Ravelco as featured in Overland Journal

[07 Elephant]

I saw the ravleco write-up in this month's Overland Journal and was intrigued.

So me and ravleco guy installed it today. I say we cause I can't let anyone else work on my rig without lending a hand. It worked out alright. My electrical work has always been clean and this install is clean too.

I'm pleased with the function and security and ease of use of the little ravelco plug.

Here are a few pictures.
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Oh no we're taking that apart?

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t281/07elephant/7a41696f.jpg

Enough of that. After it's all put back together and taped and zipped tied and cleaned...

The plug goes here.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t281/07elephant/5dc5a412.jpg

The plug.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t281/07elephant/a9135c92.jpg

And then here.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t281/07elephant/54c0dc84.jpg

Or here.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t281/07elephant/3f5e684d.jpg

Might stay. Might not.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t281/07elephant/15935fb6.jpg

[07 Elephant]

Has anyone else read the article in OJ? Does anyone else here have one?

[C Red]

I had Ravelco system installed on my truck 2 years ago. It has given me peace of mind that it would be very difficult to steal. So now I lock my stuff in my Tuffy box and leave the doors and windows unlocked without worry.
Glad to see OJ had a write-up about a product I have found fantastic.

[J-man]

Seems like a good idea, however i know my luck id knock it loose and it would get lost when im in the middle of baja and then i'd be screwed!!!

[TACODOC]

I really like this system :drool:

[Jonathan Hanson]

07, thanks for the writeup and photos.

After I wrote the news item about the Ravelco in Overland Journal, we were scheduled to have one installed in Roseann's diesel 60; however, it's having some clutch issues addressed at the moment, so we had one put in our 911 SC in the meantime.

Short of simply never leaving sight of your vehicle (or leaving a doberman in it), I can think of few things that could better guarantee it will still be there when you get back. The best thing for those of us who travel to remote areas is, there are no moving parts to the system, thus literally nothing to go wrong and leave you stranded. Admittedly, it does absolutely nothing to stop someone breaking in and stealing your cameras or GPS, but the truck won't go anywhere.

I see and use a lot of new products in the course of a year, but this one really impressed me.

Those of you in southern California, we had Richard Biscevic do the installation. California Ravelco (http://nohotwire.com/)

[Corey]

I read it in the OJ, it sounds very nice.
I have a good alarm system now with a pager in the remote, but I am thinking of adding this too.

[Jonathan Hanson]

I'm thinking a near-perfect setup would be a Ravelco to keep the vehicle safe, combined with an alarm/pager system with no ignition cutout - just noise/alert in the even of a break-in. That way if the alarm malfunctioned in the middle of nowhere, you wouldn't be stranded, but it would offer some protection to your gear.

[RMP&O]

07, thanks for the writeup and photos.

After I wrote the news item about the Ravelco in Overland Journal, we were scheduled to have one installed in Roseann's diesel 60; however, it's having some clutch issues addressed at the moment, so we had one put in our 911 SC in the meantime.

Short of simply never leaving sight of your vehicle (or leaving a doberman in it), I can think of few things that could better guarantee it will still be there when you get back.

It looks like a good product but....what is wrong with just using a good ole heavy duty steering wheel lock? If you get the right one and lock it correctly it is very difficult to steal a truck. Sure you can cut the steering wheel or perhaps even the lock but that will take some big time work. As I say if you just put it on right it is super hard to cut off. Dual hooks that go in the right place on the steering wheel is what I mean.

I used one all through Mexico and Central America and never had a single problem.

[Toyotero]

I'm thinking a near-perfect setup would be a Ravelco to keep the vehicle safe, combined with an alarm/pager system with no ignition cutout - just noise/alert in the even of a break-in. That way if the alarm malfunctioned in the middle of nowhere, you wouldn't be stranded, but it would offer some protection to your gear.

That sounds like the best combo to me. I had an alarm with an ignition cut-off once. I loved that the alarm locked the doors automatically (I had an extra key hidden outside just in case), it chirped if the vehicle was bumped, and it alarmed if more happened. One evening out at a restaurant with the little lady, the starter cut-out wiring connections or the alarm relay crapped out and the vehicle wouldn't crank over and the vehicle was parked nose downhill against a wall. :-( Pushing a truck backwards and uphill on a gravel parking lot in dress shoes is not something I'd like to ever repeat.

Lesson learned... go with quality and don't let Circuit City do an alarm install. These ravleco systems look great... as long as the install and wiring is done well, there is nothing mechanical to break like there is in alarm start cut-offs.


It looks like a good product but....what is wrong with just using a good ole heavy duty steering wheel lock? If you get the right one and lock it correctly it is very difficult to steal a truck. Sure you can cut the steering wheel or perhaps even the lock but that will take some big time work. As I say if you just put it on right it is super hard to cut off. Dual hooks that go in the right place on the steering wheel is what I mean.


Those look like a great addition to a basic alarm system; cheap, easy to use and a great deterrent. If a thief sees it in place on your wheel, they might move on to an easier target. Having one could prevent a broken window where as a less visible system may prevent vehicle starting/theft better, but won't deter them from breaking in and trying.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31T6XH27CHL._SL250_.jpg (http://www.warehousedeals.com/Dr.-Hook-Steering-Wheel-Lock-Yellow/M/B000303YI2.htm?traffic_src=froogle&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=froogle)

[Jonathan Hanson]

I can tell you what's wrong with a steering wheel lock, as detailed by several convicted car thieves who were interviewed a few years ago by one of the alarm makers. When asked about Club-type locks, they smiled and said they loved them. Apparently a Club device provides an excellent lever with which to break the steering column lock. The thief then saws through the wheel with a piece of hacksaw, and poof - car's gone.

Ravelco maintains that in three million installations, not one vehicle has been stolen by bypassing their device. If even close to true, that's an impressive record.

[goodtimes]

While I cannot fault the Ravelco type devices, what do they add to vehicles that are already using the ignition interlocks like the Sentri-Key that Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep, BMW, and others, have been using for years? These devices are already built into the vehicle, and from what I understand, are not easily removed.

The downside to these OEM systems is the failure of the antenna ring can leave you in a pinch, but since it is built into the car, it is not easily removed.

Now, on vehicles with no interlock, it's a no-brainer. But on vehicles with the OEM device what is the Ravelco adding, other than complexity (and one more thing to lose)?

[Jonathan Hanson]

Easy answer: Factory anti-theft systems are, by their nature, all the same, therefore thieves only have to learn one bypass technique to access hundreds of thousands of vehicles. It's axiomatic that the good guys are always racing to stay ahead of the bad guys, not vice versa. Not that factory systems aren't far more advanced and effective than they were 20 years ago. But after all, Chrysler presumably had to invent the Sentri-key system because its previous system was no longer working . . .

The Ravelco is unique in that every installation is different. The installer has numerous options as to what the device controls. Yet since we were told what that was on our car, if for some extremely unlikely reason we need to, I can reverse it.

Ultimately, supreme simplicity and reliability are its strengths. You're literally just connecting several disconnected wires when you insert the plug.

[lt1fire]

It seems like a great product but it is one more thing to carry around. Can you get multiple keys made for it??

[07 Elephant]

It comes with 2 key plugs. You can order more. You just need some information from the plug itself and some documentation related to your installation and your vehicle. I don't know how much they cost. I might get one or two but for now I'm fine.

[07 Elephant]

Jonathan I too payed close attention to the install. I know what it is connected to so that if I need to I can reverse the steps and put everything back to stock. The more you know...

With that said my next security measure is to harden the engine bay. I'm planning on installing keyed locks for the hood to make it more difficult for my batteries and other money things to be stolen. Or my electronics to be tampered with.

[UK4X4]

mmmm the engineer in me..............

you have 16 connections

so you have 8 wire pairs

4 "lives" and 4 feeds back out in the basic form

the feeds in could be simple 12V - square wave - variations on the theme.

Depending on what the disconnect it could be quite simple ....ie in the simplest form for a basic non electronic engine would be 4 positives and 4 possible hookups, the ignition would be the only dificult one but not impossible


The modern car would be more dificult ! but not impossible if you had the time.

[goodtimes]

Easy answer: Factory anti-theft systems are, by their nature, all the same, therefore thieves only have to learn one bypass technique to access hundreds of thousands of vehicles. It's axiomatic that the good guys are always racing to stay ahead of the bad guys, not vice versa. Not that factory systems aren't far more advanced and effective than they were 20 years ago. But after all, Chrysler presumably had to invent the Sentri-key system because its previous system was no longer working . . .

The Ravelco is unique in that every installation is different. The installer has numerous options as to what the device controls. Yet since we were told what that was on our car, if for some extremely unlikely reason we need to, I can reverse it.

Ultimately, supreme simplicity and reliability are its strengths. You're literally just connecting several disconnected wires when you insert the plug.

While I agree that (technological) simplicity and reliability are indeed good things -- as is having the ability to return the vehicle to stock condition if you want (I'm sure you are aware of my disdain for modifying an electrical system that a group of rocket scientists designed), but I'm not convinced that it is any better than an OEM installed system.

First, either system protects the car by becoming a pain in the butt for the thief. They both do this by preventing the car from being started. Bypassing the OEM systems (such as the sentri-key) would involve finding out how each model of car received the input from the antenna, tapping into that wire, and providing a false signal. I've never tried it, but I'm guessing that it is a little more complex than what the movies would lead you to believe. The Ravelco device would require you figuring out which pins need to be connected to which pins. It would take some time, but an enterprising thief could do it. But in either case, why would they waste the time?

It would be easier to either move on to the next driveway (OK, you have an advantage there -- it's a long way to the next driveway :sombrero:), or they could simply back a tow truck up to the car, and be driving off in under 15 seconds. As a bonus, the tow truck trick doesn't draw much attention because it is 'just another illegally parked, broken down, or repossessed car'.

I was shocked at how fast cars can be towed if the tow driver is in a hurry. I watched an illegally parked car be towed from the bottom of Tumamoc hill a few weeks ago. The driver never got out of the truck -- just back the tow truck up to the rear tires, lift the back of the car, drive off. Seriously, it was 15 seconds -- tops.

Don't get me wrong -- I think the Ravelco device is a great product, particularly if you have a vehicle that did not come with a sentri-key like device. Much better than an alarm system. But I don't see a huge advantage over a factory installed system (where available). A determined thief will still get your car.

One thing that I would like to see though, is a flat key that could be stored in your wallet, in case your lose the original while hiking through a jungle somewhere . . .

[Jonathan Hanson]

First, either system protects the car by becoming a pain in the butt for the thief.

Exactly. And the more of a pain you make it, the better. The advantage of the Ravelco is that it presents a huge pain (as proven by its record) for a thief, yet is simple in the extreme - no batteries, no randomly generated codes, no remotes or sirens, no door contacts, nothing to short out in the rain (ask me about that one). That's why I think it's better than a factory system for those of us who travel to places where we can't call a tow truck to haul our vehicle to the dealer when some component of its fantastically sophisticated factory system goes belly up. And for those of us with older vehicles, I don't think anything can touch it.

UK4x4 - I think if it were that "simple" to bypass the company wouldn't be able to claim the record they do. Remember that the installer can do all sorts of blind connections, even including live feeds that do nothing. An engineer friend of mine in California, who watched the installation, had the same opinion when we started, but the installer convinced him otherwise.

[UK4X4]

"UK4x4 - I think if it were that "simple" to bypass the company wouldn't be able to claim the record they do. ."

in a modern engine it would be dificult- I don't disagree- but you still end up with 4 circuits, more if they link 1 in and then a couple out or other diferent ratio's similar

not saying its easy.....but it is not fool proof- just takes time- knowledge of the vehicle wiring..and some tools

wether its armoured or not the wires can be physically chased or ignored altogether.

The armour ends somewhere and then its just pulling wires- the vehicle wires are color coded

or a spare ECU and crocodile clips for example

in the older style car

If I was that keen on robbing it - I'd just run new wires coil-starter battery

Like most "security" systems there are always ways around them

the issue is to deter the average thief to go look at an easier target.......

If they really want your truck- as others have mentioned - a tow truck and its history..

Then in your garage with the silver foil roof you have time to substitute the harness in the engine bay for a replacement you prepared earlier.

I'm not saying security is a waste of time or that the system does not work........car hijacking comes to mind .........

A hidden switch inturrupting any of the multitude of sensors and electrics on a modern car will do an equally good job.

Just ask any landrover owner !

1 deep puddle and a hot Cam Position Sensor and your toast:)

The mission is to deter mr average robber and your truck stays where you parked it.

You will not deter the professional, and the average Taco is not on his shopping list !

[UK4X4]

Here's a system I thought up a few years back....simple - not really intrusive
and one moving part.

Reed switch on the power to the fuel pump

reed switch positioned in line on the cable beneath one of the two cup holders in the central console

1 can of coke with a magnet stuck on the bottom

Move the coke can when you leave and replace when you get back

carry a spare magnet ! just in case.

The average thief won't be dropping the fuel tank to see whats wrong

[Jonathan Hanson]

I like that idea.

[cruiseroutfit]

Sad reality that we have to think of ways to beat the thieves right?

One thing that troubles me with an security system is the fact they they can choose to just tow your car off and take all the time they want dismantling your security or worse yet the entire car. Its seems for rare or collectible cars this is a real scenario, a flatbed or trailer and they have all the time they want to sort out your security system. I deal with some pretty high dollar Land Cruisers on a regular basis, the protection methods vary as much as the owner, one of the more practical for preventing the tow off is manually locking the stick shift in gear. Not foolproof but a pretty low dollar solution to a high dollar problem.

[Jonathan Hanson]

Yeah, not much to be done about a tow truck . . . or a helicopter, depending on what your car is worth to the thief.

[RSB]

Sad reality that we have to think of ways to beat the thieves right?

One thing that troubles me with an security system is the fact they they can choose to just tow your car off and take all the time they want dismantling your security or worse yet the entire car. Its seems for rare or collectible cars this is a real scenario, a flatbed or trailer and they have all the time they want to sort out your security system. I deal with some pretty high dollar Land Cruisers on a regular basis, the protection methods vary as much as the owner, one of the more practical for preventing the tow off is manually locking the stick shift in gear. Not foolproof but a pretty low dollar solution to a high dollar problem.

if I'm not mistaken, as long as you remember to turn your wheels, it's practically impossible for a flatbed to tow your vehicle. Could be wrong, but it's what I've been trying to make a habit...

ultimately, I'm convinced a thief would be more likely to try to drive-off w/my rig somewhere and strip off all the parts at a remote location. From what I learned, OnStar, LoJack, and all the latest remote vehicle ignition systems (smart keys) out there can be defeated. The objective is to prevent someone from taking the vehicle to their place of choice—not to stop them from entering the vehicle.

Ravelco boasts a 30-year track record without a car stolen with one of these installed. Pretty impressive! I drove down to Dallas to get one awhile back... :cool:

here's a few pics of mine installed in my Tacoma...

http://gallery.me.com/rsbidinger/100335/IMG_0547/web.jpg?ver=12710379430001

http://gallery.me.com/rsbidinger/100571/IMG_2294/web.jpg?ver=12790816010001

http://gallery.me.com/rsbidinger/100211/CIMG0166/web.jpg?ver=12623738710001

[cruiseroutfit]

if I'm not mistaken, as long as you remember to turn your wheels, it's practically impossible for a flatbed to tow your vehicle. Could be wrong, but it's what I've been trying to make a habit...

I've never tried but I've had to drag rigs with broken steering up onto a trailer using a winch, in all reality it doesn't change too much, they drag whichever you make them.


here's a few pics of mine installed in my Tacoma...

Very cool, hey don't get me wrong I think proactive steps towards vehicle security are wise by all means. Some call it paranoid, others call it prepared. What does it cost installed?

[RSB]

yikes... Yer right! Well, yes and I agree. For me, it's both. Good preparation was the cure to my paranoia. :) the Ravelco was expensive! It was either 5 or $600.

[07 Elephant]

The company posts their price. Some installers have a bit of leeway with that number.

[Honu]

in Hawaii wheel locks that were a stun gun were popular ? I think they are illegal though ? but did not seem to stop them over their since Hawaii is in the top 5 for car theft ! we had our Taco stolen in broad daylight !

but a steering lock that was a stun gun would be funny to watch the guy grab it :) funnier with alarm pager as you could run out and find him laying their maybe ;)

[Jonathan Hanson]

in Hawaii wheel locks that were a stun gun were popular?


I read that and thought, Whaaaaat? Gotta be an urban legend. But no:

Stun gun wheel lock (http://www.stungunweapon.com/autotaser2.html)

Sadly, no longer available.

Standard price on the Ravelco is $469 with two keys. Incidentally, you can have multiple vehicle installations that use the same key, so you don't have to have two or three of the plugs on your keychain.

[cruiseroutfit]

The shifter lock I described earlier. Sadly like many it easily defeated by various methods

[RSB]

dang. I had no idea!! I'll be stopping that habit now since it's obviously pointless.


That won't keep a tow truck from taking your ride. Option one, flatbed tow truck just winches your car onto the bed. Tires will just drag along the paving and truck bed. This happend to my car when I parked it illegally, resulting in some nice marks on the sidewall of the tire.
Option two, use car wheel dollies. Jack the car up, set the wheels on car wheel dollies, push it into a more suitable postion for winching. Asphalt guys do this all the time to get cars out of the way when they are repaving apartment complexes, office buildings, or any other place people seem to leave cars. They just push the cars out of the way. It is truly amazing how fast a professional can move a car legally. The bad guys are even quicker. I do not think there is a practical defense against a flatbed tow truck besides chaining it to a streetlight or buying a wheel lock like the police use on your car when illegally parked.

[Honu]

I read that and thought, Whaaaaat? Gotta be an urban legend. But no:

Stun gun wheel lock (http://www.stungunweapon.com/autotaser2.html)

Sadly, no longer available.



yeah Hawaii kinda gets its own stuff also being closer and the influence of asia ? those that live or lived their know what I mean :)

but they were common enough and wish I picked one up then :(

[Dusty T.]

I had a Ravelco installed several years ago shortly after I bought my '02. It came without any antitheft device.

At the time I was living in a sketchy Sacramento neighborhood, a city with higher than average vehicle theft to boot. Following some research it looked like the best option out there though I have not had any break-ins yet, fingers X'd. I try to keep my rig looking as unassuming as possible which seems to help. It was a bit steep ($450 for the complete install) but cheap insurance, IMHO. Plus it doesn't seem to be a very well-known system which may further deter thieves.

Wish I could've watched the tech do the install but I had it done while at work. 99.9% of aftermarket electrical installs I've seen look like complete hack jobs, so I had my reservations about having someone else do this. I must say this guy did a very clean install and it has worked flawlessly through repeated use. I believe Ravelco also backs their product for life which was a major bonus since after all, they're splicing into some pretty critical wires within the fuse box.

So yeah, I'd recommend it. Sure, nothing is effectively theft proof, but I've no regrets about this mod.

[corax]

Here's a system I thought up a few years back....simple - not really intrusive
and one moving part.

Reed switch on the power to the fuel pump

reed switch positioned in line on the cable beneath one of the two cup holders in the central console

1 can of coke with a magnet stuck on the bottom

Move the coke can when you leave and replace when you get back

carry a spare magnet ! just in case.

The average thief won't be dropping the fuel tank to see whats wrong

I wouldn't trust a reed switch to carrry the current for a fuel pump, here's a very similar idea I read about years ago: http://autospeed.com/A_107975/cms/article.html