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Storing valuables on a long trip?? Storing valuables on a long trip??
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TRAVEL Hints and Tips Post your TIPS to travellers - all the interesting little tidbits you learned on the road about packing, where to get stuff, and how to cope with problems. Please make sure the subject describes the tip clearly!
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 6 Sep 2008
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Storing valuables on a long trip??
We are thinking of fixing an ammunition box or similar in our Landcruiser to store valuables (laptop, documents, etc) on our long trip. Anyone done it or have a better idea?
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  #2  
Old 7 Sep 2008
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You can get safes made especially for cars. They are probalby safer than ammo boxes, have locks incorporated, the door is protected.
example (with fingerprint access!!)
http://www.fingerprintsafes.us/pics/...print_safe.jpg
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  #3  
Old 25 Sep 2008
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In my extremely limited experience, I found keeping documents folded into an A5 plastic zip-wallet and stuffed into the flat pocket of a rucksack style 'day bag' really easy to grab when I leave the car. Can't see the point of a safe or strongbox if the car gets nicked. I also keep my wallet and phone in the same bag, even in the car. It's less to think about and 'pack' when I get out. I ALWAYS lock the car too - even when paying for fuel, or nipping somewhere for a piss and the car is still in sight. It all became habit really quick.

I don't have a laptop, so can't call on personal experience.
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  #4  
Old 11 Oct 2008
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I have a UTAG (cheap on ebay) and it has the ability to store your docs if it all goes tits upo!!!

The fact that it's round your neck makes it as safe as you are.
If you are meaning cash - take your chances, theres plenty people who are more than willing to part you from it.

Don't get me wrong - if you are carrying cash everyone isn't trying to get it off you, it might happen if you happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
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  #5  
Old 12 Oct 2008
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Curtains are good too .... out of sight, out of mind?
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  #6  
Old 13 Oct 2008
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My 1978 Chevy van was once used by the police in Arizona as a surveillance vehicle - complete with periscope. Underneath the floorboard is a long metal box they put four batteries in to power their electronic gizmo's. There's no lock, and to put one in would show there's something there. It's all covered in carpeting and seamless. None of my doors lock, so this is the perfect place for me to store valuables. Thank you Arizona PD!

I also have my book logo 'On a Mission from DOG' on the side so even if the dogs aren't inside, people might be deterred if they think I'm carrying canines.

I've never worried about someone stealing so conspicuous (and rusty) a vehicle. Thieves go for newer generic vehicles they can paint quickly and resell even quicker. Buying old, means if something does go horribly wrong, you're not out that much money.
Lorraine
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  #7  
Old 14 Oct 2008
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Get Bob to do a spot of welding! either that or attach a bag to Bizkit! she'd be a bitch to catch!!
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Old 14 Oct 2008
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Ammo boxes in my experience have hinges where you can just knock out the pins, so only really a hiding place where a thief has to make a noise to open it.

I'd be wary of really hidden locations. Border guards tend to look harder once they've found "something" and might get frustrated when thats all. An obvious lock box full of camera is one thing, a box under the chassis might be seen as something else?

Andy
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  #9  
Old 14 Oct 2008
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Andy,
The first time I tried crossing from Bolivia into Chile I'd hoarded a ton of meat inside the box. What a surprise to find sniffer dogs patrolling!!! Oops. I quickly backtracked.... The next time I had nothing, and opened EVERYTHING for them to peruse. They were poking holes in the carpet and everything. :-( But, better that than getting caught...

Bert, thanks for the welding tip but in fact I have more experience than Bob at welding. I have discovered he makes a great bacon and eggs breakfast though. ;-)

Lorraine
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Old 14 Oct 2008
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If you weld a water tank carrier for my truck I'll cook dinner as well ;-)

Quote:
Originally Posted by lorraine View Post
Bert, thanks for the welding tip but in fact I have more experience than Bob at welding. I have discovered he makes a great bacon and eggs breakfast though. ;-)
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  #11  
Old 14 Oct 2008
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NOOOO
Don’t let Bob cook!!!!!!!!
Please….

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  #12  
Old 15 Oct 2008
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A water tank carrier welded in exchange for ONE dinner???? At that rate, divorced women all over will raise their alimony requests...

As for Bob's cooking, I can guarantee sumptious meals from him when you see him again.

Lorraine
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  #13  
Old 15 Oct 2008
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Lorraine do us a favour will you?
Next time Bob's by yer van, handcuffing to his PC so that he gets Wanderlust V2 out pronto!

(weld him to it if you like!!) I've been nagging him for too long!! your turn madame
Last edited by Bertrand; 2 Mar 2016 at 17:18.
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  #14  
Old 16 Oct 2008
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Handcuffs....hmmm.....wont be getting any work done now !

As for my cooking Javier, the meat does taste better now I dont use gasoline to light the campfire. ;-)

Back to the thread - storing valuables - on the bike I stashed some emergency cash somewhere it'd take a determined person at least 20 minutes (with tools) to get to. Metal panniers with padlocks for the rest, not had anything stolen (yet).

On the truck there's no need, its all guarded by my nutty dog !
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