Back in the good ‘ol days (remember them?), people left their homes and vehicles unlocked all the time.
Those days are gone, and that’s too bad. Even so, some four-wheelers are still a bit cavalier when it comes to vehicle security. Those vehicles are quite attractive to the wrong crowd. What follows are some simple steps you can take to protect your cherished vehicle.
Keep your keys with you at all times
Amazingly, some drivers leave their keys in the vehicle. (And in some cases, leave the engine running while visiting a store. Can you believe it?!) Needless to say, as you exit your vehicle, turn off your engine, grab the keys, and lock your doors. And don’t forget the sleeping baby in the back. (If your vehicle uses a fob, always keep that in your pocket.) We have recomended in the past to have a spare key as backup. Newer fob keys transmit RF so they can not be hidden in or near the vehicle without putting them in a Faraday pouch. Wrapping them in tin foil is a cheap alternative. Have a “flat key” made (a key with out the RF) that will unlock the doors to get to the fob. Amason has many choices.
Remove locks before going off-road
This is more of a convenience issue. Before starting your off-road trip, remove any locks that are rusted shut or for which you no longer have the keys. Perhaps you have a stove, gas can, high-lift or Pull Pal locked to the vehicle. Cut them off if you have to. Replace them with nonlocking straps, caps, etc. for the duration of the trip. If you have spare locks, take them with you in case you need to stay overnight in town or have to abandon your vehicle.
Replace the locks after returning home.
Specific gear to protect your vehicle
Thieves can attack a vehicle in many ways. Let’s review some products that secure your vehicle and possessions.
The Club®: Very effective at keeping the steering wheel locked. If you are looking for a quick, cheap solution, run a heavy chain through the 
multiple steering wheel spokes and around a seat leg. Secure with a big lock. This might just be the answer, when you have to leave the vehicle unexpectedly.
A thief could cut through the steering wheel spokes to remove a Club-type device with a battery-powered reciprocal saw. Upon seeing the device, a lazy thief might move onto another vehicle. However, seeing a Club-type device, a thief might assume that no other security device is present. But something is better than nothing. This is like the bear: you don’t need to outrun the bear just the guy behind you.
Engine disabling components: If you own a Jeep or Chrysler brand, pull the ASD (automatic shutdown) relay. It’s quite accessible in most new vehicles. It’s a lot easier if you install a hidden cut-off switch to disable the ignition, starter or fuel pump.
A quick search on the Internet will give you instructions on how to install these parts. If you can’t remember to throw the switch every time,
install an RFID kill switch. It works off a dongle on your key ring which must be within 16 feet of the hidden antenna to allow the vehicle to start. Here is link to ebay with several RFID options: https://www.ebay.com/itm/276941021927
Pulling the ASD relay makes sense for an extended period of time (while leaving your for several days). But it’s a hassle, so drivers usually don’t go through the step for a quick stop somewhere. Look for a way to automate the step.
AUTHOR security system: I recently installed the AUTHOR IGLA system on my new ‘392, and it paid dividends. Thieves tried to drive off with the vehicle but failed.
AUTHOR incorporates a kill mechanism that requires a type of PIN code to start the engine. The system won’t let you start the vehicle until you hit the predetermined combination of buttons on the steering wheel.
Its wires are the same colors as the original wiring. So a thief couldn’t tell what’s what if he opened up the wiring harness.
At $1,400.00, my arrangement was a bit pricey. But it saved my vehicle and all my gear in the vehicle. The only damage was a broken rear window.
Hood-locking mechanisms: J.C. Whitney (www.jcwhitney.com), among others, offers locking mechanisms for most vehicles. I like the lock on the center safety catch. It can be left unlocked on the trail, for easy access under the hood. Locks on the outside hood latches become part of the latch and must always be locked to hold down the hood.
Unfortunately, you have to unlock all three. That can be a hassle while off-road. Remove the locks before you hit the trails. Just remember to reinstall them when you get home (or to the motel/hotel).
Protect your gas and external gas cans: Some pranksters like to pour sugar in the gas. And with the high prices of gas today, thieves are siphoning gas. Install a sturdy, locking gas cap on your gas tank. Keep the nonlocking cap, though, and swap it in before you go off road.
You also should secure the gas cans. RotopaX makes a lock for its line of gas cans, though it was on backorder the last time I checked their website. Other options are available for different brands of gas cans.
Keep a hold of your doors: Jeep owners know that the doors are made to pop off easily. Make sure a thief doesn’t do the same with a door lock from Tuffy Products (https://tuffyproducts.com/products/?s=JK+security+door+locker ).
McGard makes a fine product as well. Learn more here: https://shop.mcgard.com/products/automotive/jeep-door-locks 
You can bolt in some small pieces of angle iron inside the doors, at a 45 degree angle above the key locks. A Slim Jim will hit that on its way down and slide off instead of being able to work the lock.
Tie down external items: Coolers, gas cans, and other items can be secured with a steel strap from a variety of vendors. The strap is encased in fabric to protect your stuff and your vehicle’s finish. The buckle has a key lock. Try this link on Amazon and scroll down for more options.
Key vault: HitchSafe key vault ( www.hitchsafe.com ) attaches to your trailer hitch. Good for hiding keys, credit cards, and other small valuables. Don’t use a hide-a-key. That is the first thing a thief looks for. If you attach a HitchSafe, be extra careful when backing up. If you hit something, you could damage the dial. The unit might not open.
Bolt locker: Designed to prevent someone from quickly removing a bolt and stealing your gear. Tuffy Security Products (https://tuffyproducts.com/) offers a really sturdy device for securing a winch or just about anything else you attached to your vehicle.
Nonstandard lug nuts deserve special attention
If your wheels have locking lug nuts, pack two or three extra keys. The worst time to realize you forgot a key is when you have a flat in the middle of the desert. Remember, tire issues are our number one problem off-road.
Try to avoid the newer wheels that have really narrow holes for the lug nuts. In addition to being narrow, the lug nuts are splined. A standard lug nut wrench or socket won’t fit in the hole. Without that special key, there’s no way to remove the wheel.
While safety is generally top of mind with four-wheelers, vehicle security is equally important. Maintaining a solid security protocol can help ensure your possessions remain yours.
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Did you miss the previous articles?
2026
- 2026-05-15 https://www.4x4training.com/w/spring-cleaning/
- 2026-04-12 Base Camp Or Cruising – Which Do You Select?
- 2026-03-25 Refresher: Handle Cold-Weather Medical Issues Properly
- 2026-02-12 Foul Weather Food
- 2026-01-16 Pack Spare Bolts and Nuts
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I hope to see you on the trails!
Tom Severin, President Badlands Off Road Adventures, Inc.
4-Wheel Drive School
310-613-5473
www.4x4training.com
Make it Fun. Keep it Safe.
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