Do I need to worry about my hood latches that don't lock?

[BAT]

Another damn key to have to keep track of

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[SargeDiesel]

Are those keyed different? I see 4 keys, would hope one key for both....just sayin

All 4 Keyed alike, so I have 3 spare keys

 

[SargeDiesel]

the crooks open the hood disable something their computer reads the vin and they are able to start the vehicle and take off

Not to mention the battery.... if you dont think so, park in San Diego, near the border.

 

[NachoRuby]

the crooks open the hood disable something their computer reads the vin and they are able to start the vehicle and take off

That's not how they're getting in, or they would not be doing the same exact thing on challengers, which do have hood locks. I saw the thread too. But the hood is I think a red-herring. There's some other weakness on Mopars. Challengers are being stolen left and right the same way.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

What is the use case that Jeep stands behind such that my hood isn't locked? I've been looking into purchasing some aftermarket locking hood latches but it seems there isn't a whole lot available. Before you suggest that I haven't Googled it or searched, I have. It would be great to find something that looks nearly OEM without the manufacturer's name or logo on it. Is this even a real concern?

Whether or not you need them is a personal choice. It depends on where your truck sits, where you live and other things.
Even hoods with inside releases aren't locked. I can cut that cable and get in if I want in. Takes less than a minute with some vehicles, especially trucks.
It's up to you - no one can tell you that you need them or that you don't need them.
I don't live or drive or park in areas where it's a concern.
I may get locks some day as I do go to out of state swap meets, shows and events where my truck may sit outside of a hotel or other place at times, but it's not frequent.
When at home, mine is in a garage.
I'm also considering a dash cam.

 

[ShrimpHappens]

Thieves want the guns, purses, laptops, cash, and tools that people leave in the cabin.

If you're a tweaker looking for quick cash, are you going to start tearing into a CAI, a fancy accessory power distribution block, or an onboard air compressor?

Anyone sophisticated enough to target specific things under your hood will not be deterred by a locking latch that can be popped open in 30 seconds with a pry bar.

 

[MattK]

If it offers you some peace of mind, then get some you're happy with. I do not know why Jeep doesn't offer this already.

I had the Mopar locking hood latch on my JK and thought it was worth it. I am an apartment dweller so the Jeep sits in a parking lot its whole life. I had a SPod and Dual ARB compressor under the hood which was what really prompted me to get it. However, a crew came through the region and stole two JK Wranglers from my apartment complex in minutes. There was footage of them under the hood doing something - maybe just disabling the horn so the alarm wouldn't go off. Mine was left alone. I had a hood lock and it was also a 2-door manual (which probably has something more to do with it), but I was glad I had the hood lock either way.

It's all just a deterrent but it's "one more thing". Good luck.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I do not know why Jeep doesn't offer this already.

At least as an option for those who desire it.............

 

[NachoRuby]

At least as an option for those who desire it.............

They do. You just have to get it from the parts counter.

 

[SargeDiesel]

Whether or not you need them is a personal choice. It depends on where your truck sits, where you live and other things.
Even hoods with inside releases aren't locked. I can cut that cable and get in if I want in. Takes less than a minute with some vehicles, especially trucks.
It's up to you - no one can tell you that you need them or that you don't need them.
I don't live or drive or park in areas where it's a concern.
I may get locks some day as I do go to out of state swap meets, shows and events where my truck may sit outside of a hotel or other place at times, but it's not frequent.
When at home, mine is in a garage.
I'm also considering a dash cam.

Just installed a Rexing V1P Max, and love it... 4k upfront and 2K in the rear.... dash cams can really save you in certain situations, video doesn't lie or forget. I have had them in all my latest vehicles, with the exception of my last one, I didn't have it installed yet and 3 weeks after ownership I was hit, other vehicle lied and resulted in me losing about 25k... never again....

 

[MattK]

They do. You just have to get it from the parts counter.

The problem is it interferes with the forward facing TrailCam. But that's how I had it added to my JK. Ordered the part and they installed it.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

They do. You just have to get it from the parts counter.

LOL - yeah, I guess that's true, too........... but the thing is, do Jeep buyers - other than FORUM members, know that? Or do 95% of all Jeep buyers get their new vehicle, drive it home and think, gee, I wish these things had a hood lock of some sort.........
You know the answer ;-)

 

[RK Racing]

I purchased three different sets from Amazon and return two of them and kept these.

 

[Kevin_D]

The standard intrusion alarm protects the hood, too.
And the horn is REALLY LOUD!!!
That’s all I rely upon.

Kevin

 

[bd100]

If relying on the alarm, it may be worth adding a third horn in case they clip the wires going to the two behind the grill. Or bolt a metal plate or something in front of the wires.

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