Security System Sugestion

[PDenbigh]

A lot of you have experience here and I have, exactly, none. I'm hoping you can offer some suggestions on a system for my truck. It's an '01 F150.

The primary need for this system is to protect the truck and its contents when I'm on an adventure. I frequently go rock climbing, kayaking, biking, snowboarding, caving, etc. For all of these, there is quite often some expensive equipment in the truck when its parked in a vacant lot or field. Particularly where I go climbing, break ins are frequent.

Here are some things I'd like to consider in this decision:

• The truck has a topper on it. It locks via a middle handle. I sleep in the back and I also store gear back there. Protection of this area is a must.
  Remote start would rock. I'd love to be able to warm it up ahead of time.
  Vehicle theft deterrent is desired. Starter disable, etc.
  I want it loud as possible. I have Hella supertones on it right now so I think I could incorporate those, but a loud-as-hell additional siren is desired too.
  It has to be super reliable.
  It needs to be able to be overridden by me in some secret way. Dead battery, lost keys, etc, do happen.
  Similarly, it can't malfunction and leave me stranded in the middle of nowhere.
  The truck has Ford PATS. This might affect what will/won't work properly.
  The truck has roof racks. I'd love to somehow monitor these to deter theft of their contents.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Peter

[.RJ]

Cooper? :lol:

[Mike]

i have a viper on the hatch. can't recommend it. malfunctions in the cold or humidity, the proximity sensor doesn't seem to do much good any longer, and the speaker has lost quite a bit of volume. i've had it on there for i guess about 6 years now... it started acting funky after only a year.

i'm sure jeff will jump in with something perfect.

[Kaan]

Start with this... <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.amazon.com/Glock-Perfection-White-Sticker-Decal/dp/B001OJGQWM">http://www.amazon.com/Glock-Perfection- ... B001OJGQWM</a><!-- m -->

And then talk to Jeff!

[kwq slvr]

We are running a special on the Viper 2 way remote start with the LCD key fob. It has a 1 mile range, lifetime warrany on parts and labor (excluding the key fob) starting at $279.98 installed. Adding security is usually about $105.00 more. If you call 540-974-4933 Adam can give you an exact figure. Go here for the coupon:
<!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.whiplashmotorsports.com">www.whiplashmotorsports.com</a><!-- w -->

[CaptainHenreh]

+

[Sijray21]

i have a viper on the hatch. can't recommend it. malfunctions in the cold or humidity, the proximity sensor doesn't seem to do much good any longer, and the speaker has lost quite a bit of volume. i've had it on there for i guess about 6 years now... it started acting funky after only a year.

i had a very similar experience with my viper alarm system, i'd also recommend against it. unfortunately that's all i can contribute to the thread -- i'd just try to leave anything of value out of clear site

[Jeff]

Pete, I can install anything you get if you don't feel like doing it yourself. I would feel best doing some sort of DEI product (Viper, Python, etc.) I would get a 2-way remote start/alarm and a bypass offline for it. Get the DEI 556UW bypass...its like colt 45...it works every time.

PS- I can put a pin on your topper door and hook to the supertones no problem. Call me.

[D_Eclipse9916]

^^^^ +1

I have had my viper for 5 years and it never malfunctioned once and I daily drove it. Make sure its installed properly and a GOOD wiring job and it wil l last. My 791vx has been perfect, but ive seen friends have problems and I go up under the dash and its usually a case of shitty wiring or loose wiring.

Go name brand, I Dont suggest ebay remote starts.

[PDenbigh]

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

I found this online. Is this a "name brand"?

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.ecarsecurity.com/Scytek-Vision-Guard-8000-p/vision%20guard%208000.htm">http://www.ecarsecurity.com/Scytek-Visi ... 208000.htm</a><!-- m -->

Peter

[JustinG]

i would stick with DEI: Viper, Python, Clifford which i have now, or Crimeguard, which i had on the RS. Crutchfield sells both where CC sells DEI.

I love my Viper alarm, i have the ballin 2 way remote with screen, which can be a lil large in your pocket at times, but i love the peace of mind knowing that i can tell if its a false alarm or its legit from almost a mile away.

I got mine of ebay for dirt cheap, im pretty sure it "Fell off" a truck somewhere.

[Jeff]

Get a DEI, Crimeguard has lots of issues from what I've worked on. I've used a few CodeAlarm units and they were ok. I've been told by older installers at CC that CA stuff is junk. But I put one on the Ex's car and one on Goodspeed's car and they both seem to work well. The one on goodies is much newer and top of the line...that might be why its better. But like I said DEI=Colt 45.

[D_Eclipse9916]

Get a DEI, Crimeguard has lots of issues from what I've worked on. I've used a few CodeAlarm units and they were ok. I've been told by older installers at CC that CA stuff is junk. But I put one on the Ex's car and one on Goodspeed's car and they both seem to work well. The one on goodies is much newer and top of the line...that might be why its better. But like I said DEI=Colt 45.

If goodspeed's alarm is any indication of the quality...run....run far away! :lol:

[Jeff]

come on now, don't h8

[PDenbigh]

Sooo, like this?

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/oid/209236/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do">http://www.circuitcity.com/rpsm/oid/209 ... tDetail.do</a><!-- m -->

[Jeff]

yes, but get last year's model off ebay for cheap...

[PDenbigh]

Newb question - what happens if the remote battery dies? Say, for example, I leave the truck unattended for a month in the middle of nowhere, I come back, and the security system's remote is dead?

Along the same lines, is there some system, such as a switch, that I can hide somewhere in the truck to disable the security system if need be?

Thanks!
Peter

[stevegula]

most security systems have a button hidden that you'll press while turning on your car to disable the system.

Of course this means you have to deal with the system going off as you climb into your (after unlocking via key) to do this.

[Jeff]

Most do. I'm not really sure if the DEI ones work that way or not to be honest. Batteries are only an issue if you have the fancy remotes. The one way ones never need to be replaced...the 2-way eat batteries.

[PDenbigh]

most security systems have a button hidden that you'll press while turning on your car to disable the system.

Of course this means you have to deal with the system going off as you climb into your (after unlocking via key) to do this.

Great. I don't mind if it goes off while I get in, I just want to be sure that the truck will run and there is at least some way to turn it off so I don't drive for hours with a honking horn :lol: