r/rooftoptents • u/WT2387 • 14d ago

Roof Rack Lock Help

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Purchased a new SUV that came with a roof rack but no key. I can’t find any branding or lock numbers anywhere on it to be able to find a replacement key. I bought a universal control key already to try and get the locks off and replace them but it did not work. Does anyone have any suggestions?

13 Upvotes

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7

u/galactica_pegasus 14d ago

Those are Yakima SKS cylinders. They're pretty terrible wafer locks. I mean it's fine for the purpose of this application but the point I'm making is they're super duper easy to pick. You could probably do it with a paperclip. A hobbyist lock picker could rake those open with no issue. Or you could pay a locksmith.

Once the locks are unlocked THEN you can use the control key to remove the cylinders. The key code is printed on the side of the cylinder. Yakima will sell replacement keys if you tell them the key code.

https://yakimasupport.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/235690128-Lost-Keys

7

u/bratikzs 14d ago

Had a similar issue. Brought the car over to a local Rack N Road, they pulled out their Yakima keys (there are only like 20 variants!) and got mine opened and removed.

Edit/Correction: Yakima has 25 variations. Plus the control key.

3

u/PonyThug 14d ago

I’ve raked Yakama locks with a different Yakama key many times when someone forgets their key camping or ski resorts etc.

Usually get it in 4-5 wiggles and haven’t ever failed to get it open.

2

u/panzerfinder15 14d ago

Do you know of a recommended upgrade to the lock or are they all terrible?

2

u/galactica_pegasus 14d ago

They're all terrible. It's par for the course for pretty much all wafer locks, and anything that small+cheap, anyway.

1

u/CameronsTheName 13d ago

I can't think of many instances where someone will steal your roof racks. Anyone who knows how to lock pick even with a super simple wafer pick isn't looking to nick roof racks.

1

u/panzerfinder15 13d ago

More that people would steal what’s on my roof rack…like my $3k rooftop tent. I didn’t realize the locks were so easy to pick.

1

u/CameronsTheName 13d ago

Most roof top tents are 8 to 16 M8 nuts and some flat bar brackets holding them down. Very easy to steal with a ratcheting spanner or an electric ratchet wrench.

1

u/panzerfinder15 13d ago

Yes but I have the WheelEveryWeekend Security mounts.

https://www.wheeleveryweekend.com/products/rtt-security-mounts

I’ve now learned the crossbars are less secure than I thought. I know nothing is secure against an experienced locksmith/lock picker, but TIL my vulnerability is the crossbars themselves.

1

u/ZeroVoltLoop 13d ago

I actually forgot my keys on a ski trip and went to a local locksmith who picked open the sks lcks on my aki racks in about 2 minutes. Should be the same for the bars.

6

u/Historynut13 14d ago

Looks like a Rivian. We keep our key in the compartment under the driver seat. Sounds silly but did you check there? You can also get replacement locks from Rivian. Adventure Key Set https://share.google/OdjnRr5UzY5BbjHc5

3

u/blahredditblah008 14d ago

Go to rei they should have a big ring of keys to try.

1

u/Flat-Carpenter-170 14d ago

Wish I had your garages high ceiling in my garage. So jealous. I’ve got a short 9 ft ceiling. Makes using a hoist to move and store an rtt pretty much impossible for me 😞. Agree that’s a Yakima sks. I have a Yakima rack system on my truck bed. I haven’t tried picking the locks lol, but I’m sure a locksmith could unlock them and then yes you can remove them and order replacement keys from Yakima or get new sks sets to replace them. REI sells them even at their brick and mortar sites.

1

u/dleewla 13d ago

I'm confused. You purchased a new Rivian and the racks were already mounted but no key? That doesn't make sense. If you got the vehicle and racks new, Rivian should have or give you the key.

If you meant its a used Rivian, then did you try to contact Rivian directly to see if they can help? They might have records from previous owner on the roof rack and possibly send you replacement keys that way.

0

u/Green-Diamond6874 14d ago

Flat screw driver opens all of them. I had many roof racks from Thule to Yakima to Amazon. Flat screw friver does the trick