We just purchased a 2012 F250 - great truck! We will be using it to pull our new 5th wheel.

I am very worried about theft of this vehicle and need to understand more about how the built in anti-theft device works. More to the point, DOES it work? Or do we need to install an aftermarket device like the Ravelco? We would like to be able to park the truck down the street from where we live (little space in our driveway!) and so we cannot keep our eyes on the truck 24/7. Do I need to boot it?

I have become very anxious since reading that the F250 is America's most stolen vehicle!

Thanks for any tips!

Barbara - Ford newbie!

 

Man, I would lock the thing in the back yard.

 

If it has a PATS key then that is a start.
A good 2-way alarm is always a good thing if you
really want the truck to be safe.

If it does have the PATS you can test it by having a
key made and not programming it. Try to start it and
see what happens.

Sean

 

So, does having the PATS key mean that the truck cannot be hotwired?

Thanks!

Barbara Lee

 

And, oh, any suggestions about a two way alarm? I guess that the PATS does prevent hotwiring. Thanks.

Barbara

 

Viper is what I want.
They have a transmitter that works on cell bands
so your smartphone can get a text message.
Also you can do the remote start from your phone.
Or if the wife is at home and for some reason does
not have keys(Hmm wonder why she does not have a set)
You can unlock it from where ever you are so long as
you have cell coverage.

Sean

I still want to know why the wife does not have a set of keys.

Just teasing. I know why some guys won't let the wife have the keys
to there trucks. Insurance would kill you after she ran over the 5th or 6th
person and the numerous tiny cars they were in.



Am I going to regret that poor joke? Maybe but not tonight

 

BTW that joke was pointed at my Ex.

Sean

 

Keep your tailgate locked. Tailgate theft has been pretty popular the last couple of years now.

 

You also might want to install some Jimmi-Jammers on your truck to help prevent break ins.

Jimmi Jammer Passive Truck, Car and SUV Security

 

In addition to that they also make a tailgate device. The one I want to try
is the master lock unit Master Lock 8253DAT Tailgate Lock


Sean

 

google RAVELCO

good product

 

We know about it. We also know about how much it costs.

Sean

 

I vote for the ravelco.

 

I just checked these guys out, I bought the Jimmi-Jammers, tailgate lock and the key hole cover.
Hadn't thought about how easy it is to get into these trucks until now.

I'm checking into the Ravelco.

 

If you want to thwart the thief then go with the full Jimmi-Jammer setup on all locks and door latches and also the hood. If you want them to tell you your truck is in Mexico, then get the Ravelco.