Pickup truck cap security...

[TheGrooveking]

I was wondering what others have done to increase the security of their pickup truck caps? Having a large ARE fiberglass cap that locks, along with the locking tailgate on my Ford SD250 4x4 I don't feel confortable leaving tools in my truck's bed. I have two job boxes, one large Dayton(Grainger brand) and one large DeWalt that I keep 10+ tool boxes in (Kennedy cantilevers, Craftsman flat tops, and a few Matco portables). I also have a 8hp Honda gas powered air compressor, with dual 4 gallon tanks I keep in my truck

Even though both job boxes lock I was wondering what else you guys have done to deter thieves from gaining entry? Pics would be especially nice. I don't worry too much when the truck is at either of my homes, it just that I do park it at hotels from time to time, which is where my main concern is. I always try to park immediately infront of the room I am staying in, but being a 4x4 long bed crew cab it's not always a possibility.

TheGrooveking

 

[stltikn]

Try to find a "good" motel and talk to the clerk about security. Make sure nothing is visible from the outside. In addition to having your boxes locked, you could have them secured to the bed, or each other. Chains work well and are easy to remove with the lock. You could bolt the boxes down or secure them with locks and pins on the inside. Given enough time anything can be broken into. What you want to do is slow the dirtbag down and discourage him/her while not inconveniencing yourself.

 

[TA^Guy]

Visibility is #1 thing to consider. If they aren't already I would tint the windows on the cap to make it harder for prying eyes to see directly in to the back of your truck. If your cargo sits below the bed rails I would try to find a retractable cover that you can pull over your tools to hide them. Most thieves won't waste their time getting in to a vehicle if it's possible there is nothing to steal, but they will try twice as hard to get in if they can see something they want.

Also some of these caps have sliding side windows... very easy to force the plastic latch open. Cut some wooden dowels pr metal rods, etc to lay in to the track to prevent the window from sliding open.

Also, I know it's an eye sore but a pad lock or two on the rear door of the cap might help. I would install the loop from the inside and make a cut in the bottom part of the rear hatch for it to pass through and attach the pad lock there. This way no latch for them to unscrew or pry off.

Last thing maybe invest in an alarm system for your truck with switches on the rear gate and hatch to the cap along with having a shock sensor.

 

[TAMPAGT07]

Did you every see the old Charles Bronson movie, "The Mechanic." Just leave a note in the back, addressed to the thief. "Bang, You're dead." Classic ending.

 

[toolmiser]

Sorry to Hijack the tread, but I have a Chevy truck with a tailgate that doesn't lock, is there any cheap ideas to secure it? I know you can force it pretty easy past the locked topper. Looking for an idea cheaper than replacing the tailgate latch with a locking one.

Thanks!

 

[Torque1st]

miser- I have seen people use a couple of padlocks and hasps in the corners.

 

[TheShrine]

Sorry to Hijack the tread, but I have a Chevy truck with a tailgate that doesn't lock, is there any cheap ideas to secure it? I know you can force it pretty easy past the locked topper. Looking for an idea cheaper than replacing the tailgate latch with a locking one.

Thanks!

Cheap is relative to what to you are protecting....go here http://www.pickupspecialties.com/poplock.htm

 

[GreyOwl]

One idea I have heard use of, but used more for car security at a motel, was putting a baby monitor in the truck and the receiver with you in the motel.
Charles

 

[bry@n]

Tinting the windows on the cap is essential. The darker the better, this way they won't be able to see in easily. As far as storage, I would store most of the stuff towards the cab of the truck, this way it's harder for them if they get the back door of the cap open.

Lastly, I would install a beefy lock on the cap. All of these are just deterrents. Hight visability is also a great deterrent.

 

[94yj]

check to see if you have a key code on any locks if so grind them off i wish someone would have told me about the key code stamped on the locks before i lost 60 k worth of tools