Security & Alarm systems updates?

[10-9jc]

Newbie (to TDR) here with new '05 Cummins QC.

I have searched the archives on security systems,

and most posts seem to be about a year old.

So, hopefully an update would benefit others as well.



What type of Security / Alarm systems - and/or other

"theft deterrents" (Brands?) are you using?

Remote start would be nice - but not necessary. Turbo

cool-down sounds great. Pager feature?



Here in SoCal we are close enough to the Mexico that lots

of trucks (of all brands) head "South of the Border" as well

as to South Central L. A. , etc.



So what would you recommend?

Thanks for your input!

JC

 

[JVantreese]

I have a Viper system installed on my CTD. This system is well suited to our trucks as it has a built in cool down option for the turbo. You can set the time for cool down, ie 3 min, push a button on the remote to activate, turn off the ignition, lock it up and leave. Your truck continues to run for the allotted time and then shuts itself down. The remote is a two way transceiver that has about a 1000 yard range. In the event of an alarm, the remote indicates what part of the vehicle has been compromised and lets you know by giving off an audible and vibration alarm. The remote also gives a visual indication of the lock or unlocked status of the vehicle. This feature is useful when I have a senior moment and can not remember if I hit the lock button when I was walking away from the vehicle. This system also has remote start with the option of setting a fixed time for ignition on before start or to use the ready light to time the on period prior to start. I have used an aux button to turn on the lights in the cap. This allows me to find my truck while parked in a dark lot or a corn field at the end of a days hunt. The options on this system are really fantastic. You can have it set up to use the audible alarm at several volume levels. You can use a starter interrupt which prevents starting the vehicle. The audible is smart as it can be programed to disregard a sensor that is triggered more then once in a given time. This negates the false alarm due to tree branches etc.



This system is not for the do it yourself person. Due to the complexity of both the alarm and the vehicles computer system, you really need to know whats your doing for a clean code free install. My cost for the system with several custom options was about 1000. installed. This included alarming all the windows on the cap, adding 12 volt outlet in the bed, adding led lights to the cap. I think the bare bones system and install would be about 600. Remember that this includes a turbo cool down delay that would cost you 250. for the parts from Genos.



I have been using this system for a year now with no problems.

 

[Boosted Inline Six]

I have a Automate AM7 from DEI. It has most of the features of the Viper above. Cool down timer remote start etc. It does not have the 2 way feature. It does have acc buttons for windows etc. It was the best the dealer had to offer. It was about 600 bucks installed.

 

[Regcabguy]

I had the $250. 00 Viper special installed six years ago in my 99. It has worked flawlessly all these years and included hidden battery backup. When the dealer tried to restart after my second 53 was installed it threw a fit and I had to drive down there with the remote. I had disabled the alarm prior to the install but the backup battery setup said "No way" I think these Viper/Cobra systems are the way to go. I do have some reservations with the more complex setups the aforementioned members have in their trucks but it sounds like they've had good luck. You can't argue with success>