Security: actions and words
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by Brian Weatherley
• If you're going to help road hauliers avoid truck theft there's no better way to show practical security in action than with your own mobile demonstrator.
When Commercial Motor unveiled its Trucktheft Action Pack two weeks ago, we backed it up with an artic unit which was bristling with security devices.
Trucktheft Action Pack cosponsors lveco Ford provided the tractor while CIlfs new Fruehauf triaxle curtainsider test trailer followed on nicely behind. Vehicle security expert Jim Maple then got down to work making our rig as thiefproof as can be.
Locking nuts
When Fruehauf delivered our trailer two months ago they made sure that the smart Alcoa alloy wheels stayed put with some heavy duty locking nuts. Before the launch of the Theftpack we also fitted our curtainsider with the Knight-Lock air line security system which replaces the normal red-line connector with a special two-piece fitting. Without the correct key connector nozzle (each operator has his own unique key combination) you can't put on the air line and the trailer stays put.
Although our "cargo" is nothing more exciting than concrete test weights and water tanks, CMs test trailer is now protected by an M1002 manual, selfpowered trailer alarm system courtesy of Maple Commercial Vehicle Security. Operated by a special key switch fitted to the front bulkhead the alarm's control unit, standby battery and 122 decibel sounder are housed in a stove-enamelled box fitted inside the trailer.
The rear doors are alarmed with a heavy-duty magnet reed contact switch sited at the top of the first opening door and to give some form of protection to the curtains, two "Du-tec" 360° microwave/passive sensors are fitted to the roof of the unit to detect movement within the trailer. The whole system is selfsupporting thanks to a six amp/hour rechargeable battery, trickle charged from the trailer's own electrics.
A Maple Load Locker guards the rear barn door locking rods, with a simple slam-lock facility retained for the driver.
Each time the locking bar is closed the door is locked thereby doing away with the need for a padlock—which can be easily lost.
On the EuroTech tractor Maple fitted its own ML3/2 air brake immobiliser valve which prevents the handbrake from being released when the device is set with a Kaba 20 key with more than a hundred million key combinations.
Each kit comes with two keys, a key registration card, fitting instructions, a fitting kit (metric and imperial) and a VTG10 form. Once the system is installed the VTGIO form needs to be returned to the DOT at Swansea. As the valves are fully DOT approved no re-testing is necessary.
The Iveco's cabin is protected by an M704 self-powered delay entry/exit alarm system which operates via contacts on the doors and an ultrasonic detector unit in the cab itself. The system is automatically set when the truck's ignition is switched off and after the driver has left the vehicle and closed the door behind him. The micro-processor controlled unit has self-diagnostics.
And an FV304 fuel valve immobiliser electronically restricts the flow of fuel to the engine. The fuel valve electronics are integrated into the setting of the alarm system thereby allowing three-way immobilisation of the starter motor, park brakes and fuel supply.
And for a real belt and braces approach our tractor had a "Mul-T-Lock" gear lever clamp which makes it impossible to change gear on the truck unless the device is disengaged.
Up until now the Mul-T-Lock inunobiliser has been primarily offered on light commercials. But it will be available soon with specialist fittings from Maples for heavy trucks.