My LX570 has a panel in the tail gate. Usually used for something like safety flares (but they are gone). The panel is made of plastic but seems very sturdy (ABS plastic?).

If I could install some sort of locking mechanism, it may be good enough to slow down / discourage burglars. I'd use it to keep valuables when hiking, kayaking, etc.

Any thoughts? Too easy to break in? Or a sufficient deterrent for most cases (grab and dash) - (a determined burglar will always be able to break into anything inside a vehicle given tools and enough time)?

BTW, this would be in lieu of a vline mounted in the vehicle somewhere - I've been trying to figure out a place (for something like the Brute or Drawer) but there just doesn't seem to be any good solutions.

The location:




Thinking about locks like this - similar to what might be used on a vline safe (need to cut a slot and install a strike plate):

https://simplexlock.com/?page=...ID=13238&duplicate=0

https://simplexlock.com/?page=...ID=13052&duplicate=0

https://simplexlock.com/?page=...ID=13042&duplicate=0

This message has been edited. Last edited by: konata88,

Seems to be obscure enough to get overlooked & looks like the plastic trim at the top of the photo further obscures it.
Assuming it's big enough inside, seems it should work.

Wouldn't that be inconspicuous UNTIL you add a lock?

If you throw an old blanket or something similar over it when your done it will go a long way to increase your box's security.

Ok - if generally good to go without big concerns I may have missed, I'll talk to the local specialty shop.

Maybe see if we can augment the panel, flush mount the locking mechanism and then re-cover the panel (velco carpet?) to hide the lock and fasteners that are exposed right now.

My Xterra had a similar feature. It was for a Nissan first aid kit.

quote:

Originally posted by smlsig:
If you throw an old blanket or something similar over it when your done it will go a long way to increase your box's security.

If I read it right, this is in the liftgate/tailgate, so a moving object/surface. Not something a tossed cover would remain in place.

I'd see about replacing the existing latches with locks, at least it's look somewhat more OE than an added lock.
Or, fab a carpeted cover for the lock to disguise it.

Wonder if "Truck Vault" makes a replacement lockable cover?

Ok, went to the local shop.

Sounds like a console based solution is too much work. Similar for the tailgate panel. They really recommended a pre-fab'ed safe like the vline.

I'm back to considering a vline safe mounted to the floor (via the accessory panel so that I can temporarily remove it if necessary).

Two primary locations is on the floor in the second row set - I can access from the driver seat. I don't usually have passengers so not a big deal. And again, it will be removable if needed. I have a doggie seat cover which provides some cover.

Second option is in the back area but basically same deal.

They want to bolt through the car floor which I'm not entirely comfortable doing. Is that okay, as long as they use some sort of permanent, waterproof sealant? I dunno, just doesn't really appeal to me.

I'd prefer if we can figure out a way to just use existing cargo loops and/or the floor loops that are used to secure the 3rd row seats when down. (don't plan on really using the 3rd row seats ever, and again, safe would be removable if necessary). Or maybe remove one of the 3rd row seats and use that bolt pattern somehow.

But I guess the first question - bolting through the floor is okay? If so, then I'll more strongly consider the 2nd row since that'll be conveniently accessible from the driver's seat.

Have you done a search over on ih8mud.com??
I am pretty sure when I was looking to buy someone made a metal panel with lock for them.

Thanks, I poked around a little.

I picked up this tidbit and probably will head in this direction. [I checked under the car and I think bolting through the floor is not a good idea].

I'm going to try using a U-bolt through the secure loops for the 3rd row seats. Fasten that through holes in the vline (will probably add a steel plate to augment).

Thinking either the vline Brute or the Drawer (Brute is probably more secure).

Aren't your seats and seat belt mounts bolted through the floor?

No idea. Probably. But done at the factory.

It’s pretty crowded underneath now with gas tank, suspension plumbing and who knows what.

It’s probably the better way to do it but I’m thinking the largest diameter u bolt I can fit through the seat loops will be enough and much easier.

I stopped by the shop and discussed options.

They think that using a 1/2" diameter u-bolts (1 or 2) to fasten the safe to the 3rd row seat chair bar will be relatively secure. I usually don't use the 3rd row seats and can keep at least one side in the up (stored) position. The seats when down latch onto a bar in the floor - it's pretty heavy duty.

This will allow the safe to be fairly secure and also removable in case I need to haul something and/or use the 3rd row seat.

I just need to decide on which vault to use between the Slide Away and the Brute.

1) Slide: I can haul / put stuff on top of it and still be able to open the drawer. But it's 12 gauge steel. The drawer type design might be easier to pry open vs the Brute?

2) Brute: 10 gauge steel. Seems like it would be difficult to pry open while bolted down. I'm not sure but it sounds like it has a stronger locking bolt as well. Little bit more volume (Slide has enough space for me though). But it's top open so I can't put anything on top and still open it. May not be a big issue from a probability perspective but...

All things considered, which would you pick to mount into the back of your SUV or trunk?

http://www.vlineind.com/shop/s...pacity-handgun-safe/

http://www.vlineind.com/shop/b...pacity-handgun-safe/

We have a GX and in the back left is where the jack is stored, does your have that as well? Its a fairly large space, no one would look at.

I need to check again but I think the jack is in the tailgate panel. I have a small cubby in the back but too small for a safe.

fwiw, I've bolted a gazillion things to/through the floor of a kabillion different vehicles over the years, from amps to woofer boxes to storage containers and otherwise, as has most every notable car audio and security shop all over the world, and between epoxy and e6000 and various other silicone products and rubber grommets and the like there is absolutely nothing to worry about as long as someone reasonably bright does the work.

Nothing rare or crazy about it, and no different from what the factory would do. It's not like that have super secret materials we don't have or anything.

Thanks. I think in this case, since I want to be able to remove the safe occasionally as needed, sealing with epoxy / silicone as well as access from below makes bolting through the floor a little less desirable. I think best case I'd have to remove the spare tire from underneath to get to the bolts to remove / install. I didn't take a great look but between the gas tank, drive shaft, differential, suspension plumbing, protective plates and the spare tire, it's pretty crowded underneath.


U-bolts I think will be sufficiently secure and easier to remove / install on occasion.

Cool. ^

And you probably already know, but a small pair of bolt cutters will cut through any regular or stainless u-bolt like butter... But if preventing a simple snatch and grab by unprepared thieves/fools is the main goal, it may still work just fine for your needs.

Planning to use 1/2" diameter stainless u-bolt (used for something related to boats?).

The bolts will not be visible - it will be hidden underneath the safe mounting plate upon which the safe will sit. The u bolt will go through both the plate and the bottom of the safe. The nut of the bolt will be in the safe between the frame and the slide out drawer.

I think the weak links will be either: 1) ability to pry open the drawer, 2) ability to pry off the safe/mounting plate from the u bolt.

I think this is mostly for snatch and grab protection. Someone with tools and time will eventually get the goods.

ETA: u bolt: https://www.amazon.com/SeaSens...ents=p_89%3ASeaSense