Seems very reasonable.

And with all the systems disabled, they might get one, or even two bypassed, but won't be able to get them all by the time the siren gets somebodys attention.

Sounds like a plan to me.

 

Thanks. That's my thinking as well. It won't be impregnable, but it should drive them off due to the # of things that don't work and the time required to fix them.

I'll let y'all know what unit I go with and what lock I pick. But it'll be a while before I do that, so don't hold your breath.

 

That's exactly what I was thinking. If you have one tank you just add the valve. If you have dual tanks you would need to add an extra valve in front of the main valve. I would T the rear tank line into the vent line so that 1. it appears to be connected should anyone look underneath and 2. If there is any drain back it goes to the vent line and not the ground...

 

Dad's truck had two tanks but the rear tank had awful fuel in it and hadn't been used in years. So I took it out as well as the valve. But, I'll put the valve back although not in the stock place as that's too easy to get to. Dunno where yet, but it won't be where anyone can slide under and find it. However, since the tank has a skid plate under it I'm not going to have any problem hiding the valve. Easy peasy.

 

Thieves don't micro analyze the situation.
If they fail they GTFO before they're caught.

Professionals steal cars for parts.
Lowlifes steal cars because they need a ride or they want to pull a robbery.
That's about it.

 

Ate you saying I wouldn't make a good thief?

Anyway, they won't stay around to figure out why it ran out of gas and fix that. I agree.

 

I dont know if it is possible with these trucks. That and I haven't tried but what about installing a removable steering wheel like those from Grant. Sure they'd brake in but wouldn't be able to take off with the truck.....

 

I think Gary just wants to push a button and walk away.

 

That would be pretty effective. Even getting it started wouldn't let you drive it.

But, you'd have to take the wheel with you when you went in shopping and left the truck in the lot, wouldn't you? And, do they have wheels that have the cruise buttons? But last, it doesn't fit my desire to have something that I can arm/disarm with the push of a button. However, it might work for what you are looking for. Interesting idea.

Bingo.

 

I've thought about coming up with a circuit to disable the power locks unless, either a door is open or the ignition is on. This would eliminate the easy "pop the vent window and hit unlock" method of entry. Since mine is now EFI anything that will kill power to either ignition or ECM will keep the truck from being moved easily. As far as towing it off, if it is backed in they better have a good sized wrecker. The alarm system/remote entry/start system I had on my convertible did have a shock sensor. I had it set so wind/rain etc. wouldn't trigger it. One night a branch fell on the hood, woke us up fast!

 

You forget, you can also just lift the inside door handle to unlock the doors... Disabling the power locks isn't going to matter to a thief that knows the littlest bit about these trucks or most fords in general. It's just going to annoy you that you can only use the power locks in certain situations.

I've owned too many vehicles with power locks and key fobs to even think about doing anything different. I'm just going to accept that the cab is easy to access. That dictates two things 1. Don't leave things in plain sight that smash and grab thieves would want, like GPS's and 2. plan your system around thieves gaining access to your cab and hood area.

Since every interview that I've seen with a car thief has always said the same thing - Time is an issue, I want to reinforce that which means a screaming alarm and flashing lights. A pin switch is good but a glass break sensor is better. You want to start that clock as soon as you can. I'm not a huge fan of motion sensors as most are set too sensitive for my tastes. Although I do have fun setting them off with my Harley...

Once the clock is started you want to make it difficult for the thief to get the truck started or to go very far. On the other hand you want to make it easy for you to engage/disengage. Absent an alarm tie in you're looking at a micro switch, probably hidden under the dash somewhere but still accessible. Under the seat is another idea and I've heard of a few tricky ones like a momentary switch in the cigarette lighter. Push the lighter in the truck runs. Pull it out and nada... Given enough time the thief will likely find it but for the most part, with the alarm blaring they're not going to stick around long enough to search. If the truck doesn't start after they perform their standard tricks they're gonna bail. Yes, they will drive with the alarm screaming - if only to get to a more secure area to silence it.

An ignition interrupt won't stop a thief from getting under the hood and jumping power as needed. So we're onto the fuel setup, which in my mind is sounding like the best setup there is. Like I previously said, in most cases if the truck doesn't move it's vandalism if caught. The truck moves and it's grand theft auto... Carb trucks have it easy in that sense but EFI trucks can simply cut power to the fuel pump relay. The truck won't start in that case but it should still be effective in stopping the thief. A timer circuit could be integrated to allow the pump to run for X seconds before stopping.

Lastly is your routine. Park in well lit areas, park in such a way that makes it hard to tow without breaking into the truck. Make it difficult to disable the alarm/siren. Thieves are less likely to tow a vehicle with an alarm blaring because it's going to call the attention of every cop they see.

I think everyone here is onboard for only speaking in generalities and not divulging the secrets to their system. It's well known to thieves that owners devise their own systems and it's those systems that give them fits. So I don't think talking about systems in general is going to give any knowledge to a thief who may be cruising the board looking for info.

One more thing, security related, if you worried about your truck being stolen from your house you can get a security camera. It may not prevent the theft but it will give you more information about who and when. Most cheap analog systems are good for an overall view but you'll need a megapixel system for any reliable identifying. I have an 8 camera setup with good coverage of the drive. I can't read license plates but I can give a general description and I will know the time.

 

My security system is in my avatar.

She will patiently sit in the cab or out on the job box with the slider open all day long without leaving her post or threatening anyone.

Not 24/7 protection, but I doubt someone wants to climb in and find out.
No one wants my truck anyhow.

 

Which way is that? Blocking the front or back?

 

Back wheels in, or locked in 4WD.
It's not easy for someone to drag a vehicle up onto a flatbed or pick it up with a wheel lift and drag it out.
Certainly can't drive away with it on a wheel lift.

Attracts a lot of attention too.

 

Generally backed in so someone can't access the rear with a wheel lift or if they use a flatbed they have to drag it up.

You can also park with your wheels turned one way or the other. Again, it makes it difficult to tow or drag onto a trailer/flatbed.

You can also do both...