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Old Feb 12, 2020 | 12:52 PM
  #1  
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SD Theft Protection

I just got a great idea from Nicmike on another thread about what all some of us have done or can do to protect against the theft of our trucks. Years ago I installed a high end Clifford alarm system, but this doesn't mean that someone can't come along and steal it. We all have big investments in out trucks, some more than others.
Back in 97 while I was working in S. Texas, I had a truck stolen from me right out of my drive way. So after that theft, I don't just leave this truck anywhere, and more so if I travel to S. Texas, I won't park this particular truck where I can't physically keep an eye on it.
Just curious to see what other ideas others have done to deter from theft. I have a very good Alarm System and Hydra Chip that can be set to N/S, and removed to help from theft. But I believe if the Hydra is set to the N/S position, the Hydra/programmer can be removed from the ECM there by defeating the Hydra.
My alarm system has all the bells and whistle's, but again I'm sure if a guy wanted it bad enough they could get around it..
 
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Old Feb 12, 2020 | 12:56 PM
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I have a Revelco (think that is the name) system. If you don't have the special key plugged in you can't start the truck. Even if they jam the ignition it won't start.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2020 | 02:27 PM
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I believe this thread is the one you were referring to Countrycar, if not I will remove the link.

In addition, this is a copy/paste of my last response in that thread...

Originally Posted by Sous in other thread linked above
You can only do so much, and only you know to what end you are comfortable with. Because we travel cross country and leave our truck various places for extended periods of time, I have taken steps to deter a thief enough so they lose interest. Simple things like JimmyJammers, The Club, wheel boot, etc are all things that can be bypassed easily, but might provide enough of a "I don't want to deal with that crap" from the would be thief so they move on to the next truck. More technical/advanced things like Ravelco, kill switch (that allows the truck to crank and not start), no start setting on the Hydra (via BT controller if you wish), etc can be done to help you feel more at peace about your truck.

Like Nicmike said, you are simply trying to make the time they spend in/on your truck lengthy so that they lose interest. Go as far as what you are comfortable with and if it is still stolen, you will know in your heart that you did everything you could to prevent that and sometimes you just cannot stop them.

That is where I am at now. I have taken several steps to make my truck less desirable to a would be thief. Even simple things like installing a tailgate lock. Sure the lock can be busted or bypassed, but it sure is a lot more time consuming and a pain in the *** than simply lifting the handle and seeing what is in the back.
In addition, below is a recent thread discussing kill switches...

Kill switch thread

There is another thread recently about a kill switch that had a lot of replies, but I am unable to find it right now...

EDIT: Found it... Ideas for security
 
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Old Feb 12, 2020 | 04:09 PM
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Excellent read Sous, thank you very much. Being that I have Fass Fuel System in my truck, I think a hidden switch defeating the pump would be excellent. This in combination with the Clifford alarm and the N/S-Hydra I have now should make for an even better deterrent. Thanks Pal.
On Edit; I just read up on the Ravelco, and I gotta admit I do like this as an option.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2020 | 04:19 PM
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Another ravelco user here. Have it on both trucks. Saved my 2000 last year. I will never trust anything else.

On a positive note regarding the attempted theft of my truck....I did get a nice new king ranch steering wheel out of the deal so...yeah lol
 
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Old Feb 12, 2020 | 04:35 PM
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I would like to add that I decided against splicing into the fuel pump power circuit and took a different route.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2020 | 07:13 PM
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Originally Posted by countrycar
I just got a great idea from Nicmike on another thread about what all some of us have done or can do to protect against the theft of our trucks. Years ago I installed a high end Clifford alarm system, but this doesn't mean that someone can't come along and steal it. We all have big investments in out trucks, some more than others.
Back in 97 while I was working in S. Texas, I had a truck stolen from me right out of my drive way. So after that theft, I don't just leave this truck anywhere, and more so if I travel to S. Texas, I won't park this particular truck where I can't physically keep an eye on it.
Just curious to see what other ideas others have done to deter from theft. I have a very good Alarm System and Hydra Chip that can be set to N/S, and removed to help from theft. But I believe if the Hydra is set to the N/S position, the Hydra/programmer can be removed from the ECM there by defeating the Hydra.
My alarm system has all the bells and whistle's, but again I'm sure if a guy wanted it bad enough they could get around it..
I purchased the Hydra chip from a dealer in TN, Full Force Diesel, I think. My vehicle had a DP tuner from the previous owner. I downloaded the "canned" tunes from the PHP site, and had a few performance issues. I drove to PHP in GA mid 2019 and worked with Bill the owner. He got things sorted out for me. But I remember after asking, him telling me that when set to N/S mode you are actually commanding/placing the PCM to enter PATS or theft mode, and if the HYDRA cable is removed from the programming port on the PCM it should remain in theft mode.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2020 | 07:27 PM
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Originally Posted by 01__Excursion
But I remember after asking, him telling me that when set to N/S mode you are actually commanding/placing the PCM to enter PATS or theft mode, and if the HYDRA cable is removed from the programming port on the PCM it should remain in theft mode.
Your right, removing the cable from the chip will leave the PCM in N/S mode. This is the same as removing the switcher from the cable.

But, removing the chip from the PCM will remove the N/S setting and allow for the truck to start as there is no chip to override the PCM from starting the truck based on which setting you have the chip set for.

On a side note, I too have been by the PHP shop since it is only 50 miles from my house, good to see some of these shops in person instead of just online.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2020 | 09:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Sous
Your right, removing the cable from the chip will leave the PCM in N/S mode. This is the same as removing the switcher from the cable.

But, removing the chip from the PCM will remove the N/S setting and allow for the truck to start as there is no chip to override the PCM from starting the truck based on which setting you have the chip set for.

On a side note, I too have been by the PHP shop since it is only 50 miles from my house, good to see some of these shops in person instead of just online.
Excellent, this is exactly what I was looking for. I figured as such, but I didn't know for sure. Thank you again Rich, and 01 Excursion both for this info.
Also Rich, to be honest I'm leaning towards the Ravelco kit as opposed to just a fuel pump cut out switch. It seems after reading thru the web site as well as some of the other fellas testimonies here the Ravelco is the way to go.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2020 | 10:36 PM
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What about pulling certain fuses if it going to be a high risk area? I know not convenient but sure know they can shut down a vehicle from past experience. At least slow them down..
I’m intrigued by the Ravelco. Probably would get one but nowhere close.
 
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