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Install | Retractable Lock

Step-by-Step Instructions for Installing a Toy Lock on Your Sprinter Van

This guide will walk you through installing the Toy Lock on your Sprinter Van, allowing you to securely lock up bikes, kayaks, or other valuable items directly to your van.

    1. Choose the Side for Mounting

    • Decide whether you want the Toy Lock on the passenger or driver's side of your Sprinter Van. If you have a factory hitch or the Owl Hitch Step, there are pre-existing bolt holes for easy installation.
    • If installing on the passenger side, your campsite access will be more convenient as it’s usually closer to the sliding door.

    2. Attach the Bracket to the Toy Lock

    • Take the bracket that corresponds to the side of the van where you are mounting the Toy Lock.
    • Insert the bolts through the holes in the Toy Lock and through the bracket.
    • Secure the bolts using the Breakaway nuts. Tighten these nuts using a wrench until they break away, leaving the lock tamper-resistant.
      • Ensure both bolts are aligned before fully tightening the first nut to avoid misalignment.

    3. Prepare the Van for Installation

    • Optional: If you are removing any tubes (such as sanitation tubes) from the van, make sure to coat the exposed metal with Rustoleum rust-preventative spray to protect the metal.
    • Use the 7/32" Allen key and 9/16" socket to remove the pre-installed bolts from the factory hitch or the Owl Hitch Step.

    4. Mount the Toy Lock to the Sprinter Van

    • With the Toy Lock bracket assembled, align it with the pre-drilled holes on your hitch step or hitch receiver.
    • Insert the longer bolts provided in the kit, as the standard hitch bolts will not be long enough to secure the lock.
    • Tighten the bolts with your Allen key or socket until snug. Avoid overtightening.

    5. Use the Toy Lock

    • Pull the steel-braided cable from the Toy Lock. The lock comes with 4.75 meters of cable (approximately 15 feet), giving you plenty of length to wrap around bikes, kayaks, or other gear.
    • Once the cable is around your items, feed it back through the loop in the Toy Lock.
    • Secure the end of the cable with the included padlock.
    • If desired, you can retract the cable to the desired length after locking.

    6. Optional: Color Preferences

    • The Toy Lock comes with a yellow padlock, making it more visible. If you prefer a more discreet look, consider swapping it for a black or blue padlock that blends better with the van’s design.

    7. Final Adjustments

    • Once everything is in place, check that the Toy Lock and cable operate smoothly and securely.
    • If you’re using the T45 tamper-resistant Torx bolt, make sure to install it towards the rear of the van to further deter theft.

    Additional Notes:

    • If you have a 2019+ Sprinter Van (VS30), this installation is straightforward. If you have an older model (NCV3), you may need to drill holes in your hitch step for installation.
    • The kit includes all the hardware you need, along with a tamper-resistant tool for additional security.
    • Don’t forget to apply rust prevention spray to any exposed metal surfaces to avoid corrosion.

    Your Toy Lock is now installed and ready to use, adding an extra layer of security for your outdoor adventures.

    Congrats on installing your new gear from Owl!

    Remember, Owl is the #1 manufacturer of Off Road gear and accessories for Adventure vans. We have our van experts standing by at our HQ in Arizona if you have any questions. Our gear for Mercedes Sprinter vans, Ford Transit and Winnebago Revel is Made in the USA, and many products are in stock and ship fast.

    More soon,
    John Willenborg