Building a Climate-Controlled Shipping Container for Secure Firearms Storage
Follow along as Channing walks through a shipping container modified for secure, climate-controlled firearms storage.
The legal requirements for storing firearms vary by country, province, state, and municipality, so this video does not provide legal advice. Instead, it focuses on the container modification itself and how insulation, humidity control, fire resistance, electrical, and access can be incorporated into a secure storage space.
One of the biggest concerns with storing metal equipment inside a shipping container is condensation. Without proper climate control, excess moisture can lead to rust and corrosion over time.
Controlling Condensation and Humidity
The container is fully insulated to help reduce temperature swings and condensation.
A four-inch intake is routed through one of the existing shipping container vents. While these factory vents are primarily designed for pressure equalization, multiple vents on a one-trip container can provide locations for a controlled ventilation system.
A four-inch duct can be connected to an air conditioner or dehumidifier to help control temperature and humidity during warmer months.
In the winter, electric baseboard heat can keep the interior above freezing and help maintain a more stable environment.
Adding a Fire-Resistant Interior
This container also uses a two-hour fire-rated wall assembly designed to provide additional protection from an exterior fire.
The walls include 5/8-inch Type X drywall behind a layer of fire-rated plywood. The plywood also creates a durable mounting surface throughout the interior.
On the floor, steel checker plate is fully seam-welded over the original container floor to create a durable steel surface.
Together, these materials provide a more fire-resistant interior than an unmodified shipping container.
Bringing Power Into the Container
Container Modification World Two-Port Power Plugs were installed on the exterior to provide a simple way to bring 120-volt power inside.
The two connections allow separate circuits to be used for equipment such as lighting and heating.
This provides flexibility when powering the container from a nearby building, generator or other suitable electrical source.
An eight-foot LED Light Fixture was installed inside to provide plenty of illumination throughout the space.
Improving Security With a Man Door and Lock Box
A Container Modification World Man Door provides everyday access to the storage space.
For additional security, a Universal Lock Box was installed over the door hardware. The Universal Lock Box is designed to work with both left-hand and right-hand swing man doors, making it a flexible option for different container layouts.
The original shipping container appearance is otherwise largely maintained.
Adding Controlled Exhaust Ventilation
A four-inch Exhaust Damper was also installed on the container.
When the air conditioner or dehumidifier is operating, the damper can open to allow air to escape. When the system is not running, it remains closed.
This also helps relieve the air pressure created when opening and closing a tightly sealed container door.
Organizing a Shipping Container Interior
The video also features Gator Magnetics.
These heavy-duty magnetic mounts attach directly to the steel container and can be used to organize equipment such as shovels, rakes, levels, ladders, and other tools without drilling into the container walls.
For a secure storage build, additional interior systems such as slat wall, perforated panels, or other storage surfaces could also be incorporated depending on the owner's needs and applicable regulations.
Building a Better Secure Storage Container
A shipping container can provide a durable starting point for secure storage, but climate control is just as important as physical security.
Insulation, dehumidification, heating, ventilation, and fire-resistant interior finishes can help protect valuable equipment from moisture, temperature swings, and exterior conditions.
With Container Modification World products such as the Man Door, Universal Lock Box, Two-Port Power Plugs, LED Light Fixture, and Gator Magnetics, the container can be turned into a clean, organized, and climate-controlled storage space while maintaining the durability of the original steel structure.