Key Takeaways

• Most Tuffy under-seat lockboxes install in about 15 to 30 minutes using the truck’s factory mounting points, with no drilling on most applications and only basic hand tools.
• Under-seat lockboxes are engineered for trucks only, and the full-width design secures long guns and gear that a console safe is too small to hold.
• Every under-seat lockbox is welded, heavy-duty cold-rolled steel secured by the patented Pry-Guard system, with your choice of a keyed or mechanical combination lock.
• Fitment depends on your truck’s cab configuration and factory options, so confirm your year, make, and model before you buy, especially with a factory subwoofer or under-seat storage.
• The install is fully reversible with the same hand tools, so you can remove the lockbox later and leave no drilled holes on no-drill applications.

If you want to know how to install an under-seat gun safe in your truck, the short version is simple: most Tuffy under-seat lockboxes bolt to the factory mounting points beneath the rear bench, take about 15 to 30 minutes, and require no drilling on most applications. What you get is a full-width, welded steel lockbox hidden under the seat, engineered to your truck’s exact geometry. This guide walks through the tools, the steps, fitment, and how to remove the box later.

What Is an Under-Seat Gun Safe?

An under-seat gun safe is a welded, heavy-duty cold-rolled steel lockbox that mounts in the dead space under a truck’s rear bench seat. It replaces the flimsy factory plastic bin with steel built to resist forced entry, hidden from view and secured by the patented Pry-Guard system. Tuffy engineers each one to a specific truck platform, so it drops into the factory geometry rather than sitting loose on the floor.

These lockboxes are truck-only. The full-width design uses the entire space beneath the seat, which is why it can hold long guns and larger gear that a smaller safe cannot. For a broader look at where this fits among your options, see our truck gun safe buyer’s guide.

Where an Under-Seat Lockbox Fits, and Which Trucks

Under-seat lockboxes fit trucks with a crew, double, or extended cab, not regular cabs, and not SUVs or cars. Tuffy engineers them platform by platform, including Ford F-Series, Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, RAM 1500, and Toyota Tundra, across many model years and cab configurations.

Factory options matter. Ford trucks with a floor-mounted subwoofer and GM trucks with factory under-seat storage may not accept a full-width box, and a 60 percent bench version leaves room on the passenger side for a subwoofer or gear. RAM coverage excludes the TRX and Classic. Because fitment is set by cab and console configuration rather than trim name, always confirm your exact truck.

You can browse platform options like Ford F-150 under-seat options and Chevy and GMC storage, or go straight to a fit such as the RAM 1500 under-seat lockbox. To be sure, search your year, make, and model and confirm your fit before you buy.

Tools You Need to Install an Under-Seat Gun Safe

Installation is not tool-free, but on no-drill applications you will not need anything specialized. Your model’s instruction sheet lists the exact fastener sizes for your truck. In most cases you will reach for the following:

• A socket set or wrench set for the factory seat-mounting bolts.
• A screwdriver or trim tool to release a factory plastic tray on trucks that have one.
• The mounting hardware and brackets included with your lockbox.
• A drill and bits only on the few applications without usable factory mounting points.

How to Install an Under-Seat Gun Safe (Step-by-Step)

The installation process for an under-seat gun safe can vary depending on the specific safe and vehicle. Many models use mounting brackets and existing vehicle hardware, while the exact mounting points and installation steps will depend on your truck’s make, model, and configuration. Always follow the installation instructions provided with your safe.

1. Confirm fitment and set your combination first. Verify that the safe is designed to fit your specific year, make, model, and cab configuration. If your safe has a combination lock, set the code before installing it under the seat while the lock is easy to access.
2. Lift or fold the rear seat and clear the installation area. Raise the seat and remove any factory trays or other components that may interfere with installation, following your vehicle and safe manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Position the mounting brackets and safe. Depending on the product and vehicle, attach the included mounting brackets as directed and position the safe so the brackets align with the appropriate mounting points.
4. Secure the safe using the provided hardware. Fasten the mounting brackets and safe according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The required hardware and mounting method can vary by product and vehicle.
5. Tighten the hardware and check clearance. Make sure all fasteners are securely tightened, then check that the safe is firmly mounted and does not interfere with the seat’s normal movement or operation.
6. Test the lock and lid. Before storing anything inside, verify that the keyed or combination lock works properly and that the lid opens, closes, and latches smoothly.

Do You Have to Drill to Install an Under-Seat Gun Safe?

Do You Have to Drill?

On most applications, no. Tuffy under-seat lockboxes fasten to the truck’s existing factory mounting points with the provided hardware, so no cutting or drilling is required. A few applications without usable factory points can require you to drill mounting holes, so always check your model’s instructions before you start.

How Long Does It Take?

Plan on roughly 15 to 30 minutes with basic hand tools. The longest part is usually clearing the space under the rear seat and lining the box up with the factory bolt locations. Once it is seated, tightening the mounting hardware goes quickly and the seat returns to normal use.

Can You Remove It Later?

Yes. The install is fully reversible with the same hand tools you used to mount it. Because no-drill applications use only the factory points, removing the box leaves no drilled holes behind, so you can reclaim the space or reinstall the lockbox whenever you need.

Under-Seat vs. Console: Choosing the Right Truck Gun Safe

Both are welded steel and both are Tuffy, so the choice comes down to what you carry and where you want it. A console safe installs inside your factory center console within reach of the driver’s seat, which suits a single handgun and everyday items like a wallet, phone, or documents. An under-seat lockbox holds far more, secures long guns, and hides completely under the rear bench.

If you want reach and concealment, many owners run both for layered security. A slide-out under-seat drawer option is also available on some platforms when you want organized access without lifting the seat. Whichever you choose, welded steel engineered to your vehicle is the standard for real in-cab security, and capacity examples show why the under-seat box is the volume leader.

• Ford SuperCrew: 4,500-plus cubic inches, including a full-width fit for the Ford SuperCrew lockbox that holds long guns.
• Chevy and GMC Crew Cab: 3,500-plus cubic inches.
• Toyota Tundra DoubleCab: 3,200-plus cubic inches.
• RAM 1500 Crew Cab: 3,000-plus cubic inches.
• 60 percent bench models: about 2,100 cubic inches.

Professional Installation and the Built-for-Life Promise

Most owners install an under-seat lockbox themselves with the steps above, and a professional install option is available if you would rather have it done for you. Every lockbox is secured by the patented Pry-Guard system with your choice of an exclusive 10-tumbler double-bitted keyed lock or a mechanical combination lock. Both are battery-free, so there is nothing to lose power or fail in extreme heat or cold.

Tuffy has built the original vehicle-specific security since 1989, engineered and designed in the USA and shipped from the USA. Each lockbox is backed by the Built for Life warranty, our limited lifetime commitment to the people who trust steel over plastic.

Ready to fit one to your truck? Search your year, make, and model to find the under-seat lockbox engineered for your exact platform, then follow the steps above to get it installed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Installing an Under-Seat Gun Safe

Straight answers to the most common questions about fitting an under-seat lockbox in your truck.

How do you install an under-seat gun safe in a truck?

Flip up the rear seat, clear the space, and set the box in place under the seat. Attach it to the factory (OEM) seat-mounting points with the included hardware and brackets, then confirm the seat still folds and latches. On most Tuffy under-seat lockboxes there is no drilling, and it takes about 15 to 30 minutes.

Do you have to drill to install an under-seat truck safe?

On most applications, no. Tuffy under-seat lockboxes fasten to the truck’s existing factory mounting points with the provided hardware, so no cutting or drilling is needed. A few applications without usable factory points can require you to drill mounting holes, so always check your model’s instructions before you start.

How long does it take to install an under-seat lockbox?

Plan on roughly 15 to 30 minutes with basic hand tools. The longest part is usually clearing the area under the rear seat and lining the box up with the factory bolt locations. Once it is seated, tightening the mounting hardware is quick, and the seat returns to normal use.

What tools do I need to install an under-seat gun safe?

Basic hand tools cover most installs: a socket or wrench set for the factory seat bolts, and sometimes a screwdriver or trim tool to free a factory plastic tray. Installation and removal are not tool-free, but no specialty equipment is required on no-drill applications. Your model’s instruction sheet lists the exact sizes.

Which trucks fit an under-seat lockbox?

Under-seat lockboxes are built for trucks, not SUVs or cars. Tuffy engineers them to specific platforms, including Ford F-Series, Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra, Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon, RAM 1500, and Toyota Tundra, across many model years and crew or extended cab configurations. Search your year, make, and model to confirm your fit.

Can you store a rifle or long gun under the rear seat?

Yes. The full-width design of a Tuffy under-seat lockbox uses the entire space beneath the rear seat, so it can secure a rifle or other long items that a console safe cannot. Capacity runs from about 2,100 cubic inches on 60 percent bench models to 4,500-plus cubic inches on full SuperCrew boxes.

Will it fit with a factory subwoofer or factory under-seat storage?

Not always. Some fitments are affected by factory options: Ford trucks with a floor-mounted subwoofer and GM trucks with factory under-seat storage may not accept a full-width box. A 60 percent bench version leaves room for a subwoofer or gear on the passenger side. Confirm your factory options when you check fitment.

Can you remove an under-seat lockbox later?

Yes. The install is fully reversible using the same basic hand tools you used to mount it. Because no-drill applications rely only on the factory mounting points, removing the box leaves no drilled holes behind, so you can reclaim the space or reinstall the lockbox later just as easily.

How much does an under-seat truck gun safe cost?

Under-seat lockboxes are Tuffy’s highest-capacity in-cab category, so they typically run higher than a console safe, generally in the mid-hundreds of dollars depending on your truck, cab configuration, and keyed or combination lock. Search your year, make, and model for current pricing on the exact box that fits.

Is under-seat or console the better place for a truck gun safe?

It depends on what you carry. A console safe sits within reach of the driver’s seat and suits a single handgun and everyday items. An under-seat lockbox holds far more, including long guns, and hides completely under the rear bench. Many owners run both for layered, welded-steel security.