shell cap camping security

Do the shell cap rear-windows lock from the INside?
... all?
... some?
... none?

I'm thinking about camping security where one doesn't 'know' those staying in (sharing) the same camp-site for the night.

Though I searched, I didn't see this issue discussed anywhere!

 

I can latch mine from the inside but I'd have to jerry rig something to lock it. Some shells have an auto lock, similar to the remote lock on your truck. It's an option on a lot of shells so I'm sure you could find a retrofit kit for your shell, or order your shell with it if you haven't purchased one yet.

 

None of mine have had an inside lock. I try not to stay places where it's an issue but if I have any concerns I loop a piece of paracord over the locking bar and clip it to one of the tie-downs. It won't stop anyone that's determined obviously but it should make enough noise to wake me up.

Most shells you can snatch open pretty easily.

 

Just had an idea, if you have a locking tailgate, you can shove a metal rod behind the locking rods, sitting perpendicular to the lock rods, so the window couldn't be opened with the tail gate locked. It'd be really simple and cheap.

 

Just learning ... about shell-cap pickups, I haven't bought either a truck or shell, yet, trying to get well-versed (thanks to everyone's input) before writing any big checks.

 

... obviously; but, when one checks into a motel/hotel, does one know everyone who will be checking in that night?

Regardless of who one knew ... or not, one wouldn't leave one's door unlocked ... right?

 

The guys that installed mine offered to rig it so it would lock via the remote for the vehicle.

I didn't go that route. There is a key lock on the handle to open it. The side windows have a keeper and it wouldn't he hard to retro fit a lock of some sort. That said if someone wants you shit the easiest thing for them is to break the window...

 

Hold on, I thought you were asking about being in the bed of the truck and being able to lock the shell while you're sitting in there, not checking into a hotel and locking it with a key from the outside. Every shell will lock from the outside but they are not overly secure if the rear is glass. I would recommend a tailgate lock also. The shell's rear window will lock the tailgate also, but if you really tug on the tailgate, I'm sure it'd break open fairly easily.

 

... exactly; that's what I asked.

Do shell/caps lock from the INside i.e. while one is sleeping in the camper?

Assuming that all at the camp-site are swell folks who wouldn't ever try to enter one's camper in the middle of the night is as much of a stretch for me as assuming that one doesn't need to lock one's motel/hotel door at night.

 

My Snug has an entrapment release on the inside... press the red button and I can open it from the inside even if locked.

The same method could be used to lock myself in.
With the shell open, lock the handle. Press the red button, turn the inside handle, crawl inside and close it up.

 

Ever hear of a tent?

Ya, it does happen. It is EXTREMELY rare. Simple theft when you are away from camp is more of an issue than physical assaults.

 

I have a snug top that you can lock from the inside, but if I am sleeping in it the side windows are always open so not much point. My experience is that most people camping are pretty decent if you are in a developed campground. There is always going to be a jackass or two, but you can't worry about everything. And then there is Fuzzface who is always w/ me and would lick 'em to death if they tried anything.....

 

My LEER does not.

I have heard that Snugtop will lock from the inside, as Rich has said.

Some of the nicer ones with power latch release have cable linkages on the inside of the lid. Even if it's not designed for that purpose, you could just pull on the cables to unlatch and let yourself out.

But yeah, once you spend enough nights in a tent, it's not really a big issue.

 

I have a carry permit, come on in

 

Yup.

That's going to work really well when you're sound asleep and I've already got my .357 on your noggin.

 

I have a leer shell and I can lock it from the outside before I climb in for the night and still am able to open it from the inside. What kind of creeps are you gonna camp with that you're worried about that?! lol

 

do not sleep that sound. going to have to make some noise to open the shell or shoot thru the back glass. down south we have a stand your ground, inside a vehicle is the same has your house no matter where you are. you don't know how big my gun is. from being in the military from 68-74 you sense when someone is hovering over you, trust me.

 

Not Mine but very similar to my camping shell lock. Works great but have not had to lock it yet

 

I think you are probably fine. As others have said if it's a big concern, make sure you get one that can lock with key fob or has internal mechanical lock.

Worst case, sleep with a gun and hope you are up against someone other than Rich who would slice open the window screen and have his .357 to your head while still snoring.