Truck Topper Security

[Colonel Monk]

I have a Raven topper on my truck that I've always had.

It has two T-handles with locks, but either of them can be jimmied with any key on the planet.

One of them you can open with a screwdriver.

I recently moved into a rural area with some crank-addled hoodlums, and I want to improve the security of my topper.

I have looked at just a regular hasp/padlock combo, and also one of those hockey puck integrated locks like you see on commercial vehicles in the city....

How do you guys lock up? Are there any cool commercial solutions that are made for toppers? Can I get the locks replaced in my T-handles with better locks?

Thanks!

Monk

[BamZipPow]

The best way to keep people out of yer bed is to not put anything back there of value.

Real crooks will just bypass yer security by cracking/smashing out the window. I just keep mine unlocked.

Just short of having armored reinforcement or anti-pry system...yer gonna be outta luck. I'll keep looking though.

[Colonel Monk]

Originally Posted by BamZipPow

The best way to keep people out of yer bed is to not put anything back there of value.

Real crooks will just bypass yer security by cracking/smashing out the window. I just keep mine unlocked.

Just short of having armored reinforcement or anti-pry system...yer gonna be outta luck. I'll keep looking though.

Yah, I hear you on that - but that argument could be twisted to include your house as well, ya know?

Not looking for anything so bombproof they'll just smash windows, OTOH Some of my music gear (big speaker cabs) they could not steal if they can't get the back open. They won't fit out the windows.... They aren't so valuable that somebody would go thru the trouble of cutting the frame and all to open it. And if they did, about 10 secs into the project they'd be staring down the barrel of my shotgun!

So, like I said, just looking to add something that can't be opened with a screwdriver. Don't have time to make much of a project out of it, thus I'm hoping for something that can be purchased.

Thanks!

[Danno_MN]

Originally Posted by Colonel Monk

Yah, I hear you on that - but that argument could be twisted to include your house as well, ya know?

Mostly, there aren't well-armed maniacs hanging about in the bed of my truck - so they're different cases.

Not looking for anything so bombproof they'll just smash windows, {...}
So, like I said, just looking to add something that can't be opened with a screwdriver. Don't have time to make much of a project out of it, thus I'm hoping for something that can be purchased.

The lock cylinders on my topper look to be easy to replace - and most office supply shops or hardware stores will carry locksets for file cabinets that'll work just fine there, and some of them have pretty good locks. You may need to swap out the lock tongue to fit, but that's pretty easy stuff.

One of those battery-operated traveler's alarms could be rigged to go off when the topper door is opened, too - some of them are set with mercury switches, to go "beep" on movement, so attaching it to the door would be effective. Just look for a really loud one.

If a pro wants in, they'll get in. If an amateur wants in, they'll get in, but noisier.

There's an old story about two guys out hunting, who annoy a bear. They run away for a bit, then one sheds his pack. His buddy says "that's stupid - it won't help you outrun a bear." He replies "I don't need to outrun a bear - I've just gotta outrun you."

You don't have to make it burglar-proof. You've just gotta make it a less likely target than your neighbor. That's a bit cold, but it's a cold world out there.

Danno
Undergoing yet another winter weather watch - 'cause it's a VERY cold world out there.

[BamZipPow]

I guess you could use some steel bar stock and replace the basic stamped latch on the locking handle.