Console Vault Review: Testing it in my Pickup Truck!

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Keeping your items safe in your vehicle is difficult, especially with the rise of pickup trucks and SUVs that don’t have locked and enclosed storage space like the trunk of a sedan. However, some fantastic aftermarket solutions are on the market, and the best is Console Vault. This company makes custom-fit safes that enhance and secure your center console. 

Console Vault was kind enough to send me a unit to test out in my old 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 free of charge. However, all opinions are my own!

Why should you trust me? I have been testing out security products, vehicle products, and more for years! I have personally tested out this Console Vault in my pickup and used it for quite some time to see everything you should know about it and share it here!

What is a Console Vault?

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A Console Vault turns your console into a vault (the name does it justice). This company takes each vehicle and finds a way to maximize the storage of your center console and best secure it. This can range from a completely enclosed unit like mine to something that resembles more of a secure lid, depending on what your vehicle is. Every console has a 12 gauge build and is secured by either your choice of a barrel key, a three or four-digit lock, or a 4-digit electronic lock.

How do you install a Console Vault?

Installing a Console Vault is a simple procedure, and you generally only need to use existing hardware already in your vehicle. 

1. My 2003 Dodge RAM 1500 had four existing bolts I needed to back out of the storage compartment under my folding center seat. 
2. I then slid the Console Vault into the console and replaced the screws I had initially placed. 
3. The Console Safe is now installed!

If you would prefer a video of how to install it, I included a video of me installing it below!

What did I like about the Console Vault?

1. It doesn’t take up extra space.

Most vehicle safes on the market take up extra space within the vehicle. Whether this be the cargo area, under a seat somewhere, or the floorboards. The Console Vault does a fantastic job of turning your vehicle’s existing space into a secure place. The added benefit to this is it is also incredibly accessible! Manufacturers of cars think through center consoles to make them easy to access, and Console Vault can piggyback off of that.

2. It has a heavy-gauge steel

12-gauge is an impressive steel thickness, with many USA-made safes made from this same steel on the market. This should do a fantastic job at keeping honest people honest and the not-so-honest away from your belongings for a more extended period. You can tell when holding the safe that it has serious heft to it, and as you will find out later in this article, these aren’t easy to take out, even if you have them unlocked.

3. These are USA-Made

All Console Vaults safes are made right here in the USA. The benefits of this are more than build quality, as USA-made steel generally is more substantial, and you have much better quality control within the states. This also means that the creators of the Console Vault have direct access to the vehicles and the safes in one go, meaning better fitment.

4. Storage is hidden away

One of the most significant factors in keeping something safe and secure is not the steel gauge; instead, it is making it so that no one is aware that it is there in the first place. Unlike many other secure storage options, these Console Vaults are 100% hidden from sight. While they may be hidden away, they are easily accessible as well.

4. High-quality locking mechanism

6. Custom-fit to your specific vehicle

A vast difference exists between something custom-built for your vehicle and a universal fit unit. While they technically make a universal fit safe for people with the odd-ball vehicle, the standard range of safes is extremely specific to every possible vehicle configuration. This means less wasted space, a higher security level, and a lot less frustration in installation and usage.

What did I not like about the console vault?

1. It would be great to have a proper electronic lock.

As mentioned, I wish Console Vault offered an electronic locking mechanism for their safes. Quick access to your safe in a vehicle is critical, and you can’t argue that an electronic lock will be a faster option than a mechanical roller-style lock. Recently, Console Vault released a pseudo-electronic lock, but it still isn’t quite the level I would prefer.

2. I had a hard time getting it out of my vehicle.

This article was originally published years ago, and I have since updated this article and sold the truck into which I had this unit installed. I attempted to remove the Console Vault, as I thought I might install it in my new truck, which was the same generation, but I could not. It just wouldn’t come out, even with all the screws removed.

3. Not available for all vehicles

While the Console Vault was available for my pickup truck then, it is only available for some vehicles today. While having custom-fit designs for each vehicle is a significant upside, the downside is that it’s nearly impossible to make it available for every vehicle out there.

Console Vault Competitors

Console Vault is not the only player in this arena, as another company builds custom-fit console safes, which would be Lock’er Down. This is another USA-made company with many of the same benefits and is worth a check during your shopping journey.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a great way to secure items in your truck, car, or SUV, a Console Vault is a fantastic way to do that. There are a few drawbacks to a safe like this and plenty of upsides. With 12-gauge steel, a high-quality locking mechanism, and easy access, it’s a great deal for anyone looking for additional security.

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