DIY vs OFT (Open For Theft)

solartogo

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Seeing some of the latest pictures, with the exposed bolt heads holding things together, made me wonder how secure the Slate will be?

Might you come out of a store, and discover that a body panel or three are missing? Might panels be loosened, such that thieves could use a long reach tool to grab stuff out of the cab? Or are their sufficient bolts that require access to lockable compartments such that things will be secure? But could they still steal some of the bolts, possibly resulting in body panels flapping in the breeze as you cruise down the highway?

(OFT - open for thieves)
 

Trace26

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I'd say this is true of every car on the road. Look under a car or in the fender well.
Could it happen? Sure, people vandalize cars all the time.
But could they still steal some of the bolts, possibly resulting in body panels flapping in the breeze as you cruise down the highway?
 
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Duke Slater

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Seeing some of the latest pictures, with the exposed bolt heads holding things together, made me wonder how secure the Slate will be?
Might you come out of a store, and discover that a body panel or three are missing? Might panels be loosened, such that thieves could use a long reach tool to grab stuff out of the cab? Or are their sufficient bolts that require access to lockable compartments such that things will be secure? But could they still steal some of the bolts, possibly resulting in body panels flapping in the breeze as you cruise down the highway?

(OFT - open for thieves)
Legitimate concern. Maybe Slate should do proprietary bolts and include like 10 bits with every truck they sell.
 

eightOne

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Legitimate concern. Maybe Slate should do proprietary bolts and include like 10 bits with every truck they sell.
Proprietary bolts won't stop anything except a casual passerby. There's always a tool that can be forced to fit enough to get the job done. Same with wheel locks. The only security bolts I've seen to be effective are the ones where the piece that allows you to drive them in snaps off when it hits the desired torque setting. Though even those can be defeated with a drill/grinder and time.

I would suggest the opposite. Use bolts commonly available at the local hardware, automotive, or parts store, so there's no monetary benefit to someone stealing the bolts from your truck.

Will that keep a determined thief from snagging a panel? No. But, panel removal can be mitigated by needing access to locked areas or greater disassembly than would be feasible in a parking lot.
 

The Dude

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I was looking at that on the video. Thought they should have a snap cover over them. I could always 3d print them and sell them to the rest of you guys. Lol.
 

cadblu

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Legitimate concern. Maybe Slate should do proprietary bolts and include like 10 bits with every truck they sell.
While I like this option, it will undoubtedly add extra cost to the base truck. However, I think it will work best as an after-sale accessory for owners who want extra security who live and work in areas where vandalism is a concern.
 

cadblu

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I was looking at that on the video. Thought they should have a snap cover over them. I could always 3d print them and sell them to the rest of you guys. Lol.
Nice idea, but a cosmetic accessory would not be a theft deterrent.
 

The Dude

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I was referring to the looks of it. As far as stealing. Anything will be stolen if there is a demand for it. Im not worried about it. I'll put an interior camera and tracker in it. Might even be a future option.
 

Doctors Do Little

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I was referring to the looks of it. As far as stealing. Anything will be stolen if there is a demand for it. Im not worried about it. I'll put an interior camera and tracker in it. Might even be a future option.
I'm now thinking of a good enough front/rear camera that could be run for "sentinel mode" for the Slate when off-duty. If there is already a planned solution, let me know.
 

AZFox

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Proprietary bolts won't stop anything except a casual passerby. There's always a tool that can be forced to fit enough to get the job done.
Reminds me of when they first introduced Kryptonite u-locks. There was lots of fanfare about the robust security, including the unusual circular key.

Someone figured out you could open them by cramming a Bic pen body into the circular keyway.

🤦‍♂️
 

Doctors Do Little

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Reminds me of when they first introduced Kryptonite u-locks. There was lots of fanfare about the robust security, including the unusual circular key.

Someone figured out you could open them by cramming a Bic pen body into the circular keyway.

🤦‍♂️
Amen. I lost the combination to a "Master" lock and needed access yesterday. 22 seconds with a crescent wrench and a screwdriver later, I had access.

Jeez. Window dressing.

If they want something in public, only you and/or your 4-legged toothy friend, are going to prevent it.
 

SlateShift

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Sadly as the saying goes the security will only keep honest people honest. Determined thief's or professionals will defeat most conventional security.
But a great point on the risks, i certainly think having good insurance and a dash cam is a good idea!
 
 
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