Hide-a-Key ?

I've had magnet ones rust-out / fall.
Tried heavy duty zip-ties wear away and fail also.
Thinking about using some stainless steel 'tie-wire'.
What say you?

 

I've got one of these and store a flip-key remote in it. I'm not the weakest or strongest person out there, but this thing is not easy to get off the frame rail. It's virtually impossible for it to fall off accidentally. It's very stout and well-made. I would recommend it for sure.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Magnetic-Hide-A-Key-Fob-Waterproof-Magnet-Stash-Box-Under-Vehicle-GPS-Holder/282309033775?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

I bought one of the cheap magnetic ones they sell in the grocery store on that one section of the aisle where they have random stuff like a tire pressure gauge, air freshener, etc. It's lasted 14 years on 3 different trucks.

 

I have an old one as well that is at least 8 years old, probably older. No issues with it. Just put it in a good spot where you aren't just relying on just the magnet to hold it. Like inside frame rail.

Suppose wire tying it up somewhere where would work as well. But the key would be more exposed...

 

Get a carabiner clip and find a hole in the frame to clip it on. I had a spare house key clipped above a rear fender for years. Reminds me I should get a spare house key for my current house.

They only cost a few bucks.

 

My last truck had a spare key in a ziplock bag duck taped around the outer tie-rod. It had to have been there for at least 5-7 years.

 

I have one taped to the bed under my bedrug.
One of the very few things I miss about my F-150 is the key pad to unlock the doors.

 

I had a 96 exploder with that. 3-7-9-5-1 was the code, so easy to remember because of the pattern. That was a nice feature but I wished it was more discreet. A plastic number pad looks funny when you shaved your badges for the clean look.

 

The key I have under my 2016 does not have a chip so it only unlocks the door. My ignition spare is hidden inside the truck.

 

My Hide a Key is going on 25 Years.

 

I duct tape a door only key (no chip) to the back of my license plate. Make sure to use flat head screws so you can use a quarter to unscrew it in a situation.

 

I have a copy of my key in my wallet, it comes in handy when you have a pop lock installed in your tailgate and bed cover.

 

Ive been thinking about one of these:

$70 HitchSafe HS7000 Key Vault | Hidden Trailer Hitch Safe for Secure Key Storage | CarShare Turo | Weather Resistant and Durable with 4-Digit Combination Lock for Cars, Trucks, and SUVs

https://www.amazon.com/HitchSafe-HS7000T-HS7000-Key-Vault/dp/B000I66JEM
unfortunately the bike rack is in the hitch most of the camping trips when i really want it. Perhaps bolting it to the frame as a hide a key set up.

 

Hang a realtor lockbox with a key in it from the frame somewhere.

Master Lock Key Lock Box, Outdoor Lock Box for House Keys, Key Safe with Combination Lock, 5 Key Capacity, 5400EC, Black

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-...jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

 

Use a trimax hitchlock if you have the bike rack on, in either case tape your key inside the hitch

$22 Trimax MAG200 - Trailer Receiver Lock (Resettable Combination) - Combination Lock Trailer, 5/8" Pin

https://www.amazon.com/Trimax-MAG200-Resettable-Combination-Receiver/dp/B000W0OFXG

 

How often are you guys needing to use this hidden key?

In my 30y of owning a vehicle, I've never locked myself out or lost a key when I wasn't at home, where my second key is already located.

 

There was no key, but when I did bumper work I found a screw holding a clamp, that encompassed a key ring; back near the rear crossmember.

 

I just use steel wire and tuck the key up somewhere

 

I think the problem is where/how you're putting it. Like others have said, I have a cheap plastic/magnetic hide-a-key box that's lasted for three vehicles and still going strong through Maine winters. I can't imagine a zip tie ever failing to hold a key unless it's attached to the driveshaft.

 

Used mine last week.....I left my truck somewhere then when I went back to get it, I forgot my keys. No problem, just grabbed the spare....

Can't remember the last time before that though, and I've been using one for at least 15 years.

 

One situation I saw happen, was a friends boat had broken down a long way from the launch ramp on the Colorado River. He had cell service and someone willing to drive his truck/trailer down to pick him up, but no key to the truck . . . so someone had to tow him all the way back to the launch ramp.

 

Cheapy magnetic key holder stuffed way up inside the space between my toolbox and inner bedside. Not visible, not exposed to any water or potential damage. Used a couple of times, mostly out of laziness so I didn't have to go back in the house and find my keys to get something out of my truck.

 

I have one of these tucked up safely under the truck but this thread inspired me to get another key made. I only have 2, and it leaves my wife without a copy. I didn't realize how inexpensive it would be. A local shop will make me a new one for $5.95.

 

Exactly, I have 3 spares for my truck, only 15 bucks, whereas if u had one of these new age toyotas I bet you'd need a dealer key with their dumb micro chips

 

After I had my truck for a few years I actually found one.
I was running my hand along the inside of the bed rail and felt something. Turns out the old owner had one of the key cases under there.
I had done a lot of work on the truck and never noticed it before. Even had the LineX spray on bedliner installed. They never noticed it either. Since they had sprayed right over it with the spray on bedliner.

 

same thing here but rest assure we both are going to have it happen this week after professing our clean records. lol

 

If I do, I'm creating a new screen name and I'll start a thread asking for suggestions of how to hide a key on my truck ...then you'll never see that member again.

 

Is the Hitch Safe meant to be left installed, or only installed when needed?

I recently got one (it's a clever design), and I am quite certain I had it installed correctly, however, I still managed to lose one of the two pins within the first few hundred miles or so. So now replacement pins are on order. I'm glad I did not lose the entire thing! Needless to say, this rattled my confidence in the product some.

Being able to stash a key like that is incredibly handy for how I use my truck. I would prefer to leave it in and only remove it when towing.

 

I have one of the cheapo ones like alot of guys on here. I JB welded it on the inside "C" of the frame rail channel when i installed my sliders.