Lock box ideas

Hello friends,

I often canyoneer or raft and find myself either securing my truck keys on my person or under a rock next to the truck. Both are not ideal and I thought, why not weld a combo lockbox onto the frame underneath. Just a small one. Has anyone done something like this? Any lockbox people recommend that can be welded? It is hard to see on Amazon which boxes can be welded so thought I would share my idea here in case anyone has done this before me.

I don't want the little flimsy magnet ones, I want this thing secure.

 

$60 HitchSafe HS7000 Key Vault | Hidden Trailer Hitch Safe for Secure Key Storage | CarShare Turo | Weather Resistant and Durable with 4-Digit Combination Lock for Cars, Trucks, and SUVs

https://www.amazon.com/HitchSafe-HS7000T-HS7000-Key-Vault/dp/B000I66JEM

 

Locking hitch pin with this^^ should take care of things. No welder reqd

 

That is pretty rad. Unfortunately, I usually have something hitched up but could be an option, thanks for this.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/any-surfers-where-do-you-keep-your-keys.681937/

 

Sadly, I remember a few years ago I saw on the news that in Oahu thieves had figured out a way to remove those hitch safes entirely, later breaking it open to steal the content. I wanted one for myself at the time until I saw that shit happening. As with any anti-theft device though, keeps the honest ones out but if they really want to get inside, they’ll find anyway possible.

When I used to pick opihi by myself, I would keep just the key with me. Wrapped it in a paper towel, then tin foil tightly around it, then another paper towel, then placed in a ziplock bag in my pocket. Layers of security but I could tell at a glance if water got in at all when I would check on it. I know salt water is different than tap water with laundry detergent if it helps any, my key and fob went through a wash and dry cycle once and still worked perfectly fine lol!

 

That is good to know. I think that's why I want something a little more sturdy and not visible. I weld and it would be such a quick job to just weld a small box to the frame in a place that would require a bit of looking. Obviously not going to stop anyone from breaking my window but it is more just so I don't need to carry a key.

 

You’ve got the tools and knowledge to come up with something that’s for sure man

 

Ah man that thing is dog shit thanks for posting that. I might have used it for something just because I like gadgets.

 

Cool guys, the input has been valuable. I will post my finish project later. For sure going to go with a sturdy lockbox welded to the frame.

 

Please do man I’d be intrigued to see it! I was about to suggest welding something on the inner part of the frame under the cab area but noticed in your avatar that you have nerf bars. I fuckin hate mine especially because I always manage to smack my head on it whenever I crawl under the truck.

 

haha, that is actually an old pic. I have them off now, it just looks better. So that is still an option.

 

I hate the idea of a hitch safe. 90% of a thieves battle is even knowing there's something of value to begin with. Why make their job that much easier by announcing it?

Maybe mount a second hitch tube to the frame rail hidden underneath?

 

I used to have the hitch safe and it worked for the time I had it. The issue I'd get is space and, if not cleaned, it would stick and not come out.

My current solution has been to use a console safe and a touch pad car security system to get into my truck.
Console Safe I used:
https://www.lockerdown.com/i-11-con...oyota-tacoma-model-ld2012.html?ref=category:3

Added item to my Compustar alarm:
https://www.compustar.com/accessories/rps-touch/

Combined, I can lock my keys in the safe. It's going to be a rough time getting past that lock without good tools. I go diving a lot and trying to carry the remote with me without getting damaged is tough. I used to place it in a dry bag, but sometimes the shark taxes happen and I've known my partners to lose their shit to them.

 

Not a bad idea. Do you really have to mount the keypad on the windshield? Interesting. Thanks for the additional info.

 

I think it's best to mount it on the windshield. Mines is located in the lower left (drivers side) corner, which doesn't obstruct my view at all.
I know my setup is not the simplest. You'll need to get used to having the safe (opening your center console then opening the safe cover). My safe is usually unlocked until I need to use it. I've gotten used to having the safe and actually use it more often than I had imagined. Normally I just scramble one of the 4 combination digits, so it's quick for me to lock or unlock. Sometimes two, depending on my level of concern and how long I'll be away.

After using the RPS touch pad a lot, there are two things to note. One is I can still use the touchpad when it rains. This was an original concern of mine that the dealer/installer couldn't answer. And two, the glass can get very hot when "pressing" the buttons through the windshield. Just keep that in mind. Otherwise I use it a lot when I go for a run and don't want to carry my phone and keys with me.

 

Check out hitchvault.ca. It’s made for storing keys and other small stuff discreetly and also made in Canada!