Which alarm?

[thejm]

I was on a quest to install factory remote keyless entry in my 2010 E-350 but now I’m second guessing my decision. Last night the car (old Honda CRV) parked behind my van was stolen. (I have to street park the van because it doesn’t fit in the garage.) Apparently my other neighbor’s old Toyota truck was stolen in the last month as well. I’m thinking I should just get an alarm and Ravelco sooner than later.

Any suggestions on an alarm? I know there’s much debate about the effectiveness of them. That’s why I’ll get Ravelco. But maybe a blaring siren would scare them off?? A flashing red light might make them think twice? At least I would know if something was happening to the van if I heard the siren going off.

[JWA]

if you install an aftermarket alarm and incorporate flashing running lights into the alert along with the blaring siren that might have car thieves run the other way. I'm guessing the neighbor's cars had no alarms at all? I would and have recommended the Code Alarm CA1055 as they're just plain dirt simple to install and operate. A good source is Crutchfield: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_220CA1...rm-CA1055.html

The Ravelco is a very good choice as well, another source of deterrent that if carefully concealed from immediate first peek inside the van or vehicle will be more than the average car thief wants to hang around and try defeating.

BTW DIY Ravelco's can be found new in boxes for under $100 on eBay.

HTH

[thejm]

Thanks for that info! I’m tempted to go the DIY route but I do have an appointment scheduled. I wonder if anyone here has installed one themselves...

[Steve Hunt]

Maybe a Wheel Boot might be something to think about if thief is prevalent in your area. The advantage being that it is highly visible from the outside so before they do all the damage to the door/window/bodywork/interior they see the boot and select easier prey. Plus its quick, cheap and you can use it on other cars and trailers if you need to. I've got one when i need to leave my trailer at the airport or somewhere not hooked to the truck.

[thejm]

Steve, I like the boot idea! Thanks for that one.