Bed Storage Locks - Full DIY Write Up

Nothing is ever free. Likely get billed for shipping charges from said freight companies.

 

Has anyone tried doing this with a combination cabinet lock instead of a keyed one? Or if not, do you see any reason why this wouldn't be viable?

The reason, is because I want to put my keys inside the smaller box by the power outlet when I go running. Yes I could take the small cabinet lock key with me, but I just always prefer combo locks for things like this. Anyone have thoughts on using a combo lock?

here's the one I was wanting to use

$25 FJM Security Combi-Cam 7850R-S-Black Combination Cam Lock, 5/8" Black Finish

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0048CATRK...UTF8&colid=7N1QJ3ZBJ2LE&coliid=I25BQQWN561NSA

It even has a dust cover!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GR4SX8O...UTF8&colid=7N1QJ3ZBJ2LE&coliid=I1PEO9ZPETCZ6U

 

For anyone that has these installed:

How are they holding up to the elements? any rust?

 

Excellent write up.
I had to file a little more of the ID plastic down to get enough thread to bite (2014 sport).

Use a little black tape on end of lock tab to help buffer.
As far as rust protection, putting on a tonneau but I hit the locks with spray lithium grease.

Again, very nice.

 

Likin this vs. keeping up with 2 keys since the store didn't have 4 of the tumblers with same key code when initially doing this mod. I also like the black option. Will make a nice upgrade over my current setup......

 

I think I'm going to put a thick plastic around the storage box to keep things from kicking up into the holes...maybe more weatherproof for your tools and locks.

 

update on the combi cam. Looks like the tabs that come with it aren't long enough, will have to get a tab from another kit thats longer maybe?

 

Thanks for posting this, copper(floridaoccifer)... Great article, great feedback, and clever ideas everyone!!!

 

anyone do this without a step drill bit? How'd you do it?

 

You can't use the tabs from the original? Or since money is no object to fork out 80.00 for 4 locks and 4 caps, why not just get 4 of the cheapy keyed ones and use the tabs off of those? It'd only be about $15 more for 4 of those. As nice as these locks are, I don't use those cubbies for storing items nor will I & the only reason I put the keyed ones on there to begin with is so no one could just walk away with the doors in without any resistance.

 

Thats just what I did, although I didn't spend 80 bucks. I'm only doing this to the one compartment with one tab, so I've spend 13 on a combi lock and 4 dollars on a keyed one to take the tab off of.

 

Also, maybe look for a marine(boat) version of this lock instead, for rust issues...

 

http://www.iboats.com/Marine-Works-...48177484--session_id.205720687--view_id.45228

I have not bought anything from these guys and havn't really read into it. But I did a search for Marine Grade 5/8 cam locks and this was the first thing google brought back.

 

Welp, the combo cam has too wide of a housing and will not fit into the space for the lock, so I ended up just using the 4 dollar lock.

 

Awesome write up. I'm going to do that as soon as I can. I had to bend the tabs on my big door because it kept falling open.
Thanks.

 

I only keep $50 worth of straps and tie-downs in there and I'm getting into them constantly so it seems like the potential savings doesn't justify the added hassle. I'm curious if anybody has problems with that kind of stuff getting stolen or if this is mostly for securing more valuable items.

I have a crossbed toolbox but I've been leaving that unlocked too because I'd rather have somebody rifle thru it and take what they want than damage the lid and latches. I've seen a few guys that add some heavy strap latches and padlocks to theirs - does that actually help any?

 

Will this work with 1/4 inch locks?

 

Might be a little late, but I was kind of in your boat using the wrong tools for the job. I used my sog to cut off the plastic tab then I used a dremel with a sander attachment for the hole. I had it on a medium RPM so I didn't take any large chunks out and just went around the hole then kept checking if the lock housing would fit. Worked perfectly.

 

delete....

 

Update- bed storage lock looks great. However, someone broke into it last night. They just jiggled with it enough until they were able to get the tab to open the door. Nothing was in there though.