Chilly Dog type high interior temp start system

[brushogger]

I just found out about the Chilly Dog system , but it seems to no longer be in production. We definitely need something similar. I did a forum search and found one thread from 2008. What similar systems do you guys run? Please let me know the good, the bad, and the ugly. Protecting the pup is very high priority!

[7oaks]

I have a digital remote start timer and temperature controller in my van. It was already in my van when I bought it last October. The unit is a Directed Electronics model DEI 556T. It interfaces with a separately installed remote start system. You can program it with timers an/or temperature settings to start the engine at your programmed high temp, allow the AC to run, and shut down the engine when the programmed low temp is reached. When I got the van I was trying to figure out how to program it and the engine started! Quite a shock! I discovered it can be easily programmed but it's nearly impossible without the instructions. I have pups too and plan to use it in the future. I found one of these units on eBay for $59 and remote start units for around $80 also by DEI. I suggest buying this type of system at a car audio/alarm store and have their technician install it unless you are familiar with automotive electronics and have a good wiring diagram of your vehicle. Take care of that pup!

[JWA]

Its my understanding law enforcement K9 vehicles have some sort of control or warning system for their animals in transit. Not exactly who sells or makes such systems but it might be one direction to look.

I know absolutely nothing about this sort of thing so forgive me if I'm too far off base.

[Ben10281]

Compustar appears to have a hot/cold start function that sounds like it would do what you are looking for.

Here is what their website says about it:

"The hot/cold start feature is an optional feature in Compustar units that will allow your vehicle to automatically remote start when the temperature reading in the vehicle cabin reaches a set temperature. For cold start you can set the vehicle to start at:

-5°C/23°F
-10°C/14°F
-15°C/5°F
-20°C/-4°F
For hot start you can set the vehicle to start at:

25°C/77°F
30°C/86°F
35°C/95°F
40°C/104°F

The Compustar unit will attempt to read the temperature in pre-set intervals; if it reads a temperature below the cold start limit or above the hot start limit the vehicle will automatically remote start. The run time for this remote start will be 4 minutes for regular vehicles, and 8 minutes for diesel vehicles. The set temperature and time interval between readings can be changed by the dealer/installer. This feature may require extra installation and equipment."

I have no direct experience with this system, but found it when searching online.

Seems possible that you could set your AC on full blast. Then when the temp gets too high it starts the van and your AC will run. The only downside seems to be the 4/8 min runtime, I wonder if that is configurable by the installer?