Moving a Gun Safe - TexasBowhunter.com Community Discussion Forums

DRettele · 03-03-2021, 09:39 PM

I need to move a fire rated Cabelas gun safe on Friday.
Any issues with laying it down on it's back in the bed of a pickup?
Or is it recommended that it remain upright?

rjtkdplus · 03-03-2021, 09:45 PM

It won’t hurt it to lay it down. Make sure you have help though, those things are heavy.

trophy8 · 03-03-2021, 09:52 PM

Stand it up. It can beat up the door and hardware bouncing in the truck.

Hoggslayer · 03-03-2021, 09:55 PM

I think you are confusing it with a refrigerator.

camoclad · 03-03-2021, 09:56 PM

Whatever you do, lay boards or a pallet under it. Its amazing how much shock it takes out on the ride. Not to mention stability and being able to get under it.

mudkat · 03-03-2021, 10:01 PM

my tip for moving the safe in the house is to cut some pipes or round wood pole like say curtain rods or maybe pvc pipe would work
tilt the safe up on one end and put a few under it then just roll it and take them and put them in front and just keep going when you need to turn a corner you can just slide the safe around on the roller be careful and you can get it headed in the right direction then rol it off the rollers and tilt it up and get the last ones out
i’ve move mine around a lot like this and you can do it with just one person

Dale Moser · 03-03-2021, 10:09 PM

5 or 6 pieces of 3/4” PVC, 24” long
A couple pieces of plywood
Long handled pry bar ~42”
Some help

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bowhunting1 · 03-03-2021, 10:09 PM

I moved my 1000# safe recently. Was able to tilt it enough to get it on a pallet. Used a pallet jack and plywood down on the floor. Laid it down on the trailer and had no problems. Get as many people to help as possible.

bmac · 03-03-2021, 10:29 PM

I’ve moved a few and a furniture dolly is a savior. Tilt over enough to rock it up and push to where you need. I always travel with the door closed but unlocked so have access to guts of mechanism if you take to big a bump and knock something loose.

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Black Ice · 03-03-2021, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRettele

I need to move a fire rated Cabelas gun safe on Friday.
Any issues with laying it down on it's back in the bed of a pickup?
Or is it recommended that it remain upright?

I paid a safe company $300 to move mine during my new home build and it was worth every penny. I bought the safe from them 7 or 8 years ago and they offered me a little discount.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Bowlife · 03-03-2021, 10:39 PM

I would keep it standing up if possible. I have a different model, but it specifically says to not move it on it’s back because it will lock and you won’t be able to open it without a locksmith.

Afisher81 · 03-03-2021, 10:55 PM

I would definitely get a flatbed. I moved my gaurdall which is 1100 lbs in my truck bed and it broke my tailgate cables. Bent my tail gait all to hell. Moved it the second time with a good appliance dolly with a kickstand rated for 1500lbs on a flatbed and it was much safer. I only had one person helping both times. It would’ve been nice to have more help

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BeerMe · 03-04-2021, 12:05 AM

Definitely use a crate or lumber you so you can get under it. Five years ago or so I bought a 64 gun safe from Cabelas. The staff was kind enough to provide large box card board, which allowed the safe to slide in the trailer easily. After at two hundred mile trip, the cardboard absorbed moisture from the humidity. It became like a giant rubber gasket, and I had hell getting that thing off the trailer.

10132297 · 03-04-2021, 02:59 AM

I helped a friend of mine relocate his gunsafe from Georgetown to Brenham on a trailer and we laid the safe on its back with padding under it. After getting it inside the house the safe would not open, the locksmith had to drill holes and perform intricate surgery on it to open it. The locksmith told us to NEVER transport a safe on its back always upright.

Texastaxi · 03-04-2021, 06:55 AM

I brought mine home, laying down in the bed of my truck.
I moved it from that house, to storage, laying down on a trailer.
I moved it from storage to our barndo, laying down on a trailer.

Matt, you must be buying some cheap *** safes if they're damaged by transporting them laying down!

cva34 · 03-04-2021, 07:22 AM

Mine was 800# and laying down in PU bed...Hardest part was gettin it in ground standing up without damage with 2 men and still haveing all your fingers

SabineHunter · 03-04-2021, 07:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trophy8

Stand it up. It can beat up the door and hardware bouncing in the truck.

I've moved my safes, 600 and 1000, laid down on a flatbed, no problems whatsoever.

kmitchl · 03-04-2021, 07:36 AM

You don’t mention the size of the safe. Mine is 1800# empty. Rent a drop deck trailer rather than laying it down. The trailer deck drops down to ground level and uses hydraulics to raise it for transport. Strap it down like Spiderman. Pallet jack or pipe rollers to move around. Golf balls to move over carpet.

rjtkdplus · 03-04-2021, 07:40 AM

Last time I moved mine I rented a truck with a lift gate(made it easy). Moving it to and from the truck, I tilted it and my wife rolled golf balls underneath. On a tile floor I could easily move and turn it with one hand. The hardest part was getting the balls out from under it afterward but even that wasn’t too difficult.

Landrover · 03-04-2021, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cva34

Mine was 800# and laying down in PU bed...Hardest part was gettin it in ground standing up without damage with 2 men and still haveing all your fingers

Ditto on mine.

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Txtourist · 03-04-2021, 07:51 AM

I’ve laid a small safe in a truck with clean moving blankets over a sheet of plywood. My big safe- 800# I put on a pallet , blanketed and strapped down and had a lift gate courier we use through work follow me 8 miles to our new house. They have pallet jacks in the trucks, just assist them loading and securing. We put a commercial freezer and a few other heavy/large items in the truck and I think it was less than $2oo

DRettele · 03-04-2021, 08:18 AM

Thanks for all the information and input guys!
It isn't a huge safe - maybe a 16 gun safe - don't exactly remember.
I have a flatbed trailer I will take with me and make the game time decision about the truck bed vs the trailer for the gun safe along with everything else that I need to move.

DRettele · 03-05-2021, 10:24 PM

The gun safe move went well. It is a Liberty/Cabelas safe and I ended up laying it down on its back on some pallets with the door remaining unlocked during the move.
Everything turned out great.

trophy8 · 03-05-2021, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SabineHunter

I've moved my safes, 600 and 1000, laid down on a flatbed, no problems whatsoever.

I can’t speak for small safes. But the big ones they specifically tell you not to lay them down. It will damage them. But do as you please with your own stuff.

rjtkdplus · 03-05-2021, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRettele

The gun safe move went well. It is a Liberty/Cabelas safe and I ended up laying it down on its back on some pallets with the door remaining unlocked during the move.
Everything turned out great.

Good deal!

samj · 03-05-2021, 11:21 PM

moved a safe for a friend
quality furniture dolly
ply wood
small trailer
golf balls
5 friends
24 pk. cold beer
1500 lb. safe-no problem
Plan your approach, these things are heavy. You do not want to do work twice.
Sam J.

Bureau2 · 03-06-2021, 07:56 AM

I’ve moved 1000’s over 15 years. Laying them down is the way to go with a piece of PVC under it to roll up in the bed, make sure it’s on its back however and the pvc is out for driving. They come out way easier than going in... Make sure to lay ply wood on tile or hardwood. If you need more help PM me and I’ll try to help any way I can.

Big pig · 03-06-2021, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cva34

Mine was 800# and laying down in PU bed...Hardest part was gettin it in ground standing up without damage with 2 men and still haveing all your fingers

How did you do it?
Mine is still laying down

Landrover · 03-06-2021, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRettele

The gun safe move went well. It is a Liberty/Cabelas safe and I ended up laying it down on its back on some pallets with the door remaining unlocked during the move.
Everything turned out great.

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk

SabineHunter · 03-07-2021, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trophy8

I can’t speak for small safes. But the big ones they specifically tell you not to lay them down. It will damage them. But do as you please with your own stuff.

Look at post 27. He's got a lot more experience than you. Like I said, laying down is just fine, not some hearsay.

SabineHunter · 03-07-2021, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRettele

The gun safe move went well. It is a Liberty/Cabelas safe and I ended up laying it down on its back on some pallets with the door remaining unlocked during the move.
Everything turned out great.

Good job. Glad it went well.

trophy8 · 03-08-2021, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SabineHunter

Look at post 27. He's got a lot more experience than you. Like I said, laying down is just fine, not some hearsay.

You’re an absolute tool. Just FYI.

This info came from guys who have seen them break.

I trust the guy telling me how to handle a $3,000 safe. Smaller safes are different I’m sure. I don’t care what a fella does with his stuff. You just like to argue. Finally added you to the ignore list. Congrats. I think you’re the first to get added.

Bruiser · 03-08-2021, 06:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SabineHunter

Look at post 27. He's got a lot more experience than you. Like I said, laying down is just fine, not some hearsay.

id contact the manufucturer if it was me not listen to someone on the webs thats just me not hersay

chaseh · 03-08-2021, 07:44 AM

Glad it worked out for you. I've moved several smaller safes <800lbs earning a few scratches here and there - no serious damage or injuries. (just moved 3 around Christmas)

My newer "pretty" safe was delivered by the local professional for 300$, and it was worth every penny!

softpoint · 03-08-2021, 07:47 AM

Three of us had a pretty good job moving mine. it's 1500 pounds and barely goes under regular doors, so you can't tilt it much on a dolly or it won't go under doors...

Buckshot-73 · 03-08-2021, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SabineHunter

Look at post 27. He's got a lot more experience than you. Like I said, laying down is just fine, not some hearsay.

Must you be a p. rick every day of your life??

Shouldn’t you be more worried about the nuclear fish in the gulf ready to launch an EMP over the US ??

SabineHunter · 03-08-2021, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buckshot-73

Must you be a p. rick every day of your life??

Shouldn’t you be more worried about the nuclear fish in the gulf ready to launch an EMP over the US ??

Look, Trophy6 just can't take being wrong. With thousands of successful safe moves and only 1 unsuccessful move in this thread alone, he is in the wrong.
And, you, what is up with the childish name calling? This is a discussion board, grow up.

03-03-2021, 09:39 PM	#1
DRettele Ten Point Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: New Braunfels Hunt In: Central Texas, Kansas unit #6 & 8	Moving a Gun Safe I need to move a fire rated Cabelas gun safe on Friday. Any issues with laying it down on it's back in the bed of a pickup? Or is it recommended that it remain upright?

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03-03-2021, 09:45 PM	#2
rjtkdplus Pope & Young Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Lockhart Hunt In: Everywhere I can	It won’t hurt it to lay it down. Make sure you have help though, those things are heavy.

03-03-2021, 09:52 PM	#3
trophy8 Pope & Young Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Georgetown Texas	Stand it up. It can beat up the door and hardware bouncing in the truck.

03-03-2021, 09:55 PM	#4
Hoggslayer Pope & Young Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Manvel, TX mostly in the Doghouse Hunt In: My Truck at night.	I think you are confusing it with a refrigerator.

03-03-2021, 09:56 PM	#5
camoclad Ten Point Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: fort worth Hunt In: central tx	Whatever you do, lay boards or a pallet under it. Its amazing how much shock it takes out on the ride. Not to mention stability and being able to get under it.

03-03-2021, 10:01 PM	#6
mudkat Eight Point Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: spring Hunt In: rusk county	my tip for moving the safe in the house is to cut some pipes or round wood pole like say curtain rods or maybe pvc pipe would work tilt the safe up on one end and put a few under it then just roll it and take them and put them in front and just keep going when you need to turn a corner you can just slide the safe around on the roller be careful and you can get it headed in the right direction then rol it off the rollers and tilt it up and get the last ones out i’ve move mine around a lot like this and you can do it with just one person

03-03-2021, 10:09 PM	#7
Dale Moser Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Wise Cty Hunt In: Young Cty	5 or 6 pieces of 3/4” PVC, 24” long A couple pieces of plywood Long handled pry bar ~42” Some help Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

03-03-2021, 10:09 PM	#8
bowhunting1 Six Point Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: The Great State of Texas? Hunt In: The trees high above.	I moved my 1000# safe recently. Was able to tilt it enough to get it on a pallet. Used a pallet jack and plywood down on the floor. Laid it down on the trailer and had no problems. Get as many people to help as possible.

03-03-2021, 10:29 PM	#9
bmac Ten Point Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Weatherford Hunt In: Robertson Co. & TPWD	I’ve moved a few and a furniture dolly is a savior. Tilt over enough to rock it up and push to where you need. I always travel with the door closed but unlocked so have access to guts of mechanism if you take to big a bump and knock something loose. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

03-03-2021, 10:39 PM	#11
Bowlife Six Point Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Danbury, TX	I would keep it standing up if possible. I have a different model, but it specifically says to not move it on it’s back because it will lock and you won’t be able to open it without a locksmith.

03-03-2021, 10:55 PM	#12
Afisher81 Nubbin' Buck Join Date: Jan 2021	I would definitely get a flatbed. I moved my gaurdall which is 1100 lbs in my truck bed and it broke my tailgate cables. Bent my tail gait all to hell. Moved it the second time with a good appliance dolly with a kickstand rated for 1500lbs on a flatbed and it was much safer. I only had one person helping both times. It would’ve been nice to have more help Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

03-04-2021, 12:05 AM	#13
BeerMe Ten Point Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Buda, Texas Hunt In: Schleicher County	Definitely use a crate or lumber you so you can get under it. Five years ago or so I bought a 64 gun safe from Cabelas. The staff was kind enough to provide large box card board, which allowed the safe to slide in the trailer easily. After at two hundred mile trip, the cardboard absorbed moisture from the humidity. It became like a giant rubber gasket, and I had hell getting that thing off the trailer.

03-04-2021, 02:59 AM	#14
10132297 Ten Point Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Georgetown Hunt In: Williamson,Coryell, Bell	I helped a friend of mine relocate his gunsafe from Georgetown to Brenham on a trailer and we laid the safe on its back with padding under it. After getting it inside the house the safe would not open, the locksmith had to drill holes and perform intricate surgery on it to open it. The locksmith told us to NEVER transport a safe on its back always upright.

03-04-2021, 06:55 AM	#15
Texastaxi Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: West of Houston Hunt In: now accepting invitations!	I brought mine home, laying down in the bed of my truck. I moved it from that house, to storage, laying down on a trailer. I moved it from storage to our barndo, laying down on a trailer. Matt, you must be buying some cheap *** safes if they're damaged by transporting them laying down!

03-04-2021, 07:22 AM	#16
cva34 Ten Point Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: van vleck Hunt In: LOOKING	Mine was 800# and laying down in PU bed...Hardest part was gettin it in ground standing up without damage with 2 men and still haveing all your fingers

03-04-2021, 07:36 AM	#18
kmitchl Ten Point Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Montgomery, TX Hunt In: Eldorado	You don’t mention the size of the safe. Mine is 1800# empty. Rent a drop deck trailer rather than laying it down. The trailer deck drops down to ground level and uses hydraulics to raise it for transport. Strap it down like Spiderman. Pallet jack or pipe rollers to move around. Golf balls to move over carpet.

03-04-2021, 07:40 AM	#19
rjtkdplus Pope & Young Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Lockhart Hunt In: Everywhere I can	Last time I moved mine I rented a truck with a lift gate(made it easy). Moving it to and from the truck, I tilted it and my wife rolled golf balls underneath. On a tile floor I could easily move and turn it with one hand. The hardest part was getting the balls out from under it afterward but even that wasn’t too difficult.

03-04-2021, 07:51 AM	#21
Txtourist Six Point Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Minneapolis, MN Hunt In: MN, SD,TX	I’ve laid a small safe in a truck with clean moving blankets over a sheet of plywood. My big safe- 800# I put on a pallet , blanketed and strapped down and had a lift gate courier we use through work follow me 8 miles to our new house. They have pallet jacks in the trucks, just assist them loading and securing. We put a commercial freezer and a few other heavy/large items in the truck and I think it was less than $2oo

03-04-2021, 08:18 AM	#22
DRettele Ten Point Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: New Braunfels Hunt In: Central Texas, Kansas unit #6 & 8	Thanks for all the information and input guys! It isn't a huge safe - maybe a 16 gun safe - don't exactly remember. I have a flatbed trailer I will take with me and make the game time decision about the truck bed vs the trailer for the gun safe along with everything else that I need to move.

03-05-2021, 10:24 PM	#23
DRettele Ten Point Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: New Braunfels Hunt In: Central Texas, Kansas unit #6 & 8	The gun safe move went well. It is a Liberty/Cabelas safe and I ended up laying it down on its back on some pallets with the door remaining unlocked during the move. Everything turned out great.

03-05-2021, 11:21 PM	#26
samj Nubbin' Buck Join Date: Mar 2018	moved a safe for a friend quality furniture dolly ply wood small trailer golf balls 5 friends 24 pk. cold beer 1500 lb. safe-no problem Plan your approach, these things are heavy. You do not want to do work twice. Sam J.

03-06-2021, 07:56 AM	#27
Bureau2 Six Point Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Corsicana Hunt In: Wilbarger	I’ve moved 1000’s over 15 years. Laying them down is the way to go with a piece of PVC under it to roll up in the bed, make sure it’s on its back however and the pvc is out for driving. They come out way easier than going in... Make sure to lay ply wood on tile or hardwood. If you need more help PM me and I’ll try to help any way I can.

03-08-2021, 07:44 AM	#34
chaseh Four Point Join Date: Mar 2016	Glad it worked out for you. I've moved several smaller safes <800lbs earning a few scratches here and there - no serious damage or injuries. (just moved 3 around Christmas) My newer "pretty" safe was delivered by the local professional for 300$, and it was worth every penny!

03-08-2021, 07:47 AM	#35
softpoint Eight Point Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Wixon Valley, Texas Hunt In: anywhere I'm allowed	Three of us had a pretty good job moving mine. it's 1500 pounds and barely goes under regular doors, so you can't tilt it much on a dolly or it won't go under doors...