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What are these called and who makes them?

PostPosted: Sat Nov 24, 2018 7:43 pm
by ScooterGuy
In search of some info from industry pros…

I'm looking for a modest top-opening strongbox for an RV. I have an available under-seat space that's 16" x 14" x 12" high, max. I plan to lag the unit to the floor. I used to use a large GunVault as a security box in my former RV, but the side opening is a non-starter in the new location. (I realize it will operate vertically, but I couldn't lag it.)

I don't need world-class security, and weight is an issue in an RV. I'd rather have a combo-type lock than a key lock, and purely mechanical mechanisms (like Simplex or a good quality thumbwheel) are preferred over battery mechanisms due to the rig sitting idle and unpowered for long stretches; but if I have to, I would settle for a key. I'm not looking for fire safety, though I would take it.

I've been looking for a long time at things like drawer safes, lockboxes, and the like. Most of the drawer safes are electronic, some have doors thicker than the remaining payload space inside. The vast majority of them are tinier than the GunVault, which is a deal-breaker. Others, like the Barska line of small safes, have a bad reputation for security in that they will apparently open for anyone who slaps them properly.

As far as simple lockboxes go, they have been a bear to search for. The closest I have been able to find size-wise are the Vaultz line of document boxes, but the locks are flimsy and side-mounted, and I suspect the casing is thin. I feel confident that what I want is out there, I just don't know the proper term to use to search for it.

Anyway, I was cleaning out a spare room today and came across the unit in the image, which I completely forgot I owned. I've had it for decades, and have no memory of where or why I got it. It has absolutely no manufacturer or model markings on it anywhere, except that it has a Yardeni lock. I could use this and be quite happy, but if I could find something similar in a larger size, different/better lock, and maybe a mite heavier material, it would be exactly what I needed.

Can somebody tell me what this might be called, and where I could find suppliers for them?

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Re: What are these called and who makes them?

PostPosted: Sat Nov 24, 2018 9:55 pm
by mdc5150

Re: What are these called and who makes them?

PostPosted: Sun Nov 25, 2018 12:31 am
by ScooterGuy
Functionally perfect... but I was needing a roomier unit, especially in height. Any joy?

Re: What are these called and who makes them?

PostPosted: Sun Nov 25, 2018 6:55 am
by Visitor
You can get van vaults in many types, many shapes and many sizes.
Personally I would make somthing for the purpose or if you're not handy like that do a set of drawings and ask for a price from a local fabricator.
You get to choose size, shape, style, lock type make and model, you can wrap the inside with a fire blankets etc the world is your oyster.

Re: What are these called and who makes them?

PostPosted: Thu Nov 29, 2018 6:03 pm
by safecracker33
possibly a ministry unit with a manifoil lock on it, they come up on ebay from time to time at reasonable prices.

Re: What are these called and who makes them?

PostPosted: Thu Nov 29, 2018 7:43 pm
by 00247
Why not use something that provides real security. Something old that no thief will challenge. Maaaybe something like this???

Image

Of course you may need to modify the RV a bit. Maaaaybe something like this??? :smile:

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Re: What are these called and who makes them?

PostPosted: Mon Apr 01, 2019 7:13 pm
by Krull Cat
That safe is almost the same shape as those bus tires.

Bus tire safe perhaps? There would never be any doubt about traction after that :D