Safe? Yes, the box!

[Activist]

What about a safe (in my case: in my van)?

I just drove back from Texas, and even though I had my valuables on me when leaving the van, there will be times when I will leave them in the van. Especially with papers (like insurance etc.). Or like a watch, some cash, etc.).

I thought about getting one of those fire & waterproof chests, one that holds a letter size paper flat. It is not too big, but plenty of space for other items. Sentry Safe even has one that can be bolted to the floor, and when done properly with their kit, will retain its protection.

I could keep my safe deposit box at the bank, and probably will, but thought there will be smaller valuable items I want to have with me, and have them safe.

What are your thoughts on that?

 

[WanderingRose]

I, personally, think that a safe is unnecessary, if you have decent locks.

They are bulky and heavy, besides.

I bought a fireproof envelope last year, for extra cash, my passport when I carry it, and anything else important I might have with me that could be destroyed in a fire.

https://www.amazon.com/Fireproof-Do...ocphy=9022171&hvtargid=pla-473224234216&psc=1

They come in several sizes.

I stash mine where someone would really have to look to find it, but wouldn’t easily.

 

[doublegregg]

cars and vans are so easy to bust into.............. you could consider having a couple or three hiding spots... depending on how paranoid you are, you could have honey pots... in cojmputers, that's somethign you leave out for people to bust into. i am pretty concerned about all the expensive stuff that will be in my van. i plan on making some of my brand new expensive things look like shit - so no one will take 'em. if you do a safe, someone might just grab it and run.

but i be paranoid.

 

[mattvei]

consider the typical burglar. They look for the easy stuff to grab and go. Put out a safe in an RV and you're stating here's all my valuable stuff, With a good portable grinder they could even cut out you floor and bypass the bolts. Much better to hide it where it will take them too long to find it.

 

[vanman2300]

A really good hiding spot would be the way to go. If you want more protection than that put something out that grabs attention...say like a safe but leave it empty. Place it where the thief would have to reach in under a shelf to get it in a dark area. Glue a bunch of single edged razor blades all over the under side of the shelf. Once he tries to grab that safe he's going to want to get the hell out of there and to a hospital. The main idea is you want them to get an empty safe but encourage them to leave immediately before they have time to find other stuff to steal.

I know it sounds cruel but that person was trying to hurt you too...Karma.

 

[crofter]

I, personally, think that a safe is unnecessary, if you have decent locks.

They are bulky and heavy, besides.

I bought a fireproof envelope last year, for extra cash, my passport when I carry it, and anything else important I might have with me that could be destroyed in a fire.

https://www.amazon.com/Fireproof-Do...ocphy=9022171&hvtargid=pla-473224234216&psc=1

They come in several sizes. 

I stash mine where someone would really have to look to find it, but wouldn’t easily.

Cool idea and easy to slip into a hidden spot. In the past I have used a metal lock box on a leash (not fireproof) with a hidden key. 
-crofter

 

[user 32179]

A bit pricey, but I bought a console safe from Lock'er Down (https://www.lockerdown.com). Mine has the combo lock, not the electronic lock. Each is custom made to fit a certain vehicle/year, so they don't have an option for every kind of car/truck.

I often leave my truck at public trailheads while hiking or backpacking. I've seen numerous instances where vehicles were burglarized and was looking for some type of safe. I didn't want to have to bolt a safe to the floor (leaks/rust/inconvenient). I read a post from a guy who had bought the Lock'er Down console safes and someone broke into his truck a few weeks later. They tried like heck to get into that safe but were unsuccessful (photos were provided). Nothing is foolproof, but this will reasonably thwart the common thief. 

Also, it's a family-owned business and they're very nice to deal with! The product is high quality and took less than 10 minutes to install.

 

[PlethoraOfGuns]

Add some dents and duct tape to the exterior of the vehicle. The thief will most likely pass your vehicle and try breaking into a better looking vehicle. I do like the razor blade idea. But that would be too nice of a reward for a thief. They deserve much worse...

 

[crofter]

A bit pricey, but I bought a console safe from Lock'er Down (https://www.lockerdown.com)....

Also consider a wall safe installed in the useless space of the cargo door. Their model has a telescoping back wall. Out of sight, yet convenient.
-crofter