Hey yall, im thinking about buying a remote start for my truck. My buddy has a prestige 2 way remote start/alarm system and I really like the features of it, but id like to know what you all have and or have had and would you recommend them. Id really like to get something with a long range..

 

I thought about it, but then ditched the idea when I seen how much splicing was needed for a Aftermarket system.
Id pay ridiculous prices for a OEM remote start. But then I just paid $25 and got 2 more Chip Keys, haha
Im not sure if anyone has one, that I know of. They are great to have, I just dont want all the splices.

 

Those aftermarket remote starters can open a whole bunch of problems. I would never install one in my vehicles. I know they work fine most of the time, but when an electrical issue arises, a lot of times it goes back to the remote starters. Just an opinion.

 

I put one in my truck last fall and used it all winter long to warm truck up for a couple minutes each morning before taking off for work. I've put about 5 in over the years and it seems that each time it got a little more complicated with newer vehicles. This last time was by far the most difficult with the factory security and sentry key crap, but it is possible. I have only installed the bulldog brand which is really cheap and can be purchased at your autopart store or even walmart. The last one I bought has two way communication and seems to have better range than my factory remote key. It will tell me the temperature in vehicle and if it is running or not. will also tell me which door is open although i have not tried to hook that feature up since i don't need it.

 

I have the OEM remote start I like it but the range sucks its something like 300 feet. If I qas buying one I would get a good aftermarket one

 

Mine came with a dealer-installed mopar unit (I don't have the "start" on the main fob, I have an auxilary fob) and I love it. I use it on hot summer days and cold winter days. The only problem I have is that I have to remember to leave either A/C or Heat on high when I park the truck.

I find the range better than my door-lock range, but that could just be battery strength.

I had to re-program it twice - it would only run for 30 seconds or so, then quit. I got an install pdf somewhere and ran through the program routine. Works fine now.

If you can find an OEM unit, that's how I would go.

 

Mines the OEM start as well... but I am certain I get more than 300 ft. I am thinking it was closer to 500 ft. A neat trick, but hold it under your chin and I bet you get above 300 ft for sure. LOL

 

Ive used this trick many times at work trying to find the customers vehicle so i can bring it in the shop to work on.
I Also thought about installing a remote start to my truck. But if your not going to do it yourself make sure you take it to a competent place. I wouldnt trust a blase like best buy mobile (at least not the one in my area) Ive seen some pretty awful splices, causing all sorts of problems, from remote start systems.

 

I used to work at Best Buy, back in the day. The one here in my area is pretty good, had two installed by them in wife's past vehicles, and never had an issue. The guys who work at mine are two old timers, two of the oldest guys in the store (if not the oldest), and they do great work. However, Best Buy is not known for very competitive pay in many areas, and sometimes hire crappy labor. I know many Best Buys are terrible at the remote start installs.

For my wife's 2012 Jeep, which is very similar in electronics to our trucks, it'd cost about $500, parts and labor. Thats for a nice Viper system, they actually refuse to install Bull Dog units anymore, they've had far too many issues with them. The Vipers come with a lifetime warranty if you have Best Buy install them.

I am personally hoping to forgo it and just have the factory remote start installed into the Jeep. That costs about $500 too, including keys. My truck came with it, and I've been plenty happy.

 

yeah thats why i said in my area. I know at least one of the guys was from my high school and somehow got hired to work there. They installed my friends head unit and it stopped working a month later so i took it out and saw wires twisted together, wires with loose splices and stuff like that. Im sure there are good ones somewhere thought lol