Anti-Theft reccomendation

I am more concerned about vehicle theft these days than a breakdown .
Any thoughts on DIY installs and brands ?

 

A simple hidden kill switch will work.

 

can you elaborate , show an example ?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/kill-switch-on-a-2004-tacoma-5vz-fe-5spd-4x4.754640/
Go to Google and type in "kill switch tacomaworld "

 

I’m in the same boat. I constantly worry about theft where I am.

I use a clutch/brake lock on my first gen, and on my two landcruisers everywhere I go. You would have to saw or torch it off, which would be extremely difficult to do - not impossible but very highly unlikely.

If someone wants to truly take your car, they will throw it on a trailer and take off, but for every other possibility this will work. As @tcjacado mentioned, a kill switch is also planned (and some air tags).

The problem is that people are still busting windows to look inside, only to see the clutch lock and then leave, but I guess that is better than the rig being gone.

My rig is worth more to me than what insurance would cover…

https://www.autozone.com/alarm-and-security/security-lock/p/unbreakable-autolock-brake-lock/348033_0_0

 

Sounds like you live in the Bay Area

Best options are to:
1. Move
2. Garage your vehicle

Both of which might not be possible

No matter how hard you try, a tweaker who wants to bust your window will bust your window.

Personally I wouldn’t be driving a vehicle I care a lot about if I lived in a place such as the Bay Area.

 

You can buy a simple toggle switch and put it in line with a wire that interrupts the trucks ability to run. Some common ones are putting a switch on the starter solenoid or the fuel pump, and then putting the switch hidden somewhere inside the cab where only you know to find it. If you wanted, you could pull the IGN fuse from under the dash and take it with you or hide it somewhere in the truck. You could even put a fuse holder on your keychain and store the fuse in there so you don't lose it

 

Nope, don’t reside in CA, but I’m sure there are parts in CA which are definitely at higher risk. To some extent it doesn’t really matter too much where you reside anymore these days. Trailheads/rural areas/cities, all pose some degree of risk - that’s just the reality these days. I drive my rigs all the time…they’re not garage queens…but I do want to keep them in my possession.

For the OP - kill switches (there are different styles), and brake locks are probably the easiest options to start with.

 

Booby trap a frag grenade or shotgun, just don’t forget it’s there when you need to get in

 

While i support this idea in Theory .

The civil law suits that follow a idiot killed or hurt trying to commit a crime !!

Gets spun so bad making you look like the one who is the criminal the thief the hero.

 

There are some less than lethal ways of deterring a thief https://www-autoblog-com.cdn.amppro...22/04/06/man-rigs-flash-bang-to-stop-thieves/

 

Move…if you can.

 

It just takes me to the home page.

This is something you have done yourself and a Flash Bang was triggered with no aftermath ??

Just where did you purchase one of these?? I would love some Det Cord.

Living in California ?

 

Get a manual transmission.

 

Your fuel relay sits behind the dashboard, specifically behind the steering column. It is a little hard to reach. It is green. Sadly, I would need to take apart my dashboard to send you photos which is impractical; but, rest assured, there are photos floating around.

Anyway, you can cut the power wire for that relay, extend those wires to some hidden compartment in your vehicle, and connect those wires with a simple two-prong switch. Maybe you will hide that switch behind your radio console, or in the glovebox, or under a seat. It’s up to you.

The idea is that this will open the fuel relay circuit, meaning that no fuel will go to the injectors. Anyone attempting to steal your truck would need to reconnect those wires. Given how difficult this relay is to reach, that task would probably not be worth the effort.

 

Strange, the link takes me straight to the article, you can just look up "flashbang stops truck thief"

Not my truck, or my flashbang, not sure how to get ahold of one of those in California but I bet the Mexicans that run the firework stands could hook you up. It also doesn't stop your window from getting smashed so not worth it guess.

 

Yeah people are always quick to inject their politics into topics like these. But you're right, there's definitely been an uptick in break-ins at camp sites and trailheads.

To OP, kill switches and manual transmissions are your best bets.

Also the general advise of keeping things out of plain sight when you park your car.

 

Thanks for all the responses . Sounds like the fuel pump relay kill switch is optimal .

btw: I did see an elaborate kill switch product with multiple hidden pushbuttons on Scotty Kilmer's YouTube channel . Between all the different wiring options and Scotty's hands flying on the screen I got a headache trying to follow along......lol

 

You need to do this yourself. There is not an out-of-the-box, bolt-on product for this use-case.

Also, you should do some research into proper electrical engineering tools and techniques, especially those concerning crimping, heat shrink, wire stripping, and soldering. You should also learn the meanings of the numbers 30, 87, 87a, 86, and 85 as they relate to relays.

Good luck.

 

If things were to simple everyone would know all the locations to check.

Always Have a work around sooner or later that switch will fail and leave you sit .

A hidden spot but easy for you to access.

Some people get tricky install several switches that need to be set in a certain order.

I never lock my Truck no need for breaking a window just open the door.

Good Luck !!