whemme wrote: I thinks there is general misunderstanding that the reason a key needs to be in the ignition and selected to the ACC position is not because this unlocks the steering but instead is necessary to permit the automatic transmission lever to be able to be moved from the PARK position to the NEUTRAL position. I don't think many vehicles lock their steering anymore when the key is in the OFF position.
Just and FYI, all my steering columns lock when the key is off or in the key remove position. True there not 09's but Nissan, Buck, Jeep all have locked steering wheels. JM2Cents Bill
For most Ford products - - if you put the key in the ignition, turn it one notch to Accessory position, place the transmission lever in Drive, then turn the key back to the Off position - - the steering wheel remains UNLOCKED & the key can not be removed. That's the way I tow and always leave the key in the ignition even when overnighting at Wal-Mart. With the key in the Off position there is no battery drain. I have driven my vehicle that way for 3 days in a row before removing the key & have never had a problem.
Also, many of the Ford vehicles which are towable have a numbered key pad on the driver's door to gain access to the vehicle. I always lock my vehicle while going down the road and can easily unlock & access the vehicle when stopped using the key pad.
Doug Craw
2006 Jayco Greyhawk Model 27DS
Towing 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid with Brake Buddy
My Dakota has a OFF UNlocked key position. That is where the owners manual says it needs to be for flat towing. It is a 15 step process for shifting to neutral,and setting up for towing. Also I am concerned about theft. I have done a lot of towing of race cars,and show cars. Many times a trailer or show car comes up missing at a short stop. Just last month 3 Mopar muscle cars went missing in one night at the same event. I also have three matching pad locks for the receiver,and tow bar pins. I don't want some smart#%s pulling the hair pins at a pit stop,just for fun(it's been done a few times).
If it is PITA to tow four down, Don't do it. Stay home. I take my key out. JMO Happy RVing.
RET ARMY , DW Donna , Summer (Furkid) . Class A, 2000 Gulf Stream, 4 SAMS 6VOLTS, DIRECTV, YAMAHA 2400 GEN , TOW 97 Wrangler/Honda CR V. Garmin GPS 7200 . "Living Our Dream". NASCAR FAN (14,18,,20,11) Love CO & NM
My Basic Idea was to get opinions on how to handle the steering lock situation. My entire set up has come from recommendations found on this forum. I went to the hardware store and had them make me a Valet key this afternoon. The guy that made the key warned me that starting the engine with that key may damage the ECU. I will check with the dealer tomorrow,before using this key.
uncle t wrote: I tow with a blue ox which has padlocks instead of pins securing the towbar to the base plate. I really don't see how there can be a concern about someone getting in a car with the key in the ignition that is connected to a motorhome and just driving off.
Are you saying your toad is padlocked onto the motorhome? I have the padlocks on on my Roadmaster bar, too, but they lock the bar to the toad. The disconnect pins are not padlocked, and I wouldn't want them to be -- I have already had to disconnect in a hurry once.
I know of a situation where the tow bar was locked to the coach, the tow bar was then locked to the toad. The toad caught fire, the keys for the locks were in the toad. The toad and the coach burned to the ground.
Now I know some will say that IF he had kept the keys in the coach, that wouldn't have happened. Well, a frog wouldn't bump his butt when he jumps IFhe had wings.
Marv Hoag wrote: Lots of good suggestions already. I am in the process of getting a tow key for my Fit.
Due to the way Honda makes their keys you will only be able to get the keys made at a Honda dealer. I had them make one for our '05 Ody before they told us it wasn't towable. They used what they called a "practice blank" that had no chip in it. Ody won't start with it and the doors will lock if done right.
Offline
, DW Donna 
. Class A, 2000 Gulf Stream, 4 SAMS 6VOLTS, DIRECTV, YAMAHA 2400 GEN 
. "Living Our Dream". NASCAR FAN (14,18,,20,11) Love CO & NM 
