Hey guys, soon enough I'm going to be driving my 2001 Dodge all over the state for my upcoming apprenticeship. I'll be staying in hotels, and I'm a little concerned about keeping my truck and its cargo safe. The truck is an extended cab with the split doors, with manual locks and windows. As far as I know there isn't an alarm system if the truck were to be broken into, correct me if I'm wrong. What are some ways I can keep it safe in that regard? Of course I can still take defensive strategies like parking in view of a camera, or maybe under a light in the parking lot, etc. Other than that I feel like it's very vulnerable.

Thanks,
Everett

 

There isn't much you can do to prevent theft of items out of the vehicle. Smash the window, stab the lock, use a slim jim, "they" will always get in. The pic shows a tool box, and while the locks are not anything to write home about they are a little harder to get into.

If you're worried about the truck getting stolen, remove the ASD relay that will get "them" stumped unless they have the knowledge and time to troubleshoot.

 

Keep nothing valuable in the vehicle. Remove head unit face plates (if equipped with aftermarket stereo). Lock the doors, roll up the windows. Common sense stuff you should be practicing everywhere.

 

My truck has been burglarized twice. Here's what I've done:
1. steel​​ toolbox mounted in the Cross box with double locks and alarm hood switch mounted inside lid.
2. Alarm with active fob, glass sensor, and hood switch
3. Hidden kill switch only I know where. Disables ignition
4. Radio hard mounted to steel subframe
5. AMI billet door handles with Jimmy jammers
6. Two tailgate locks
7. Remove fuel pump fuse for overnight
But the best thing is to just expect it. Don't keep favorite tools or toys in it. And always carry.

 

Thanks for the tips guys. Off topic, what is the device circled in this picture? Mine was hissing air near the green cap while the truck was running. Not my pic FYI

 

Not sure, can you get a closer pic of it?

 

what about installing a alarm system? you can install switches on any door/tailgate or hood that would set it off and likely scare the person away. this would likely be the best idea since if someone gets in your vehicle they are likely going to smash things up even if they can't get it to start.

grounding the negative side of the coil works good for immobilizing most single coil vehicles. also if you are looking for some good kill switches you should look at capacitive touch switches. they are easy to hide and seem to work pretty good. i have been thinking about installing some in my elcamino just to control things but to keep visible switches to a minimal.

 

Install a large dog into the front seat. You can leave the windows down, and the doors unlocked, and NO ONE will mess with your truck.

 

but for some reason a dog may not be a great thing to have in the front seat if you are doing lots of traveling for an apprenticeship. at least with an alarm you can install switches on nearly anything that moves and it works as long as you turn it on and got power in your battery.

 

My dogs LOVE going for rides. Of course, I am generally not taking them to work with me either.......