---
title: How to Install a Retractable Gear Lock
description: Install a retractable gear or toy lock on your Sprinter van to secure bikes, tools, and outdoor gear with ease. A must-have van life upgrade for added security during travel and adventure.
---
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# How to Install a Retractable Gear Lock
## How to install a retractable gear lock on your Sprinter van for improved toy security.
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.
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