A general purpose key ...

[emax]

The other day, I happened to notice the key designation for the lockable box in the center console. It begins with 'CH'.

If you have this box, you can search the embossed designation online. Then you'll find that this key is a standard key for suitcases, desk drawers, filing cabinets, mailboxes, and all sorts of other applications.

I don't mean the key type. No, I mean this specific key, with exactly this profile.

The INEOS extra equipment for the lockable box in the center console includes the lid for this box, plus the key and locking cylinder.

That's fantastic.

And even more fantastic is the fact that (at least in Germany) every Grenadier driver with this special equipment can help you if you lose your key. Because they have exactly the same one. Wow!

As a "proof of bullshit" I ordered a set of five of these keys from eBay just to test it out, for €2.99 plus €3 shipping. They all fit my box.

But the most fantastic thing is the INEOS price for this special security feature: In Germany, the lockable box (i.e., the lid with the €3 cylinder lock and key) costs a whopping €265 extra.

Hallelujah INEOS! You're unbelievable!

 

[Schattenparker]

Thanks for the info!

Damn, yesterday I had a locksmith make a spare key (because I lost a bunch of spare keys). It went smoothly, but it cost €6.90 ;-)

Unfortunately, the lockable cover in the spare tire has a different lock cylinder... so it cost me another €6.90...

 

[ADVAW8S]

Thanks for the info!

Damn, yesterday I had a locksmith make a spare key (because I lost a bunch of spare keys). It went smoothly, but it cost €6.90 ;-)

Unfortunately, the lockable cover in the spare tire has a different lock cylinder... so it cost me another €6.90...

I haven't done it but barrel locks allow you to adjust them to be a single key.

 

[landmannnn]

Correct CH751 is very widely used. Not the best security deterrent, but if you lose your caravan/RV/camper/boat/filing cabinet key at least you only have to ask the guy next door rather than call out a locksmith.

 

[emax]

I suspect the lock on the lockable spare tire box is just as much of a strumpet as the lock on the box in the car.

You're all invited to find out for which key.

 

[Znarfgh]

The keys may have the CH prefix but there are different versions - I have CH510 on the van but the Grenadier uses a CH751. So, my CH van keys don't work on the Grenadier.

 

[Tazzieman]

Having a lock tells the practised thief that there is something worth taking.
If it's a flimsy lock, he/she won't just walk away.

 

[whiterabbit]

I suspect the lock on the lockable spare tire box is just as much of a strumpet as the lock on the box in the car.

You're all invited to find out for which key.

The “lockable” spare wheel box is child's play to pry open because the lid is totally unstable.

 

[CRH]

I haven't done it but barrel locks allow you to adjust them to be a single key.

How?

 

[DenisM]

How?

Youtube is your friend...
for example:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FX2AH9-isPA

 

[Brandtnm]

The “lockable” spare wheel box is child's play to pry open because the lid is totally unstable.

FYI, the center consul can be opened too by just pulling the armrest top backwards and up with a bit of extra force. No key needed. It just a little plastic box.

However, who really thinks a plastic glove box/consul in any car is safe? To get to it, they’ve already broken the glass of the car to open the doors. Then a big screwdriver or $5 dollar nail removing bar will tear into to any plastic glove box in seconds. Worse, between the window and the damage to the interior parts, you’re out several thousands of dollars- on top of whatever was in the glove box or consul.

If you want safe, you’ll need a metal box, bolted to metal, with the bolts on the inside. In the end, even if you put a commercial safe in the back of it, they’ll just steal the truck. When I am forced to go to a big city, I just empty the consul and glove box, and leave them open. Thieves are lazy by nature, and they’re not wasting time on empty containers.

What owners may not know, and I doubt many thieves have grenadier interior experience either, but the rear floor mat comes up without any tools in seconds (pull from transmission tunnel side), in front of it is a little piece of foam (store it under rear seat) leaving space for whatever you were putting in the center consul, or 10 rolexes, or a smallish handgun, or a good size knife, and most of the other crap TSA won’t let us take on airplanes. You can then leave the glove box and consul open. The car looks completely empty from the exterior and thus a poor target for snatch n grabbers.

If people really want safe, don’t leave small , expensive things in a plastic box on display behind glass.