Security System

[Tyler]

i have only the RT basic alarm, and was wondering if i should shell out the money for the security system provided in the other models or if i should buy a aftermarket one? just a little concerned as i have to park it on the street as it wont fit in the garage.

[kahnartist]

Tyler: Not to be negative, but what would an aftermarket system get you that you don't already have in the Honda alarm package?
The only thing I can think is a 'sensitivity' package. So, if someone were to lean on your truck (or break a window), the alarm would sound.
The negative side of this: the alarm goes off when heavy trucks drive by pissing off neighbors-- who are sick of your alarm sounding for 'nothing'.

If someone wants something in the truck (you should not be leaving tools, wallets, phones, laptops in obvious places--obviously)...they are going to break a window (and maybe open the door) to get it.
If the alarm went off at 2:00 AM, the thief would have what they wanted and be gone before you were clothed and to the door (hey, happened to us last month). So, your extra $$ you spent to 'upgrade' hasn't done you much good unless you are parking your truck inside a locked gate with a Pitbull.

People are so jaded by alarms today and don't think twice looking out a window when they go off.

By putting out yet MORE money on an aftermarket alarm, you are still getting:
• Noise (alarm bells, etc) Honda package
• Headlights flashing (depending on model) Honda package
• Sensitivity levels (touch/lean on auto or break window and open door)
• Automatic shut-off (which the Honda truck may have...not sure)

Not sure you'd really be getting your money's worth for an aftermarket system... unless you found one that when set off, a Holo-Cop appeared that could catch the crooks!

If you are worried about someone literally stealing the ENTIRE truck, you need a LowJack...which you will pay for installation AND a monthly charge on top of that.

Just my two cents....

[bongus]

I went with another option and added the MobileGuardian system to my RL. This system does not bypass the OEM alarm but what it does is it is a GPS locator and also notifies you via SMS of an active alarm. From there you can decide to jump out of bed in your pjs or call your trusty police dept and track your car online. I agree with Linda, an alarm that makes noise is just that a noise maker...there are many that will chose to ignore it. That's my 2¢.

[bigdave269]

I bought the LoJack with Early Warning. If anyone moves my truck, the sensor wil activate and I will get a call. I have a buddy that just had his Chevy truck stolen this week. Fortunately for him, he has the same system I have. He got his truck back within hours with no damage. I bet his insurance company is happy as hell....

[Ridgeline2006]

I have the best security system of all -- I live across from the police station and I park at work in a secure parking lot! Don't want nobuddy to mess wit my ridge!

[azccj]

I’m a COP and can tell you from 10 years of experience that few if any crooks break into vehicles that don’t have anything inside that’s visible for them to steal. Like a wallet, purse, cell phone, laptop or something else of value. Hopefully you are not like many of the victims/idiots that I have to take reports from after their vehicle has been broken into because they left something valuable sitting on the front seat while their car is parked on the street overnight. It’s all about common sense and if you aint got none no car alarm system currently made will stop you from becoming a victim. As far as your car being stolen, once again use some common sense. Don’t leave the keys in the cup holder or in the ignition. If someone wants it bad enough they will simply put it on a flat bed trailer but this is rare and if that happens the only system that will help is Lojack or one of those GPS monitors that they now sell.

I don’t know about your model of Ridgeline but my RTL came with the factory alarm and the thing can’t be started using any other keys but those that came with the vehicle. I believe they have some type of computer chip in the keys and if the ignition lock doesn’t recognize the key it shuts down the FI system. The stock alarm works great for me but I always keep my vehicles totally stock and any valuables locked away out of site.

Here’s a few tips I will offer to keep you from becoming a victim.

Don’t leave things in your vehicle that crooks might want or things that look like things they might want. A crook that sees a bag, briefcase or purse like makeup case doesn’t know it only contains worthless sales brochures, paperwork or makeup until after he breaks out your window and removes the bag, case briefcase. And no, he wont be nice enough to place it back into your car after he discovers it worthless. This is because they usually don’t take a look inside their haul until after they have fled the scene. After they discover that they just committed a felony for nothing of any value they’ll just dump it in the nearest dumpster.

Don’t replace the stock stereo with an after market one. Never once in the past 10 years have I seen a crook steal a stock stereo. But if you do decide to get a nice after market stereo also go ahead and get a nice after market alarm. OEM alarms typically don’t have shock sensors and only go off when the doors or hood are opened. Crooks know this too, so they simply break out a window and then crawl through the window opening into your car. All the time your OEM alarm is unaware that anything is wrong and neither will you until you go out to your vehicle the next morning. With an after market alarm at least it should prevent your new stereo from being taken but you’ll still be out a window.

Same thing goes for after market wheels as after market stereos. Keep them stock or invest in a good alarm system. I’ve seen a lot of wheel thefts in the past few years and it only seems to be getting worse. And those wheel locks they sell at tire shops are just about useless as the pro crooks will have every available wheel lock set available.

If your vehicle is parked outside your garage don’t leave your garage door opener inside your vehicle, especially if it is out in the open like clipped on the sun visor. Not only will the crook clean out the inside of your car but they might get greedy and decide to take that nice set of golf clubs from your garage as well.

Follow these tips and the chances of you being a victim of a vehicle related theft will surely be reduced.

[Ultra-Hog]

Wow azccj, for your first post you certainly nailed it! Very nicely done! That is some excellent professional advice that you generously shared with us! Thank you and welcome to R4wd! We are sure glad that you are here.

[JerseyRidge]

azccj wrote (View Post): › docWrite("quote")

Follow these tips and the chances of you being a victim of a vehicle related theft will surely be reduced.

Nice post,thanks and Welcome to Ridgeline4Wd !!!

[Moby1]

Don't know if this helps but I'll try. In addition to not leaving anything valuable or even valuable looking items, I open every compartment, glove box etc when I park the car. Allot of the hypes will do a smash and grab for change and other small items. If you show them there is absolutely nothing of value they usually walk away and hit someone else. I had a Civic Hatbk and even folded down the rear seats to let them know I had nothing in the trunk. With that car I would even unplug the wire distributer/cap wire so all they did was crack my ignition. Costly but at least I still kept the car.

Moby1