Security - Alarms, Etc. on 4WDs. What do you use?

[Toyo Truck]

Hey Guys,

What do you use for security in your trucks?
What do you think is the best system to install
to offer maximum security, but won't leave you
stranded after getting drowned somewhere?
can you rig up the alarm to toolboxes, etc?

Also, is it hard to rig up an alarm/imobilisor?
I saw a good one that allows the car to start
but cuts it after a few seconds. This would be good
to diagnose starting issues as it would allow one to
eliminate the imobilser as the cause for not starting?
(I have been in numerous cars where the alarm imobilser
has stopped the car from operating altogether - which would
suck).

Cheers,
Bart

[ORSM45]

if you have a electric fuel pump, just put a kill swtich on that, does the same thing as it lets it start up for about 20 seconds.

my alarm is a baseball bat and you better hope it doesnt go off

ive thought about alot of security items for my 4by but if i ever want to get in, it needs a backup plan to get in which if the theif is determined will probably overcome.

MaccA

[Macca177]

yeah go for a kill switch...its cheap and easy.... it saved my 2 commys from been takin futher than next door neighbours when they got stolen.

[murcod]

I've found Australian made alarms are generally the best for security. A lot of the American brands eg Viper, Python, Hornet (incidentally all made by the same company - DEI....) are next to useless for ignition disable. They have lots of "bell and whistles" in the way of features, but the ignition disable is easily bypassed. Unplugging the alarm module on most of them will allow the car to start!

An alarm should have all black wiring (using wire of the same guage), on board normally-open ignition disabling relays, no external plugs, have an auto arming ignition disable etc. There are a number of Australian Standards that specify these and other features- so if the alarm meets an Australian Standard it's probably a decent system.

Installing your own alarm is usually the best way to go- that way you know where everything is wired if the worst happens and it won't start. Also most companies use "cheat sheets" detailing where to hook into the wiring for each car model. No doubt thieves also know these points - if you do your own install you can decide for yourself what you'll do to disable the engine etc.

[Courtancer]

Does anyone have any reccommendations for security on a soft top?

[murcod]

A microwave motion detector hooked up to a decent alarm. The microwave detectors can operate with the top up or down and are adjustable for senstivity. You can also get "dual zone" models that will give a warning beep if someone gets too close, and then go into full alarm if they reach in further.

[Gonzo]

here is what i use for my car security



i do have an alarm, the immobiliser is not connected tho...

[+dj_hansen+]

A kill switch hidden under your dash somewhere and a flashing LED... <$10 from jaycar and adds that extra visual deterrent..

Or just train up a big dog

[Slayer]

have got the alarm and imobiliser but i have always wanted the big nasty pig dog that u always see on the back of the hunters utes.. might have to get me 1 of those... keep it underfed and train it to mall anythin that goes near my rig ... anyone got one??? what breed is best??

[V8Patrol]

Courtancer Wrote

Does anyone have any reccommendations for security on a soft top?

[Toyo Truck]

So I guess the best/easiest way to imobilise for the time being,
would be a switch on the +ve line to the fuel pump??

I have an 1989 2.4L 22R Hilux, do I have a mechanical or electrical pump?
How can I tell?

Cheers,
Bart

[landy_man]

i think a kill switch hidden somewhere or labelled "horn" or something is your best bet....
will also be useful if it all gets out of hand offroad


here is my alarm

[Toyo Truck]

Guys,

How can I tell if I have an electric fuel pump or not?
Its a:- 1989 Toyota Hilux Dual-cab, 2.4L Petrol 22R Motor?
Someone on here must have done this before??

Cheers,
Bart

[Toyo Truck]

Bump

[ToNkA]

Guys,

How can I tell if I have an electric fuel pump or not?
Its a:- 1989 Toyota Hilux Dual-cab, 2.4L Petrol 22R Motor?
Someone on here must have done this before??

Cheers,
Bart

If its Petrol, can't you just run a switch off the coil?

[Webbie]

TOYO there is a good brand called CYCLOPS they r in Melbourne but i recon you could get one of their units in Sydney and get a reputable auto elec to fit it ( NOT STRATHFEILDS sorry anyone ) they havent had a car stolen in 16 years and they r AUSSIE company and yes all black wiring and not that pricy top $$ is $560 includes microwave , emoblizer and other bits and peices have spoken to the man down there and sounded very professional ill b getting one of these systems

[Toyo Truck]

Webbie, was looking at a system preferably DIY install so I can take it out if neccessary.
But that does sound like a good deal. $560 aint too bad for all those options.

Tonka, you mean the wires that go into the ignition coil from that sensor on the motor??
What Ampere rated switch/relay would you need for that?

Another thing, are hiluxs hard to steal? Do alot of them get stolen?
I know you wouldn't get very far in it. A paddy wagon could catch it easy.

I'm a bit worried cause we had a break in at our house a few nights ago.

Cheers,
Bart

[Shorty40]

Simple stuff that doesn't cost a cent:

Shifting your transfer case lever to neutral

Take out the rotor button

Disconnect the lead to your coil (but push the lead back into the rubber boot and reconnect the boot to the coil - that way it looks fine)

Pull out some fuses and put them in the ashtray

I am sure there are plenty more. The longer it takes a thief to steal something, the more inclined they are to move on to an easier target.

[Shorty40]

BTW - I have an immobiliser in my rig and most people have trouble starting it even with the keys

[murcod]

Simple stuff that doesn't cost a cent:

Shifting your transfer case lever to neutral

Take out the rotor button

Disconnect the lead to your coil (but push the lead back into the rubber boot and reconnect the boot to the coil - that way it looks fine)

Pull out some fuses and put them in the ashtray

I am sure there are plenty more. The longer it takes a thief to steal something, the more inclined they are to move on to an easier target.

So you do all that everytime you park your car!?

Give me an alarm anyday. The above also doesn't protect your vehicle from getting broken into and having the stereo ripped off etc.

The Cyclops alarm mentioned above is what I was hinting at earlier and have got in my Feroza complete with microwave detector. They are made by Dynamco in WA. www.dynamco.com.au from memory - top alarms and well priced.

[Shorty40]

So you do all that everytime you park your car!?

Mate, I don't do ANY of that stuff. I was just offering some advice.

The above also doesn't protect your vehicle from getting broken into and having the stereo ripped off etc.

Neither does any alarm NOTHING stops your car getting broken into. And do you think a little weeeeeeorrrrrrr weeeeeeorrrrrr alarm will stop a junkie from knocking off your sound system


BTW - I dont have a stereo

[murcod]

It will if you're within hearing distance- it saved my stereo once.

Unfortunately it didn't stop the window from getting broken though.

[Mad Cruiser]

I've got an alarm/immobiliser Mongoose Top of the Range model after the previous car was broken into...

Not taking any chances this time. Have had this alarm for 2 years so far no problems except for the siren. Siren drowned in water so it doesn't work, easily replaced.

[Kev80]

Kill switch is a good start but i also installed door dead locks to my old Hilux.

They have the round key so they can't jemmy open the lock with a flat screw driver.
Also once dead locked you can't open the door from the inside either so this will stop people getting in from smashing your quarter panel window & reaching for the door lock.

The only way in is to smash the side windows & climb in the window over all the smashed glass, if they are that keen then nothing is going to stop them.

[dark matter]

I have a Viper alarm in my GQ, but it doesn't like mud, dust or water! Already had to replace the siren after it got wet. Don't think it likes corragations either, indicators don't flash anymore when the alarm sounds. The alarm did stop someone from getting it though, the alarm sounded and they took off before I could get out there. ( It was a lack of pants thing!)

For security in my Zuk I use the good old steering lock, highly visable. And yes I know that does not stop the mongrels from stealing my stereo. Like the idea of deadlocks though, will look into them.

[bj42turbo]

Like the idea of deadlocks though, will look into them.

From a Locksmiths point of view I dont recommend the round key deadlocking locks (Solex brand) they appear to more trouble than they are worth..............Dazz

[redrocket]

i have an alarm with microwave sensors. on an old car of mine i used to have a $15 immobiliser from super cheap which had a push button. i took out a screw which held the dash together and put the switch in its place, then glued a screw head to the button. never would have picked it in a million years and easy to get to to turn it off.

[Kev80]

From a Locksmiths point of view I dont recommend the round key deadlocking locks (Solex brand) they appear to more trouble than they are worth..............Dazz

Please explain !

We have used them for years & had no troubles.

[bj42turbo]

From a Locksmiths point of view I dont recommend the round key deadlocking locks (Solex brand) they appear to more trouble than they are worth..............Dazz

Please explain !

We have used them for years & had no troubles.

Kev80,
The main problem we have had and a few others in the industry is just a reliabilty issue. also it is a concern when fitting them that you need to enlarge the hole in the door which dose not allow OEM locks to be reinstalled if the locks fail. To be honest in the past we only seem to see holdens coming in wanting these locks. I assume from your comment that you have had a good run with these, I am interested in your experiance with these. Also I would have to say I think the product is a good idea though. Also I would have to add on a personal side is I hate carrying extra keys. you wouldn't believe the effort I go to, to have a key that will operate lots of different locks.

Cheers
Dazz

[Kev80]

I installed a Solex set on a 85 Hilux about 7 years ago & im sure it fitted straight up, no drilling bigger holes.

The Hilux is a daily driver & we have never had a problem with the locks..........so far. (touch wood)

Well worth the money i thought.