Theft protection for Dodge

[ELG]

In early December i watched my second gen drive away. Right out of my driveway, and nothing i could do about it but call the law. You never think that it will happen to you so you over look an anti-theft devise or car alarm. I have replaced the second gen with an 04. 5 cummins and want to know the best way to protect this one from driving away.





2002, 2500, 5. 9, fwd,NV5600, BHAF,Di Pricol optix, dual 5" stacks, edge hot comp. valair 500hp kevlar/ceramic clutch,FASS 95R. I. P



2004, 2500, 5. 9, 4x4 NV5600, KandN, pricol optix,quadzilla 65hp

 

[CDonaldson]

I have the Jimmi Jammers added to the door handles to prevent the 'screwdriver' accesss/entrance.



I have the bleepin'/honkin' factory alarm to make moise to let me know someone ismessin' with my truck.



AND, I have the RAVELCO anti-theft device - it shuts down 3 electricalcircuits necessart to start the truck.



Outside of someone using a flatbed to takemy truck away, I have done the best I can to prevent theft.







Sorry to hear about your last truck theft. I hope you takethe steps like I did and someone decided it'sjust too much bother to steal your truck the next time. I think the RAVELCO is about the best anti-theft product you can have.







CD

 

[MFalkinham]

Like CDonaldson I also added Jimmi Jammers plus the dealer installed Mopar EVS-II sentry key system.

If you are somewhat computer savvy you might consider mounting an IP network security camera outside to watch over your driveway 24/7. My camera setup cost less than $250 (not including the computer which records all of the activity).

 

[seafish]

I added this switch/key made by Ravelco. They claim that not a single Ravelco equipped vehicle has ever been stolen. Not sure if THAT is true, but I like the idea, and it was a very professional installation. When I park in the city with my wheels curbed, I feel confident that when I get back, my truck will still be there. I am VERY happy with it, but also plan to add the jimmijammers. Here is a link--

Ravelco Anti Theft Device

 

[COwings]

I installed a train horn system hooked up in place of the factory horn, so if somebody did mess with it the may crap themselves when it went off

 

[DHayden]

The Smarty programmer has 2 different theft deterrent programs, one doesnt let the engine start at all and the other lets the engine start but cuts off as soon as any torque is applied. The good thing is your truck isnt going anywhere unless its towed, the bad is (for me) I hate waiting for it to program (patients isnt one of my virtues) and I dont like the idea of reprogramming my ecm everyday. Thus I dont use it everyday at the house unless the truck is going to sit for more than a few days, but I do use it when traveling or being in any border towns.

 

[JBonpua]

The Smarty programmer has 2 different theft deterrent programs, one doesnt let the engine start at all and the other lets the engine start but cuts off as soon as any torque is applied. The good thing is your truck isnt going anywhere unless its towed, the bad is (for me) I hate waiting for it to program (patients isnt one of my virtues) and I dont like the idea of reprogramming my ecm everyday. Thus I dont use it everyday at the house unless the truck is going to sit for more than a few days, but I do use it when traveling or being in any border towns.

I've never hear of the Smarty theft deterrent program. Where is it in the menu?

 

[DHayden]

The theft program is downloaded in place of switch 0, I should have looked before posting in this forum I guess. Looking at the MADS site I only see the anti theft program available for the 1998-2002 programmer. I assumed if it was in one it was in all.

 

[pullya]

+1 for Ravelco

Jay

 

[Ol'TrailDog]

Heck, I'd just turn your brother-in-law in, that should nip it in the bud. :-laf

 

[SNGLESHOT]

Ravelco is best anti theft on market

I bought my Ravelco system in Tucson when I was stationed at Fort Huachuca last year. Mexicans were stealing trucks like crazy... any brand as long as it was big, 4 dr, 8 ft bed. . (like mine). They were getting stolen right out of people driveways in broad daylight! I know that when I pull that plug it will be right where I left it unless they back up with a flat bed ... but then I park it so that can't work. Ravelco is the way to go! And YES... it is true that for the past 33 years there has never been one taken by being driven away. For $400 it is pure peace of mind for me. Dosent use any power. Steel romex cable over wires. Professionally installed and all wires are black. Thief can't locate where wires are dovetailed into wiring harness either.

 

[CDonaldson]

When you go to the RAVELCO website, they actually claim the country of Mexico and it's gov vehicles to be the largest single user - that speaks volumes, eh???



Truck theft in NM is LARGE, the illegal runners, called coyotes, really like how good our 4x4's perform in the border terrain. I guess they must attend the Baja 1K and make their theft choices by seeing who competesand how the trucks hold up??? Once they get our trucks to Mexico, they strip them, sell off parts, and use the Cummins engines for power generators.



CD

 

[RWood]

Will the ravelco work with the turbo cool down function of the tst?
Thanks
Ramsey

 

[Grumpy John 4x4]

stolen trucks

If your watching your truck drive off, Shoot the sucker! Thats if your packing!

 

[SNGLESHOT]

Will the ravelco work with the turbo cool down function of the tst?
Thanks
Ramsey

Unfortunately the answer is no. When you pull the pin on a Ravelco... . everything stops on the motor.

All in cab electronics continue to work though. So; that being said, you will have to wait in your truck until your EGT is at the temp you want before turning off your big Cummins!

 

[Champy]

I installed a train horn system hooked up in place of the factory horn, so if somebody did mess with it the may crap themselves when it went off

Or you could mount that extra Train horn right in the cab and really blow them away... ... . trouble is then you'd have to clean the seats!#@$%!

 

[MickeyMiller]

I went with Jimmy Jammers and a remote controlled starter relay... at least just poping the key/ignition lock won't get it started!

 

[Tinman]

Won't a mystery switch work just as well? Using the clutch circuit on an auto with a hidden switch should prevent theft. There was an article about it in an older TDR issue. Yes it could be easily bypassed IF the theft knew what to look for and where.

 

[MLee]

Won't a mystery switch work just as well? Using the clutch circuit on an auto with a hidden switch should prevent theft. There was an article about it in an older TDR issue. Yes it could be easily bypassed IF the theft knew what to look for and where.

Does the 3rd gens have that wire??

And if published here the thief could get all kinds of insight. When I disccuss this, I do it with a PM to those who are interested.

 

[PHightower]

Hello all. I'm new here to the TDR forums and was cruising around and seen this thread.



An easy and inexpensive solution to this problem would be to install a hidden switch in the cab that controls the starter. It is much like the small electronic key fob things that some banks and some dealers install... it is usually at the bottom of the dash right next to the OBD plug.



The wire is a small, 16ga or maybe 18... I don't remember... but it is super easy to add a switch to lock this out. Truck won't even crank. Now for hiding the switch... . I have done this in several places that I will not post in public for protection of the customers I have done this for... feel free to PM and I can share more info right down to the wire color you'll be going after and detailed instructions. Anyone with a basic understanding of wiring can do this... . all it is, is a switch, 2 pieces of wire ( I used a conduited wire, looks much cleaner) and a few hand tools!!



And they can't start the truck!!