Hi-Lift Jack Security

[Rob K]

Got a new Hi-Lift jack that just came in for Christmas! I'll be working out a custom mount on my tire carrier soon. I'll try to put the project up in the 'Do it yourself' thread.
This leads me to ask how you guys/gals secure your Hi-Lift when its mounted in spots it might get swiped otherwise? I'll probably work a master-lock of some-kind into the mount somehow but I just wanted to know what else was working out there.

 

[soonersfan]

I run a padlock through the hi-lift bracket on my bumper and the hi-lift jack. The padlock is made by Bolt. They are designed to be programmed to work with your ignition key so you don't have another key to keep up with.

 

[nickburt]

Ditto, just put a decent quality padlock through it and it's mounting bracket.

 

[ohiowrangler]

I used a high quality cable lock system, fed thru the base plate, jack head, beam and mount. By securing it this way no one could unbolt the base and slide off the head assembly. Ron

 

[RainGoat]

I used a high quality cable lock system, fed thru the base plate, jack head, beam and mount. By securing it this way no one could unbolt the base and slide off the head assembly. Ron

Same here. I have a cable combination bike lock. I did have to grind the sides down a bit to get it to fit through the jack portion though.


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[4xFar Adventures]

I just use a couple pipe clamps with a bolt welded to them. The Standard is sandwiched between some old poly shock bushings to keep the rattling at a minimum. In the driver side door pocket, there is a small bag of tools that see the most use. That includes a 3/4" wrench to get the nuts off for the Hi-Lift. Aside from the large size of the official Hi-Lift clamps, they are just turn knobs, so anyone can have quick access. The nuts are a little more of a determent, but as usual, if someone wants some bad enough, they'll find a way to get it.

The issue I have with padlocks that sit outside is, over time they just get grime and water in them and can become difficult to unlock when you need them. I have 4 small Master locks to secure the Maxtrax (way more expensive to replace those than the Hi-Lift) on the roof rack. Two of them open and close just fine. Of the other two, one took 10 minutes of jiggling with the key to open, the other isn't unlocking at all. We just had a day of light rain yesterday, so today I'm going to squirt silicone spray in all of them, and hope that last one frees up.

 

[Road]

Of the other two, one took 10 minutes of jiggling with the key to open, the other isn't unlocking at all. We just had a day of light rain yesterday, so today I'm going to squirt silicone spray in all of them, and hope that last one frees up.

I've had locks on my trailer that get hard to open, as well as keyed door locks that get hard to use, so keep a couple tubes of Graphite powder and every once in awhile squirt that into hasp openings or key slots, sometimes right along the edge of a key before inserting, then work it back and forth. Works wonders.

As for security and keeping locks tight to the weather, I'm digging the Bolt line of products as mentioned above by @soonersfan; padlocks, hitch locks, and cable locks (just bought a six foot cable with Bolt lock) that allow you to key the lock to your ignition key. The fewer keys I have to keep on my ring, the better. A lot of their products have a rubber lid that covers the key slot.

I had great luck with two of them on my trailer hitch over many thousands of miles and exposure to all sorts of weather. You can find 'em on Amazon or at trailer places, sometimes at Tractor Supply and auto parts places. Here's their website: https://www.boltlock.com/

 

[4xFar Adventures]

Hey thanks @Road! I have a tube of graphite powder too. I've only used it on the back door of the garage, but will try it out on the locks instead of the silicone spray this time.

 

[Road]

Hey thanks @Road! I have a tube of graphite powder too. I've only used it on the back door of the garage, but will try it out on the locks instead of the silicone spray this time.

Ayuh, my pleasure. Can't say if WD-4o does, but seems like some sprays attract dirt and grit, especially if any excess is not wiped off.

 

[4xFar Adventures]

My experience is that WD-40 is a great dirt and dust collector. Silicone spray isn't as bad. I use it all the time on my door hinges.

 

[Rob K]

Got a chance to fab up my Hi-Lift mount since posting this. This is what i decided to go with, now i just probably plan on drilling a hole through the bracket and attaching a bike lock or some type of cable lock.

 

[MEB77]

i use a gun lock that came with one of the guns I lots in that horrific boating accident....

 

[Corbet]

Mine is bolted on the swing arm with a lug nut. I figure a bolt cutter and lug wrench are about the same size for a would be thief to carry.

 

[ArkansasDon]

I have this on our adventure trailer. They will get it no matter what you have as a security deturnat

 

[Tupenny]

I made a security rope from 3 feet of 1/4" , plastic sleeved steel cable, crimping sleeves and a small padlock. The cable loops through the tire carrier.

It's basically good for preventing an opportunistic grab and run situation. Won't stop bolt cutters

 

[RootedWanderers]

Currently using the gun lock method. Looped through the HiLift down under the bull bar on the bumper.

 

[madcratebuilder]

I use locks and cables but I realize a good thief can defeat those in seconds. I'm mounting my Hi-Lift, ax and shovel to the front of my box with quick fist mounts. Bed cover, locking tailgate and a swing out carrier keeps most all prying eyes out of the bed.