Ultimate Ford F-150 Work Truck - Part 2

In our second installment of building the ultimate F-150 work truck, we tackle one of the biggest problems facing general contractors, tradesmen, and construction workers—theft. A truck's bed is more than just a place to haul things; it's also a place to store tools, materials, and heavy-duty machinery. Despite the heft and large size of many of these items, thieves can still make quick work of removing them from your truck and taking off with your valuables. We have big plans for the bed of our work truck, including adding a Harbor Freight 4,000-watt generator and Vulcan multitask ladder, but we were concerned about these high-quality items being stolen. Thankfully, Master Lock has met the needs of people who use their trucks for work and play with a full line of truck security devices.

With a vast assortment of security solutions, Master Lock can help you retain your tools whether they're strapped to the ladder rack, sitting idly in the bed, or held down with cargo management. Master Lock now has ladder locks for ladder racks, stake pocket and bed cleat locks for cable or chain locks, utility track locks for GM, Ford, Ram, Nissan, and Toyota tracks, along with hitch pin locks, mini hitch vaults for small personal items, as well as motion-detected sirens for expensive tools. To complement the hitch ball mounts, hitch balls, and hitch pin locks they make, Master Lock also has a wireless backup camera for quick and easy trailer connections. No work truck would be ready for the jobsite without the proper equipment, and we went on a shopping spree at Harbor Freight Tools to outfit our truck with general-purpose tools. Those tools were then secured using the Master Lock security devices. If you use your truck to put food on your table, check out how to make your tools and gear safe from theft with Master Lock's new work truck line. To enter for a chance to win this truck, go to www.facebook.com/masterlock.

1. A truck's bed is susceptible to sticky fingers when the morally weak see high-dollar, heavy-duty tools, gear, and machinery hanging out. Master Lock's new security solutions aim to keep your gear safe and sound in your bed. They now have a ladder lock, track lock, U-lock for bed stake pockets and bed cleats, contractor-grade cable locks, tailgate locks, and 100-decibel motion-activated alarms.
1. A truck's bed is susceptible to sticky fingers when the morally weak see high-dollar, h
2. To start off the bed security installations, we began with the Master Lock U-lock for bed stake pockets and bed cleats. We used a T-30 Torx bit to remove the factory Ford cleat bolts, and then used them to secure the new base bracket for the U-lock.
2. To start off the bed security installations, we began with the Master Lock U-lock for b
3. Protecting the baseplate from weather and prybars, a plastic cover was slid over the baseplate and the U-lock key and lock assembly was inserted.
3. Protecting the baseplate from weather and prybars, a plastic cover was slid over the ba

4. Now a cable or chain lock can be secured to the bed, while the U-shaped metal lock can still be used as a truck cleat for cargo management.
4. Now a cable or chain lock can be secured to the bed, while the U-shaped metal lock can
5. Moving up top to our Paramount Restyling ladder rack, we slipped the hinged ladder lock base over the 2-inch tubing and secured the stainless baseplate with two T-30 Torx bolts supplied in the ladder lock kit (PN: 8252DAT, $30.00).
5. Moving up top to our Paramount Restyling ladder rack, we slipped the hinged ladder lock
6. A stainless steel cover was then slid over the bolt heads for added protection, and these plastic sleeves to prevent tampering.
6. A stainless steel cover was then slid over the bolt heads for added protection, and the

7. With the lock pin in place, the ladder lock was ready to accept a cable or chain lock.
8. We wanted our work truck to have more than just a basic ladder, so we went to Harbor Freight and picked up this Vulcan 23-in-1 ladder (PN: 67646, $124.99). This ladder can extend from 9 feet to 15 feet, and can also be used as a stepladder, scaffold, and workbench. It's as versatile as our F-150.
8. We wanted our work truck to have more than just a basic ladder, so we went to Harbor Fr
9. We used an integrated cable lock to secure the ladder to the ladder lock. This 6-foot stainless steel cable lock is burly yet flexible, and it can lock multiple items (PN: 8255DAT, $38.00).
9. We used an integrated cable lock to secure the ladder to the ladder lock. This 6-foot s

10. When we arrived at Harbor Freight in our work truck, the F-150 really wasn't ready for work, however, once we left, our truck was equipped with a 4,000-watt generator, 6-inch vise, 12V Lithium-ion drill, screwdriver and plier set, as well as gloves, knee pads, and heavy-duty extension cord. Now we can tackle those remodels and add-ons.
10. When we arrived at Harbor Freight in our work truck, the F-150 really wasn't ready for
11. Keeping items secure on our BedSlide, we moved on to the Master Lock TrackLock, which is a lockable tie-down for bed track and rail systems (PN: 8251DAT, $30.00). The first step was to install the large rectangular pieces to the backside of the baseplate. These rectangular pieces are what grab the track/rail from the inside.
11. Keeping items secure on our BedSlide, we moved on to the Master Lock TrackLock, which
12. We could then slide the baseplate onto the factory Ford utility track system.

14. Much like in caption 6, a stainless bolt cover and plastic sleeves were slid onto the baseplate for added protection, and the lock pin could be inserted.
14. Much like in caption 6, a stainless bolt cover and plastic sleeves were slid onto the
15. Here you can see how the locking tie-down works. It can be use to secure cargo, or keep things in place like a traditional tie-down.
15. Here you can see how the locking tie-down works. It can be use to secure cargo, or kee
16. Having those lockable tie-downs was extremely important for this work truck, as we had a 4,000-watt Predator generator in the bed. This Harbor Freight 6.5hp generator has four 120V outlets, one 12V outlet, as well as a 240V outlet, and best of all, it's CARB approved for use in California (PN: 68527, $299.99).
16. Having those lockable tie-downs was extremely important for this work truck, as we had

17. Adding to our peace of mind, we installed this 100-decibel shock/motion-activated alarm to the backside of the generator (PN: 8254DAT, $45.00). It's armed via a wireless remote, and if someone tries to move it without our consent, they'll get a loud siren blast in the ears, while gathering the attention of anyone in the area. It has a magnetic base, and a Velcro pad is included for ease of installation.
17. Adding to our peace of mind, we installed this 100-decibel shock/motion-activated alar
18. We also put an alarm on the inside of our DeeZee toolbox so we could quickly monitor if anyone tried to pry the lid open. It was important to know the toolbox was 100-percent secure because of the valuable Harbor Freight tools housed in the box.
18. We also put an alarm on the inside of our DeeZee toolbox so we could quickly monitor i
19. Literally installing in seconds, we also added this tailgate lock (PN: 8253DAT) that wraps around the tailgate mounting pivot point and prevents anyone from walking away with your valuable tailgate. It worked really well and only costs $20.00.
19. Literally installing in seconds, we also added this tailgate lock (PN: 8253DAT) that w

20. A work truck has to be able to tow, and we needed all of the necessary tow accessories to make our F-150 ready for the long haul. Thankfully, Master Lock also makes a full line of towing parts from ball mounts to backup cameras and everything in between.
20. A work truck has to be able to tow, and we needed all of the necessary tow accessories
21. Plug-and-play is a common buzzword for electronic devices, but the Master Lock backup camera was a genuine plug-and-play affair (PN: 4843DATSEN, $263.74). We simply plugged the camera's extension into the trailer-wiring receptacle and stuck the magnetic camera to the tailgate.
21. Plug-and-play is a common buzzword for electronic devices, but the Master Lock backup
22. After we hid the wire behind the back bumper, we hopped in the cab and plugged the power wire into the 12V outlet and turned on the camera. It's wireless, easy to use, and should really help when hitching up a trailer to the truck.
22. After we hid the wire behind the back bumper, we hopped in the cab and plugged the pow

23. With the 25⁄16-inch trailer ball secured to the 2-inch drop ball mount, we inserted the set into the factory-installed hitch receiver (PN: 3460DAT, $11.46 and 2827AT, $21.53).
23. With the 25⁄16-inch trailer ball secured to the 2-inch drop ball mount, we inserted th
24. The ball mount was secured to the hitch with a 5/8-inch locking pin that was included in the Hitch Vault kit (PN: 1467DAT, $31.30). This mini vault is locked onto the hitch pin and provides a safe place for your keys, credit cards, and a small cell phone. Now we can drive our truck to the beach, ballgame, or hunting field without carrying our keys with us. The vault unlocks via a combination lock of our choosing.
24. The ball mount was secured to the hitch with a 5/8-inch locking pin that was included
25. There you have it, the best of both worlds—safety and security.

26. Fully loaded with tools and the peace of mind knowing they were going to still be in the bed after leaving the truck in the driveway overnight, we were ready to get to work. Enter for a chance to win this ultimate F-150 work truck by going to Facebook.com/masterlock.