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The answer really is that simple. If you have a Ravelco, they'll need a tow truck to steal your truck.
I've lost count of the number of times my truck has been broken in to. It's at least six times. In any case, they've never stolen it. My faith in the Ravelco is absolute.
The Ravelco is really the only thing that stops the common thieves here in Houston.
Usually if it has a ravelco, they might ransack the truck, but the don't even bother trying to steal it.
They've been towing the Platinum and King Ranch 2011+ as opposed to trying to bypass the ignition and PATS.
Other than that, every 6.0 I work on I recommend the ravelco. It sucks for me to put in all that time and effort, make a customers truck run like a dream, only to find out it got stolen and someone relieved them of their engine. That happened to a Buddy and his 2007 F350. I kept telling him to get some jimmi jammers and a good alarm, but no he never listened to me. One night, he took some of his customers out to a bar, came out and his truck was gone. It turned up a week later no far from where they stole it. The truck itself and the engine were rebuildable, they took the injectors, ficm, turbo, batteries, and the factory 20 inch rims.
Regardless, if you love your truck $500 and someone is way less likely to relieve you of it.
I live in South Texas where the early Super Duty is Target#1 for thieves, especially 4x4 models. I recognized this early and took action. A good solution is the Cyclops TAM anti-theft module, that install easily. Call Jeff at cyclopsantitheft.com and he will give you the lowdown.
I also purchased the Trimax TCL75 wheel chock lock that I only use together with my no-start system if I am in a shady area or away from home (like a hotel at the beach, etc.) The Trimax install on your wheel in seconds, fits easily behind your back seat (if you have SuperCab), and removes from the wheel in seconds easily. Just seeing the wheel lock can discourage thieves from proceeding.
I also purchased thru amazon the small red sticker that goes on driver's door window warning of electronic no-start security, in hope that this too discourages thieves.
I will soon add my own custom toggle switch to ground that will simply "blow" a critical fuse if a start attempt is made without the switch being "open".
Finally, I upgraded my insurance to cover theft, although they explained to me that the payout is only the blue-book value, and you guessed it, is only about 1/2 what the truck is worth.
Others may have different and better ideas but I recommend the Cyclops, using wheel lock in shady areas, and a warning sticker. You can follow me and install a second no-start manual toggle switch to compliment the Cyclops if you think its a good idea.
In South Texas most of the Super Dutys end up in Mexico, and they are a "HOT" commodity, so Ive tried to research this theft problem and take the best actions I could.
I live in South Texas where the early Super Duty is Target#1 for thieves, especially 4x4 models. I recognized this early and took action. A good solution is the Cyclops TAM anti-theft module, that install easily. Call Jeff at cyclopsantitheft.com and he will give you the lowdown.
I also purchased the Trimax TCL75 wheel chock lock that I only use together with my no-start system if I am in a shady area or away from home (like a hotel at the beach, etc.) The Trimax install on your wheel in seconds, fits easily behind your back seat (if you have SuperCab), and removes from the wheel in seconds easily. Just seeing the wheel lock can discourage thieves from proceeding.
I also purchased thru amazon the small red sticker that goes on driver's door window warning of electronic no-start security, in hope that this too discourages thieves.
I will soon add my own custom toggle switch to ground that will simply "blow" a critical fuse if a start attempt is made without the switch being "open".
Finally, I upgraded my insurance to cover theft, although they explained to me that the payout is only the blue-book value, and you guessed it, is only about 1/2 what the truck is worth.
Others may have different and better ideas but I recommend the Cyclops, using wheel lock in shady areas, and a warning sticker. You can follow me and install a second no-start manual toggle switch to compliment the Cyclops if you think its a good idea.
In South Texas most of the Super Dutys end up in Mexico, and they are a "HOT" commodity, so Ive tried to research this theft problem and take the best actions I could.
So far, So good, knock on wood.
I bought a Cyclops then ended up giving it to a friend with a 7.3 -- in their trucks the Cyclops latching relay is installed under hood, on the 6.0 it is installed in the drivers side fuse box (in the cab). Problem is, there are several relays that could be swapped for the one that is obviously different, in slots all around the Cyclops. So I think it is a good solution for 7.3s, the equivalent for us is yanking the FICM relay under the hood. That is not a common relay and they'd have to be carrying one and know where to put it...
I had to find something my wife would use, so a series of switches, magnets placed at the right place to latch a magnetic switch, etc., were all things I would do. But if the truck "walks away" because the device isn't being used, it is no good. She uses the Ravelco in all three vehicles we have it in, and franky I wish I'd had it installed on a couple of others...
Just thought I'd add in here on the Cyclops since you brought it up -- will be interested if you found a "better" way to employ it on a 6.0...
I did recognize that the Cyclops looks different from the Ford relays (stamped with Ford logo), and that any thief would recognize that, and probably the best thieves come prepared for that contingency (maybe). I thought I would sponge some black paint on all the relay casings to make them look uniform and then install my critical-fuse-to-ground toggle switch as a 2nd layer of electronic no-start.
Then, I always use the wheel lock in questionable areas, and hoping that the window warning sticker will deter theft attempts.
I may end up biting the bullet and upgrade to Ravelco.
Sorry to hear about your bad luck. I remember that one of the members( I believe it was SpringerPop) had devised a way to disable the truck to keep it from starting. I may have a word document saved about it. I will do some digging and see if I can find it.
Frustrating to see that happen after all the hard work you put into it.
Rob
Thanks Rob. That does look like reasonably fool proof option though looks a bit out of my handy man comfort zone, though with a little more motivation, I may attempt it.
You can do a FICM kill switch. I have a Viper alarm and it interrupts the starter wire so even if they bust the ignition cylinder it won't start.
Nighthawk has the directions for FICM shunt.
I have a Python 1600XP and didn't turn it on !
I don't know if it has the optional ignition kill on it but will try to find out.
I was going to brew my own (or really just use someone else's idea)... But in the end I had several vehicles worth stealing so I got the Ravelco guy to cut me a deal on the 3, and I use 'em, and they can just take the next guy's truck...
Unfortunately, there are no Ravelco businesses in my state or anywhere near me. Otherwise, I would seriously consider getting one.
I have said that a few times. In the case of the canon plug I would
use the same color wire and some grey or black potting compound
in both the key plug and the socket side.
I thought I has a 2005 Engine electronic control wiring diagram but I guess
I'll need to get one off the DVDs later tonight. You just pick some system
where opening the wire path results in a NO START issue. very easy to do.
Also I would use a female for the truck side and put some extra hot pins
(all fused) and a few grounds to slow down any probing. I would also do
more than one circuit. Once that is all done sepreate the tap points in each
circuit so the in and out are not in the same place. Yes I know it makes it more
work and they don't like work. They like to take your work.
A good alarm system defeats engine start. Viper5000 is what's in my truck and it sets of the train horn too. Bust into my truck and they will have the ***** scared out of them.
This one made me laugh imagining a train horn going off. Love it!
The Ravelco is really the only thing that stops the common thieves here in Houston.
Usually if it has a ravelco, they might ransack the truck, but the don't even bother trying to steal it.
They've been towing the Platinum and King Ranch 2011+ as opposed to trying to bypass the ignition and PATS.
Other than that, every 6.0 I work on I recommend the ravelco. It sucks for me to put in all that time and effort, make a customers truck run like a dream, only to find out it got stolen and someone relieved them of their engine. That happened to a Buddy and his 2007 F350. I kept telling him to get some jimmi jammers and a good alarm, but no he never listened to me. One night, he took some of his customers out to a bar, came out and his truck was gone. It turned up a week later no far from where they stole it. The truck itself and the engine were rebuildable, they took the injectors, ficm, turbo, batteries, and the factory 20 inch rims.
Regardless, if you love your truck $500 and someone is way less likely to relieve you of it.
I may call them if I get the truck back and inquire about installation possibilities in the Denver area.
I live in South Texas where the early Super Duty is Target#1 for thieves, especially 4x4 models. I recognized this early and took action. A good solution is the Cyclops TAM anti-theft module, that install easily. Call Jeff at cyclopsantitheft.com and he will give you the lowdown.
I also purchased the Trimax TCL75 wheel chock lock that I only use together with my no-start system if I am in a shady area or away from home (like a hotel at the beach, etc.) The Trimax install on your wheel in seconds, fits easily behind your back seat (if you have SuperCab), and removes from the wheel in seconds easily. Just seeing the wheel lock can discourage thieves from proceeding.
I also purchased thru amazon the small red sticker that goes on driver's door window warning of electronic no-start security, in hope that this too discourages thieves.
I will soon add my own custom toggle switch to ground that will simply "blow" a critical fuse if a start attempt is made without the switch being "open".
Finally, I upgraded my insurance to cover theft, although they explained to me that the payout is only the blue-book value, and you guessed it, is only about 1/2 what the truck is worth.
Others may have different and better ideas but I recommend the Cyclops, using wheel lock in shady areas, and a warning sticker. You can follow me and install a second no-start manual toggle switch to compliment the Cyclops if you think its a good idea.
In South Texas most of the Super Dutys end up in Mexico, and they are a "HOT" commodity, so Ive tried to research this theft problem and take the best actions I could.
So far, So good, knock on wood.
That wheel chock looks like a good deterrent and the Cyclops does too, even with the in-cab placement (but I'm no truck thief).
When I clicked on the sticker link, a big flowery "Peace and Love" sticked came up - kind of funny seeing that on my windows. I'll need to search that site come more.
I bought a Cyclops then ended up giving it to a friend with a 7.3 -- in their trucks the Cyclops latching relay is installed under hood, on the 6.0 it is installed in the drivers side fuse box (in the cab). Problem is, there are several relays that could be swapped for the one that is obviously different, in slots all around the Cyclops. So I think it is a good solution for 7.3s, the equivalent for us is yanking the FICM relay under the hood. That is not a common relay and they'd have to be carrying one and know where to put it...
I had to find something my wife would use, so a series of switches, magnets placed at the right place to latch a magnetic switch, etc., were all things I would do. But if the truck "walks away" because the device isn't being used, it is no good. She uses the Ravelco in all three vehicles we have it in, and franky I wish I'd had it installed on a couple of others...
Just thought I'd add in here on the Cyclops since you brought it up -- will be interested if you found a "better" way to employ it on a 6.0...
That's good to know. I'd do the Ravelco if I don't have to drive 1,000+ miles to get it. I just left them an email inquiring about my area.
I don't know if it has the optional ignition kill on it but will try to find out.
Thanks
Set off your alarm by opening door. Leave window down lol and just open door.....alarm will go off then jump in and see if truck starts with the key. Horn will be going off of coarse but if it starts its not a engine disable.
I know it took 8 hours to install the Viper5000. Guy said it was hardest system he ever installed. The F250 diesel trucks are not easy installs I've read too.
So my 05 6.0 was stolen in less than 20 seconds this week, by surveillance video. Another F350 pulled up next to mine, stopped briefly, then drove away with my truck not far behind. Apparently someone was arrested in it, armed, and with drugs, and now it's impounded.
Detective I spoke with said there's an epidemic of 6.0-year trucks being stolen for use in crimes in this area. Big, fast, powerful, and hard to stop was the reasoning the detective gave for singling out these trucks.
I know someone with an 06 F350 in this area who had the exact same scenario happen 6 months ago.
If it's salvageable (they won't let me see it or tell me it's condition), I want to make it as un-stealable as possible.
I've read about wiring the ignition through upfitter or other switches.
Short of installing an F16 ejector seat that I can activate by an app from my phone, what else can I do to slow down the adroit crew of F350 thieves if they try to steal her again?
After doing most of the bulletproofing, and optimistic it will run for many years, I don't want to donate it to thieves, again....
Any ideas?
Sorry to hear about your experience. My truck has also been stolen but it was when my dad owned it in 2011. All it took was a screwdriver in the ignition tumbler as the doors were unlocked being in his driveway of his farm house. The sheriff's found it 3 months later about 30 mins away and were able to bust a theft ring due to finding the truck. In the meantime he had ordered a 2012 so I ended up buying this one after we got all the paper work done. No salvage title either. We were really fortunate.
So I've been following this thread to also see what suggestions there are as that has always been on my mind in preventing it from happening again. I just didn't know about what would be the best way.
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