I own a 2003 Dodge Ram and there have been ALOT of them getting stolen lately (I guess they're pretty easy to break into) My factory alarm doesn't really cut it so i'm wanting an aftermarket one. I don't need the latest and greatest just something that is going to get the job done. Any suggestions???
Alarm suggestions
- Thread starter lucky8926
- Start date
Wasatch
New member
Look into the DEI stuff, Phyton, Stinger.
I'm not up to date on all of the alarm stuff, so I cant help you there. I would suggest that you also look into would be a fuel cut off switch. It would be some hidden switch that would prevent the engine from getting fuel before you press it in. That way, if someone jumps in and tries to start it, it will turn over, etc, but it wont start. So they would hopefully give it up for being dead.
JasonD
New member
I went with the latest and greatest, which is the Clifford RSX 3.5 Responder alarm which is now owned by DEI like most others. I got the top of the line model with the 2-way LCD remote (beeps like a pager if anything is tripped), Remote Start, glass breakage sensor, tilt sensor, dual zone disable (ingnition kill + additional disable, I went with the fuel pump), and loads of other accessories I probably didn't need.
I suggest getting an a alarm that has a self powered siren, dual zone disable for igniton and fuel system, tilt sensor, glass sensor, and of course the usual shock sensor. I would also suggest getting a second siren, that is hardwired and in somewhat plain view to make the thief think they are disabling the siren and has the self powered siren hidden somewhere else under the vehicle.
The most important factor when considering an alarm is the installer you choose. The installer can put this alarm in where it's a breeze for a thief to figure out and other installers make it near impossible.
Keep in mind that if they want your car bad enough, they are going to do what it takes to get it but you can certainly make them work for it thus giving you time to call the proper authorities before they get away.
Almost forgot, you can even get alarm systems now with LowJack built in which monitors the vehicles location if it's stolen, but this is a monthly monitoring fee.
If you want an awesome alarm that is fully upgradeable and comes with most everything, I'd go with the G5 Intelliguard 750, unless you want the 2-way Responder remote, then go with one of the Matrix RSX models.
Here's the website for the Clifford alarms. http://www.clifford.com/main.asp
I suggest getting an a alarm that has a self powered siren, dual zone disable for igniton and fuel system, tilt sensor, glass sensor, and of course the usual shock sensor. I would also suggest getting a second siren, that is hardwired and in somewhat plain view to make the thief think they are disabling the siren and has the self powered siren hidden somewhere else under the vehicle.
The most important factor when considering an alarm is the installer you choose. The installer can put this alarm in where it's a breeze for a thief to figure out and other installers make it near impossible.
Keep in mind that if they want your car bad enough, they are going to do what it takes to get it but you can certainly make them work for it thus giving you time to call the proper authorities before they get away.
Almost forgot, you can even get alarm systems now with LowJack built in which monitors the vehicles location if it's stolen, but this is a monthly monitoring fee.
If you want an awesome alarm that is fully upgradeable and comes with most everything, I'd go with the G5 Intelliguard 750, unless you want the 2-way Responder remote, then go with one of the Matrix RSX models.
Here's the website for the Clifford alarms. http://www.clifford.com/main.asp
LouisanaJeeper
New member
viper or clifford matrix
but the install and extra addons are what make or break it
hood lock, keyed type
battery backup
battery backup siren
interior piezo sirens
but the install and extra addons are what make or break it
hood lock, keyed type
battery backup
battery backup siren
interior piezo sirens
on top of having an alarm, also get the unbreakable autolock-pro (attaches to the brake or clutch pedal) with the barrel lock keys (i'm sure it can be broken, but compared to most auto theft devices, this one is one of the better ones out there and will be a b!tch to take off since it's in the lower part of the car). if a car theif wants your car bad enough... they will get it no matter what alarm/lock you have, all you can do is help prevent it. having both these, it will take a bit longer for them to get it and they may just move on to an easier target. http://unbreakable.com/Unbreakable_Auto_BL.htm
Blazern00b
New member
My vote for the IG from Clifford. Get it installed by an installer that is willing to go the extra mile. This means hiding the brain box extremely well, doing his/her best to hide all wiring to really make it look OEM, hide the siren and associated wires, etc etc etc. The alarm is only as good as the install. I would also recomend a battery backup for it so that should the power get cut, the alarm still functions. Keep in mind that asking for an extra good job may increase the installation price.
Another good one is a Clifford RSX, with the battery backup and pain generator siren. Ask to have the same type of job done, as well as the starter kill installed, as not all installers will do so. Again, price may increase for install.
On both units, or any unit you get, make sure you have a hood pin installed as well, as this will detect the hood opening.
I work as an installer by day so hit me up if you have any more questions. I take pride in my alarm installs.... Best of luck trying to steal my GMC, short of towing it.
Another good one is a Clifford RSX, with the battery backup and pain generator siren. Ask to have the same type of job done, as well as the starter kill installed, as not all installers will do so. Again, price may increase for install.
On both units, or any unit you get, make sure you have a hood pin installed as well, as this will detect the hood opening.
I work as an installer by day so hit me up if you have any more questions. I take pride in my alarm installs.... Best of luck trying to steal my GMC, short of towing it.
imported_Mighty HD1
New member
DEI / VIPER !! I have had them put on everything I own. Buy the top of the line.
The insurance company should give you a break too for it.
The insurance company should give you a break too for it.
Don't look for "cheap" if you are looking for a really good job. Installers who take pride in their stealth installs (myself included) will not hesitate to be more expensive than everyone else. In over 16 years installing 12 volt, I have not heard of one single vehicle stolen with my install. That doesn't mean anything other than what was previously stated. Your alarm is only as good as your installer.
I would say try the web, but most companies, including DEI, do not approve of internet sales. Therefore, you may not get a warranty on the parts. Your installer/shop may give you a warranty on the labor part, but don't count on it. Most places that I know of frown on carry-in alarms to install. If something goes wrong with the product or it has a problem right out of the box, most customers start pointing fingers at the poor installer.
LouisanaJeeper
New member
viper will not warrranty it
anyway alot of alarms have pretty specific tricks to them to get them wired in correctly. i would not want this to be a first attempt at an install on this model
if he installs viper normally it would probably be fine, but it sounds like he is not even a viper installer
anyway alot of alarms have pretty specific tricks to them to get them wired in correctly. i would not want this to be a first attempt at an install on this model
if he installs viper normally it would probably be fine, but it sounds like he is not even a viper installer
Blazern00b
New member
CC should be ok as you say. The best bet would be a ma and pa shop. I find that their installers are more knowlegeable when it comes to the finer side of alarm installs. Big shops IMO are there to "get 'er done!". Take it FWIW........
JasonD
New member
lucky8926 said:
By the time I was done adding all the extras, I ended up around $750 installed.
lucky8926 said:
I wouldn't recommend doing that if I were you, unless it's an authorized DEI retailer. Keep in mind that these things are still basic electronics and come with their share of issues, and when the time comes that you need warranty, you will probably be stuck buying a whole new alarm system.
I would look around locally for a shop to buy it from directly, and hang on to your receipt.
lucky8926 said:
I don't want to sound like I'm telling you what to do or anything, but I wouldn't send my lawnmower to cc to get worked on. One of my high school buddies worked there as an installer for nearly 5 years, and he used to tell me some stories about some of the stuff they did, and it would make you cringe. Another very good friend of mine, (actually, the one that put a VERY expensive custom stereo in my old Expedition) managed a CC for a while and couldn't get out of there fast enough. He was constantly dealing with installers screwing up the installations and people's cars wouldn't start, and all sorts of problems.
Now, this is only my experience with my local stores, so they might be better by you, but I know that they don't require that the installers be certified or anything here. Anyone can walk in off the street and get a job as an installer and learn as they go.....very scary.
If I were you, I'd start looking around for a top of the line stereo shop. Somebody who does competition type stuff, and see if they have alarms. Most of the time shops like these excel in alarms because they are installing $10,000+ systems and the customer's have to have them protected, and a simple $75 alarm just won't do.