Power locks on the toolbox

[Cowboy Medic]

Has anyone done this? I want to figure out a way to lock and unlock my toolbox along with the doors. I figure a one way diode inside the truck would prevent someone from splicing into the wire running to the tool box and unlocking the doors. I have one of those "Delta Champion" tool boxes I picked up at Farm & Fleet. Already ran power to it using a trailer plug for quick disconnect. Just thought it would be handy, cause then you don't have to key the tool box seperate and if the doors are locked then you know the toolbox is too. If anyone has done this then let me know how you made it work. Right now, my idea was to just find the power door lock actuator out of a junked car or truck and just modify it to actuate the lock on the toolbox.



Any other ideas out there?

 

[y-knot]

Don't go with something from a junker, there are way to many resources for that. This gut has a street rod site and he has several items that might work for you.

http://www5.mailordercentral.com/rbsonline/home.asp



Good luck

 

[JDoran]

new member/battery info

thanks y. I suspected as much but thought I'd check. can't find your last post for brand info.

 

[mgonske]

Originally posted by Cowboy Medic

... I figure a one way diode inside the truck would prevent someone from splicing into the wire running to the tool box and unlocking the doors...

Rats, I never thought of that. I just checked the wiring going to my power tailgate lock and power lock for the rear hatch of the topper, and sure enough, jumping them will unlock the doors. It's little consolation that the alarm goes off when you actually open the door.



BTW, the diode wouldn't work (hmmm, maybe a more complex circuit with relays would--in fact, I think I need to go think about that), because the power locks only use two wires, and the polarity is reversed for the lock/unlock functions.

 

[pgleavitt]

I was at a place that made truck bodies and flat beds. They had one that was all tool boxes on both sides that locked/un-locked with a remote. You maybe able to get the hardware from a place like that. I tried to get the guys I work for to spring for the same but no go. Good luck



Pete

 

[Bob V]

I am planing on doing this also. I found a electric tailgate lock kit from J C Whitney for about $60. 00. It is suppose to hook up to the stock door locks. The bad thing you will need one for each box and probable some fabrication to make them work.

Bob V