The Hitch Safe

[Jacob_winters]

These have been around for a while from what I have read on the forums. Doesn't seem like many people have a ton of info on them so I decided to give you some pics and what not. I thought this was pretty cool for outdoor activities and I know most 4Runner enthusiasts love the outdoors too. Just a nice place to put your keys or small items when smimming, hiking, or jogging etc. I used to put it in my gas flap or on my tire but found this a perfect alternative.






Not going to lie, the fit is super tight when connecting it to the receiver. Had to kick it a couple times to get it in far enough to connect the pins. Anyway, I thought this was cool and maybe something you could benefit from.

 

[jicko]

I've got one in my previous car, pretty useful, except when you need to use your hitch. But most of the other time, it works great; especially well when I go surfing!!

Here is where you can get it:
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000I66JEM/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000I66JEM&linkCode=as2&tag=jickrevi-20&linkId=SHOSAVMC32Y3JBP7">HitchSafe HS7000 Key Vault</a><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=jickrevi-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000I66JEM" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" />

 

[kittyhawksurf]

That's pretty cool. I've never seen one of those. I'll tell you what I saw in Hawaii last time I was there that I will be using. Someone had a lockbox on their rear tow hooks. I thought it was genius. That might be helpful for those that always have their tow receiver plugged with a ball hitch.

 

[mc813]

One thing I miss from my F150 is the keypad on the door, I would lock my keys in the cab always. Might have to look into this, thanks OP!

 

[Run4JPJAX]

Interesting! I saw that today on another 4Runner, but had no clue as to what it was. I'll definitely be picking one up!

 

[PopsSmith]

Do you have a link on where you bought the vault?

 

[keyser_soze]

Do you have a link on where you bought the vault?

amazon
Amazon.com: HitchSafe HS7000 Key Vault: Automotive

 

[mikey's2010SR5]

Had one prior to getting the rear bumper. Loved it for surfing, mtbing, hiking, anything outdoors when you don't want to carry a key.

I do remember having to file down the hitch to get it too fit. But with the bumper it would not work.

 

[Jacob_winters]

Had one prior to getting the rear bumper. Loved it for surfing, mtbing, hiking, anything outdoors when you don't want to carry a key.

I do remember having to file down the hitch to get it too fit. But with the bumper it would not work.

Yes, like I was saying I had the same experience with it being a tight fit but didn't have to file anything. Reading from a different thread on the same topic, someone was sayin toyota hitch receivers tend to be rounded on the corners. Once I forced it in a little (removing the hitch safes black paint layer) I just had to give it a little kick to get it the rest of the way. I did kick it a little too far for the pins to line up, so I had to get a screw driver and hammer to back it back out to the right spot for the pins to line up. Anyone who gets one of these, grab a hammer when you decide to put it on your truck. And yeah, got it from Amazon.

 

[Speedy Gomez]

This one is much better.

 

[K9trainer]

That's pretty cool. I've never seen one of those. I'll tell you what I saw in Hawaii last time I was there that I will be using. Someone had a lockbox on their rear tow hooks. I thought it was genius. That might be helpful for those that always have their tow receiver plugged with a ball hitch.

A lot of people use those here, but just a warning, they can be cut off and pounded open.

 

[ergizheng]

I thought it was genius. That might be helpful for those that always have their tow receiver plugged with a ball hitch.

 

[lord1234]

Has anyone successfully installed one without having to pound it in with a sledge? I really don't want to do that to my nice hitch, and if i pound it in with a sledge, i'll probably have to pound it out if I ever want to use the receiver for something.

 

[MAXISTYLES]

Alternative

You may also try a wireless keypad. Wireless Door Entry Keypads for Cars, Trucks & Vehicles

Had a similar one on my Nissan Xterra years ago. It sticks on with 3M tape.

I had it on the inside of my fuel door to keep it out of the elements and because I didn't like the way it looked on the door.

 

[Spenny]

I didn't have a problem putting mine on, the foam are all different sizes to find the perfect space and fit.

Lost the cap while off road though, should have taken the whole thing out, meh. still works great when i go surfing

 

[Ray Dunakin]

Very interesting!

 

[shearn]

I have one. It is my second. I've heard stories about how easy they are to break into, but so far I guess I'm lucky.

I had keys cut for the vehicles that dont have the chip - they will just open the doors. That's what I leave in there.

I leave the coded key in the console vault

 

[titanium4]

Had similar if not same one on my 4th Gen. Remember it installing pretty easily. Actually worked well until the rust really set in. Downside: was annoying to take out each time I needed to tow (weekly during spring and summer).

 

[PCMSF]

I love the idea of these but from what I hear they can easily be cracked or brute-forced.

I just take a key in the water with me.

 

[GearJunkie88]

Long time user

I have used a hitch safe for 10+ years. It fit perfectly in my 2002 4Runner, and 2008 4Runner. It wouldn't fit in my new 2016 4Runner, though. I used a Dremmel tool with grinding wheel #8193 to grind the edges a bit. 5 minutes of modification and it fits perfectly. I use it about 3 times a week for storing keys while trail running or biking.