Do you guys or girls know of any way to secure my Swing -Away Tire Cover so it doesnt get taken again?? Or is it just as simple as taking it off at night. I live in a quiet apt complex, so Im surprised that it happened. Pisses me off too. Happy 4th!!!!!!!!!1

Is waiting up all night with an M-16 a way to catch them too?



Tim

 

You're not alone. If yours was a Ford original ("Ford Bronco" or Eddie Bauer), it's one of many across the country to be ripped off (they're ridiculously marked up by Ford). Who knows? It's probably already sitting on eBay as we speak. Aside from the M16 idea (which I like, by the way), you could consider one of the custom van-type covers that use a hard shell and outer rim and secure with a padlock. Otherwise, you could purchase a plain aftermarket cover, like a Bestop, which would still be vulnerable to theft but, at around $25.00, would be a less likely target (or cheaper to replace). As a final option, you could engineer a factory-replacement cover with some sort of drawstring cable and lock. I'm visualizing one right now that would work..... take a factory cover to your local saddle shop and have them sew an extra hem to the inside. Cut slots in the hem (for a 1/4" cable to enter / exit at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions.) Run a length of the cable around from 12 to 3, and another from 6 to 9. Leave enough length on the ends (after they exit the hems) to allow them to converge to a central point, at around the spot where the rim bolts to the carrier. Swage in loops in the cable, and secure at the cental point with a padlock. While this isn't foolproof, it would take a thieving scumbag considerably more time and trouble (and the use of a razorblade) to remove your cover. With regard to this, he'll probably move on, risk trashing the cover (which prevents his reuse or resale), or given you enough time to get a good shot off. At any rate, you win. Sorry to hear about your loss, by the way.....

 

I just put 3 gromets in mine with a small guage cable and a lock in the back of mine. cost about 6 bucks for small lock and cable... already had gromet kit. My old one blew off after changing a flat and not getting it on right. Figured if i needed it tied down it might as well be locked.