Let's talk Security

[BroncoHauler]

Originally Posted by canyonclan

Check out www.landhopping.com and click the 4x4 icon on the top navigation bar.

-Jeff

That's the guy! Talk about putting an SMB to it's intended use. If only I could get that kind of time off work.


Herb

[jage]

Catch-22 How do you get that much time off work and pay for your SMB? Heck, how do you get that much time off and keep your job at all?

Landhopping.com and the Badgers are like Olympic athletes- they're an inspiration to all of us even if we're never at that level.

[JoeyNick]

Originally Posted by jage

Also this stuff is for home, non-safety glass... is it really going to help with anything but keeping the glass chunks out of the van?

It's supposed to make the window harder to break as well as keeping the glass pieces together. Think about it, if the glass is shattered but it's still held together by the film, you still have a window.

Shy of going the full armored vehicle route ( http://tinyurl.com/27yf4l ), I think it's worth a try.

--Joey "Nick"
in New "Yawk" City

[jage]

I didn't get the whole "makes the glass harder to break" part from the webpage. I would think it would have to go on the outside to make a difference with the tempered glass, but it's worth a shot if it makes a difference.

I just pictured a thief popping the glass and then pushing through what's left on the film if it's filmed on the inside, but I suppose if they gave up at that point (esp if it holds the shattered glass enough they can't get through to the truck)... hopefully you'll never have to find out!

[canyonclan]

I am unfamiliar with the automotive film applied to car windows but I have first hand knowledge of a similar product. I had a large store front window that had this type of film on the plate glass windows. It was intended as a graffiti deterant. A would be thief tried to bust the window with a concrete flower pot... to no avail! The glass broke but the thick film was still intact. This guy worked on it for quite some time before walking away disapointed!

Hope this helps,
Maranda

[geoffff]

I usually leave the radio on at a low volume so it (maybe) sounds like someone's in the van. Might be wishful thinking on my part, but it's easy to do.

-- Geoff

[JoeyNick]

Originally Posted by canyonclan

I had a large store front window that had this type of film on the plate glass windows... A would be thief tried to bust the window with a concrete flower pot... to no avail! The glass broke but the thick film was still intact. This guy worked on it for quite some time before walking away disapointed!

That's what this film is supposed to do. It makes it harder to break, as well as keeping the window intact if it does break. I'd really like to have it installed (native New Yorker thing) but I prefer to use a place that's done it before.

Does anybody know if the new (2008) Ford rear license plate buckets can be retrofitted to older vans? They are supposed to be harder to break into.

[yarg]

Security implemented:
1) Bullet proof film. Manufactured by 3M. Several specs availalble. Applied to inside of glass. If glass broken by bullet, stone, etc film holds the glass together and prevents would be thief knocking glass aside and grabbing whatever.
No bullets ever tested our film. However, angry peasants in Bolivia stoned the glass and it did not break or even mark so again film never tested.
With a new darker tint applied at the same time the 2 combined cost $850. Note our van was a full window van, with all ford windows none were added by SMB.
2) Darker tint. Originally ordered van with medium tint from SMB. However, every one looks in. Which means all toys are on show. Went to limo dark and you could be inside and people dont see you. Turned out not to be so dark inside when looking out. Cost see above.
3) Ravelco immobilizer. Think about $350
4) Alarm. Think about $250
5) Bulkhead. Our biggest issue was when others had access to the van. At Ford for maintenance etc. We installed dead bolts on the rear and side doors so were not accessible even when Ford doors unlocked. We used the PH bed, plus a thick piece of wood shaped to space above bedboard in shape of interior roof outline all screwed in place and supported by metal bar. If interested will post diagram.
Do not trust Ford in South America:
In Ecuador they tried to break the dead lock.
In Peru they stole sunglasses
In Bolivia the manager assured us it would be safe and quick anyway - they stole B&O headset and PSP
6) Above Jerry cans we bought another pan off Aluminess same as jerry can base that went over the top and padlocked in place so no one could steel diesel since top of jerry cans accessible while still being airated. We used metal cans instead of plastic as we had heard plastic cans get stabbed and fuel taken.
Metal jerry can $30
7) Bear spray. We had 30ft power spray as we could not carry arms over all the borders we crossed. Never used.
8) Hidden security boxes attached to vehicle x2. For cash, passports and docs etc
9) Hiding places inside van furniture and vanity boards for multiple cash deposits
10) Wheel locking bolts from SMB. No use. Everywhere in Central and South america they never asked for the key, they did not need it to change our wheels!
11) A Forgetaboutit Chain and lock on bikes. On a coupel of occasions peole tried to undo the ropes and covers to the bikes but never got close to attacking the chain.
12) Perimeter lights. We had Hela lights (same as those used for reverse lights in rear trojan attached in 4 corners of PH lid controlled by switches inside. Great for Camping/BBQs outside van in dark. Also deters anyone outside that seems threatening.
13) No added security on Yakima roof box. Woke one night in Chle to find that someone was on roof trying to break in. I think they left more scared than us when the outside lights went on.

General awareness - greatest security of all. Did not leave the van on own or in dodgy places.

As said above biggist issue is when other have keys to your van.

Neil and Arelis
http://www.landhopping.com

[JoeyNick]

Yarg: Thanks for the info. Is this the same product?

From the 3M website:

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/e ... ices/FAQs/

How do 3Mâ„¢ Scotchshieldâ„¢ (ULTRA) Safety and Security Window Films work?

3Mâ„¢ Scotchshieldâ„¢ ULTRA Safety and Security Window Films are designed to hold glass fragments together when broken.

Compared to 3Mâ„¢ Scotchtintâ„¢ films, 3Mâ„¢ Scotchshieldâ„¢ Window Films are made with thicker polyester and a much thicker, more aggressive adhesive. 3Mâ„¢ Scotchshieldâ„¢ ULTRA Films are unique in the industry; they are built using a special micro-layered polyester technology which increases the films' tear and puncture resistance significantly. The impact and tear resistance of 3Mâ„¢ Scotchshieldâ„¢ ULTRA films outperform all other films of similar thicknesses.


Are 3Mâ„¢ Scotchshieldâ„¢ (ULTRA) Safety and Security Films Hurricane-proof? Bullet-proof? Burglar-proof?

No, 3Mâ„¢ Scotchshieldâ„¢ (ULTRA) Safety and Security Films are not hurricane-proof, earthquake-proof, bullet-proof, bomb-proof, nor burglar-proof. Again, they are designed to make glazing more shatter-resistant.

In the event of a windstorm, these films may have significant safety and security value. They can reduce the risk of injury from flying shards of broken glass, and possibly help prevent debris and water penetration through the window depending on the severity of the storm (and the type of glass, framing system, size and velocity of objects, and more).

In an earthquake, these films can reduce the risk of serious injury from flying shards of broken glass, and possibly prevent glass from falling out of a home or building. Again, much may depend upon the severity of the quake (and the type of glass, framing system, and more, too).

Bullets: these films are not designed to stop bullets.

3Mâ„¢ Scotchshieldâ„¢ Safety and Security Films were originally developed to address international concerns and needs for improved safety and security against terrorist acts of bombing. These films can significantly reduce the risk of serious injury from flying shards of glass due to blasts. However, much depends upon the severity of the blast and the proximity of the glazing to the blast (and glass type, framing system, and more too).

3Mâ„¢ Scotchshieldâ„¢ (ULTRA) Security Films are a low profile, high performance measure of security in the battle against 'smash and grab' crime. The tough, shatter-resistant qualities of the film can hold the window glass together even if a brick (or similar object) were actually to pass through the glass. The thief must then make a choice; continue to attack this window, try another window, or move on. Time is short, and often they move on. However, if they are determined to gain entry, they will get in. It is generally recommended that 3Mâ„¢ Scotchshieldâ„¢ (ULTRA) Security Window Films are used as part of an integrated security system.


Will 3Mâ„¢ Scotchshieldâ„¢ (ULTRA) Safety and Security Film stop my glass breaking?

This is difficult to answer with any degree of certainty because it is difficult to test for this. Glass varies in strength from piece to piece, and lot to lot. So, if a 3Mâ„¢ Scotchshieldâ„¢ protected window were impacted, yet, failed to break, it would be difficult to determine if the glass alone, the film alone, or the film and glass together resisted the breakage.

When glass breaks, 3Mâ„¢ Scotchshieldâ„¢ (ULTRA) Safety and Security Film demonstrates it's best performance!

[yarg]

The film is thin and therefore not like the film put on glass in buidlings for bombproofing etc.

I had the choice of 4 mil or 8mil - reality is it certainly wasn't millimeter probably more like micro thick.

I called 3M direct and they pointed me to regional sales guy who then gave me 2 tint shops in the LA area who had the films in stock and had experience of applying. Sorry I cant be exact.