Bed Storage Box Combo Lock Mod

Every time I take the Taco to the beach or hiking, I usually leave my keys hidden on the bed storage box. I'm paranoid of losing them on the trail only to find myself locked out after hiking all day. I didn't want a key lock storage box because that defeats the purpose of having to keep track of a key. I don't like the hitch safes and feel like it attracts attention to the presence of valuables. I have a cover on my bed so this is a little more discrete.

I found

3 Digits Smart Password Combination Cabinet Door Lock Cam Security Coded Electric Drawer Locks (Black)

this guy on Amazon for $11.

First, my lessons learned:
1) I should have positioned the lock higher to get the latch to engage the slot better.
2) I should have cut the slot in the box thinner so the latch doesn't have as much travel. A determined thief can pry it right open if they wanted to the way I cut it.

I drilled a pilot hole at the same level right between the two latches.

I used a 3/4 in spade bit to make the hole for the lock.

I had to cut the pieces of plastic so the lock nut could sit flush.

The storage box is some sort of fiberglass plastic so once I drilled a couple 3/8 in holes, I used my Dremel plugged into the bed outlet and drilled out what I thought would be a good size slot in the top of the storage box that matched the other slots.

But as you can see the slot is way too wide and the lock wasn't positioned high enough, only allowing a small portion of the latch to actually be engaged into the box.

It looks pretty good but I might try to replace the box cover and try to redrill the hole for the lock a little higher. Maybe I could find some small rubber tubing to put around the latch that'll thicken it up a bit but still engage?

Anyone have any ideas on how to make that latch or the slot fit a little better and be more robust in the meantime?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/mobtown-offroad-locking-bed-storage-doors-for-2016-tacomas.401417/

For about $60, this would be a better option. A lock in the middle of the plastic cover is easily pry open with your fingers (I’ve tried it on my truck). A metal cover is hard to do so.

maybe you can replace those key w/ the combination lock.

 

Cool mod

 

I've been trying to get to the mob town offroad site for like a week. No worksies.

 

PM them? @Mobtown Offroad ?

 

Mobtown shut down