I just got my truck and I'd like to keep it. I want to an alarm and either Lojack or satalite tracking. I was thinking for ease of use the factory add on motion sensor/horn honker might be fine. For those that have it, it is worth a crap?

Living close to the border I need to think about some sort of tracking. Lojack has a good rep in AZ, but I realize the limitation that it only works if I call it in before it goes south. The system that alerts thru the cell phone also sounds good, if I were on a business trip it could theoretically tell me if someone was screwing with it while parked at the airport.

I know there are many fans of the plug system that hooks in to different circuits, but that won't stop the smash and grab kids/addicts or the professionals that bring a tow truck and haul it away.

I did do a search before posting, but didn't see what I was looking for.

Thanks,

Mitch

 

I can't speak for the factory alarm or Lojack but I can tell you that pretty much everyone on here is going to recommend the Ravelco. They advertise that no vehicle has ever been stolen with one of these systems in 32 years. Check out ravelco.com for more info.

 

X2...Ravelco!

 

Mine has the dealer added crap system they put on all the trucks in the lot for their own protection. They wanted me to pay like $400 for it. I called BS on that and got it for free as the guy that would have to uninstall it was gone for the day.

Its crap.

Get a lojack or ravelco

 

how much do one of these systems cost?

 

I have a Ravelco. My truck is still here so I assume it is working. For about $400 installed, not a bad price for a piece of mind. The only thig it can not stop your car from being taken is wth a flatbed/tow truck.

 

Flatbed/towtruck theft is common here in AZ, so the Ravelco isn't my first choice of where to dedicate financial resources. I know I'd get frustrated having to pull the plug each time I left the truck, plus a remote start wouldn't work if I decided to add that feature.

The factory add on is about $180 for the parts, and must be activated by the dealer. It seems like it is more of a noise maker, but the one in my last Ford was fine. My dad recently had the full trim autopage system installed in his F-250. It is nice as far as features: remote start, 2 way remote, turbo timer, extra door sensor for camper shell. It was a bit spendy, around $700 installed. The 2 way remote is cool as long as you are within the working distance.

Since I travel frequently and leave my truck at the airport I was researching one of the systems that will interface with the cell phone, essentially notifying you if the truck moves from the current position so you could call the PD and report it stolen immediately. I'm not sure the cost, or if there is a monthly subscription fee.

Maybe just a flashing dummy LED on the dash...

 

actually flatbed tow thefts only count for 2% of total theft. the thing with diesels is that they are pushing them out into and down the street before they start and drive off with them. flatbed/tow theft makes too much noise and causes too big of a scene.

 

Ravelco for best chances.........Lojack, in case your in the 2 percentile!
I was recently quoted $399.95, installed at my work location!

RJ

 

I don't have a Ravelco myself, but I would recommend them from what I know about them. I agree having to keep up with the plug all the time might be a bit of a pain, but it beats the pain of finding your pride and joy missing

 

...and that is because Lary sleeps in his truck! Otherwise, Ravelco baby!

 

I'll have to check the local stats, but I'll ask this: When is the last time anyone here has questioned a towtruck driver when he was towing someone elses car in a public parking lot? I know I never have.

Aside from the all mighty Ravelco, is anyone using the cell phone interfaced alarms? If so, how do you like it?

 

I have the factory system AND the Ravelco. The factory system DOES make a lot of noise, just bump the truck and it gives a single horn beep, bump it again and it honks and blinks for about 2 minutes. It will keep doing that over and over with just a bump. It is also sound sensitive, so parking next to anything making noise sets it off.

I have the Ravelco plug on with my keys, I used a small thumb latch clip on it's ring. Sometimes I still put the key in the ignition and when I get no crank I just laugh at myself, but it also reminds me that no one is going to start my truck.

If you park your truck backed into a parking space, tranny in reverse, wheels turned, e-brake on, thieves have a harder time pushing it anywhere or loading it onto a flatbed. I know a couple guys who put their xfer cases into LOW as well when they leave their trucks at airports.

Another good reason to back in and turn your wheels to one side or the other is that some thieves actually plug into your rear receiver with a tow bar type hitch. They break in, disconnect the battery, off the e-brake, put the tranny in neutral, hook up and go. If the wheels are straight, they don't have to tie the steering wheel as the lock holds it for them.

I figure I have done about all you can to prevent theft. I got a hefty insurance discount when I told my agent I installed the Ravelco. I too am in a state where truck theft is high, I sometimes go down to towns located right at the Mexican border, so far my truck has been left alone. If by chance it does get stolen, I have all my receipts and when I add someting to the truck I notify my insurance company. I also have replacement value insurance coverage for all of it.

I also know a fellow who carries a BIG chain, chains/locks his truck to lamp posts when he parks at the border towns. That to me seems excessive, but it is one more speed bump to thieves that would take time to cut the chains.

CD