What brand alarm are you all running?

I was planning on adding an alarm/remote start further down the road, but with the current heat, I'm liking the idea of being able to pre-heat or pre-cool my truck before I get in rather sooner than later.

I've had remote start alarms on my last two trucks, but it's been about 8 years since I've had to research what the good and reputable brands there are.

Previously I ran Viper 5701 on both cars I think, and didn't have many problems, aside from the occasional dead keychain transponder which wasnt too bad to buy a new one off ebay and resync with my truck.

What do you all recommend? Are there any new options or gadgets to go along with the alarm/remote start I need? I don't really need to roll down the windows from the remote, though a really cool addition, but not important. What you all got for me? Thanks!

 

Geek Squad installer here

I personally run a Viper DS4+ with the Smart Start module and security upgrade.

Tons of customization, covers every feature you could want, super easy to pair a new remote (short range single button, long range single button, long range 4 button, long range LCD screen, etc)

Siren mounted deep in the engine bay (hard to get to and disconnect)
Connects into factory alarm to use existing door and hood triggers, but the security upgrade adds a multi-sensor as well. Shock, tilt, glass break, and temp all in one. I also ran additional hood pin switches to my tailgate and rear window on my shell, but I do the same for toolboxes. If any part of my truck opens, alarm triggers.

The DS4 brain also has extra aux channels that can be programmed. I use one of them to trigger the switch for my aftermarket heated seats in the winter. I also have one planned to turn on puddle lights when I get around to installing them.

Hook up was super easy (although I'm an installer so your results may vary) and I'm super pleased with the features and performance

 

Thanks for the feedback @destin_meeks ! It sounds like Viper is still one of the highly reputable companies to go with according to the professionals such as yourself. Around how much do the security upgrades go for? I've usually gone with other shops installing my alarms, but I remember reading somewhere on here that BestBuy/Geek Squad are the real pros and their warranties are really good, so I think I wanna give it a try. Must be awesome to be able to do all that customization all by yourself, I think its a bit too high above my pay grade! Thanks again bro!

 

I want to say the last quote I gave for that system was under $500 installed for the remote start, security add on, and 4 button 1mile remote, but I’m not sure. Ask your local place for current pricing, the security upgrade is around $100 then $50-75 for the extra labor. Chat with your local installer to get a feel for his work. Some guys prefer compustar over viper and the install is cleaner and faster because of it. I know the DS4 better than anything else so that’s what I install the most.

As far as the work goes, we definitely have the best warranty. Keep your paperwork and you’ve got a lifetime warranty on the labor.

In my area, not too many local shops will take on remote starts anymore due to the low profit margins. I don’t blame them. But you may have a shop in your area that does them better than anyone.