Master Cutoff Switch
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Master Cutoff Switch
I looked briefly in the FTE search for this topic, because I know it has had to come up before. Did Ford make a master cutoff switch for their trucks? I thought I once saw one on a F-700, but it might have been an aftermarket. Or has anyone ever installed one for security sake?
Sometimes my truck has to spend lonely nights away from my proximity and it makes me wonder if it will be there when I return (probably should be more worried about someone stealing the tailgate). A cutoff isn't the ultimate detourant, but if it would slow down a thief, it might be worth the money if I hide it somewhere.
Sometimes my truck has to spend lonely nights away from my proximity and it makes me wonder if it will be there when I return (probably should be more worried about someone stealing the tailgate). A cutoff isn't the ultimate detourant, but if it would slow down a thief, it might be worth the money if I hide it somewhere.
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Joined: Jan 2001
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From: Virginia
It's going to be hard to hide a master cutoff, since it disconnects the large battery wire, and you cannot run this someplace remote on the truck without voltage drop problems, and having to deal with very large oversize wires that can be a fire hazard.
The 1980 I had came with the hood pull handle that was lockable. That would make it harder for someone to open the hood and get at a master disconnect at the battery. Possibly you could even hide your regular hood release, so it is not obvious how to lift the hood.
A master disconnect will kill everything but you could also just put a small switch in the red/blue wire that goes to the starter solenoid and lift the hood and flick it on and off to interrupt power to the starter.
The 1980 I had came with the hood pull handle that was lockable. That would make it harder for someone to open the hood and get at a master disconnect at the battery. Possibly you could even hide your regular hood release, so it is not obvious how to lift the hood.
A master disconnect will kill everything but you could also just put a small switch in the red/blue wire that goes to the starter solenoid and lift the hood and flick it on and off to interrupt power to the starter.
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Spokane washington
i dont see a problem with voltage dropping.. I run 2 batteries in the trunk of my mustang with about 12 foot of 2 gauge wire and a cutoff switch in the fuel door and a cut off switch on the dash with no voltage drop problems.
what i would do is just mount a cut off switch in the grill of your truck. nobody would know that it would be there.. they also make the cut offs with the keys so you can take it with you.
also you could run a push button start and hide the button somewhere. you would still need the key to turn on the ignition.
what i would do is just mount a cut off switch in the grill of your truck. nobody would know that it would be there.. they also make the cut offs with the keys so you can take it with you.
also you could run a push button start and hide the button somewhere. you would still need the key to turn on the ignition.
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Joined: Sep 2007
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I have a battery disconect that has a big red key in it. All you do is turn it and remove it and that breakes the ground. I really like it because my truck spends a lot of time sitting in the parking lot at school. Plus if your truck has to sit for a while, it helps to keep your battery from getting run down. On the down side you will have to reset your radio stations everytime.
