locked out after dark

D Dawg · Since 24 Aug 2009 56 Posts Hood River

After a long day of kiting followed by an evening of campfire, music, and beers on the beach we all headed back to our cars. While I got my bed ready for the night, the rest of the crew all headed off in separate directions, some driving to the campground, some poaching the neighborhood for a quiet spot. I step outside my truck for a minute only to find I have locked myself out when done. It is now 1:00 a.m., I have no keys in my pocket, no phone, and all my friends are gone. I am alone and locked out of my car. Through the window I can see my comfy bed, and on the dash, my keys and phone. I try using my shoelaces through the slightly open window to turn the handle…no luck. Next I pull out the truck dipstick and try to use it to unlatch the window…still no luck. I am overcome with that sinking feeling and not looking forward to the next 6 hours shivering on the beach. With panic turning to grief I again scour the car for the “hide-a-key” lost months ago. I had done this many times before without any luck. This time as I reach way under my bumper I feel something familiar…bingo. I find the missing key and ride the emotional roller coaster back to the top. Oh yea.

Use a hide-a-key and remember where you last put it.

http://www.wetsuit.com/New_The_Tribe.html

Jonpnw · Mon Jul 16, 12 12:55 pm

And to those that use the top of their wheel for a hide a key Shocked

I am not saying......but there is probably some unscrupulous folks out there that may get in your car or worse.

At least hide it on the ground behind a wheel. But when you can see the key in clear day light.....don't tempt the weak.

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

Score!

http://www.hitchsafe.com/

skent · Mon Jul 16, 12 4:10 pm

cosmodog · Since 06 Oct 2005 204 Posts Stoked

I use the $25 lockboxes from HomeDepot:

pjc · Since 06 Mar 2005 649 Posts Addicted

I had my mech buddy disalign my clutch from the "safety start" trigger. The only way to start my car is to put it in neutral, lean forward and depress the trigger manually, and turn the key. Try and start it the normal way and it gives a very satisfying "not happening" response, almost like the Milennium Falcon before they finally got it fixed.

Then I just leave it unlocked at the beach with the key under the mat and anything of value stashed underneath the spare tire.

I like the lockbox idea though - that's the smart way.

brian · Since 04 Sep 2008 28 Posts

yep, lock box from lowes:

EdG · Since 19 Dec 2005 425 Posts Just a Kook that's Obsessed

Twistedstrings · Since 22 Jun 2012 8 Posts Washington Kook

Those are some good ideas and the Hitch safe is always Best . As a professional automotive locksmith I see this type of thing all day everyday .

There is another fast - cheap - effective way to hide your key that I suggest to my customers all the time .

Step 1 ) Take a penny or a dime and unscrew *one of the bolts of the back license plate

Step 2 ) Take your ( key copy ) and see if the bolt will go through the hole in the top . If it does not you will need a small key ring or strap . *** DO NOT DRILL A HOLE IN A TRANSPONDER CHIP KEY FOR A KEY RING LOOP !! ***

Step 3 ) Set your copy behind the license plate bolt hole and secure it with the bolt you took out .

Sometimes you will need to get a small bolt to fit a dime or penny to unscrew . Car thieves / prowlers are not looking for this type of set up .

BMW - Mercedes - Volvo owners ect will have a tough time due to the thickness of the key device . On some of these it is possible to get a valet copy that's thinner to get in and start the car .

It works !!
Cool

Dave S

Blazeheliski · Since 30 Mar 2011 659 Posts Mosier Addicted

What about keyless entry? I need to have my key FOB at least a couple feet away from my BMW or just touching the handle will open the door or tailgate. I suppose I could read the manual to see if I could turn this function off. Inside my key FOB is a smaller maual key that will open the doors - but I dont think it will start the car.

So for now - I have my key FOB in a mini drybag in my shorts attached to a loop. Or I bury the FOB in the sand a few feet away from the car.

Twistedstrings · Since 22 Jun 2012 8 Posts Washington Kook

wylieflyote · Wed Jul 18, 12 9:15 am

I like the Hitchsafe, but I haven't found one for the smaller 1 1/4" receiver.

Moto · Since 03 Sep 2006 2698 Posts Still a gojo pimp! Moto Mouth

Twistedstrings · Since 22 Jun 2012 8 Posts Washington Kook

You can purchase a step bumber 2' hitch to install the 2' Hitch Safe as a solution
I will ask my suppliers if there is a 1 1/4 hitch safe possible ( To small ? )

lekaks · Since 02 Apr 2008 151 Posts Hood River, OR Stoked

When faced with 6 hours of jumping jacks to prevent freezing, I have a feeling a rock may have found the cheepest window on your truck. But I'm glad it all worked out you...