310-374-8047
 
 

Avoid Off-Road Lockout

Bolt Locks Use BOLT brand locks. http://www.boltlock.com. They operate with your ignition key
(Click picture for a larger image.)
Picture this: You drive for hours to a destination, and then realize that you left a really important piece of gear back home. It’s so important that your off-road excursion is kaput without it. Has that ever happened to you?

There are numerous ways a 4-wheeling adventure can be thrown off kilter. One cause is a secured object that you can’t get to. It could be because the lock is rusted, you lost the key, or you left the key at home. In any case, you’re up the proverbial creek without a paddle unless you’re able to resolve the matter.

Your vehicle and gear spend the majority of the time in an urban setting where theft is common. We’re so used to seeing the locking mechanisms on our vehicles and gear, we sometimes fail to account for them as we plan for the off-road trip. But then we go off road for miles and need whatever it is that’s locked down. That is when we realize there’s one thing we forgot about – the key.

As part of your preparation, make sure you review all the items that use a lock. You may find it helpful to list them on your prep checklist.

Some items typically locked down include:

  • Rims (with special wheel lug lock)
  • Gas cans
  • Hi-Lift jack
  • Shovel and ax
  • Vehicle hood
  • Trailer hitch

Avoid getting locked out

Some simple steps you can take to prevent a lockout from ruining your four wheeling experience:
  1. Cut extra copy(ies) of your keys. Hide them somewhere in your vehicle. Sometimes one key as backup is not enough. If you have more than one off-road vehicle and switch gear between them, one day you will leave the backup key in the wrong vehicle!

  2. Remove all locks when you hit the trail head or better yet at home just before leaving. At home you have access to tools or professionals to cut off a lock. Of course if the lock is integral to the device (like a lug nut), you can’t remove it.

  3. Inspect and test all locks at least every few months. If any are rusty, clean and oil them. The regular use of the lock keeps it freed up. Replace any that are questionable or being difficult.

  4. Oil the locks. A drop or two of 10w30 (or similar) in the mechanism is sufficient.

  5. Use combination locks if possible. You’ll never have to worry about losing a key. But of course they can become rusted and gummed up just like any other lock. Test them frequently as well.

  6. Use BOLT brand locking mechanisms http://www.boltlock.com. Designed for a variety of accessories, they operate off your ignition key which has a high probability of being with you. Insert and turn the key, and the BOLT technology remembers your unique ignition key. These sturdy locking mechanisms are designed for Ford, GM and Chrysler vehicles. They are available for Toyota vehicles now but mostly for later models. Check the application chart before you buy one. BOLT also has cable locks and trailer hitch locks that can retain the imprint of your ignition key. They are a bit pricy.

    7. New Rim Design Close up of the rim with one lug nut partially removed so you can see the splines.
    (Click picture for a larger image.)
    New Rim Design A standard 19mm lug wrench will not clear the opening in the rim.
    (Click picture for a larger image.)
  7. Recently, I am seeing vehicles with rims where every lug nut is fully embedded and surrounded by a narrow opening in the rim. The lug nuts are smaller in diameter than the standard ones we are familiar with and are splined on the outside. A long deep socket-like key is needed to take all the lug nuts off. Security is achieved both by the splined lug nuts and the fact that there is no space to even insert a standard lug wrench or socket.

    Carry a second lug nut key. This applies if you have placed one of the special wheel lock lug nuts on your rims or you have the special rim with splined lug nut system.

Last Resort Plan

Despite your best efforts above, Murphy's law is in full effect. You or someone traveling with you will find yourself out of gas miles from anywhere and that 5 gallon can is not coming unlocked from the vehicle. Substitute gas can (in the statement above) with any of the other items locked on your vehicle. Any of which your salvations depends on removing a frozen lock. It is time to resort to your “deep” backup plan.

And that plan is to cut off the lock!
  1. Pack a bolt cutter to get past the cable or other part of the locking mechanism.

  2. Another option is a Sawzall and an inverter. Make sure the inverter has enough wattage to run the Sawzall. The added benefit of carrying a Sawzall is all the other uses. It makes quick work of a bent tail pipe. With the right blade you can cut firewood too!

  3. Carry some welding capability. This might consist of a few rods and jumper cables if you are going to use batteries. Or install a Premier onboard welder http://www.premierpowerwelder.com. With the welder you can burn through a lock or cable. You can possibly weld a bold onto the end of a wheel nut lock and use standard tools on the bolt to remove the lug nut. If you have the new small diameter rim openings and splined lug nuts, you need to carry a full set of new lug nuts. Once you have welded a bolt to each one and destroyed it, you need new ones to put the spare tire on.

  4. If you have an on board compressor and tank, carry a 3” cut off tool. It might be slow going as the compressor tries to keep up with you, but you have a chance of cutting the lock off. A battery powered cut off tool is another option.
Don’t get locked out of your next off-road experience. Take a few moments now to review all your locking mechanisms. Make sure all work properly, and also make sure you’ll have any keys with you the next time you go four wheeling. Stock up on your “deep” backup plan!

# # # #


Desert
On the way to Titus Canyon
Death Valley National Park
(Click picture for a larger image.)

Related Articles from Badlands Off-road Adventures

Did you miss the previous articles?

Some Upcoming Events

(click on the link for details)


Beach
Winter is a great time to be in Southern California


The schedule of events for December and January:
  1. December 07 Getting Started Off-Road - LA:

  2. December 08 Tire Repair & Hi-Lift Mini Clinic

  3. December 14 Getting Started Off-Road - San Diego:

  4. December 15 Advanced Beginner Clinic- San Diego:

  5. January 11 Getting Started Off-Road - LA:

  6. January 12 Advanced Beginner Clinic- LA:

  7. January 25 Getting Started Off-Road - San Diego:

  8. January 26 Advanced Beginner Clinic- San Diego:

  9. February 01 Tire Repair & Hi-Lift Mini Clinic

Started thinking about Christmas gifts? - A Winch Recovery Bandana is a good stocking stuffer.

Winching Recover Bandana
Click for higher resolution image
We have our new stock with many new colors (Red, Orange, Green, and Blue) on hand. The Bandana is packed full of useful information and is a quick reference in the field when no DVD player is available."

The Bandana layout follows the “Vehicle Recovery Plan” with pathways to more detail. A unique section of the Bandana, gives the steps for a “Winch Rigging Check: Walk through” so that you verify every element of the rigging before you commit to the pull. Stuff this in your recovery kit and you will always be ready!

Pick up or order the Winching DVD too! There is no substitute for hands on training. If you can, sign up for one of Badlands Off-Road Adventure’s Winching Clinics.

Warning – the Bandana and DVD are not a substitute for proper training and use of quality equipment that is used within the bounds of their safe working load. We advise you to use the information provided in both the Winching Recovery Bandana and the "Basic to Advanced Winching and Recovery DVD" at your own risk. We cannot control the quality and specifications of the equipment used and the methods actually employed.





Winch Recovery Bandana Order Button
Colors



Order a Basic to Advanced Winching & Recovery DVD too!

Winch DVD
(Click picture for more details)



I hope to see you on the trails!
Tom Severin, President
Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc.
4-Wheel Drive School
310-374-8047
http://www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Keep it Safe.
#####
If you find this information valuable, please pass it on to a friend. You can forward them the email. If you received a forwarded copy of this newsletter and would like to subscribe for yourself, go to: www.4x4training.com/contacts.html and follow the instructions to join our mail list.
Want To Use This Article In Your Magazine, E-Zine, Club Newsletter Or Web Site? You are welcome to use it anytime, just be sure to include the following author/copyright information: Tom Severin, 4x4 Coach, teaches 4WD owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult terrain and adverse driving conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skill.

Copyright 2013, Badlands Off-Road Adventures, Inc.





Back | Phone 310-374-8047