Camper Shell Security

I've searched the forums and can't seem to find an answer to my question. I have an ARE V-Series coming in a few weeks, and shortly after I plan to road trip across the country with a decent amount of stuff in the back. I want to make sure it's secure if i'm ever away from the truck.

The V-Series doesn't come with the remote locking functionality like some of the newer models, not too much of a bummer for me. What I don't know, is if I also need a tailgate lock to secure the bed. I have a 2018 TRD Sport and it does not come with one. Do I need to source and install a tailgate lock as well? Or does the shell block the tailgate from opening with the rear window shut?

It also doesn't seem there's any OEM options available for tailgate locks for any models older than 2019, so aftermarket would probably required is my understanding.

Anyone able to help me out with this?

 

I have a ARE MX on my 2019. See avatar. The topper rear door has a lip which extends down over the tailgate about an inch. Of course if someone wants in, they’re getting in. But the lip secures the tailgate.

 

I figured that was the function it served, although i've been dubious about it's strength. Figured if someone really wants in they'll just smash the window anyways. False sense of security is still a sense of security i guess

 

I have an ARE V series on the way too. Ordered 4 weeks ago and impatiently waiting! Did your dealer say how long the estimated wait time was?

 

They told me six weeks or so and I ordered mine at the end of April. He might have referenced that they can come earlier than the estimate, although I’m dubious of that due to the virus. Very keen to have it installed.

 

The lip on my shell overhangs the tailgate, but if someone really yanked hard enough I think it could be forced open. I try to keep things back there covered when i can.

Check of @KTJO 4x4's thread for options for locking the tailgate. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...lock-tailgate-bolt-n-open-by-ktjo-4x4.592685/

 

I lock my tailgate and the shell. I own the V series. If the tailgate is not locked but the rear window of the shell IS locked, i feel like it would be pretty easy to yank the tailgate open. The plastic bit that hangs over seems like it is more for keeping out rain than for security purposes.

 

This is slightly off topic from what I originally posed, although is it possible to open the rear window from the inside? I anticipate building a storage/sleeping setup on the inside and camping in it. Wondering if it's easy to get inside, close and later open the shell from the inside of the bed, or if i'll need to build something to enable this myself.

 

Well I can try to latch it from the inside for you later today. You can def easily close/open it from the inside without latching it. Your bigger problem is going to be closing the tailgate from the inside-that is TOUGH

 

I've imagined (1) putting the dogs and girlfriend inside, (2) closing the tailgate, (3) climbing in through the rear window above the tailgate, (4) closing the rear window from the inside. I've seen some pretty easy builds that allow you to open the tailgate from the inside, although I don't really know what exists on the inside of the V-Series or what's capable from the inside.

 

No, the tailgate is not secured by the rear window- it's just a plastic drip/rain guard that overlaps the tailgate. You can snatch the tailgate open or just grab the plastic piece and break it off then open the tailgate. If you want to lock the tailgate then you need a tailgate lock, either factory or one of the aftermarket ones like Pop & Lock.

The rear window is secured by two aluminum locking bars if you have a single handle or two flip over latches if you have the older dual handle style. It's pretty easy to snatch it open as well.

If you want security, you're going to have to get one without windows or put expanded metal over the windows on the inside (like a contractor style shell). I haven't seen any really decent options for securing the rear window that didn't look ghetto (such as a hasp bolted to the window frame and the tailgate). What we used to do, and I've still got one in my box of paddling stuff, is make a leash out of plastic coated cable. Make a loop on one end with a ferrule that goes over the handle then make it just long enough to reach something like the eye opening for the safety chains on the trailer hitch and put another loop and a padlock on that end. It won't stop anyone from smashing the glass but you can't yank the rear window open. Use similar cables on your boats and/or bikes if you carry them.

Hopefully your windows are tinted and you can toss a dark colored blanket over your stuff. If I'm not in a dusty area* I will leave my sleeping bag fluffed open on top of my stuff so it can air out and I leave crumpled clothing near the tailgate where anyone looking in will see it- hopefully nobody wants to have to grab my possibly dirty clothing to get into the back. The old dirtbag look.

There really isn't a great way to secure stuff in modern vehicles unless you install some sort of vault/steel lock box. Don't put a whole bunch of stickers advertising things like firearms, camera and drone companies, websites and instagram accounts (because they'll know you're probably carrying camera gear and computers and a lot of those idiots do virtual vehicle tours where they talk about their gear and some even show their hiding places- ), excess expensive crap hanging off your vehicle (typical "overlander" look), etc. Check with the park rangers, law enforcement, campground hosts, etc. about local break-ins and ask them to check on your vehicle while you're gone. It used to be somewhat common for outdoor types to have a beater vehicle that they didn't mind leaving at trailheads/boat put-ins.

Most of the ARE shells I've looked at (including my CX series) have a small plastic handle on the inside of the rear window that you use to latch it from the inside; it doesn't lock from the inside. I have a loop of paracord that I put over the locking bar on one side and just clip it to one of those small keychain carabiners on my bed stiffener. Hopefully anyone trying to open it when I'm back there will make enough noise to wake me up. A length of paracord or a small strap hanging off the locking bar makes closing the window easier too, especially if you have shorter arms. You can shut the tailgate from inside if you sit near the edge and lean out and grab it, but as mentioned it's a PITA. I use a cam buckle strap (Ive got a handful of NRS straps) and cinch it around the tailgate with the buckle at the top then use that to pull the tailgate up. I keep saying I'm going to put some rivnuts in the tailgate so I can mount something better but I never seem to get around to it. The factory tailgate pieces are just screwed into plastic anchors and I feel sure they'd quickly pull out if you tried to use them.


* You will need to put a tailgate seal in as well as seal around the cubbies and the seams in the floor to cut down on the dust intrusion if you go into the desert.

 

Okay i took pictures of the camper rear window latch from the inside so you could see how it works

You can easily turn it with that little handle




And here’s the ESI tailgate seal i put after i got sick of the dust, fixed the issue

 

Get a hitch vault!!!! Haha

 

If I have anything of value in my bed, I try and back up to a building, light pole, wall etc tight to slow any quick grip & rip thieves from an easy theft. Sure, it's not the answer out in the bush or lots of other places but at times it's comforting.