A.R.E. Shell how to Close/Lock from inside?

[Superduty]

I got an A.R.E. shell for my truck. It is their DCU model shell . It is not designed to be closed or locked from the inside (assuming you wanted to sleep inside). What solution do people come up with in order to close (and maybe lock) a shell from the inside? Also would like to eliminate the chance that someone could lock me in the shell (unlikely, but I don't want friends playing jokes on me either) The model I have has a full hatch rear door (tailgate removed).

Of note - The latching system turns 90 degrees to close the door. The T handle folds out and then back in. The big problem is that once it is folded down it won't turn, which means it is impossible to turn from the inside. The only solution I could think if is to make a removable lever for the outside and remove it when going inside. Has anyone done such a thing?

If the handle was removed then I could use a wrench to turn the locking assembly from the inside. Any other suggestions.

 

[AbleGuy]

Maybe something like...drill a very small hole behind the “T” junction of the handle, leave in place a short piece of strong straight wire thru the hole, with a small loop grip on inside and slightly flattened split “Y“ on the outside to catch the handle, use it to push the handle out, use your wrench idea for turning it from inside?

Main challenge is figuring the best way to grasp the T handle well enough to shove it out with this. You might have to flatten the Y end a bit or make it more horseshoe shaped. You also might want to add some substance to back of the T handle to give the push rod a better grip.


But your removal of the lever idea sounds best. Just take off that T handle, find a socket that very snugly fits over the remaining bolt head, use that socket with a short wrench handle to turn the lock when accessing it from the outside.

 

[AbleGuy]

Here is what the inside of your door lock may look like (from a parts catalogue), if that’ll help you figure what to do inside the shell:

Truck Topper T Handles and Locks

12 Volt OutletBrake LightsClampsClothes HangerDome LightsGas Props/Lift CylindersGas Prop Ball MountsTopper Parts - Misc.Pull Down StrapT Handles - ToppersT Handle Accessories - ToppersLadder RacksT Handle - Tonneau CoversT Handle Accessories - Tonneau CoversTonneau Cover HingesTonneau Cover...

truckoutfittersplus.com

 

[chet6.7]

I put this lock on the T handle.Does your shell have a rod on the inside that is actuated by the T handle that slides into the floor? If so, an Allen key fits that,I keep one taped to the inside of the door.

Robot Check

 

[AbleGuy]

I put this lock on the T handle.Does your shell have a rod on the inside that is actuated by the T handle that slides into the floor? If so, an Allen key fits that,I keep one taped to the inside of the door.

Robot Check

Interesting idea...I can’t quite seem to figure out how this would fit though.
Can you post a picture of how you’re using it, please?

 

[Dances with Wolves]

My Leer has an electronic lock. I had them tap the power from the rear door power door lock. Locks/unlocks from my key fob.

 

[Superduty]

I put this lock on the T handle.Does your shell have a rod on the inside that is actuated by the T handle that slides into the floor? If so, an Allen key fits that,I keep one taped to the inside of the door.

Robot Check

This is a great idea. I will see if that will work with mine. Mine has rods that go to each side, but I think it is the same concept.

 

[chet6.7]

This is a great idea. I will see if that will work with mine. Mine has rods that go to each side, but I think it is the same concept.

Check out this thread,the picture I posted is of several locks because that is what I had at the time.Just put the #40 lock around the shaft of the T handle,it should make it where the handle won't quite fit into the recess that stops the handle from turning.I will post a picture if necessary.

Looking for tips on locking ARE DCU door from inside

This is the lock mechanism,the bar that slides up and down,and the guide that it passes through as it goes into the top of the shell and the bed of the truck. I want to be able to lock the shell from the inside when I am sleeping at interstate rest stops. Thanks.

expeditionportal.com

 

[Superduty]

Check out this thread,the picture I posted is of several locks because that is what I had at the time.Just put the #40 lock around the shaft of the T handle,it should make it where the handle won't quite fit into the recess that stops the handle from turning.I will post a picture if necessary.

Looking for tips on locking ARE DCU door from inside

This is the lock mechanism,the bar that slides up and down,and the guide that it passes through as it goes into the top of the shell and the bed of the truck. I want to be able to lock the shell from the inside when I am sleeping at interstate rest stops. Thanks.

expeditionportal.com

Thanks Chet6.7

I just read your thread.....i actually think i have a #40 lock sitting in the garage, finally a use for that lock. Sone of the welds on my DCU are a joke as well.

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