Found this for vehicle security

[user 36441]

Well, of course this guy is trying to sell his device but, the unit my repo friend has I told you about that will tow any vehicle no matter how parked in 30 seconds, paid under $1,000 for his unit, not $100,000 like this guy claims. Just FYI. It can be installed on any truck easily. Yes, they need a truck to install it on but hey, they are vehicle thieves, so no big deal to steal one right? Or they can use a cheap, used older truck.

 

[user 36441]

I think the $100,000 referred to to the truck, not the claw.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

I've just been informed that less than 4% of auto theft occurs with towing. Just passing it on.

I've heard that 90% of statistics on the internet are bull.sh.it.

That's a good question. Is the signal hampered by metal? Can I hide it inside the van, which is basically a metal box?

Anything between the signal source and receiver will attenuate the signal. Easy to test. Measure your cell signal just outside the van and inside the van.

 

[Morgana]

For such a big investment -- meant to protect an even bigger investment -- there must be better sources of information on what the biggest dangers are, what types of protection work best, etc. AAA for starters maybe?

I've heard that 90% of statistics on the internet are bull.sh.it.

Yes and there is an impeccable source that proves that [KIDDING!]
Todd Snyder, Statistician's Blues

 

[Gr8ful]

The website says a discount on insurance in Mexico but I didn't see anything about the U.S. so I guess no discount here.

 

[user 36441]

Yes of course the guy is trying to sell his product. Who isn't? Bottom line (mine, anyway), the product makes sense to me. It's a start.

Maybe I'll add a tilt switch later.

 

[Gr8ful]

I like the fuel pump switch maybe with a key ring remote to a solenoid switch but I've never had a car stolen or even know anyone who did. It looks like a fine product just over priced IMHO. The patent must be off by now so I'm suprised someone hasn't copied it for way less $$$.

 

[user 36441]

Gr8ful:
Did you read the description of what they do? All the different systems they tap into?
And did you consider the work that went into designing the system and bringing it to the public? Do you not think an inventor should be rewarded for his efforts?

Maybe no one has copied it because it can't be offered for less.

Just because you've never had a car stolen or known anyone who has, do you think that means it doesn't happen?

 

[RonDean]

I've considered air tags too. Where would you put one that a half-way knowledgeable thief wouldn't look, either when they were taking the car or when they get it to their (chop) shop? Maybe use three air tags?

I have a Maxxair vent cover on top of my rig where it could broadcast to it's heart content. I was thinking inside that. It would take someone to climb up top and remove or cut into the cover before they could get to the tag. It's certainly do-able if they knew it was there and had the time to get it done. But, it's only another layer of deterrent. not something I would have 100% faith in. If they have already disabled my alarm and found and turned on my cutoff switch and THEN climbed up and removed the Air tag, then I guess they must really want my rig and I'll be calling my insurance agent.

 

[user 36441]

I have a Maxxair vent cover on top of my rig where it could broadcast to it's heart content. I was thinking inside that. It would take someone to climb up top and remove or cut into the cover before they could get to the tag. It's certainly do-able if they knew it was there and had the time to get it done. But, it's only another layer of deterrent. not something I would have 100% faith in. If they have already disabled my alarm and found and turned on my cutoff switch and THEN climbed up and removed the Air tag, then I guess they must really want my rig and I'll be calling my insurance agent.

 

[user 36441]

I just googled "AirTag to prevent auto theft". Here's one of the things that came up:

"When it comes to GPS tracker for car, AirTags are not compatible at all. Tracking a car is entirely different from tracking lost things around your house or neighborhood. Car moves fast, and keeps on moving but your AirTags will take a considerable amount of time to update the location."

What I get from this is, if you're willing to wait until the vehicle has come to a stop for a while, the AirTag will work. Otherwise, get a GPS tracker.

 

[Gr8ful]

Gr8ful:
Did you read the description of what they do? All the different systems they tap into?
And did you consider the work that went into designing the system and bringing it to the public? Do you not think an inventor should be rewarded for his efforts?

Maybe no one has copied it because it can't be offered for less.

Just because you've never had a car stolen or known anyone who has, do you think that means it doesn't happen?

Do you really think I believe no one gets their vehicle stolen?
What if you lose the 'key'? Or will you hide one in the van?
The website says "California & Arizona Ravelco, exclusive provider for the Ravelco Anti-Theft Device in California and Arizona.
© 2005 – 2023 California & Arizona Ravelco, All Rights Reserved"

So you can only buy it in 2 states? I'm glad you like it but I'd choose to make something cheaper. To each his own. Good Luck with it!

 

[Happy Camper]

There are so many things you can do to minimize theft risk. But none of them are foolproof. There are too many fools willing to try and steal a car.

The system in the original post sounds like a well thought out design that will work great for many people. There's no knock on building a better mousetrap. I got caught up in trying to explain how it isn't going to stop every theft.

There are many documented ways to improve your odds of not being a theft victim.
And there are a few documented things that increase the odds of recovering your property if those measures didn't work.

For one of my jeeps I've given serious thought to having full time cell Internet with strategically placed pin cameras. Similar to house cameras I would be alerted to certain types of movement or sound.

With the system I'm considering building, I would be able to remotely disable various functions. And of course have video uploaded in real time. With the ability to talk to the would be thief.

All running off a separate battery that isn't easily accessible if you don't know what you're looking for. And it's all that fails, I'll have a couple ways to track and locate it if they are stubborn. They would have to go well beyond chop shop measures to find and disable it all.

All that would run less than what the system posted above would cost.

All of that isn't necessary, but there are multiple uses for almost everything in the system. So I'll probably design and install it for the fun factor as much as the security.

I might even make it possible to airdrop a picture of them in my Jeep into their phone in real time. The possibilities are endless. Good times

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

I want to stress again that you need to define who you are protecting against. There is a big different in the level of sophistication needed for a low tech amateur, a tech savvy thief, and a professional. The best protection you can have is insurance that will cover your loss if stolen.

I have been involved in the classic/custom/hot rod/ auto racing fraternities since I was 14 years old. I've heard more than a couple of talks on car theft over the years; known a few guys that have had their cars stolen.

A few points relative to this discussion:

• because of the prevalence of tracking devices utilizing cell/wifi, a tech savvy car thief will use a cell/wifi detector and/or blocking device.
• if your vehicle is to be resold it will be in a semi trailer or shipping container within 20 minutes.
• if your vehicle is to be chopped for parts - it takes 4 guys fifteen minutes to reduce your vehicle to a pile of parts.

Do your own due diligence to find what makes you feel secure. And have insurance for if you are wrong.

 

[Happy Camper]

Yup to all of that. My Jeep is a 93 Wrangler, so I'll have to insure it for stated value. The security will be way over the top, and mostly because it has dual use on the road. But a lot of it is just for giggles. If someone wants it bad enough it's gone. I accept that.

 

[Morgana]

I assume there's some way to contact the mods directly instead of posting this here but apologies, I could not find it. I got a notice that a post of mine was deleted here because "nothing new added [or] wished to delete." I think the only thing I posted here was to recommend checking some evidence-based source like AAA to get a better idea of a product's track record.
IIRC there were some other blank posts here so maybe mine got swept up at the same time?
No great loss. Just curious. Thanks mods for all the hard work.

 

[user 36441]

I assume there's some way to contact the mods directly instead of posting this here but apologies, I could not find it. I got a notice that a post of mine was deleted here because "nothing new added [or] wished to delete." I think the only thing I posted here was to recommend checking some evidence-based source like AAA to get a better idea of a product's track record.
IIRC there were some other blank posts here so maybe mine got swept up at the same time?
No great loss. Just curious. Thanks mods for all the hard work.

Morgana - I got about eight of those all at once. Sorry yours got swept up in it.

 

[Gr8ful]

I got 3 "Post Deleted" notices also.

 

[user 36441]

I got 3 "Post Deleted" notices also.

 

[user 36441]

This may have been my fault. I replied to a couple of posts, then changed my mind and deleted my replies, not realizing that your initial posts would be swept up along with them. I am sorry.