Does anyone have any recommendations for what product(s) to use to prevent theft (ie, alarms, The Club, etc).

I just bought an F150 and would like to do all I can to prevent it from being stolen. I am looking into getting a "Pedal Jack" (similar to The Club), as well as an alarm.

Yeah, I realize that if someone wants to steal something, and they are determined, they will. But if I can make it a bit more difficult or prevent my ride from being someone else's, I will.

Any suggestions or information would be much appreciated!!

gerper

 

gerper, if your key is a PATS key, you need not worry about someone stealing your truck. It is simply the best theft prevention that Ford has incorporated in our trucks. But, if you want to protect the contents of the truck, any brand of full featured alarm alarm will do assuming all entry points are covered. Hope this helps.

 

If you are talking about someone being able to drive away, then your "Chipped" Key is a pretty good safeguard. If that doesn't satisfy you enough, then here's another idea. My dad and uncle used to put cut off switches on their fuel pumps and then hide the switch. This was after they both had their trucks stolen... at the same time... by the same guys... at the same job site... Sucked to be them. they got the trucks back. They weren't pretty though.

 

I heard that the PATS keys were easy enough for thieves to get past. GM has been using a similar system since the 80's and they are stolen all the time.

I'd say to just keep your truck low key. Don't make it stand out and say "STEAL ME". That means no 22" wheels, no huge *** stereo you bump everywhere, and not too many accessories. I have a snug lid, piaa fog/driving lights, and the stock 17" 10 hole wheels. While it stands out a little bit, I haven't lowered it or put anything really flash on it.

Make the interior look completely stock. I have a nice stereo, but all a would be thief sees is a detached face on the CD player, nothing else. I'd also recommecd tinting the windows to the max allowed in your area. This makes it harder to see any valuables that may be in the truck. I do use the club when I park somewhere I'm not used to, and at night. It might be enough to make somebody move on to your truck instead of mine

Wait by your truck and shoot thieves in the head, oh wait, that's not legal...but it should be

Mitch

 

Thanks for the input! I am going to stick to the stock wheels and tires, and just keep the mods at a minimum. I checked out a Clifford alarm a few days ago, and will be getting that installed at the end of the month.

gerper

 

Sounds like a good plan. My dad has a clifford in his 99 F-150. I'd recommend you don't have them activate the passive arming unless it locks the doors too. His seems to arm in about 20 seconds, but leaves the doors unlocked. As soon as you open it, there goes the alarm. If you do have them activate the passive arming and locking the doors, be sure to get a hide a key or something incase it locks your keys in.

Mitch

 

You may not need these with an alarm, but think about lug nut locks and a cable lock for your spare tire. Cheap insurance against the casual low-life, anyway. Not much will stop the very serious type.