Installing Truck Safety Systems: A Guide for Fleet Operators
As fleet safety systems become increasingly crucial, and in some cases mandatory, for compliance and accident prevention, many fleet operators consider installing these systems in-house to save costs. Professional installation by the safety system provider will ensure that the systems are fitted and programmed correctly. With regards to compliance the onus is then placed on the installers to ensure that they are set up to comply with the necessary regulations.
A lot of fleet operators have some form of on-site workshops that will allow the installation of the safety systems to be carried out. A basic understanding of vehicle electrics is needed due to the different connections these systems sometimes need and to ensure that the install is electrically sound. Some safety system providers do offer in-house training with a view to supplying safety systems on a supply (rather than installed) basis which can be a massive benefit if a fleet operator is looking to keep the installs in house.
Equipment Needed for Installation
The type of truck safety system you are installing will determine which tools are necessary. Standard sensor and cameras systems tend not to need specific tools for the installation. Whereas AI systems tend to need a form of calibration equipment in order to set the detection zones for the AI functionality.
Common Tools:
Basic Hand Tools: Screwdrivers, cutters, sockets, crimpers, ratchet
Drill and drill bits
Cable Management Tools: Zip ties, cable clips, and conduit to secure wiring neatly
Multimeter: For checking electrical connections and voltages
Consumables: Butt connectors, ring terminals, PVC tape, screws, nuts, bolts
Software or Calibration Equipment: Required for systems like AI-powered cameras or proximity sensors to ensure optimal functionality
Access Equipment: For accessing hard-to-reach areas on large trucks or trailers
Installation Steps
Below are general steps for installing common safety systems. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific details if this is the first time installing them. If in doubt check with the manufacturer before starting any physical installation.
Wiring
Wiring differs between different vehicle manufacturers and models but the majority have set points where you can take a permanent +30 (continuous) feed, ignition +15 (switched) feed and an earth +31.
On modern DVR systems also have trigger wires that allow the DVR to perform a function when power is applied to the trigger wire. This is usually connected to the indicator feeds and the reverse feed to allow the DVR to show a full screen image when those feeds are active.
Turn Alarms also require connecting to the indicator feeds to allow them to only sound on the indicator being activated.
Vehicle CCTV systems
Cameras:
- Determine the best position for the cameras on the vehicle.
- Ensure the cameras won’t be in the way of the vehicles doors when fully opened or any movable equipment on the vehicles such as hoses, tail lifts, moffetts and ladders
DVR
- Ideally located away from the footwell and dash area of the vehicles.
- Usually located in the storage bins or behind the passenger seat
- This ensures they are out of sight and also limits the chances of driver interference or damage to the units
Monitor
- Mounted in the drivers line of sight
- Can be an MOT failure if mounted on top of the dash and obstruct the drivers view to the front or sides.
- Transport for London’s (TfL) Direct Vision Standard (DVS) specification requires monitors to be fitted in the near side pillar area
Proximity Sensors
- Always check the manufacturers minimum/maximum height and width requirements
- Check there is enough room behind the hole site to seat the sensor prior to drilling
- Avoid fitting sensors on panels and parts of the vehicle that are removable
AI Systems
Camera and Sensor systems
- Check compliance needs (DVS, FORS etc) as these will dictate where the cameras/sensor need to be placed on the vehicle
- Sensors tend to be located lower down towards the bottom of the vehicle
- For cameras it depends on the suppliers AI system. Most need to have the side BSIS camera mounted high up to get the necessary coverage
- The AI monitors/displays need to be mounted on the near side pillar area so they are in the drivers line of sight
Conclusion
Installing truck safety systems in-house can be a cost-effective solution for fleet operators providing they ensure their technicians are fitting the equipment to the supplier’s guidelines, especially for the compliance related safety systems. Standard vehicle CCTV systems aren’t overly complicated to install, but the technicians will need to ensure they are able to programme the DVR units to enable the operators to get maximum benefit from the systems.
It will cost the fleet operator in terms of the technician’s hours, so that needs to be factored into any cost savings, but for a larger fleet the benefit would likely outweigh the cost.
