Looking for electronic deadbolt locks

[Luciano151]

Although there are plenty of other types of locks to purchase, I have not been able to find anybody in my area, Orange County/Los Angeles, who sells and installs electronic deadbolt locks. I would like to purchase some for my back and side doors. If Maxie happens to get "disappeared" I will never be able to replace her.

Does anybody know of a place where I can both purchase and have installed this type of anti-theft system, or at least purchase? If you can help, it would very much be appreciated.

Thank you!

 

[highdesertranger]

what type of doors do have to lock? they make electronic locks for service bed trucks. highdesertranger

 

[Luciano151]

what type of doors do have to lock?  they make electronic locks for service bed trucks.  highdesertranger

Just the regular hinged back doors in the back and side of my van. Actually, I found a place in Illinois that makes what I need. I'm going to have them shipped here to California and find a reputable locksmith or security expert to install them. Because I would never be able to replace Maxine, I have to make sure I have an adequate amount of protection, both in terms of security equipment on the van and insurance to cover a worst case scenario.

 

[johnny b]

This website has them:
http://www.a1electric.com/catalog/cat_dead.htm
They are located in Torrance, CA

Give them a call to see if they can recommend an installer.

Or try a custom car shop....when they do doors with no visible handles, they do electric. Should be plenty of those shops in Southern Cali.

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

Great idea. I never used to like leaving my van at trail heads when Id do a few days of backpacking, it always made me feel like my stuff left behind was vulnerable to thieves, this would def add a little peace of mind.

 

[MrNoodly]

Great idea.  I never used to like leaving my van at trail heads when Id do a few days of backpacking, it always made me feel like my stuff left behind was vulnerable to thieves, this would def add a little peace of mind.

Sorry to be negative, but... rock... window... smash... grab...

Usually just the appearance of invulnerability is enough to make thieves move on. Cages on the back and side windows, a bulkhead between the driver compartment and cargo area say, "Too much trouble."

I used to have an alarm company sign in front of my house, but no alarm. It worked fine.

 

[Luciano151]

Sorry to be negative, but... rock... window... smash... grab...

Usually just the appearance of invulnerability is enough to make thieves move on. Cages on the back and side windows, a bulkhead between the driver compartment and cargo area say, "Too much trouble."

I used to have an alarm company sign in front of my house, but no alarm. It worked fine.

I have to agree with you MrN, that's why I'm making it a point to have several levels of security to keep everything safe. I have a steel bulkhead already with a key and ordered interior window protection for the back windows; and plan on getting electronic dead bolts for the back and side door and separate dead bolts for the driver and passenger door. I've dreamed about doing this for a long time and since I don't have the money to do this again, I have to take good care of my rig. Obviously, if somebody really wants to take it, I'm sure they could figure out a vulnerability to manipulate to their advantage, but I'm going to make it as hard as possible.

 

[wayne49]

I have to agree with you MrN, that's why I'm making it a point to have several levels of security to keep everything safe. I have a steel bulkhead already with a key and ordered interior window protection for the back windows; and plan on getting electronic dead bolts for the back and side door and separate dead bolts for the driver and passenger door. I've dreamed about doing this for a long time and since I don't have the money to do this again, I have to take good care of my rig. Obviously, if somebody really wants to take it, I'm sure they could figure out a vulnerability to manipulate to their advantage, but I'm going to make it as hard as possible.

It is important to think like a thief. If a thief sees a so so van with no special security, they may pass it by looking or a richer target. Having special expensive locks and other visible security tells the thief here lies treasure.

Back in 1981 I had a 1970 Ford Maverick. Nothing special, straight six, drum brakes all around. One time at the train station in North Plainfield, someone pulled one of the plug wires. I replaced the wire. Later when I sprung for a new battery, I figured I would prevent anyone from easily opening the hood and taking the new battery or plug wires. I added a cable bike lock. Part of it was visible. I thought "good deterrent."

Parked the car on the street outside the Pavonia PATH station, which was located in a deserted post industrial wasteland in 1981. Came back after a day's work in lower Manhattan to find the car not anywhere on the street. They took the whole car. Lock and all.

What deters a simple thief, may encourage a more professional thief.

 

[Luciano151]

Great story. I wish it had a happier ending. You make a good point. Luckily, the deadbolts I'm getting can't be seen from the outside. A thief could open the door from the stamp point of unlocking it, but they would be freaking out wondering why it doesn't open. I have the two back windows tinted a limo shade. The cage for them is on the inside which can't be seen unless The would be thief has his face in cupped hands, right on the window itself. I think I'll be OK, but just in case I might get a LoJack as well. ?

 

[VanGuy6678]

L151 - can you provide a link to the locks you found in Illinois? I'm interested too. Thx

 

[arctic cat]

I'm a little low tech in that area so I do use lock but they are manual with carriage bolts,