Just bought my "new" Screw today and I'm stoked. Granted, it's used (6 mos old) but I've been dying to get one since they came out and analyzing this message board daily has caught me drooling all over my computer (almost got shocked the other day). At $26,900 I figure it was a decent price for everything that came with it off the lot. Nice! Finally, I can have my own "signature"...woohoo!

I'm sooooo happy but am worried like nuts over vehicle theft. I had the dealer install the $300 Clifford anti-theft system...just wondering, what kind of security systems do all you guys have? Viper, Clifford, truck Club???


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2001 F-150 SuperCrew XLT
4x4 Package
5.4L V-8
Harvest Gold
Tow Package
Rhino Bed Liner
6-disc CD
www.supercrew.org (coming soon)

 

Welcome aboard! I know you're going to be pleased with this truck! I have all the factory anti-theft goodies and that's it right now. I'm planning on an aftermarket alarm w/ auto start and remote window control. Anybody know a good system that doesn't cost an arm and a leg???

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2001 XLT Supercrew, 4x2, White, Tan interior, Class III Towing, Sliding rear window, Power Seat, Auto-Lights, 5.4, Auto trans, Ford bedliner
Future mods: Vent shades, front tint, snug top or tonneau, nice boat to pull (got the ride to pull one now!!!)

 

Flascrew-

There is no such beast out there. To get a good alarm with remote start and window roll-up, you should expect to spend above $400. My Clifford with remote start and no window relays was about $500 to install. I try to keep up with all the car audio and alarm stuff coming out, and I chose the Clifford because it is one of the best alarms available. You can figure the remote start adds about $100 to the price, and the installation of the window relays for the power roll up is about $100 more, you have about $200 in options, and a good base alarm should run you $250-$400 to start. There are cheaper systems out there, but you wouldn't catch me dead with one of them protecting my $30,000 truck. The worst place in the world to get advise is from an independant alarm shop, they degrade all the systems they don't sell, and all of the stuff that they sell becomes the best in the world (even if it's not). Ask for opinions here on the board, or if you have a friend that knows about this stuff ask them.
I can try and help if you would like, just email me adamski96@yahoo.com

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2001 SCrew Lariat
AZ Beige/DW Blue
5.4L, AirRaid Intake, K&N Filter, Ravin Z-33 Exhaust SI/DO, Power Moon Roof, Westin Stainless Nerf Bars, Vent Visors And Bug Deflector, Custom Tinted Windows, Upgraded Audio System, Clifford Solaris Alarm W/ Remote Start, Custom Hitch-Haul Receiver System

Coming!!
HyperTech Power Programmer (when available)
Rims & Tires
Air Dam Replacement W/ Driving Lights

 

SEVERAL blinking red lights hooked up to (aa) batteries. if some one wants to steal your truck they will no matter what. a blinking red light will kep away the kids.

 

Hey, I have an alarm that the dealer put on at no extra charge for me. It isnt one made by Ford Either, its a real alarm. But i dont see the point of an alarm. You hear them go off in parking lots ALL the time. And who pays attention to it? No one. I think alarms have lost their edge, so thats why i installed a fuel cut-off switch. Its a little black switch that i hid right under the dash. You cant see it, and no theif would ever be looking for a little black switch under a console, etc. It was extremely simple to wire, and works effective. As soon as the theif tries to start the motor (OOPS...NO FUEL!!)

just a little fyi

 

Thanks for the alarm tips guys! Sounds like the most alarming thing about remote start and remote windows is the price LOL I think I'll go for a good alarm and fuel cut off switch!

 

The whole reason I finally got a SuperCrew was my previous truck (a 1998 Dodge Dakota club cab) was stolen a little over three weeks ago. It was a blow. After getting the Screw, I'm trying to make sure NO ONE attempts to steal this truck. I'm thinking of installing like a viper perimeter defence alarm or something loud. Granted, people tend to ignore alarms, but a thief is less likely to be seen "hanging" around a truck whose alarm is waking up the whole neighborhood. My regret now is not having gotten the LoJack installed...maybe I will soon.

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2001 F-150 SuperCrew XLT
4x4 Package
5.4L V-8
Harvest Gold
Tow Package
Rhino Bed Liner
6-disc CD
www.supercrew.org (coming soon)

 

Just a little FYI for this remedy:
The most standard location for mounting a valet switch is under the dash. Every vehicle I have ever had with an alarm (with exception to my Clifford) has had the under dash mounted valet. All a theif has to do is chase the wires off it to the brain of the system and he has the vehicle. Unless there is a fail safe feature like those in the Clifford. My valet is located in plain view and ther is only one wat to access the system. Unless you specifically ask the installer to "hide" the box, they usually mount the brain in the easiest to get to location. This is usually just under the dash trim piece and is easily accessible to any knowledgeable thief. In your situation with the fuel cut off, that is the first thing a thief will look for. In a matter of seconds, they will know it's important because it is hidden, and they'll chase the wires. Once they see it goes throught the firewall or to the fuse box, they know it's not connected to an alarm, they flip the switch and they are gone. It is a very effective solution to a potential problem, but the switch has to be properly located for it to really be effective. Maybe look into having it mounted in the glove box, or inside the console, I have even seen them installed inside the gas door out of plain sight.
As for the batteries and flashing lights, that makes a visual deterent. Thiefs will by-pass this for an easier target if there is one available. And it is true that if they really want it they will have it. But why not take the precautions to prevent it if there is a way to do so?

Another feature that is more effective than most is the Blackjack feature on the Clifford alarms. You have a "valet/code" switch located in plain view. A thief can get in and stop the siren easily (as with any alarm), but a user designated code had to be entered into the switch within 30 seconds or the truck dies and the siren goes off, the lights flash, and the thing becomes totally useless. You can walk right back to the vehicle, enter the code and drive away.
I am a firm believer that if you know about the alarms and features available, they can become a very powerful defense for your vehicle. Most (no refrence to anyone in particular) people go in and have a "good" alarm installed somewhere expecting to have some kind of security. Biggest misconception of all. From all my experience with this, the really good alarms start around $300 plus installation. From there you have to be sure that all the features are wired and working. My first experience was with a Prestige alarm. I thought it was great. After learning about the alarms and gaining my MECP (Mobile Electronics Certification Program) did I realize that the alarm I had was totally worthless. There was nothing to it. The doors locked and unlocked and it had a single stage shock sensor. That was it. There was absolutely no protection, and it was the biggest waste of money. However with the new knowledge, my new alarm is virtually undefeatable. Only if the theif has my personal code can the vehicle be taken. After he has killed the siren, and if he can manage to defeat the code sequence (done only by removing the brain), he still has to contend with a battery back up siren and the fact that he disabled both my starter and my fuel pump. There is nothing he can do.


I'm not trying to **** anyone off, I understand everyones POV in the situation, these are just my opinions and experiences.

Azwebguy-

Sorry to hear about losing your last truck. That has to really suck. The Viper alarm is made by DEI, the new owners of the Clifford and Avital alarms. For the money you will spend on the Viper system, you would probably be better off with the Avital or Clifford system. I have experience with all three, and the Clifford siren is the louder of the three, as well as being the "elite" of the three. The perimeter sensors are really cool, but they can be just as much of a pain. In a crowded parking lot, you have to park in the back of the lot away from all pedestrian traffic. When someone is parked next to you and they are loading or unloading things from their vehicles, your alarm will go off. There is almost no way to combat that, except not to get it. A good alarm with a two stage shock sensor does essentially the same thing. All three of these alarms have distinct tones to them, but the Clifford and Avital are noticeably different than the Viper. What ever system you get, be sure that the installer knows everything about the alarm and can walk you through each and every feature so that you know what it is and what it does. Like I said earlier, there are so many things these alarms can do, if you have them set up in the beginning.
Hope this helps!

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2001 SCrew Lariat
AZ Beige/DW Blue
5.4L, AirRaid Intake, K&N Filter, Ravin Z-33 Exhaust SI/DO, Power Moon Roof, Westin Stainless Nerf Bars, Vent Visors And Bug Deflector, Custom Tinted Windows, Upgraded Audio System, Clifford Solaris Alarm W/ Remote Start, Custom Hitch-Haul Receiver System

Coming!!
HyperTech Power Programmer (when available)
Rims & Tires
Air Dam Replacement W/ Driving Lights

 

Adamski, thanks for the good info. After having one vehicle stolen now, and getting a new one as expensive as the Screw, I feel like I'm constantly looking over my shoulder for potential thieves. A totally paranoid feeling. It'd be nice if I could lock the doors, set the alarm and walk off to the mall without worrying one iota that someone might break into it or attempt to steal it. I take it you have a Clifford alarm. I installed the dealer Clifford ignition-interupt keyfob thingy and it works okay, but I'd still like a shock-sensor/alarm somewhere in the truck. Which specific alarm system do you have?

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2001 F-150 SuperCrew XLT
4x4 Package
5.4L V-8
Harvest Gold
Tow Package
Rhino Bed Liner
6-disc CD
www.supercrew.org (coming soon)

 

azwebguy-

I have the Clifford Solaris. It is not the most expensive or high tech there is in the Clifford line, but it is still a part if the G4 series which is the elite line of the Cliffords. It is incredible what this alarm is capable of doing! I am very impressed, and feel very safe knowing that I have the Clifford. I also added an additional bright blue LED and a blue scanner that help draw visual attention to the truck at night. I feel that one of the keys to staying safe is to make people look at your truck. People see the scanner and LED and the truck becomes recognized. I really makes me feel better. I ocassionally get looks from people who think it's stupid, but I like it and it makes me feel better.
If you go with a Viper system, MAKE SURE that it is the newest model availabe. Some dealers still have old stock, and the newer is better. After DEI bought out Clifford, they incorporated several features of the Cliffor into the Viper, Sidewinder and all the other DEI alarms. It can only help pay off in the end!
Adam

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2001 SCrew Lariat
AZ Beige/DW Blue
5.4L, AirRaid Intake, K&N Filter, Ravin Z-33 Exhaust SI/DO, Power Moon Roof, Westin Stainless Nerf Bars, Vent Visors And Bug Deflector, Custom Tinted Windows, Upgraded Audio System, Clifford Solaris Alarm W/ Remote Start, Custom Hitch-Haul Receiver System

Coming!!
HyperTech Power Programmer (when available)
Rims & Tires
Air Dam Replacement W/ Driving Lights