GPS locators for stolen cars

I was reading on another thread about this and thought it would be appropriate to start a discussion here instead of continuing there.
A link was posted showing how to use a Nextel phone. The info is from 07 so I am not sure that it is still doable or if there is something else available. The claim is that it costs about $40 a year. I am willing to do that today lol..
Are any of you using a tracking device for your vehicle if it should get stolen? I drive a work truck everywhere and it is loaded with eqipment and tools. If I lost it I would be pretty much ruined. I want a tracking device asap but don't want to spend more than I have to.

 

come on Gene, why be different than everyone else...

 

GPS will quit working once it is inside a garage or building, so it would have to somehow track the entire path it took until it was covered, so that you could recover it.

It can't be something that you remotely switch on after the car has been stolen.

What are the details of the Nextel phone setup?

 

My wife's car has Onstar. They've had some success recovering stolen vehicles.

 

I believe you can but an after market "On Star" for any car at some of the larger electronic stores and have it installed on your vehicle. Probably wouldn't be cost effective for a hobby car though. JMO.

 

Google "GPS vehicle tracker" and you'll find lots of options. You might find user reviews too.

 

I'm not worried about anyone stealing any of my cars, they are all insured, and spending money on a GPS tracker, is just one more expense per month.
In all honestly, Mavericks & Comets are not that high on car thieves list.
I've had a car stolen, and the worst thing that car happen is you get it back.
I got mine back, and they ragged the hell out of it, it was never the same.

 

Seen many and talked to customers about them. Combo Sat/Cell based seem to provide good coverage. The biggie is how long the batt back up lasts. 2nd issue on our cars is I think they might be hard to hid. They aftermarket ones arent too hard to find on on a new car with all its crap jammed under the dash etc. The back up batts are fairly big.

You'd be better to keep it under lock and key with some old school simple protection.

 

This is from the other thread. It sounds like the way to go.
http://www.d-series.org/forums/diy-forum/67764-diy-nextel-gps-locator.html

Guys, this is for my work truck. I seldom leave it where I can't see it or leave it for any lenght of time. My concern is that there may be a thief who is quicker than me getting back to it. I have to park at Home Depots all over Dallas and it could even disapear from my back yard when no one is home. I have alot invested and the insurance only covers so much after claim forms and investigations etc.. Just cause you don't see a need don't mean that I don't see a need for it. Times are getting tougher and thievs are getting braver and quicker all the time.

 

I have work trucks too.
By the time they find them, they are empty.
You've got to stop them from diving away with it, a simple kill switch is one of the best things.
Your truck is a Dodge isn't it? does it have that ring around the ignition that's easy to pop out?

 

I have not noticed any ring. I think I will add a kill switch.. I just dread switching a switch all the time. BUT no guarentee the gps thing would be working at the time I needed it either. I guess I just worry too much and need to relax..

 

If you go to the last page there is a guy who is trying it out this year, that's who I got the $40 figure from.(it dropped down in price since 07)

I can PM him if you want for more info.

 

I am curios if it is worth the effort to find the stuff needed..

 

Takes about 15 seconds with hack saw to cut the wheel and pop the club off. Takes about 2 seconds with bolt cutters.

 

What year is your Dodge truck Gene? Doesnt it have the grey SKIM key?