Head-scratcher of the Day: the Hitch Safe
Some ideas seem so obvious, you wonder why you didn't think of it first. Others seem so off-the-wall ridiculous you're left laughing out loud. We can't quite make up our minds about this one, though.
The Hitchsafe is a small solid-steel lockbox that bolts on to any standard 2" trailer hitch. It has enough room inside to stash a set of keys, maybe some credit cards, cash, a priceless diamond... whatever you need, and it locks with a four-digit combination. The security gives it an obvious advantage over hiding a key in the wheel-well with a magnet, but then it does make for an obvious target, too. While we try to make up our minds on this one, we think we'll keep our keys in our pockets.
[Source: acquire]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Dave Storm 10:18AM (4/11/2008)
I take it you guys don't surf then.
Reply
John R 10:23AM (4/11/2008)
I was thinking the same thing. It could be worth it if you're outdoors a lot.
But the very presence of a safe visisbly present on/in your ride has the potential to cause a whole bunch of problems. A dude might just steal your whole truck because he thinks there might be something worth it inside the safe.
Simon Hallberg 12:34PM (4/11/2008)
There's a cover that goes over the combination pad that isn't pictured here. It's in this month's Griott's garage.
Disgruntled Goat 1:41PM (4/11/2008)
Doesn't everyone surf? Come on.
TORR 10:25AM (4/11/2008)
Dont you need a lock on the pin that holds in the safe too?
Reply
John Johnson 10:31AM (4/11/2008)
Makes stealing a car as simple as guessing 4 numbers :P.
It's a nice concept and I can see where it would be practical. I'd assume someone making a safe like this wouldn't overlook anything simple, so it might be a solid product.
Also would be good for a night of drinking. I can't remember my own phone number after I'm hammered (ask any fat chick), let alone the combination to a safe.
Reply
John R 11:15AM (4/11/2008)
lmao.
John Johnson, you continue to inspire.
geo.stewart 11:31AM (4/11/2008)
thinking along similar.
biometrics is the answer. fingerprint instead of combo.but then you have power issues. just make it all ones, youll never forget that
Jason Bird 11:46AM (4/11/2008)
10000 combinations, user settable. If you live/park in an area that allows perps that kind of time...after they realize what it is (cover and all). Maybe you should rethink your parking/living situation?
Anyone guess what my combination is?
geo.stewart 12:30PM (4/11/2008)
2769
Andrew 10:47AM (4/11/2008)
I think it's a very good idea, but it definitely needs to be less conspicuous. Maybe if it didn't say "safe" on it... perhaps hidden behind a decorative cover (favorite sports team logo or whatever) that folded up out of the way to access the combination dials?
Reply
Jason Bird 10:48AM (4/11/2008)
Discreet and secure cover is included.
PrintErroir 10:59AM (4/11/2008)
Wow, I can't believe this. A very good friend of mine from college designed, invented, and marketed this. I wished him luck and I guess business has taken off for him.
Way to go to the guys over at http://www.neverlockedout.com/ !!!
Reply
Brad 11:01AM (4/11/2008)
My family and friends float the river a lot, and this is a perfect solution for somewhere to put your keys. I like it -- although I do agree that it should be a bit less conspicuous. For the person who argues you only have to guess four numbers -- well, if the wheels are 0-9, we're talking about a 1 in a 1000 chance of guessing the number. I'm pretty sure that someone would give up and throw a brick through your window if they really wanted your car that badly.
Reply
Brad 11:02AM (4/11/2008)
Pardon me, 1 in 10,000 chance.
bob cobb 11:05AM (4/11/2008)
Post backfire
Reply
lloyd 11:08AM (4/11/2008)
Heres a better idea for the outdoors types, get a wireless keypad hooked up to the power locks and hide that anywhere on the car you want (my gas door doesn't lock so i put it inside there). keys then go inside the truck. and then you can still tow your [hobby of choice].
Reply
jasper 1:07PM (4/11/2008)
And when someone tries to steal gas, jackpot?
Igor Holas 11:12AM (4/11/2008)
well Ford has all of your backs - the "outdated" keypad takes care of all this trouble as you can lock and unlock your car and leave the keys hidden inside.
I never realized this potential until going to a beach with a friend - it was great - I locked my keys in his car too - for good measure - my Mazda does not have a keypad like that .
Igor
Reply
Guenther 11:27AM (4/11/2008)
Right. Even though Ford might not have intended for the key-pad to leave your keys inside, I've often been jealous of this feature during various wet-sport activities. As long as the price of this hitchsafe isn't too outragous, would make a great gift.