Introducing The Boss StrongBox Console Safe: Interior Security With Quick and Easy Access – Install & Initial Impressions
It’s inevitable that at some point, you’ll need to leave something of value in your vehicle. For some, this could just mean a nice pair of sunglasses. To others, it could mean when you can’t bring a certain pew-pew item into a prohibited area. The Boss StrongBox Console Safe has you covered with stout, secure storage for your valuables. If you’re looking for even more storage options, BSB makes a 4Runner-specific drawer system that fits perfectly into the 4Runner’s cargo area. They also offer a wide assortment of safe vehicle storage and are not only limited to 4Runners but also other Toyota, Ford, Chevy, and Dodge truck platforms.
What I like most about a console safe is that when not in use, it is completely hidden. While this may not stop someone from breaking into your vehicle, it will at least serve as an added measure of protection for items that you really want to keep safe. Most vehicle break-ins are usually smash-and-grab-type jobs, so the odds of a thief wanting to sit there prying open this safe is unlikely.
Find It Online:
- Boss StrongBox Console Safe: Check Price
YouTube Installation Overview
Build Quality & Features
This safe is super solid! The lid is made of double-layered, 14-gauge, cold-rolled steel while the rest of the body is made of 16-gauge steel. The welds are all very clean and the safe weighs in at about 10-lbs. Best of all, this is made in America with a lifetime guarantee!
The entire safe is powder-coated black for a refined aesthetic and adds to the high-quality look and feel.
What’s Included
The safe comes with three (3) copies of keys and no two safes sold have the same keys. I really appreciate the inclusion of a third key because it allows me to keep a copy with each of my car keys, and also one at home (just in case).
When comparing the factory bolts (left) and the newly supplied bolts (right), there are twice as many threads to ensure this safe isn’t going anywhere.
Install
Installing the Boss StrongBox console safe is pretty straightforward and can take less than 20 minutes from start to finish.
Tools Needed
- Socket Wrench
- 10mm Socket
- 8mm Socket
- 4″ Socket Extension (optional)
Step 1. Remove OEM Center Console Bolts
There are two (2) 10mm bolts that hold the center console down. Remove the fabric cover to reveal the bolts. The optional 4″ extension bar will help your socket wrench clear the raised portion that houses the 12v outlet. These bolts will not be used once the new console safe is installed.
Step 2. Insert Console Safe
Slowly drop in the console safe. The safe will slide right in and you will see the holes line up with those to the body.
Step 3. Install New Hardware
Install the two (2) 8mm bolts and washers provided with the console safe.
Drop in the new foam insert over bolts.
Step 4. Remove Tissue Holder (Optional)
If your center console lid has trouble closing with the safe installed, you can remove the tissue holder by lifting it up and away from the lid.
I decided to use a towel and 30lb weight plate to really seat the safe in. This gave me enough clearance to leave the tissue holder intact. I’m happy to report that the safe had zero damage from a few love taps!
Overall Impressions
I really dig how simple this console safe was to install and the huge benefit that it provides. Talk about an excellent effort to reward ratio!
The solidness of the safe gives me the confidence to leave valuables in here if needed, and I really like the added touch of a spring-loaded hinge for ease of access. There is even a cut-out to retain access to the 12v outlet inside. So, the design’s attention to detail is spot-on. The only loss here is the use of the built-in coin storage slot, which I can’t say I’ve used much.
There are a few scenarios where I have already put this safe to use. For one, if you need to enter an establishment that prohibits firearms, this is a more secure way to leave it in the vehicle. Previously, I would be forced to leave home without mine if I knew that I was headed somewhere that wouldn’t allow it.
Pictured: Sub-compact, 9mm for size reference.
Another valuable item that I have left inside the safe was my camera. It’s not always ideal to lug a DSLR around when you know it won’t be used much. This safe will comfortably fit a small-to-medium-sized camera with a similarly proportioned lens.
Overall, I think this is a great addition to anyone’s rig. At first, I was hesitant to lose the quick access space in the center console. Fortunately, the 4Runner has plenty of other storage pockets for my miscellaneous items. With this loss, however, I gained a way more secure area to store our valuables and I’ll gladly take that trade-off.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on console safes or if you prefer a different means of secure storage! Please let me know below!
I have a similar lock box in my 2011 4runner however, it has a combination lock vs. keyed. I hate adding keys to my key ring and such. Access anytime as you don’t need a key.
Attached photos for reference.
Is the inside wall just bare metal? Did you put some kind of padding so the contents do not go banging on the metal sides?
Only the bottom has a thin foam insert – I would get some foam padding from a crafts store and use double-sided tape for the sides.
Dang it, I just bought one and was going to do a post about this.
You forgot to mention and you may want to add it in, but it’s key, ha, to register the box with BossStrong because each key is made for the box. No 2 keys are alike. If you can’t get in, you can contact them for a replacement and they’ll need your information to process it.
My install didn’t seat correct, one of the holes in my 4Runner was off ever so slightly and it was a pain to install the screw. It also did not seat in perfect and I had to remove the tissue box. Not a huge deal, but I didn’t hammer away at it like OP did.
Thanks for the excellent tip on registering the safe! I totally missed that part. The screw holes did align properly, I just used the weight to seat it in maybe an 1/16th of an inch more to clear the tissue holder.
How did you seat it? I’d love your steps if able.
I just laid a towel over the safe to prevent scuffing and used a weight to hammer the safe into the center console a bit.