How do you keep your car kit secure?

Neither of my vehicles has a trunk, though many of the security considerations might be similar if they did.

I am going with the: (1) out-of-sight and difficult-to-find-quickly plan for expensive or possibly alarming to the public gear, and (2) out-of-sight under a blanket for bulky and less expenisve stuff, like water.

I am thinking of going to a more secure plan that would let me store a more complete kit, probably in one or more backpacks for potential mobility / bugout. Maybe a metal footlocker secured to the seat mounts?

Your thoughts?

Thanks.

What make of vehicle do you drive, it would help in offering advice

-Bill Liptak

I think one of those Rubbermaid tough totes with a lid might work. They make a small one that is about a foot high. Only problem is that it tends to move around if not secured. It does seem to have a non interesting look to it. Open stuff may just invite temptation to see what that is, depending on where you live/park.

we visited costa rica, driving a small, rented suv.

we left our backpack-sized luggage in the back, uncovered, for all to see, with one of these secured to the car seat frame.

? pricey, but secure.

go here

no problems. figured that if someone wanted it bad enough they were going to have to really fight for it - and that there were other, more convenient targets.

they come in numerous styles and sizes.

good luck.

What ever system you use, be sure the container and its cover are securely bolted down if your gear is in the passenger compartment You can believe the havoc created by articles flying around in the event of an accident. The deceleration created in even a 55 mph crash can turn an innocent object like a portable radio into a lethal missle.

When I had a car that didn't have a trunk, I used a couple of simple dodges to hide stuff in plain sight.

I've used Rubbermaid tubs that have some obvious wear-and-tear, with big labels on the lids that say "Recycling - Tin Cans" etc.

I've also put stuff in big black trash bags and secured the top with the twist ties provided. This is especially handy when travelling in a rental car.

Nobody has broken into my vehicle to steal "recycling" or "garbage." Yet.

I cram stuff under the rear seats in my SUV. Lots of cars, the seats are on supports, with a significant gap, that's fairly deep. Also, try the area where your spare tire is stored, or your tools if they're in a compartment.

A lot of newer SUVs have comparments all over the place for stuff. My Envoy has a huge compartment in the back that I store all my survival stuff in. The only thing that doesn't fit is my toolbox, which I keep behind the rear seats, locked, and secured to the metal tie-down loops that GM puts in their SUVs.

Someone on the forum pointed out the pacsafe products a long while ago. They caught my interest, and may serve your purpose pretty well.

Pack your stuff in ammo cans. The 20mm ones are pretty roomy. You might bolt them to the floor in high crime areas but sometimes just covering with trash provides cover. Old fast food bags and cup, all carefully cleared of anything that might rot or smell, pilled up for artistic effect can make gear so theft-proof that you could leave the windows down. Also helps if the vehicle is a bit of a beater. Keep the operating parts in good condition but let the outside and interior go a bit. Let mud and dust and dings ride.