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Anybody install a Ravelco theft deterent system?

Brewbud

Brewbud

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I am curious if anyone has installed a Ravelco security system. It looks like they have done installs on our trucks but I am uncomfortable because of all the new electronics. Supposedly, their system has never been defeated. It seems like a lot of diesel trucks have been disappearing from areas that used to be considered nice around here. It would be great to hear some first-hand experiences with Ravelco. It seems overpriced but if it keeps my truck from wandering off......

Ravelco - Product Information Page

Anti theft device, anti theft device for cars, anti theft device for trucks, anti theft device for big rigs & tractor trailers. Not one vehicle ever stolen using the Ravelco Anti Theft Device!
www.ravelco.com
 
Ive had Ravelcos in my last four trucks, 3 Super Dutys and an F150. I had my 2002 F250 stolen back in 2008 and after it was recovered had a ravelco put in. Its the only form of theft protection i will invest in. Its pricey at around $540 installed but I felt safe parking my truck anywhere. I never did have an attempted theft on any of my other trucks but i felt safe knowing it wasnt going anywhere.
 
They want $649 for 2016 and newer trucks now. Some areas will give an AAA discount of 10%. I called to get it installed but I couldn't fit with their schedule. I will call back when work relaxes a bit.
 
They'll just push it with another stolen car. Security systems aren't very effective in my opinion. Make sure your insurance is up to date. I didn't look at the system you mentioned, but unless it has GPS tracking, it won't help much. Retired P.O. here. I took plenty of reports.

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Mikes145 said:
They'll just push it with another stolen car. Security systems aren't very effective in my opinion. Make sure your insurance is up to date. I didn't look at the system you mentioned, but unless it has GPS tracking, it won't help much. Retired P.O. here. I took plenty of reports.

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They attempted to steal my old Dodge. Hidden fuel switch stopped them. The keyless trucks seem to be easier to steal with electronic hardware. Anything that helps keep it where it is I'm ok with. A LEO friend recommended Ravelco. If they really want it I am sure they can get it. But I am going to make it harder for them.
 
@Brewbud Hey I know this thread is a bit old, but I'm curious did you get the Ravelco installed? If so, did everything work ok with electronics?

I had my 2012 SRW Cummins stolen back in October, and I was originally planning to get a GPS tracker. But then I saw a mention on one of these message boards about Ravelco, and now I'm interested to drop the $650 for it on the new truck.
 
I have had the Ravelco in my last three trucks, I live in South Texas and all trucks are in demand. The only system I can sleep with knowing
they will not defeat it. Last truck 2019 2500 6.4, only catch is you will not be able to use remote start. No biggie for me. I have a 2022
3500 on order from MD and my first stop will be with the Ravelco installer. Good Luck
 
Use them in my high dollar vehicles....easy to use and effective....
 
leroyg said:
only catch is you will not be able to use remote start. No biggie for me.
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Good to know, thanks. I don't think the Cummins Tradesman I ordered has remote start, but even if it did, I probably wouldn't use it much.
 
FFL348 said:
@Brewbud Hey I know this thread is a bit old, but I'm curious did you get the Ravelco installed? If so, did everything work ok with electronics?

I had my 2012 SRW Cummins stolen back in October, and I was originally planning to get a GPS tracker. But then I saw a mention on one of these message boards about Ravelco, and now I'm interested to drop the $650 for it on the new truck.
Click to expand...

I did get it installed. It works well. Only issue is you can't remote start when you leave the dongle out.

A friend on FB who was just about 30 miles north of here had his truck stolen last night. It had two motorcycles in it. One was new. Really makes you think.
 
Brewbud said:
A friend on FB who was just about 30 miles north of here had his truck stolen last night. It had two motorcycles in it. One was new. Really makes you think.
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Dude that sucks (shaking head). Thx for the report, I'm now 101% on getting it.
 
The problem with the ravelco system is you have to take it out lol but otherwise it’s bulletproof. Car can’t be stolen unless it’s towed.

I have it in my 2006 F350 now after my first one was stolen and no way the truck could ever be turned on if I pull the plug. It works as advertised
 
Are people stealing the new ones? Don’t these things have gps all over the place or are they pulling the battery?
 
Shadowboxin20 said:
Are people stealing the new ones? Don’t these things have gps all over the place or are they pulling the battery?
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I had a 2012 with keystart but keyless entry, and no nav/GPS. I had dropped it off on a Sunday night at a diesel shop we know, to get an estimate for new injectors. They called me the next day and said their security camera caught someone who rolled up in a charger, got right into the truck and took off. We suspect they had something to crack the keyless entry, not sure if it was FCA-specific. But that's just a guess. I've seen news reports of devices people are using like that. A lot of recent testimonial examples to read on the Ravelco site, which suggest that sorta thing. The broker I work with who ordered my new truck said I'm one of 4 customers to have their cummins ram stolen recently, and only one of those was retrieved.
 
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2012 vs 2022 has got to be a big difference in theft but yea I’ll probably put it in my new truck in short order
 
I put my Ravelco in because of all the aftermarket stuff I was putting on my truck. It makes it a magnet for thieves. It can also be a PIA to get insurance to pay up for all the mods. If I had left my truck stock I probably wouldn't have gone with the Ravelco.
 
Wow, what a ripoff they have become! You used to be able to buy them on eBay for $69 back in the day, guess not anymore... There's one that's attached to a panel with other stuff on there now for $135. It is a simple unit with two wires that bypass the starter and what ever other circuit you want to kill the power to. The cap that you have to carry with you is big and bulky, not a fan, much easier things you can do to kill the truck that are smaller and more compact.

Here's the link

www.ebay.com

S64-1284-0100 PACCAR DASH PANEL WITH LOAD GAUGE / Ravelco Anti Theft Device | eBay

WITH LOAD GAUGE / Ravelco Anti Theft Device. PACCAR DASH PANEL.
www.ebay.com
 
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Just to add, the Ravelco, cuts out both the fuel pump and the starter and is wired underneath the fuse box under the hood. I watched the
installer work on my 2019 2500 Ram and I can see why this system is hard for the bad guys to defeat. I did not feel the Plug Knob was
bulky .
 
leroyg said:
Just to add, the Ravelco, cuts out both the fuel pump and the starter and is wired underneath the fuse box under the hood. I watched the
installer work on my 2019 2500 Ram and I can see why this system is hard for the bad guys to defeat. I did not feel the Plug Knob was
bulky .
Click to expand...

They can change up the systems it defeats. You try to start it without the plug in it and my dash lights up like a Christmas tree. I know it doesn't cut the fuel pump on the diesels though - I know on mine it doesn't. I made sure of that before I had it installed. Tech replied they did not mess with the fuel on the diesels.
 
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