect' the driveway entrance when we are not there. I got one of those HD security lock cables to lock the gates. Well, after about 4 years of exposure, the lock became unworkable, and I couldn't get it to open on a weekend visit. Fortunately, I had my tools in my vehicle. I first tried a set of bolt cutters, and they didn't work well, and started to get worried I wouldn't get in the property. Then, just for a try, I took out my battery reciprocating saw. With a standard fine tooth metal blade, I cut the cable in less that 10 seconds. I was surprised how easily it cut with the saw blade, when the bolt cutters would not work. It just goes to show, that almost any security device can be defeated, if you use the right tool.

 

[4rcybr]

Just a thought on those that want to use a cable lock system to protect your spares, they are easier to defeat than one would think, if you use the 'right' tool. My friend has some property in upstate NY that we hunt and ride on a lot, and a while back we installed some gates to 'protect' the driveway entrance when we are not there. I got one of those HD security lock cables to lock the gates. Well, after about 4 years of exposure, the lock became unworkable, and I couldn't get it to open on a weekend visit. Fortunately, I had my tools in my vehicle. I first tried a set of bolt cutters, and they didn't work well, and started to get worried I wouldn't get in the property. Then, just for a try, I took out my battery reciprocating saw. With a standard fine tooth metal blade, I cut the cable in less that 10 seconds. I was surprised how easily it cut with the saw blade, when the bolt cutters would not work. It just goes to show, that almost any security device can be defeated, if you use the right tool.

This is always the case.

Security always requires a tradeoff with usability. If you want your spare tire to be extra secure bury it in cement in your backyard. Almost guaranteed to be both secure and unusable.

Alternately, find the balance of usability/security that fits your risk assessment for whatever it is you're securing.

Personally, I find that special lugnuts and a chain lock meet my requirements. What your requirements are may be different.

 

[TechWrench]

This is always the case.

Security always requires a tradeoff with usability. If you want your spare tire to be extra secure bury it in cement in your backyard. Almost guaranteed to be both secure and unusable.

Alternately, find the balance of usability/security that fits your risk assessment for whatever it is you're securing.

Personally, I find that special lugnuts and a chain lock meet my requirements. What your requirements are may be different.

I have found, that in most cases, any decent security device will work for most instances. Most thieves will not want to expend any more effort or time than they need to get the 'job' done quickly. Anything that hinders their effort, will usually persuade them to seek another, easier target.

 

[Toffees]

So do any of these work for the 5th gen? Or just a simple security cable like the Trimax? Looking for a new security solution now.

 

[m85476585]

How about a short length of metal pipe over the cable cut to length so that there is no cable exposed when the tire is fully winched up. And cover/ weld any bolts on the tire hanger and winch that don't ever need to be removed. I haven't looked at it recently, so I don't know if there is room for a pipe. If there is space, it would be effective if theives are using bolt cutters or cable cutters not power tools. If they are using a grinder or reciprocating saw, then a large metal plate covering the hanger and all the spokes of the wheel is probably the only thing that would stop them. If they are using leverage to break the spare off the winch then maybe a large rear skid plate might stop them.

I expect spare tire thieves would most likely use a cable cutter if there's room since they can cut that size cable like it's butter.

 

[JPOVS]

How about a short length of metal pipe over the cable cut to length so that there is no cable exposed when the tire is fully winched up. And cover/ weld any bolts on the tire hanger and winch that don't ever need to be removed. I haven't looked at it recently, so I don't know if there is room for a pipe. If there is space, it would be effective if theives are using bolt cutters or cable cutters not power tools. If they are using a grinder or reciprocating saw, then a large metal plate covering the hanger and all the spokes of the wheel is probably the only thing that would stop them. If they are using leverage to break the spare off the winch then maybe a large rear skid plate might stop them.

I expect spare tire thieves would most likely use a cable cutter if there's room since they can cut that size cable like it's butter.

I did a pvc pipe that's was about 3-4" inside diameter and about 6" or so long. This fits over the entire chain housing at the top. I had to cut it a few times to get the correct length and still have the tire bottom out on the underside of the vehicle.
The only downside is that I have to help position it over the chain housing as Im cranking it up. Last couple cranks up are done from laying underneath, I can still reach the crank handle from the rear bumper while still guiding the tire and tube up into place. Not too difficult after the first time.
Now I feel pretty secure about the spare tire no getting stolen.