Emergency Vehicle Access Roadside Tools & Tips

When Roadside Assistance Pros take that 3 a.m. call to provide emergency vehicle access to a desperate motorist, they need to be prepared to overcome any obstacle. Savvy operators stow Steck Manufacturing’s BigEasy Comprehensive Lockout Kit and its accessories in their vehicle for quick, dependable use.

The backbone of the BigEasy Kit is its quarter-inch thick rescue rod, which is constructed from durable steel that is pliable and strong.

The 55-inch-long tool allows an experienced user to unlock a vehicle from the inside in approximately 60 seconds. The BigEasy actuates the lock button, door handle or electric locks on 98 percent of all cars and trucks.

THREE VEHICLE ACCESS TOOL OPTIONS

Steck Manufacturing’s BigEasy tool comes in three styles; a high-visibility pink powder coated rod, a blue powder coated rod for public safety and a reflective powder coated glowin-the-dark rod perfect for tinted windows and night-time access. Just hold the glow-in-the-dark rod up to the tow truck’s headlight to charge the rod.

BIGEASY USER RESCUES TRAPPED BABY

During his career, Bill Buerk, an experienced emergency assistance professional has responded to several calls where customers’ kids or animals were trapped in a vehicle.

“I got a call that a lady had accidentally locked her baby inside her car along with her keys,” Buerk said. “Luckily, I was close by. As an experienced user of the BigEasy, I was able to manipulate the tool to unlock the vehicle door in seconds. Thankfully, the baby was all right and was quickly reunited with its mother.”

“We practice on work trucks, newer cars and other vehicles,” he said. “The hardest ones to gain access to are typically box trucks and certain convertible models. Not only do we train on getting in, but we also practice doing it without damaging the vehicle in any way.”

THE BIGEASY DELUXE KIT INCLUDES:

  • Big Easy Glo Lockout Tool - STC32915
  • Plastic Glo tip For BigEasy - STC32910-TIP
  • Non-Marring Wedge – STC32920
  • EasyWedge Inflatable Air Wedge 6”x 6” - STC32922
  • Paint Protector – STC32924
  • Sure Grip Lock Knob Lifter - STC32930
  • BigEasy Carrying Case – STC32935

The accessories that come with, and those that can be added to Steck Manufacturing’s BigEasy Deluxe Kit (STC32955DLX), are critical to its ease of use, vehicle damage prevention, and its adaptability for nighttime operations.

Buerk explains that after inserting the Non-Marring Wedge, he begins the vehicle access process with the EasyWedge air cushions. ometimes when a door is tight, he uses a second bag. One on top and one on the side.

“It depends on the situation,” he said. “Sometimes you need a quarter inch or half inch more, depending on the frame size.

Though only one 6” x 6” EasyWedge comes standard with the BigEasy Deluxe Kit, Steck Mfg. recently introduced the new Pro-Grade EasyWedge Inflatable Air Bag Combo Set (STC32925). All three bags can also be purchased separately

EASYWEDGE 3-BAG COMBO:

  • Super EasyWedge (9” x 7”) – STC32923
  • BigEasy Wedge (6” x 6”) – STC32922
  • Mini EasyWedge (6” x 4”) – STC32921

These air bags have a durable construction for heavy-duty use. All are high-frequency sonic welded, maintaining a tight seal for years of professional use. The air shim bag squeeze pump allows for easy, one-handed operation and precision inflation and deflation control.

ADDITIONAL ACCESSORIES

Even though the BigEasy rod is 55-inch-long, there are situations, like in newer trucks, where the door handle is farther down inside the frame.

This is when the BigEasy Extend Accessory (STC32905) comes into play. This glow-in-the-dark extender fits on the end of the BigEasy and provides an extra 12 inches of length.

Additionally, the BigEasy Loop Accessory (STC32903) quickly clips onto the rod, giving the user a loop attachment. This handy attachment allows the user to easily grab door and window handles, upgrading your BigEasy for additional applications. The glowing feature ensures visibility in the dark, perfect for nighttime use.

“I’m still using the same BigEasy kit that was in my truck the day I started working with this company. The BigEasy is extremely durable and it delivers great value for the money,” Buerk said. “I’d recommend this kit to any roadside assistance professional. It really gets the job done.”

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