Protecting your BOV

[Mortblanc]

Pete, you might consider a simple battery shut off switch.

You can keep the battery in place, keep it on the trickle charger, but have it switched off so any car thief would not be able to crank the engine.

To turn it back on you simply lift the bonnet and flip the switch, start the vehicle and drive away.

Having the main circuit interrupted will also take care of most of the imagined EMP problems.

[MaryN]

Both of our cars are diesel and are kept under cover. The only problem we have with the Landrover is starting it up on really cold days - sticky diesel and all that. OH told me that they used to keep heaters under the helicopters he used to fly, and a short period of warmth just before take off did the trick.

[Pete Grey]

(21 January 2018, 23:38)Mortblanc Wrote: Pete, you might consider a simple battery shut off switch.

You can keep the battery in place, keep it on the trickle charger, but have it switched off so any car thief would not be able to crank the engine.

To turn it back on you simply lift the bonnet and flip the switch, start the vehicle and drive away.

Having the main circuit interrupted will also take care of most of the imagined EMP problems.

Thanks MB, i have just ordered a shut off switch, one with an inline fuse across it to make sure the alarm keeps working.

[Mortblanc]

I have used the shut off switches in several applications. They are handy when one wishes to isolate one battery in a multi-battery system for independent recharging.

I once kept a deep cycle battery in my Ford Ranger as a reserve battery and used it to power my RV when at home. I recharged it each day at work using a power pole that had a plug at its base. Pulled it up to the end of the RV each evening and plugged the caravan into the truck.

They are also useful when one finds a dead short in their system that drains power from the main battery. A dead short is often impossible to find, especially when dealing with an old vehicle that can have many worn and bare spots in the wiring.

Over here mechanics' hourly rates are from $75=up per hour and just a couple of hours chasing a dead short can eat up a budget.

[Easy rider]

Protecting your bug out vehicle or daily ride is something ever more now important.
Car theft and jacking is very popular few are caught leading to escalation.
Being injured stabbed even a real risk.


Their are more less noticeable ways but a few I know who have campers are fitting sash jammers on the insides of vans to stop easily forced opened doors once your inside or sleeping or simply protect whilst parked up one or more doors not used to 're enter.
Simple effective. Top of doors are very vulnerable to a bar then fingers easily pulled back .

I would agree a battery isolator.
Fuel switch isolators are good too.

We use disc locks on all our vehicles.
We're replacing a couple this year ,once done we will be having laminated security film fitted to all side & rear Windows.

I will be buying a few rolls spare too in case the need arises to diy fit the front screens .
Ensuring fuel fillers have locking caps. Fuel will be something in a even easily taken.if not by pipe by puncturing fuel tank.
I have used quick steel to repair holes in fuel tanks in past but not with contaminant around hole. Dowel May work I guess possibly hold a dowel temp fix.

Those emergency tyre rubber puncture strips may too work some.
Not sure of fuel proof tapes that stick on damp areas.

A switch to isolate brake lights for night may be advisable and knowing how to disconnect rear lights advisable too.

We have a very bright hand spot lamp too to illuminate if needs arise to go backward in dark or could discourage following in dark too.
Can't see can't drive safely.
Sure I have old spark plugs in the motors too.

Having been caught in a road rage incident ,best advise always be vigilant ,forward planning ,stay back from vehicles to give yourself manovering room .
Be cautious helping others in what looks like breakdowns accidents.
Stay safe be prepared.

[Mortblanc]

On newer vehicles most are equipped with a fuel pump cut off switch that is activated on impact as a safety measure.

Often this switch will activate when one hits a deep pot hole or crosses rough railroad tracks. Happens when the vehicle gets older and suspension travel changes. Many a "computer malfunction" costing hundreds to repair was actually corrected by pushing a reset button as soon as the owner was out of sight.

They have a reset button/on-off switch, but that button is usually hidden behind an interior body panel like a kick plate or speaker cover. If you know where that button is you already have that feature installed from the factory and under warranty. You can shut off the electric fuel pump any time you desire.

You can google this information for your make and model, since they are each and every one different. Proper term is an "inertia fuel shut off switch." On my old Escort it was inside the rear shock tower and on my F150 it was behind the passenger side speaker cover. On my present Escape it is located behind a flip up cover on the passenger side kick plate.

I am not sure how British vehicles are set up but American vehicles lose their dash lights as soon as the tail lights stop working. It is a general warning so that the driver knows he has no tail lights if the dash is dark.

Our cars are also equipped with a device that locks the doors as soon as the vehicle it put into gear. It is part of the anti-hijack/road rage package built into all vehicles. Since most vehicles here also have climate control the windows are usually rolled up at all times.

Of course over here things are a bit different. You lock the doors and roll up the windows to keep the bad guy out.

If he breaks the glass you shoot him.

[Easy rider]

God bless America

[CharlesHarris]

(27 January 2018, 21:49)Easy rider Wrote: God bless America

In Richmond, VA I was stopped at a traffic light when a squeegie boy approached close and got beligerant when I yelled at him to bugger off. As he started whacking his bucket on the boot swearing I took a pair of bright orange industrial ear plugs out of my pocket, put them in my ears, then took my safety glasses out of my work vest and put them on as he watched. As I unzipped my vest and started to reach in he took his squeegie and bucket, running off.

Do you suppose he was afraid I might reach for.my smart phone to take his picture?

[Easy rider]

Things are very different in the uk. .I'm sure you know.
As a 60s child I grew up without fear on the streets in the uk. Yes we have seen rise a in crime in earlier years followed by dips but today I feel concerned in fact slightly fearful.
Those who are not concerned with the rule of law have access to numerous weapons ,guns,acid,knives machete bars several others too.

No fear in using them either as uk crime rates are now showing if not under estimated and not taking into account fail to report.

For my children I am fearful.
It seems police can no longer protect citizens in uk Europe worldwide.

Why training cannot be given,acceptance of self defence weapons legalised for those of sound level headed mind .
If I knew what I do now and felt this way I would have lost uk as young as possible.
My biggest regret .

Don't get me wrong we hear alot on gun death in the states that too is a problem that needs working effectively on but I do wish we had some right to defend our selves and loved ones against threat of life with a purposeful arm.
I'm confident things will worsen but confident too we will forever be helpless to defend against it and shall never have such a right.
We are only worthless numbers of no real significance but too ourselves and few other decent people.