Fuel Defend is bringing to market a full line of products that will defend against more than just fuel theft.
The company, which bills itself as the world's leading fuel anti-siphon device company, has been scouring the world for new theft prevention devices. Through amalgamations and joint ventures, the company is expanding its product line, which is sold via distributors in more than 100 countries, including Canada.
Among the new products is the Vehicle Protector (VeePot), which uses sensors to determine when a diesel particulate filter (DPF) or catalytic converter is being removed from a truck. The DPF alarm can also be used to protect batteries, fuel tanks, light bars and bull bars, according to Dave Rogers, general manager for North America. DPF theft is a growing problem, as the precious metals found in the catalyst are quite valuable. The VeePot retails for about $200-$500.
To protect the SCR system from contamination, Fuel Defend has come out with locking DEF tank caps. DEF tank contamination often costs fleets $2,000-$8,000 to fix, depending on the level of contamination.
Sometimes, contamination occurs accidentally while other times it's a form of retribution from disgruntled former drivers. Rental truck fleets are particularly interested in the locking cap, Rogers noted, since their customers aren't always aware of the SCR system's requirement for DEF and unwittingly fill the tank with diesel. The BluCaps retail for about $45.
Fuel Defend's main line of anti-siphon devices, the NeckIt, features a short neck that can't be levered out. It takes about two to three minutes to install and prevents fuel thieves from inserting a hose into the fuel tank. It retails for about $45-$55.
Fuel Defend is also now offering the Canadian-made Safe-T-Loc wheel nut management system, which indicates and retains loose lug nuts. It costs about $15 per wheel. Fuel Defend plans to bring the Safe-T-Loc global through a joint venture.
Also new is a SideWarn! product designed to warn cyclists and pedestrians when they're at risk of being run over by the side of a commercial vehicle. The system uses several sensors to detect pedestrians and cyclists and then alerts them to the impending danger using audible alerts and flashing lights. The SideWarn! system was first launched in Europe and will come to North America in a few months.
Also coming later this year is a Tails self-powered locking system, which lasts three years on a single set of batteries. It creates and displays random digital security seal number on every activation.
