Fuel is a trucker’s highest expense. The same goes for fleets. Without it, the trucking industry (and our economy) would basically come to a halt. This makes diesel essential to protect and very attractive to steal.

Lock the Tank

One way to keep thieves out of your tank is to lock it. Here are a few options to consider:

Locking Fuel Caps

Locking fuel caps replace the tank’s existing fuel cap. They usually come with two or three keys. Multiple caps can be keyed alike to make life easier.

While simple to use and install, the most complicated part of locking fuel caps is figuring out which will fit your tank. Though they are often listed with the truck brand in the title, fitment depends on the inner diameter of the existing cap. If there is no existing cap, you would need to measure the outer diameter of the fill neck.

Though there are many sizes available, some tanks’ dimensions cannot be matched. Or, the cap must be vented, but it’s too small to have both a vent and a lock. That said, there is a fitting cap for most Class-8 tractors.

Locking Fuel Cap Covers

If replacing your existing fuel cap does not appeal to you, another option for fuel security is a locking fuel cap cover .

A locking fuel cap cover is an aluminum clam-shell type cover that fits over your existing fuel cap and locks. It spins freely once in place and prevents access to the fuel cap. Like the locking caps, the covers can be keyed alike.

Sold through Bud And Tony’s Truck Parts, the locking fuel cap covers come in just four sizes. This makes fitment a lot easier. The main measurements you need are the outer diameter of your existing cap, and in some cases, its height. Covers come with three keys and are sold individually.

With a locking fuel cap cover, you don’t have to worry about replacing your existing cap.

As long as fuel is valuable, there will be fuel theft. This means truckers and fleet owners must be vigilant in protecting the life blood of their industry at all times. It’s hard to make a living as a trucker if you’re losing thousands of dollars a month to thieves. Take steps to prevent fuel theft today.