protection

[LDB]

>Before turning in to get some sleep connect a strap across
>the inside of the cab from door handle to door handle.

You can keep them out even longer if you want. A strap is good but if they have a knife they can cut through it. Get a length of chain that will go through the door handles and 3 carabiners. Put one carabiner at the center of the cab to connect the two ends of the chain. Put another carabiner next to each door handle clipping the two sections of chain together. Even if they take the carabiner off next to the window they're reaching through they can't roll the chain to them like a clothes line to take the connector loose. The carabiner by the other handle keeps the chain from moving. That gives you extra time to use your tire thumper or wasp spray on them and only adds a couple extra seconds to the time needed when you want to get out.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator 1+ Years of Service
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Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

 

[LDB]

>Hi everyone havnt been on in awhile---but to the point you
>mean even if i have a ccw and stay in the states i am legal
>to carry i can still get in trouble ?

Potentially yes. I don't have the citation available but there's a federal reg that reads such that you would be legal to have a firearm in the sleeper because that's your "home". There is a federal reg that says you are not allowed to have a firearm in your truck. The argument, legitimate in my opinion, is that you can't have it in the cab area or within reach while in the cab area but you can have it in the sleeper out of reach of the cab.

The fact that Article Two should trump ALL other rules/regulations etc. doesn't mean anything to officials. Unless you are running your own authority your company almost assuredly has a no weapons policy. Your ccw, depending on state of issue, is only good in a limited number of other states and not all of those contiguous. Driving between those locations will put you through areas of ignorant unenlightenment where those of lesser intelligence than ccw holders may/can/will cause trouble.

As good and as correct as it would be to carry it would probably eventually be a butt biter. Then again, there is something to be said for being judged by twelve instead of carried by six.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator 1+ Years of Service
-----
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

 

[X1_SRH]

Snipervictim - I also have a CCW permit, but was advised by the DOT that you cannot carry a firearm, concealed or not, in a commercial vehicle. The fact that you are in a commercial vehicle makes your permit to carry null and void. The fact that we engage in interstate travel also adds a can of worms to the whole issue. And to all concerned, if you try to take a weapon (especially a handgun) into Canada, they will do their best to lock you up and throw away the key. By operating a commercial vehicle in interstate commerce we surrender our right to bear arms.

I am a fan of the big Mag-Lite. - Scott

 

[rfrogger120]

I realize you are probably talking about c & d-units but are the door handles on a cargo van really strong enough

 

[LDB]

I don't know if they are strong enough to withstand a repeated assault but I imagine they'd withstand at least a couple pulls, especially if you chain them so there's no slack. That should be enough time to apply a good dose of wasp spray to the guy's face and pretty much dissuade him I'd think. I kind of like the system on some vehicles in South Africa. You hit a button and a flame thrower goes off below the door. They're fortunate enough to not have the ACLU and other crybabies who don't understand the idea of consequences to illegal actions.

Leo Bricker, owner trucks 3034, 4958
OOIDA 677319
73's K5LDB
Highway Watch Participant, Truckerbuddy
EO Forum Moderator 1+ Years of Service
-----
Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

 

[Tennesseahawk]

A baseball bat would most likely get you a ticket back to the US, if going across the border. Also, pepper spray is illegal there, and most likely, they would consider wasp spray as a weapon. Pitbulls are, in my mind, questionable. I remember hearing from someone that Canada was thinking of banning them. So, if you're going there with one, I'd call ahead to make sure.

I doubt anyone would have a problem with a steak knife in the truck. Also, something glass, which you could break to use as a weapon. A cane wouldn't attract too much attention. A spray bottle with ammonia would work for not being conspicuous, as it's a cleaner. I know this will get some ugghs... a urine bottle. Jay brought up another good idea... a flashlight, or rather, a 10 million candle power worklight, to shine in their eyes. A portable airhorn is also a nice deterant.

 

[geo]

if you have a base ball bat and carry a glove and a ball and second glove you could ask the dot trooper if he would like to play ball or catch for a while, just thinking of away around the bat if you play ball have to have a ball to hit with the bat

 

[wallytrucker1]

Dang, I'm sure glad I live out west!! What kinda neighborhoods you guys running in ... flamethrowers HOT FREIGHT coming through, I gotta meet you Leo. I knew that psych evaluation they give at LEAM was designed to keep out the sane normal drivers. I usally encourage everyone to be safe out there but I think we should be posting signs on the trucks to warn approaching predators of their pending doom. Oh well, I'm off to snow ski in downtown Phoenix

 

[RichM]

I like the flame thrower the best,Couple of shots the word would get around real fast,no more panhandelers either.

 

[snipervictim]

Wow even with a ccw i didnt know this i thought as long as i stayed in the states i could carry i would be ok thanks for the info .

 

[cheri1122]

Thanks to everyone who contributed really good ideas - I especially like the wasp spray (which I might have to use for it;s intended purpose on my van, as they do nest behind the outside mirrors.) I only hope that if I ever need to use it against a bad guy, I will be calm enough to point it at him, not myself.

 

[Peace2All]

Keep a pry bar or a very large commercial screw driver behind your seat. You can use the handle for a tire thumper and the other side for protection. Be safe out there

 

[mrgoodtude]

I would put cynthia on em....
Mike and Cyn

 

[ChopChop]

I carry and post a "Beware of Dog" sign (place it on the dark side front window.) A true life saver is a can of fix a flat, gets you out of the bad area far enough to safely change a tire. I also carry the 10% pepper spray it will not stop em but might give you the couple of seconds you need .... to do what you have to do.

 

[brentwb2]

"Retired" trucker, new cop here.
Just food for thought...I challenge anybody to actually find the federal code that makes it illegal to carry a firearm in a truck. I have personally spoken to Indiana DOT, and they claim that there is no such legislation. I spoke to a Maryland DOT officer, he claimed that there is... When asked if he could show me the code, he was unable to find it. Indiana DOT claims that it is up to each individual state. According to that officer, I have a concealed weapons permit which would allow me to carry my firearm in Indiana (and any other state that reciprocates) in my personal vehicle as well as a commercial vehicle.

I once had a driver tell me that he carries a flare gun in his truck. One could argue that it is safety equipment, and probably could justify using it if they got into a precarious situation.

As for me, I carry a collapsable baton (made by ASP) on Police duty AND when I drive a truck. Of course if I am ever asked....it is a tire thumper.

 

[rfrogger120]

do you know of website or dtore name were one could get this collapsable baton?

 

[brentwb2]

You can check out www.galls.com and type in ASP in the search area. The technical term is 'Expandable Baton.' I am not sure if you have to be law enforcement to order from Galls or not. But at least you can see it and get an idea what i am talking about.