Smittybilt Glove Box Storage Compartment

Smittybilt Glove Box Storage Compartments: Vault-Style Security for the Dash

A factory glove box is built for convenience, not security. Its plastic door and simple latch do little to deter a smash-and-grab, which is a real concern for owners of open-top and soft-top rigs. Smittybilt, the off-road accessory brand founded in 1956 by Basil "Smitty" Smith, takes a different approach with its Vaulted Glove Box: a steel, lockable replacement that turns the dash storage space into a small safe.

The Vaulted Glove Box Design

The centerpiece of Smittybilt's offering in this category is the Vaulted Glove Box. Rather than adding a bolt-on lockbox elsewhere in the cabin, it is designed to slide into the original glove box opening, so you keep the same general storage footprint while gaining a much tougher enclosure. Key features of the design include:

• 16-gauge steel construction for a rigid, tamper-resistant shell that is far more difficult to pry open than a stock plastic door.
• Locking compartment with a keyed lock; the kit includes two keys so you can leave the vehicle unattended with more confidence.
• Black powder-coat finish that resists scratches and corrosion and blends with a typical Jeep interior.
• OE-style fitment that mounts in the factory glove box hole, with included hardware and a seal in the box.

Fitment Across Wrangler Generations

Smittybilt has produced Vaulted Glove Box versions for multiple Jeep Wrangler generations, including the 1987-1995 YJ, the 1997-2006 TJ (including Rubicon and Unlimited models), and the 2007-2018 JK. Because dash shapes differ between generations, matching the correct part number to your model year is the most important step when shopping. The JK version slides into the existing opening and attaches with factory bolts, while also providing extra holes and hardware so you can drill and add a second pair of bolts along the bottom edge for added resistance to theft.

Who Benefits Most

Off-roaders who run with the top off or the doors removed, trail riders who leave a vehicle at a trailhead, and anyone who prefers not to carry a wallet, spare keys, or electronics into the backcountry will find a locking steel compartment practical. It is also a sensible upgrade for daily drivers who park in public lots and want a more secure place for registration papers and small valuables.

Installation and Warranty

Installation is generally straightforward: remove the old glove box, set the new compartment in place, and secure it with the supplied hardware. Light to moderate mechanical skill and basic hand tools are typically all that is needed, and a drill helps if you choose the optional extra mounting points. Smittybilt backs its Vaulted Glove Box with a limited warranty, and current listings describe a limited lifetime structural warranty with a 5-year finish warranty.

Explore More from Smittybilt

This steel glove box reflects the same trail-tested approach Smittybilt is known for across its lineup of bumpers, winches, and Jeep accessories. To see everything the company offers, visit the Smittybilt brand page. If you are comparing options from other manufacturers, browse the full Glove Box Storage Compartment category for additional styles and fitments.