Firearm storage in a SUV

[robertkjjj]

I often hear about when people are traveling, the best and safest way to store firearms is in a locked case, in your trunk.
But, many cars, like SUVs don't have trunks.

In my case, I have a Suburban. So, no trunk.
On one website I read "There is no obligation to inform a police officer that you have an unloaded firearm in your trunk. In fact, this is one of the legal ways to carry any firearm, including a handgun. Bullets should be stored out of the reach of any firearm. "

So, how should I store guns in my Suburban in such a way so that I'm not obliged to tell a cop they are in the car, in the unlikely event I am stopped?

This is an important question for me, since I often drive on 1000+ mile long intrastate hunting/shooting trips, with large numbers of guns and ammo in the car, and seriously the very LAST thing I want or need is to give a cop a reason to spend hours nosing through all my stuff and ruining my vacation.

And yes, all the guns I take are far out of reach from the driver and occupants.

[Michael777]

No weapons can be loaded.

Handguns need to be in a locked container like a safe from amazon or a backpack with pad lock.

Rifles and shotguns doesn’t matter, just unloaded.

[robertkjjj]

Thanks, but you're not envisioning the situation the way I want you to.
It's a SUV. There's no trunk. So, just imagine wayyyyy in the back, there's a bunch of rifle cases. Any cop making a stop can see through the windows. He can see there's 10 rifle cases back there. Isn't he going to think "Oh no! A bunch of mean guns!! I must harass this guy and make him let me search the car and check out all the rifles!!!!"

[Quiet]

Step 1. Place unloaded firearms in locked containers in the cargo area of the SUV.
Step 2. Place blanket/tarp over the containers.

[robertkjjj]

Thank you. That was precisely the answer I was looking for. To be quite truthful, that was the way I did it last time. But, my wife was grilling me as to if what I was doing was OK or "sneaky" or legal. So I had to go on here and ask.

[Michael777]

Thanks, but you're not envisioning the situation the way I want you to.
It's a SUV. There's no trunk. So, just imagine wayyyyy in the back, there's a bunch of rifle cases. Any cop making a stop can see through the windows. He can see there's 10 rifle cases back there. Isn't he going to think "Oh no! A bunch of mean guns!! I must harass this guy and make him let me search the car and check out all the rifles!!!!"

Tint your rear windows. Use a blanket. Fit some under your seat if possible, etc

[alexisjohnson]

use dark tint on the back....maybe have some sort of a retractable cover that covers whats in the trunk...a retractable cover would look more professional/less shady

[Subotai]

Build a raised floor out of plywood and carpet.

[Cokebottle]

Bullets should be stored out of the reach of any firearm. "

There are absolutely ZERO laws covering ammunition storage and transport other than ammunition may not be in the gun in a position to be fired, and some restrictions on prohibited locations such as school property (must be locked up).

You can legally drive around town with your handgun in a locked container with a loaded magazine in that container, but not in the gun, resting on the passenger seat next to you.
As long as both the gun and ammo are locked up, the only places you can't drive are the post office parking lot and VA property.

[jeremiah12]

Thank you. That was precisely the answer I was looking for. To be quite truthful, that was the way I did it last time. But, my wife was grilling me as to if what I was doing was OK or "sneaky" or legal. So I had to go on here and ask.

Many LEA put out PSA strongly suggesting that people cover up items in the back of their SUVs so criminals do not know exactly what is back there. They have no idea if the risk to break in is worth it if they cannot see what is available for the taking. Many cops would likely view blankets or tarps as theft deterrence rather than hidden contraband. They will key in more on your behavior.

Build a cheap deck from 2x4s, plywood, and carpeting or get a retractable cover. Either looks cleaner and still hides the guns under a cover.

[Quiet]

Thank you. That was precisely the answer I was looking for. To be quite truthful, that was the way I did it last time. But, my wife was grilling me as to if what I was doing was OK or "sneaky" or legal. So I had to go on here and ask.

Tell her that CA passed a firearm storage in vehicle law [PC 25140], that went into effect on 01-01-2017, that requires firearms in containers left in a vehicle to be concealed/hidden from plain view/sight. So, covering your containers with a blanket/tarp is complying with that CA law.

[AregularGuy]

Build a raised floor out of plywood and carpet.

Many LEA put out PSA strongly suggesting that people cover up items in the back of their SUVs so criminals do not know exactly what is back there. They have no idea if the risk to break in is worth it if they cannot see what is available for the taking. Many cops would likely view blankets or tarps as theft deterrence rather than hidden contraband. They will key in more on your behavior.

Build a cheap deck from 2x4s, plywood, and carpeting or get a retractable cover. Either looks cleaner and still hides the guns under a cover.

All this talk about carpet and no mention of how dangerous it can be to firearms? Just be careful not to drop anything on the carpet!

[glbtrottr]

No need to build. Use a truckvault. Find the appropriate size. I have a drawer you can look (I have tons, actually) but measure out your size.

[SISKIN]

I Drive a truck ,I lock up everything cases/ammo and use cable locks on the action . And carry copies of my DROS paperwork /copies of many PC codes /the card of my lawyer AND 2nd AMENDMENT .

[Air]

Yup. I still lock up the long guns though, just in case Barney Fife pulls me over and wants to give me a hard time.

Keep a clean vehicle, don't drive like an a**, and you should be fine anyway...