Valet Mode Tip: Better security for cargo.

3605 Views 9 Replies 4 Participants Last post by jsimon7777, Feb 3, 2019

McRat

Discussion Starter · Feb 2, 2019

As many already know, Valet Mode locks the bonnet and boot from being accessed.
However, the boot area can be accessed by folding the back seats.

But there is <$10 fix for those who want to keep it secure from prying eyes or theft. Get a small motorcycle or cargo tie and keep it under you floorboard. I normally carry a couple anyways for cargo and other reasons. Bonus Tip, if you use carbiners (snap hooks), it becomes more useful for holding down cargo and you don't have to thread the tie-down. When you leave the divider in place, they cannot even tell if there is anything in the back, and assume the seats lock.

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PGhiron

· #2 · Feb 3, 2019

@McRat GREAT Idea. Thanks

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jsimon7777

· #3 · Feb 3, 2019

McRat said:
As many already know, Valet Mode locks the bonnet and boot from being accessed.

Hey! We speak English, here, buddy! A bonnet goes on the head and a boot goes on the foot. Or in the ass.

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dtgsrq

· #4 · Feb 3, 2019

At first I thought this was a great idea, although it made me wonder how bright the JLR engineers are... why lock the trunk/hatch/boot with 'valet mode' if accessible through the rear seats? Was it too much trouble to build a retracting pin to lock the seats, too, in that mode?

However, you're kidding yourself if you think the trunk/hatch/boot is secure in valet mode, even with your solution. The removeable "cover" for the trunk/hatch/boot is the weakness. If you remove the 2 strings that hold it in place (and allow for removal), the cover slides back just enough (before touching the hatch) to release its front hinge pins for removal, allowing complete access to the trunk/hatch/boot area, including the apparatus in your picture to restrain the seats. Yes, I just tried it before posting.

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McRat

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 3, 2019 (Edited)

dtgsrq said:
At first I thought this was a great idea, although it made me wonder how bright the JLR engineers are... why lock the trunk/hatch/boot with 'valet mode' if accessible through the rear seats? Was it too much trouble to build a retracting pin to lock the seats, too, in that mode?

However, you're kidding yourself if you think the trunk/hatch/boot is secure in valet mode, even with your solution. The removeable "cover" for the trunk/hatch/boot is the weakness. If you remove the 2 strings that hold it in place (and allow for removal), the cover slides back just enough (before touching the hatch) to release its front hinge pins for removal, allowing complete access to the trunk/hatch/boot area, including the apparatus in your picture to restrain the seats. Yes, I just tried it before posting.

With a rock you could gain access as well, that's the fastest. And JLR makes a pet cage which goes to the roof.

All the strap does is make it more difficult to see what is in the back, and more difficult to access the contents. Get 2 crimps, some 3/16" rubberized cable and a padlock, and it's more secure, but not secure. You just need bolt cutters instead.

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dtgsrq

· #6 · Feb 3, 2019

I wanted to embrace your solution, #McRat, I really did! Seems like JLR could make just 2 adjustments and truly 'secure' the hatch/trunk/boot in valet mode: lock the seats with pin(s), and re-engineer the interior rear cover to prevent removal when hatch is closed.
My favorite takeaway from your post is the idea of valet-mode locked frunk for storage of "valuables" (laptops, cameras, other small high value items that wouldn't fit in the glovebox). Thanks!

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McRat

Discussion Starter · #7 · Feb 3, 2019

dtgsrq said:
I wanted to embrace your solution, #McRat, I really did! Seems like JLR could make just 2 adjustments and truly 'secure' the hatch/trunk/boot in valet mode: lock the seats with pin(s), and re-engineer the interior rear cover to prevent removal when hatch is closed.
My favorite takeaway from your post is the idea of valet-mode locked frunk for storage of "valuables" (laptops, cameras, other small high value items that wouldn't fit in the glovebox). Thanks!

If you have a locked trunk, by FMVSS you must now add an emergency release. I think this is why locking seats are rare on hatchbacks and liftbacks.

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jsimon7777

· #8 · Feb 3, 2019

So how can I secure my kidnapping victims, then?

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McRat

Discussion Starter · #9 · Feb 3, 2019

jsimon7777 said:
So how can I secure my kidnapping victims, then?

If they are under 164lb, you store them in the roof bin since it locks. You might have to cut them up to get them to fit though.

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jsimon7777

· #10 · Feb 3, 2019

McRat said:
If they are under 164lb, you store them in the roof bin since it locks. You might have to cut them up to get them to fit though.

Stupid British design! I want to cut them up after transport, not before.

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Valet Mode Tip: Better security for cargo.

McRat

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