Anyone ever installed their own car alarm?

[kevman]

We're in need of a car alarm and I don't really know where to start. Most of my vehicles have always had factory alarms so I've never even looked into this stuff. It looks like I can save a few hundred dollars by doing the install myself. That and I trust myself to solder splices over someone working at Best BUy.

What brand did you use? Was it simple or a total headache? Did you need to use the warranty that you only get from a "licensed installer"? Should I just get it installed somewhere and spend my time elsewhere?

[zamler]

What exactly do you want the car alarm to do? Just audible alert? Start disable? If you have experience soldering and wiring in general then do the job yourself. You'll also have to be comfortable dismantling your car to an extent.

On the units themselves there are not that many made any more not much demand. Autopage is the most reliable I've used, not sure they even make them anymore.

[kevman]

I'm looking for deterrent (flashing light), audible alert (scare them off) and start disable (can't get away with it). We've had two vehicles stolen in the last 2.5 years so anything is better than nothing.

[zamler]

What vehicle?

[kevman]

2002 Ford Econoline Van (Camper van. That makes it less creepy right?)

I have factory power door locks but no alarm.

[zamler]

Check these out
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B007JV5OWM/
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00C1T8P1O

Should be an easy install into your van relatively speaking.

[puckedoff]

Make sure you set it sensitive enough for the alarm to blare if a big truck drives past.