Molle Panel Question - Thieves?

I was thinking of putting in some Molle panels to help organize gear. But how do you keep thieves at bay? With the Molle panels right over the rear windows, isn’t it easy for thieves to look in and see what you have? How does one counter this?

 

Great question. It’s going to depend on where you park your truck. I’m interested to hear about any personal theft experiences.

 

I guess it depends on what gear you are leaving in your truck. Generally speaking, car burglars want something they can sell on the black market (guns) or stuff they can take to a pawn shop (jewelry and such). When I worked down south and near the coast it was common for teenage burglars to steal booze, either from cars or second homes that were empty.

 

I've always thought those systems were funny... just screams "Hey, look! Got some great stuff in here!" Reminds me of the huge stereo brand stickers on the windows. I mean, it's very polite. Think of the time the thieves save looking for the right target.

 

Mine have been on for 4 years with no issues. I wouldn’t really consider it to be an attraction to thieves, because you’re about as likely as anyone else to get hit regardless.

 

I wouldn’t expect the panels themselves to be a sign of loot more appealing than the usual car.

If you’re still concerned after everyone’s dispensed their two cents, maybe you could try this out for size.

https://trail4runner.com/2022/01/11/diy-2nd-row-seat-hidden-molle-panel-install/

 

This is pretty cool!

 

lol. It’s like putting a Glock or beretta sticker on the back of your truck. Free advertising for gun thiefs.

 

I've had mine for a few years, no issues. They are also are packed pretty tight and most of the shit hanging is black so it's kinda hard to see. Whole truck is 15% tint so that helps as well.

I also don't park in downtown LA so that probably helps too.

 

Out of curiosity, what all do you have on them? I’m thinking tools, first aid kit, and fire extinguisher but I’m wondering if I’m missing anything else that would be good on them.

 

I have a long, quiet driveway and leave my vehicle packed with my camping gear most of the time. It's not a daily driver anymore. The exterior of my vehicle looks stock (except for the tires). I have a hidden solar panel recessed withing the roof rack rails which is very hard to notice.

I have blackout covers (by Strawfoot) over the rear windows and tailgate, and normally have covers over the rear passenger windows too. It's pretty hard to see in the back.

I also have a black (towel) curtain I can add behind the front seats which I use in parking lots. With a sunshade over the windshield, you can still see the empty front seat area through the side windows, but it's hard to see the blackout curtain behind the front seat - it just looks dark.

I think it probably helps deter the casual smash and grab at least...

 

Sure, left side I've got two zip up molle bags, one for ratchet straps, one for bungees. There's a dog poop bag holder and above that is another molle bag that holds my shackles, and other recovery odds and ends. Right side has my first aid pack that can be ripped off the velcro and transported, and a fire extinguisher.

I also have the panel that creates a shelf between them that has my yankum ropes and a few MRE's.

I can go into detail on any of that stuff as well if you'd like on why I picked whatever I did, (brand, size, etc.)

 

Nice, thanks for the post. I’ll definitely look into incorporating some of those ideas to block out the windows

 

Yes, please. Specifically, would you mind sharing how you attached the fire extinguisher, types of Molle bags you use, and more info on the Velcro attachment for the first aid kit? Thanks!

 

Funny I have my Rado Designs Molle panels and shelf ready to install. Waiting on a tint appointment. Going very dark in the back.

 

What solar panel is this?

 

This is the medical bag...

$50 MediTac Large Hawk Type Tactical Trauma Bag Feat. Rip-Away Velcro Fastener Bag Backpack, MOLLE Bag Rucksack Pack - Black

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KYBL43K

It's packed with everything to keep you from dying on the way to the hospital based on my training.

The extinguisher is attached with quick fists into giant ass washers to hold it in place.

The molle bags are just generic molle bags off Amazon as well.

I'd take a picture for ya but my wife's driving it getting potted plants or something haha

 

I attached mine with velcro straps! All the other crap I have in there is worthless to anyone. It's just roadside kit/first aid kit, tow straps/chains. Nothing of value that a thief would really want.

 

Do they flop around or rattle with just the Velcro holding them?

 

Nope. I have multiple velcro straps on each bag. There are straps on the back, and d-rings at the top and bottom. The stuff INSIDE may slide around, but the bags do not. Nor does the fire ext. After I mounted it, I tried knocking it around and pulled on it really hard, to see if it would move or shift during driving or off roading.... It stayed completely still.

 

I have an Ecoflow 100W recessed between the rails of my 2013 Trail. Those early Trail racks are weird because they aren't parallel, so I used a bunch of Amazon hardware and 1020 crossbars to make it all fit well:. I also have a Rockpals folding 100W panel (and a separate MPPT controller) I can plug in when I need more power: