Alarms

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

I'm looking for some recommendations on aftermarket alarms for my new ride. I've seen Sidewinder and Clifford mentioned. I want one which can be ordered with the wiring harness that plugs directly in the truck's wiring. I want one that ties in with the factory instrument panel indicator instead of a separate LED. I did some looking on the internet, and some systems seem way overkill on features. I just want a reasonably priced qualility system that's effective and easy to operate, with keyless entry of course.

Thanks everyone,

Vaughn

'01 Ram 2500, QC SB 2wd, HO Cummins/6-speed, Pat. Blue/Driftwood, Cab & Fog Lamps, Camper/Tom pkg
426 miles & ready to be BOMBed #ad



[This message has been edited by Vaughn MacKenzie (edited 04-25-2001). ]

 

[Cryppie]

I really hate to say it (no, I mean really) but you might want to check with your local Dodge dealer. The EVS II looks like a fairly good system, plugs into factory wiring, etc and is reasonable priced. I don't have it personally (yet) but it did look good to me. If you still want to go aftermarket, Clifford is a good bet, but I haven't found a system from them that has the features I want. My two cents and some change.

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'99 2500 4X4 QC/LB Blue Box, 14cm2 housing, RS9000's, VelvetRide, Line-X, M/T w/Goodyear 305/70s, boost/EGT/transmission temp, transmission pressure, AMSOIL throughout, BD valve body/TC/PressureLoc, Bosch 275 injectors

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Cryppie,
I'm considering the EVS II, but after reading this thread . . .
https://www.turbodieselregister.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/000338.html

. . . I'm having second thoughts. Looks like it's a little weak in the "quality" dept.

Vaughn

 

[Patriot Diesel]

I can highly recommend the Sidewinder or the Viper... both of which are from DEI (Directed Electronics Inc. )... . I have had their remote start units in my last two vehicles and have had no problems with them... the first one I had (not remote start) was still working perfectly after 7 years ! I have had Clifford Alarms as well... I had problems with them (lots of falsing) but that was also 5 or 6 years ago... they may be better now !

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2000 2500HD QUADCAB CUMMINS, AUTO WITH 3. 54'S,LB,4x4,ALL OPTIONS MINUS LEATHER,UWS DP TOOL BOX,SPORTMASTER CUSTOM MADE SOFT TONNEAU,CARR STEP, VENTVISOR, PATRIOT BLUE/DRIFTWOOD

 

[Gary7]

I have a Clifford Intelliguard 7000 and I've been happy with it. At least for the last 5 months I've owned it. Lots of features and lots of expandability.

Unfortunately it doesn't really fit your requirements. It has it's own LED that my installer put in the dash. It also includes a two button "switch" for programming, also installed in the dash. They fit well where the place installed them and look to me as good as a factory job.

I do have falsing problems at work but that has more to do with the fact that I work at the end of a runway with commercial and military jets taking off all the time. Can't fault it there. I have NOT had any falsing problems at home. It also has some anti-falsing smarts but I disabled that feature and still haven't had any falsing problems in "normal" environments.

Another drawback, Clifford practically requires that the system be installed by one of their authorized dealers. If not, no warranty.

Feel free to drop me a note if you have any more questions about the 7000 that you think I can help with.

Gary


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2k Dodge Ram 2500 QC, Cummins 24v Diesel, 5-Speed Manual, SLT, 4x4, Full-Length Bed with Spray-On Ultimate Lining, soon to be Xenon fender flares

 

[John]

I haven't had a single problem with my EVS II alarm system. I have it setup for manual arm/disarm. It has worked flawlessly. I like the fact that the EVS II is a modular unit, plugging into the existing wiring harness... nothing scabbed in. Another feature I like about the EVS II is the ability to change the alarm parameters through the remote (not having to remove the computer module to effect change as with all my previous alarms). One point I would like to point out Vaughn; the EVS II will NOT illuminate the OE "alarm" light within the instrument panel. The red warning LED is also a button which acts as a valet switch (if the system is NOT armed). Another plus to the EVS II system is the extended warranty coverage you receive on it if it was installed at the time of vehicle purchase by your Dodge dealer (5 years/100,000 mi. in my case). If I had it to do all over again, I'd still go with the EVS II!

In the past I have had excellant results with Ungo, Alpine and Clifford alarm systems. I have had an alarm system on every vehicle I've owned since 1979.

Congratulations on your new Ram Vaughn!

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'98. 5 2500 QC 4x4, (BLACK) SLT Sport, ISB, LWB, 3. 54 LSD, A/T, Glasstite Vision II canopy, Line-X bed liner, 285/75R16 BFG A/Ts on 16x8 M/T Challengers, Warn 4X Boards, Mopar fender flares, front and rear NW Custom stainless steel/rubber mud flaps, Mag-Hytec diff. cover and trans. pan, Edelbrock IAS shocks, Mopar tow hooks, Jordan Research Ultima 2020 trailer brake controller, VDO Vision gauges, PIAA Dual Sport 900 auxiliary lights and Super White bulbs, BD exhaust brake and TorqLoc, Prime-Loc fuel filter relocation kit, Bosch 275 hp. injectors, VA CPC, DD Boost Module, Banks Stinger wastegate actuator, "Scotty Air System", BLACK '00 valve cover, Hitco/Geno's exhaust blanket, Femco/Geno's EZ Drain oil pan plug, Banks Stinger 4" dia. stainless steel exhaust system, plus many other trick modifications

Coming Attractions: BD "Medium Stall" TC, BD valve body, BD PressureLoc, BD trick modified front pump assembly, '00 Sport headlights, '00 Sport grille (I'll squeeze it in somehow)

'00 Polaris 6x6

 

[ROCK KRIES]

I just ordered a new Ram with the factory alarm, is this the EVS2 you guys are talking about,or is the factory version a lesser alarm???????

 

[Rick G]

I had the EVS II on my 95 and my 97 and had no problems with it. It worked perfectly. My 99 has the full factory alarm system and is OK but I liked the EVS II better (factory alarm doesn't have shock sensors, like EVS)

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Rick G - Phoeniz, AZ
99 2500 QC LB 4X4 5-speed
3. 54 LSD
E-brake, ISSPRO Boost & EGT gauges (mounted pre-turbo)
285/75 16 BFG AT KO on AR Atlas
Hadley Air Horns (no more wimpy horns)
*************************
2000 Hitchhiker II 33ft 5er triple slide

 

[John]

ROCK KRIES, the optional factory alarm system is not the EVS II alarm system. The EVS II is a Mopar accessory purchased through your Dodge parts department. The optional factory ordered alarm does not have an impact sensor, the EVS II does.

 

[ROCK KRIES]

TKS, Looks like i will add the Mopar add on as soon as the truck arrives. You say it plugs into the factory harness which is great. If you did not order the factory alarm would the truck still have the wiring in place???

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Well I ended up going with an Alpine alarm on 3-16-01 'cause I got a decent deal on it, but in the 13 months since then the alarm has behaved in archtypal fashion the way I DIDN'T want it to behave. . . goes into full alarm when nothing is within a mile of my truck, and won't alarm when someone is in the bed or inside the truck jumping around with it armed. 2 weeks ago it refused to disarm when I was ready to leave a restaurant parking lot after lunch. I ended up driving 15 minutes across town with it in full alarm the whole way. Flashing lights and siren, you should have seen the looks.

Anyway, I have an appointment to have the POS Alpine removed tomorrow, and then I will purchase the Dodge OEM alarm, like John recommended in the first place (next time I will listen to John #ad
).

SOOOOOOO. . . . Would you still recommend the EVS II ? I am going to look into getting it at a 15% off via Dodge Business Link since I have a business license/tax ID # . . . and compare that price to Mopar4Less.com

TIA

Vaughn

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'01 2500 QC Shortbed 2wd, 6-speed, 3. 54LSD, Cab & Fog lamps, Camper & Tow Pkg.
BOMBed: DD2 Injectors, PS Boost module, Amsoil air filter, straightpiped exh. , Aeroquip 3/8" fuel line w/tank mounted lift pump, AutoMeter Sport Comp gauges, Line-X'd, Amber turn signal conversion, WORTHLESS Alpine Alarm

[This message has been edited by Vaughn MacKenzie (edited 04-25-2001). ]

 

[Cooker]

Vaughn,

I'm suprised you were having so many problems with your Alpine Alarm. I have installed a few of their unit and have been very happy with every one of them.

As far as you shock/imapct sensor goes. I wouldn't expect the alarm to fully sound if someone jumped in the rear of the truck. Perhaps if you had a dual-stage shock you could expect a warning "chipr" but not full alarm. If that were the case the shock sensor would be set way too sensitive IMO.

I thought you were looking for a "no splicing wires solution, was that the case with the Alpine?

My resommendations would be for the DEI products, Viper, Hornet, ect... DEI is the leader when it comes to aftermarket alarms.

FWIW I installed a Code Alarm unit in my truck and have been very happy with it. I have had good luck in the pat with the Code Alarm units, and there were a few small features that steered me to the Code over the DEI.

-Ryan

 

[Vaughn MacKenzie]

Cooker, to be fair, I should mention it probably wasn't the Alpine alarm that is at fault, but the rinky-dink outfit that installed it. Wouldn't have gone to them if I'd known ahead of time. . . a friend worked there so I trusted the place, never again. And about the wiring, it wasn't direct plug in but they assured me it would only be 4 or 5 wires. Well when I got it back, it was about 25 wires!! That really set things off bad from day one, besides the fact it only worked once the day I got it and I had to do without it all weekend since it was Friday afternoon.

Well anyway I called around on the EVS II, and Mopar4less and every dealer I called (including the one I bought my truck from, no discount) quotes the MSRP, which is pn 82300985 @ $265 and pn 82204681 @ $52 for the required wiring kit. My truck came with power locks but no keyless. I asked about the Business Link discount someone emailed me about but that only applies to business related to the auto industry. Since I fix medical equipment, I don't qualify for that. Maybe I'll see if Carl (wwcd2) can cook something up.

Vaughn


[This message has been edited by Vaughn MacKenzie (edited 04-25-2001). ]

 

[fmj]

Vaughn, I gave up on alarms for the reason your having, they go off whenever you don't want and nobody looks when anyones around your truck. I went and put a LoJack on my truck and a kill switch. LoJack has draw backs, like its a deterrent system, only works in areas where police have system, and must be installed by them at a price of $600. I have one on my Willys Coupe, wifes 30A, truck, tag a long,and wifes vette. A friend of mine had his car hauler stolen, and while he was chasing them his wife called it in. The cops showed up and busted the thiefs just as he was catching up to them. If where you work or live has the Lojack capabilities, it might be another option.

 

[EMDDIESEL]

I have the factory alarm, it works fine. I learned long ago that spending alot of money on an alarm is a waste of money. I would much rather invest the money on insurance that covers anything in your vehicle interior. The bottom line is, if somebody wants to steal your truck, or something in it, they WILL get it, and a $500 alarm will not stop them and in some cases, wont even slow them down. I have owned 7 vehicles and have had 1 stolen and 3 broken into and ALL of them had alarms. I had a Clifford Alarm in my Trans Am with all the sensors and 2 sirens plus the pager that beeps you when it the alarm goes off and they still stole my radio and CD's by the time i got to the car. Nowadays most people dont even turn there head when they here a car alarm go off. And as far as taking your whole truck, if they want it real bad, they will usually tow it, so absolutley NO alarm will stop that. My last 2 cars i just got insurance that covered everything inside. It was not much more (Less then the price of a good alarm) per year and when they broke into my Impala SS i had everything replaced that was stolen, My jacket, CD's and tools no questions asked. The only time an alarm is nice is when your truck is parked in your driveway when you are home so you can run right outside. Other then that, they dont do much. And Vehicle Tracking Sustems like LOJACK are basically worthless now too since very few police departments have the tracking recievers in there cars. Its a great idea, but too cost prohibitive for most Police departments.
One option that i have seen that DOES work for everything short of towing is the tear gas alarm, basically an electric actuator that that opens and sprays CS gas into the vehicle when the alarm is triggered. It leaves no residue and i am sure it would be quite effective in stopping a thief (I have never heard of a car thief wearing a gas mask). Then only downside is if it ever went off by accident while you were driving, that would be BAD. Just my 2c

 

[Cooker]

Vaughn,
I agree, ANY alarm is only as good as the installation (this includes tweaking all the sensors, and setting the user selectable features).

The benefit I see to the Mopar alarm is that I assume you plan on installing it yourself (direct plug in, hopefully). The price is up there. I installed a Code Alarm Sure Start LX which is a remote starte/alarm combo. I paid $150 + s/h for the unit. I've got another $40 or so into some relays, wire, and connectors. The Viper 550 is also a remote start/alarm unit that I've found for $150 also.

This is the route I chose because I've installed many alarms in the past, and am very comfortable doing so. It is not difficult to do, just fairly time consuming to do things right. If you were closer I'd offer you a hand with the install, but that won't work. If you don't feel comfortable installing the alarm yourself, by all means the Mopar unit is probably the way to go.

BTW I forgot to mention earlier that the Mopar factory alarms are made by Code Alarm, so I would assume the add-on OEM alarm is also.

Best of luck to you whichever route you decide to go.

-Ryan


[This message has been edited by Cooker (edited 04-25-2001). ]

 

[americana]

i've got an evsII and am very pleased. my jeep (BC -- before cummins) got broken into parked 10ft from my living room window. wouldn't be without an alarm now. my favorite function is that after a minute even if the alarm has not been set the ignition cuts out... won't even start with the key in...

i thought about a pager, but that would just get me in trouble... i'd go runnin' out and it would be cage match time #ad


cs not leaving residue????!!!! i went through the gas chamber at least 2x per year for 12yrs courtesy uncle sam's mountain climbers (usmc) and that cr@p would linger in washed clothes for a while!! a better idea would be to let yer pit bull sleep in the car at night! sorry there is no evil grin face... . had there been id've inserted it here #ad




[This message has been edited by americana (edited 04-25-2001). ]

 

[BigBadDodge]

I love my VIPER alarm, had it for 7 years now in three different viehcles and not one problem. lots of options and life time warrenty to the origanl purchaser. When I had mine pulled out of my camaro and put in my new truck they upgraded the whole thing to a newer system. I asked how much it would cost and and guess what, "NOTHING" "FREE" "ZIP" "NOTTA" I am the origanal purchaser. upgrades free anytime. can be bought and upgraded at Cuircut City by Viper qualifed tech's
and mine even talks.

Scott,

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1997 Dodge Ram 2500 HD / Club Cab, Cummins Turbo Diesel (silencer ring removed), 4. 5" Skyjacker class II Double Flex suspension lift, 36x14. 5"x16. 5" Ground Hawg radial tires on 16. 5x9. 75 Weld Super Singles, dual steering stabilizer, 4. 10 gears, 33-tooth Speedo gear, Psycotty Air Induction, Mag-Hytec rear, Amsoiled bumper to bumper, JRE 4" Turbo back exhaust, Rhino liner, Extang Black Max, Grizzly double bent nerf bars, Bushwhacker exstenda fender flares, Kanduco Sweet Tooth grill insert, Confer super skid axle truss, DT Trac-bar, Moog tie rod system, Fabritech stage II traction bars, Energy sway bar bushings and end links,CATZ hyper-white (stock location)GTS headlight black outs, Lund Eclipse side window. Truck Pic's