Steering Wheel Lock

[rvingrampa]

Instead of going through the trouble and worry of making sure that the key is in the correct position, IOD fuse pulled, disconnect the battery or what ever else you may do before towing your toad, wouldn't it be alot easier if you just disabled the steering wheel lock mechanism? Then you would not have to worry if the steering wheel was unlocked, the fuse pulled, the battery going dead or anything else. The only drawback I could see from doing this it that you would not have the steering wheel lock when parked and you leave it. The steering wheel lock is only for the "honest thiefs" any way. If someone wants to steal your car, the steering wheel lock is not going to stop them. Does this sound feasible or am I missing something?

[rvingrampa]

Instead of going through the trouble and worry of making sure that the key is in the correct position, IOD fuse pulled, disconnect the battery or what ever else you may do before towing your toad, wouldn't it be alot easier if you just disabled the steering wheel lock mechanism? Then you would not have to worry if the steering wheel was unlocked, the fuse pulled, the battery going dead or anything else. The only drawback I could see from doing this it that you would not have the steering wheel lock when parked and you leave it. The steering wheel lock is only for the "honest thiefs" any way. If someone wants to steal your car, the steering wheel lock is not going to stop them. Does this sound feasible or am I missing something?

[Pusherman]

rvingrampa -- sounds like a great idea! Would solve all the prep issues regarding towing, battery drain, etc.

Problems are obviously 1) finding someone to defeat the steering lock mechainism, and 2) risk of theft with this function defeated (which I would agree is minimal).

Love to hear other's comments on this recommendation.

[leei]

I'm new to traveling with a motorhome - haven't even taken a single trip in our new Pace Arrow yet. I've been busy getting everything ready for our first spring trip (tow bar, brakes, etc.). We'll be towing a 98 Jeep Cherokee 4WD so no problem towing four-down. I would really like to disable or remove the steering wheel lock so that I don't have to remember to unlock it or be concerned with battery drain. Has anyone had any experiences in doing something like this? -Thanks in advance.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Federal DOT rules require that the vehicle have some kind of antitheft device, so you may have some difficulty finding a shop to disable the Steering lock for you. Liability concerns, etc. But I'm sure somebody can and will - maybe you could find a car thief? They all seem to know how to do it!

I'd try a local body shop. Or a place that sells car alarms and such - they sometimes will disable the lock after installing another antitheft device, e.g. an ignition cut off.

[leei]

Hi Gary,

Thanks for your reply. Yes, thief's seem to know how to get past all these kind of things.

My understanding of steering wheel locks is that they are not considered as anti-theft devices. The intent (as I understand it) is to hold the steering wheel in place for safety reasons - parking on a hill, for example. I've also heard (but will not attempt) that they can be broke off easily by simply forcing the steering wheel. I'd rather have someone else be responsible.

Our Jeep does have an ignition anti-theft system which should be adequate for any DOT rules that may exist.

Thanks again.

-Lee