I surf...a lot. The electronic key on the LR3 is waterproof, so I assumed the LR4 would be also. Not the case. Surfers prefer to take their key with them into the water to keep their car secure. There are little pouches in wetsuits for this very purpose. Doing this is not an option on the LR4 because the key is not waterproof.

The much less desirable option is to stash the key in the wheel well or some other "hidden" place on the vehicle. Not only is this very unsafe (thieves look for surfers parking and then dig around in the wheel wells looking for a key), there is nowhere to stash the key on the LR4 that is far enough away to prevent the sensor from unlocking the doors. You can put it on top of the front tire, and that is far enough away, but then the key is out in the open for any thief to see.

The only other option I can think of is to take the key with me and try to hide it in the sand, or some other similarly ridiculous solution. Has anyone thought of a solution to this problem?

Nobody seems to know how to cut a key for it, either.

Is there a way to disable the hands-free unlocking system? I don't mind pushing a button to unlock my doors.

I don't feel like ruining a $500 key (e.g. getting it wet) just so I can take it with me in the water.

I tried buying a key safe like the ones that real estate agents use and looping 12 inches of chain through my front rim (connecting the links with the key safe) but the friggin' electronic key is so massive that it won't fit inside the key safe.

Somebody please give me some ideas!

 

Good to know the keys are not waterproof - it will keep me from making a big mistake.

A quick thought might be to get a small ziplock bag. I am sure your key pocket is not huge, so you may need to wrap it up nice and tight. The other option is to get a sheet of this plastic, then fold it up and seal it using a lighter. When you are ready to roll, just use some scissors.

I know neither is a perfect solution, but probably better than leaving it by the car.

Good luck!