Introduction
It’s a common scenario: you’ve rented a Uhaul truck to move your belongings, but as you’re unloading, you realize you’ve locked the keys inside the truck. Panic sets in as you wonder how you’ll get them out. Don’t worry, though. Here are some tips on what to do if you find yourself in this situation.
1. Stay Calm
The first thing you need to do is stay calm. It’s easy to panic when you realize you’ve locked your keys in the truck, but getting upset won’t help the situation. Take a deep breath and try to think clearly about what your options are.
2. Check All Doors
Before you do anything else, check all doors to the truck. Sometimes, in your haste, you may have only checked one or two doors, but the keys could be in a different door. Make sure you check the driver’s side, passenger side, and cargo area doors.
3. Look for Spare Key
If you’ve rented the Uhaul truck from a company, check with them to see if they have a spare key. They may have one that you can use to unlock the truck. If you have a spare key yourself, make sure to check if you’ve brought it with you.
4. Call for Help
If you can’t find a spare key, your next step should be to call for help. You can call the Uhaul company or a locksmith to come and unlock the truck for you. Keep in mind that this will likely come at a cost.
5. Use a Coat Hanger
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try to unlock the truck yourself, you can use a coat hanger. Straighten out the hanger and bend one end into a hook. Slide the hook in between the weather stripping and the window of the truck’s door. Try to hook the lock and pull up to unlock the door.
6. Use a Slim Jim
Another tool you can use to unlock the truck is a slim jim. This is a long, flat piece of metal that is inserted between the window and the door frame. You can then manipulate the lock using the slim jim to unlock the door.
7. Use a Wedge and Rod
If you don’t have a coat hanger or slim jim, you can try using a wedge and rod. Wedge the door open slightly and insert the rod to push the unlock button or pull up the lock. Be careful not to damage the door or the window.
8. Use a Keyless Entry App
If you have a keyless entry app on your phone, you may be able to use it to unlock the truck. Check with the Uhaul company to see if they have an app you can use, or if your phone’s app is compatible with the truck’s lock.
9. Use a Magnetic Key Box
If you have a magnetic key box, you can attach it to the bottom of the truck and hide a spare key inside. Make sure to place it in a location where it won’t fall off during transit.
10. Prevention Tips
Of course, the best way to deal with a locked key situation is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Make sure to keep your keys with you at all times and have a spare key available just in case. Double-check that all doors are unlocked before closing them.
Conclusion
Locked keys in a Uhaul truck can be a frustrating situation, but there are ways to solve it. Stay calm, check all doors, and look for spare keys. If all else fails, call for help or try to unlock the truck yourself using a coat hanger, slim jim, or wedge and rod. And remember, prevention is key to avoid this issue in the future.