Ute Security
Tool & content theft protection
Ute security is a must if you don’t want to risk the hassle of stolen tools. No one wants to experience the stress, inconvenience and down time should a break-in happen. Worse still utility vehicles are some of the most stolen in NZ.
Secure your ute and tools from theft
I can provide a range of customised solutions to secure your load area, from alarms to effective locks to give you both peace of mind and convenient access.
Below are direct links so you can skip to what is most relevant for your needs:
Service body remote locking
Electronic T handles
If you have locks on your service body then you don’t want to faff around with keys when you need to access your tools, or forget to lock them.
Whilst I can retro fit them it is much easier if they are installed when the box is made, even if the wires have not been connected.
A remote double tap module can be wired up so that the service body unlocks with a 2nd press of the remote on most Utes. If an alarm is fitted I can also inhibit the locks so that they remain locked even if the cabin gets forced open whilst the alarm is armed.
Upgrading to electronic T handle locks
Replacing existing latches
My go to latch is the electronic whale tail T-lock from UES. They are really well made and have height and depth adjustments for the latch. They also come with keys for emergency access.
To upgrade to them some modifications are often required. The cut out may need to be made bigger and some hole may also need to be covered up. It’s not as painful as it sounds as some 3D printed spacers can be made which blend in nicely.
If you look closely then you’ll see the spacers in the Landcruiser service box video.
Wiring up the locks
Most service boxes don’t have channels to run the cables. Black cable covers are a tidy solution to keep everything looking shipshape.
Ute canopy alarm integration
OEM alarms fail to protect the load area
Even if your ute comes with a factory alarm, the canopy is normally overlooked. This is crazy seeing it’s where most of the valuable tools are kept.
PIR motion sensors
A PIR sensor is a very effective sensor to protect the contents in the load area. These can be added to the factory alarm, or an upgrade alarm.
One thing to be aware of is that most vehicles will re-lock and re-alarm if a door has not been opened after disarming if a door has not been opened. I recommend a remote double tap module to which will stop the alarm from re-arming and will unlock the canopy with a 2nd press of the unlock button should your canopy have built-in locking
Micro Switches
Micro switches are another good option to detect canopy windows being opened.
Not only do they add another layer of protection, but can double up to turn on lighting for better night vision.
Reed Switches
Reed switches are another effective way to detect if a window or lid has been opened. Bonnet switches can also be used on some lids.
Ute tray lid protection
Remote taigate locks
Most new trucks now offer tailgate locking from the remote. If your ute does not have this then electronic locks can often be retro fitted.
If wired up with an aftermarket alarm the tailgate can be wired so it only unlocks when the alarm is disarmed. This prevents the tailgate from unlocking the door is the front door is forcibly unlocked.
If you have load area locks already fitted then do this simple test:
Lock the vehicle with the remote then, unlock the front door with the key or the lock toggle switch. If your load area also unlocks then this is an obvious flaw that can be improved.
Additional wiring and lighting
Functional work area
Whilst the security is being upgraded it is a good time to think about any additional electrics you may want to add to the load area of your Ute.
It makes sense to keep everything tidy and get it all done one go. Be that additional lighting, a rear dash cam or reverse camera, or any other cables.
Feel welcome to give me a call to chat about the options, either before or after you’ve purchased your ute.
Ute alarms - Enhancing the factory security
Don’t assume the factory ute alarm is good enough!
Many trade vehicles lack an alarm even though they come with remote locking. Even the ones that do have an alarm can often be disarmed by picking the door lock.
I can provide decent upgrade alarms for most vehicles and integrate them with the existing remote locking system. The ute alarms I install are designed to secure the load area and protect your tools and livelihood.
Check out the CAN-BUS vehicle list to see which ones I have got solutions for.
Retro-fitted car alarms have many advantaged over factory systems. Not only are they harder to defeat, they are normally louder and come with many more options.
You can have a deep dive into what some of the most popular trade vehicles offer in terms of factory security on the Obsessive blog. I also show examples of some of the bespoke solutions I can offer for specific vehicles.
Liam Tooman
Julian was recommended to me by a friend who had work done by him and he did not disappoint. Julian was great from the word go, very organized, knowledgeable and great communication. He installed an alarm system, hooked up a review camera on my canopy and wired in some LED lights on the inside. He has done a fantastic job, will be going back to him with any future work I have and 100% recommend him to anyone else looking to have work done on their vehicle.
Anthony Smith
Great service, Julian is very knowledgeable, he installed a Cobra alarm on my landrcruiser on short notice, answered all my novice questions and gave me a good understanding of the work carried out. Cheers Julian.
In depth ute security advice
Below are some of the most common utes I have worked on and written a dedicated blog post about:
BYD Shark 6
Holden Colorado
Holden Rodeo
Isuzu D-Max
Mazda BT-50
Mitsubishi Triton (L200)
Nissan Navara
Toyota Hilux
Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series
Work vans are another common target for break-ins and theft.
This page offers solid advice on how to securr your van and contents
