DIY Hitch Mounted Step with Spare Key Vault and Auxilliary Backup Light Combo

The hitch mounted step is made from 1/4 inch steel. The Kawell waterproof LED light bar and the Trimax 5/8" receiver lock with resettable combination is from Amazon.

If you're not into DIY, a HitchSafe Key Vault is available on Amazon, you can use it to securely stash your spare key and other valuables.

  

An anti-rattle hitch stabilizer with a plastic head hand screw tightener can be seen towards the bottom of the hitch step. It clamps into the hitch receiver lip preventing it from rattling while underway.

 Close-up view of the anti-rattle mechanism.

A rectangular opening towards the end of the hitch mount can accommodate a Sprinter spare key, preferably placed in a Ziploc bag or other waterproof pouch to protect it from moisture or water ingress.

Painted in flat black. The LED auxiliary backup light is wired into the 7-way trailer hitch blade connector plug using 2-pin quick disconnect wire harness.

The 18w 1200 lumen LED light bar works well on the Sprinter 7-way trailer connector without the "hyper flashing" effect seen on low draw LED lights.

The hitch step is secured into the hitch receiver using Trimax 5/8" receiver lock with resettable combination.

With the anti-rattle mechanism tightly latched into the receiver hitch to prevent it from rattling while driving.

 Thanks for looking. Happy trekking to all!

UPDATE:

The blank key that I ordered from MB dealer came but I was not expecting it to be just a key blade. I was told that it is a wallet key, apparently it is not. The MB key works opening the Sprinter doors, but without a key head there is no way to turn it once it's inserted into the door keyhole. I ordered a Remote Key Fob from Amazon hoping I can swap the MB cut key with the blank key that came with the fob.

NOTE: MB key was intentionally blurred out for safety reason; you will be surprised that someone with enough know-how can duplicate a key using a picture for reference.

The MB key blade cost me $16 and the Remote Key Fob from Amazon is $9, not bad for a Sprinter door only key. I called many local auto locksmiths and non could duplicate a Sprinter key from year 2010 to the latest models.

 The key blade is secured into the pivoting metal arm with a small pin, I was able to tap the pin out and released the blank key blade. The MB key blade fits into the fob but the notch where the pin rest is positioned differently.

With the MB key blade not fully seated into the pivoting arm socket, it protrudes about 2-mm longer than the original blank key blade. I have to cut/extend the recessed area of the fob to about 2-mm longer in order to fit the key when it's folded in.

The battery cover is just pressure fitted into the fob body. To remove the battery cover, I use a plastic trim removal tool to lift a corner then work around the edges of the cover until it's pried off.