Let's talk Security - Page 7

**daveb** · 06-20-2009, 10:50 PM

Yep, the idea is to get the alarm to trigger without the crying wolf syndrome. They never messed with my locks fortunately, just knocked out the window

I now have a 6' prison fence around my property. I feel like the Omega Man

Larus · 06-22-2009, 02:48 PM

just put main power switc for the baterys where thiefes dont shee it and what ever they try its not posible to start the car

NRL · 07-17-2009, 10:41 AM

Wanted to add a reference to Security Window screen for Ford Econolines that seem different then the regular wire mesh version:

http://www.goamericantruck.com/store/in ... ENT_ID=129

Should complement security lockdown with a dead bolt solution and security film/tint.

**BroncoHauler** · 07-17-2009, 12:19 PM

You trying to keep people out, or keep them in?

Herb

IheartDieselVans · 08-11-2012, 10:22 PM

Yeah, I resurected a 3 year old thread, but for good reason. It's a good one.

I'm concerned about my van's security, and have some things to share as well as some questions.

First, what I did. I was considering getting a Ravelco or other starter motor disable device, but decided that more complications weren't what I needed in my already complex van. So, I decided to install a fuel pump disable switch. Down by the passenger's feet is a switch that disables the fuel pump if your van rolls over or otherwise is exposed to severe motions. It's sort of a magnetic switch, and you can push it in to reset it, should it ever get tripped. I cut one of the wires going to the switch (coming out of a big loom with bunch of wires) and found that it draws around 4 amps with the van running. I spliced in some 10g wire and ran it to a super well hidden switch, but one that I can reach from the driver's seat without too much trouble. It would be very difficult to discover, I covered my splices with plenty of black electrical tape, and it all blends in and looks completely stock. Based on the knowledge about these vans from Ford Dealer personnel (surprisingly minimal), I doubt many criminals would figure this out, and if they did it would take a long time. My wires run through the floor, under the padding, then up to an undisclosed locaiton. Any vehicle is eventually hot-wireable, but this is a significant barrier. Anyway, I disable the fuel pump when parking at trailheads, airports, and other questionable places. Even if they clean it out, at least my vehicle will (probably) still be there. The only downside is when you jump in your rig after a long trip and it just cranks but won't turn over. Then you remember the switch. It's a pretty good security improvement for about $20 in supplies and a few hours time.

Another issue is breaking in to the van. Any vehicle with glass is a problem, and limits what you can do. I considered window film coating, but based on my emergency medical experience the chances of me needing to break a window to get out seemed greater than the security provided by a window coating. Any kid with a rock would make short work of even the best laminated stock window. Maybe it would take him 3 hits instead of 1.

It would be nice to disable some of the key locks though, and create only 2 entry points, driver and passenger doors, but I honestly wonder if it's worth the effort. I'd like to keep one, maybe two entry point that I can use with a key, in case I loose my remote control fob, but I don't really need 4 points to enter with the key.

Also, it looks like the window moulding on my passenger side door is gouged up from someone sticking a coat hanger through there. It would be awfully easy to push the 'unlock' button. My owners manuel has a way to disable those buttons, but I haven't done it yet.

Does anybody have the Ford security system? What does it do, honk and flash the lights? I was thinking of asking the dealer if they could retro fit my van with it...

**daveb** · 08-11-2012, 11:30 PM

Fairly sure you can do bad damage to a diesel engine if you shut down the fuel while running. I could be wrong but would check into this before installing a fuel cutoff switch.

IheartDieselVans · 08-11-2012, 11:42 PM

I've never had the guts to throw the switch while running, though I've been tempted, but it would suck to loose power steering and brakes. I think that would be a hazard to my life, not just the vehicle!

The couple times I've forgotten about it upon start up, the engine turns over and starts like normal, runs for less than a second, then abruptly dies. Then I remember, flip the pump on, and it fires right up like normal...no excessive cranking or anything weird.

Running the fuel out can lead to problems with sediment in the fuel, and I've heard that the pump itself is cooled with fuel, so it can overheat if you run the tank dry, then crank it for a long time. Neither of these scenarios apply to my situation. The lack of fuel kills the engine so quick, I can't imagine there would me much time for damage to occur. At least for me, the security is worth the risk. For me this is a cheap, simple and effective form of security. It sucks to spend your whole backcountry trip worrying about your expensive van at the trailhead. Maybe I should put some signal, like a tshit over the steering wheel or something to remind me...

The 6' Omega Man fence around my property is on the list, as soon as I move home. I don't suspect things are getting better any time soon...

**daveb** · 08-12-2012, 12:27 AM

Maybe you could cut in a switch to the starter so it won't start?
There used to be a company that made a remote module that did this. Vandal Alert is the company but don't know if they are in business these days.

Another idea is to use the floor type high/low beam switch.

BajaSportsmobile · 08-12-2012, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveb

Fairly sure you can do bad damage to a diesel engine if you shut down the fuel while running. I could be wrong but would check into this before installing a fuel cutoff switch.

Since a diesel has no ignition (spark plugs...) and the only way you can shut one off is to turn off the fuel source or the O2 source, I can't imagine it being a problem - no different than tunning off the key.

Simple theft deterrent you have created.

**daveb** · 08-12-2012, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IheartDieselVans

Maybe I should put some signal, like a tshit over the steering wheel or something to remind me...

You can't cut in a switch to the wire going to the starter so it won't crank over? Sorry should have said key switch. Figured the starter works the same as a gas engine starter