How to Prevent Theft from a Pickup Truck

A long, wide pickup truck bed provides plenty of space to pack a big tool chest and full-size power tools. But those valuables should never be left in the open. Expensive gear should be safely stowed away—and locked. Here are some of the best ways to secure your cargo and prevent theft from a pickup truck.

Factory solutions, like the Ford Pivot Storage Box, integrate with the vehicle body.

A tonneau or truck bed cover is designed to keep things out of sight. However, they are not a smart security option. Vinyl covers that snap in place can easily be opened or cut.

One-piece fiberglass covers—or units with aluminum slats—are a better choice. However, they make it difficult to haul anything taller than the truck bed.

Five Ways to Secure Pickup Truck Cargo

Tool Boxes

One solution is to install an old-school tool box in the pickup bed. Depending on the unit and your truck model, you might need to drill a couple of holes in the truck bed to bolt down the box. The box’s panels on the driver and passenger sides give you access to the contents, while remaining locked and out of sight.

You might lose some truck bed storage space with a tool box, so look for one that doesn’t extend all the way down flush to the bottom of the truck bed. That allows you access to slide in sheets of plywood or other materials along the bed floor. A great compromise between preventing theft from a pickup truck and enjoying the convenience of the large, wide bed.

Under-the-Seat Compartments

Most under seat storage units go the whole width of a seat for maximum storage space.

A crew cab truck’s bench seat often lifts up for some storage. Many dealers have a secure storage box that would fit in that same space, providing 3,500 cubic inches (or two-plus cubic feet) of locking storage.

These are great for storing smaller items, usually equipped with storage dividers to prevent things from sliding around. Some units are long enough to hold fishing rods or similarly shaped tools. Securing pickup truck cargo inside the passenger compartment also keeps it out of harsh climates.

Under-the-Hood Storage Units

An underhood storage box is both secure and not easily seen by thieves.

Most trucks have plenty of space in the engine compartment and, depending on make and model, an under-the-hood storage pod could be available. Because this is a hidden storage solution, a thief would have to break into both the hood and the storage box to access your tools or other items.

Even insulated boxes are exposed to extreme temperatures, so use this solution only to secure pickup truck cargo that tolerates frigid temperatures or sweltering heat.

Side Storage Compartments

These units store along the wheel well but can pivot out for easier access.

As with Ford’s Pivot Storage Box, many aftermarket offerings are located inside the truck bed near the wheel well. While an add-on side storage box is in plain sight, the lock provides a decent level of security.

These models are positioned along the wheel well. But when you want to gain access, it can pivot out towards the tailgate for easier access. When you’re finished using it, the box can swivel back along the wheel well area.

Some truck models can take advantage of small bed openings that convert into lockable storage.

Key Features to Secure Your Pickup Truck Cargo

Sturdy Lock: The best storage units have a heavy-duty lock unit integrated into the device. We suggest avoiding any storage box if the lock is flimsy or easily cut. Tuffy Security Products, for example, use a security key with 10 tumblers.

Solid Construction: Many vendors produce units using heavy-duty steel or rugged plastics. Try to avoid units that have wide gaps that make it easier for thieves to pry open.

Easy Access: Be sure that you can easily reach the storage box—and that all your stuff fits neatly inside. If things are difficult to access, you are less likely to use the unit. When the under-hood storage compartment is against the firewall, it might be difficult to reach, especially on a suspension-lifted truck.

Custom Mounting: Finding a unit made specifically for your truck usually means it can be installed using the existing factory mounting hardware. That means you can avoid drilling new holes.