Locking Bicycles to Bed

Tie Down D Rings can be easily removed with a standard allen wrench. Therefore locking anything to them only deters low level theft.

My quick and easy thought is to epoxy the allen wrench bolt heads shut. Only downside is if I ever need to remove the bolts myself, although i can't imagine a reason i would need to do that. If i did, an angle grinder would do the trick.

Any products out there that can be recommended?

 

I have a bicycle rack that mounts into my hitch receiver. It's a praying mantis type, where the tires are supported by arms and an inverted-U hold the bike down on the upper frame bar. If I need to lock the bike, I use a chain to lock the bike to the hitch receiver.

 

You could try using security torx screws/bolts to hold down the d-rings. That would offer more protection that a standard allen head bolt. Of course, it won't stop a thief with an angle grinder, but neither would a chain or lock.

 

Thanks. Yes to be clear: I understand there is no such thing as absolute security. Just looking for something better than a standard allen wrench. This is cool i'll look into it.

 

I have the Thule bicycle rack also which includes a steel cable, but a pair of bolt cutters could pop that cable in a second. I like the thought of locking the bike to the hitch receiver with a grade 70 chain!

 

Here are the bits I use. They work with standard and security fasteners.

$17 LEXIVON Tamper Proof Torx Bit Socket Set, Premium S2 Alloy Steel | 13-Piece Security Star T8 - T60 Set | Enhanced Storage Case (LX-146)

https://www.amazon.com/LEXIVON-Tamper-Premium-13-Piece-Security/dp/B084SQN99T?crid=1YDI13RNGOSSO&keywords=security+torx+socket+set&qid=1647453474&sprefix=security+torx+socket+set%2Caps%2C53&sr=8-5

 

What are you using to secure the bike to the D-ring? They'll cut a cable or chain long before they try to un-allen key the D-ring.

 

3T MANGANESE STEEL 7mm chain and i lock it with Heavy Duty Outdoor Combination Lock, Resettable, 2 in. Shackle.

 

Lock your bikes however you want. But don't take your eyes off of them. Locks only prevent quick grabs at stoplights.

 

I had a locking fork mount, and if I wanted to actually leave the bike unattended for an hour, I'd toss the front wheel in the cab and run a bike lock through a different tie down.


Also, in before someone suggests chain around the leaf spring.

 

Lock the bikes to your wheels with heavy chain.

*This is a joke, some of you may remember it

 

That was a TW classic! The gentleman was greatly concerned about his personal plumbing if I remember correctly.
I think the whole thread got nuked, some of that would be worth revisiting.

 

Chain them up etc... but for added safety add an Apple Airtag into the tires of both bikes. If they disappear, boom you can follow them.

And if they get stolen, look in the basement of the Alamo.

 

Install Total Chaos bed stiffeners and lock your chain/cable to them. Also, never let your bikes out of sight.

 

I can't comply with the, "don't every let your [my] bikes out of sight". This doesn't answer my question either. Why would I need to lock them at all if they are in my sight? I might be old, but i'm slow.

Thanks for all the input. Doesn't seem there are any solutions here.

 

Agreed that there is really no ideal solution. Epoxy can be chipped out, so it all really depends on your level of ability to fab and desire to modify your truck. If you don't mind taking an angle grinder to your truck, take out the bolt, can you fill the hole to weld the tab right on instead of bolting it in? Then it's relatively permanent but an angle grinder or a chisel/mallet could still remove it or a good bolt cutter may be able to go right through the d ring.

Best in-truck security is literally that, putting it inside the cab. Pop off the wheels and throw them in covers (and there's drive line covers out there as well if you're worried about your interior, there's versions that cover just the chain/crank and versions that cover the whole back wheel as well) and you can easily fit it inside.

 

Camper shell/ bed cover
Less likely to steal what you can’t see

 

For anybody who will find this information useful, here is what i've decided to do:

Breaking thieves into 3 main groups, opportunistic / motivated / professional

Opportunistic thieves will have simple (if any) tools on them. These are people who didn't plan to steal a bike, but will if they saw an opportunity. These types can be stopped with a basic lock and cable.
Motivated will be prepared with bolt cutters, maybe even grinders, but will search for the easiest opportunities with least risk; If I make raise the difficulty or risk high enough, they will probably move on.
Professional thieves cannot be stopped. They will break windows, steal cars or pop locks of bed covers.

I think the idea provided from ULURU to use the trailer hitch to anchor a lock to eliminates the first two types of thieves. The hitch receiver cannot be cut using bolt cutters. To grind through it, you'd have to make 2 cuts. I only plan on locking my bikes in populated areas like parks, beaches etc. I believe using and angle grinder for that amount of time would be too risky for the Motivated thief.

From that anchor, I plan to use 7mm 70 grade chain with a 10/10 security level heavy duty master lock. Neither can be broken with bolt cutters. A grinder would be needed to get through and you'd need to make a minimum of 2 cuts.

I was never out to prevent the Professional thief. I don't think the risk is that high that a professional would be targeting a bike in a public place. they would find a higher payoff job with less risk elsewhere.

 

I run a chain through the frame and front tire down to the tow hitch and lock it with a u-lock. Kryptonite has a full package. I purchased the chain from home depot, however.

 

That's the best advice.

While that isn't a solution to your problem. It's probably best not to leave your bike anywhere. Locked or not if you are not riding it.