Dinghy ignition key

We leave the key in except when stopping and disconnecting, tow bar is locked to the MH and car. Can't go anywhere locked to MH.

Bumpyroad wrote:
since there were three locks on the pins connecting the toad to MH I wasn't too worried about theft, other than overnights.
bumpy

Same here. Locking pins in the hitch at the receiver and at the tow bar knuckles.
Unless the thieves want to try to push the MH during the getaway, it's not much of a concern.
That said, we pull a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with non-locking steering, so there's no key in ignition required to tow 4 down.

Most of the time, we tow with toad door unlocked and chipped key in the ignition. No locks on the tow bar setup. Door unlocked is partly because our first toad behind our first coach, sometimes came out of a tight turn dragging the front wheels sideways instead of returned to center. Had to get out and crank the wheel over.

At least for the moment, I'm more concerned about the consequences of

1. Forgetting to unlock the wheel before towing...

2. Not being able to break the tow quickly because of locks on the bar...

... than I am of somebody trying to start the toad while we're in the rest room.

... for longer stops, I lock the toad door.

... and will try to get an un-chipped key copy made. Toyota that's chipped but not one of those laser cut keys. Should be do-able and cost-effective.

Oh, I am concerned about the vandalism "Let's pull these pins" issue. May have to consider some padlocks. They don't have to be anti-theft strong, just anti-tampering.

Our habit is to pull the keys but we don't have to go through so much to be able to tow. We have a post rest break or sightseeing checklist to follow when we stop and leave the rig. I am not allowed to move or start the rig without the DW reading me the checklist.

Too many of you have stated returning from lunch and finding lynch pins missing or other such vandalism. I need a post break check list just to make sure.

We tow a CRV and I remember having the same question when we first towed. If it is a quick stop I just lock the doors. However, if we are going in somewhere like a Cabelas I pull the key. Seems like the safest way to ensure your vehicle isn't stolen.

We just lock the doors with the second set of keys. If someone breaks in the alarm goes off unless the fob is used to disarm it first. Ford BTW.

I hang a ballcap on the gear shifter and the ignition switch and key are not visible from outside.

Key stays in until the toad gets disconnected. I'm not doing the shift to neutral tow mode song and dance routine any more than necessary.

We've towed various CRV's for years. Most people don't realize it, but you can lock and unlock the driver's door (consequently all doors) without removing the key from the ignition or shifting any gears by simply using a second key (your wife's?) and inserting it in the driver's door handle and manally locking and unlocking the door/s. Simple.......we've done it that way for years every time we leave the motorhome and car to shop, eat lunch, etc.

When in place in the black keyhole, the key is virtually invisible to anyone looking in.

That would solve my only concern. Wouldn't want anyone to do damage trying to get into the vehicle, thinking they could drive away. Only problem is $50 for the laser cut key.

Towed my 2003 TDI for 10 yrs, just lock the door, problem solved.

I bought our CR-V in October 2014 and I can't seem to locate a Vallet key. I have one for our 2009 Odyssey. Do I need to contact the dealer?