FAQs

Overall the locks will fit any make, any model, and any style door. However, there are different models to meet your needs. The M1 and M1+ locks operate from your key and the M2 locks operate from a Thunderbolt key fob. Use our product wizard to find the right locks.

The accessories needed for each van can be found in the application menu in the main navigation. Drill down to your particular van and the accessories will be listed. You are also welcome to reach out to us at any time.

We always recommend having a professional up-fitter (find one here) tackle the installation; however, anyone handy and confident with using a drill and connecting wires can do it. We encourage you to watch the General Installation Video to get an overview.

Visit our Installer Locator on our website for a list of possible installers. Additionally, you can search your local area for any up-fitter, van builder, or auto security company, and they should be able to handle the installation.

Our sister company, Chicago Upfitters, handles this for us. Customers from across the nation drive to Chicago to have our team expertly install the Thunderbolt® Locks. Our technicians have literally installed hundreds of Thunderbolts.
www.ChicagoUpfitters.com

Rear and side doors take 2 hours per door. Front door locks usually take 3 hours per door. A Keyed Manual Release takes about 1 hour.

If your van has Thunderbolts in its cargo area, you can unlock the cab door with your key to access the hood release.

For vans with Thunderbolts on all four doors, consider the following methods:

1. Install a Thunderbolt Keyed Manual Release: This allows access in case of electronic or battery failure.
2. Install a Secondary Hidden Hood Release Cable: This provides an alternative way to unlock your hood and access the battery.
3. Install a Trickle Charger with an AC Plug Port: This maintains an alternative way to charge your battery.

IMPORTANT: When installing a lock on the front doors, it is crucial to install a Keyed Manual Release. Without it, you risk being locked out of your van or facing the difficult task of accessing the lock assembly with the door closed. Removing the door panel in this situation can be very challenging.

We ship to the United States via UPS. Domestic shipping typically takes 3-4 business days.

All items are shipped from our Countryside, Illinois factory.

We typically ship within 2-3 days after an order is placed, as all locks are hand-assembled. However, shipping times may vary depending on the current number of orders in the queue.

To prioritize your order and move it to the top of the queue, please select the priority option.

Yes, as soon as the order is shipped we will email you a tracking number.

Yes, our factory is located in Countryside, Illinois, just 15 minutes from Chicago.