Alarm Recommendation for a Cargo Van

[PhocusOnMy2.0LZeTeC]

I hope some of the pros here dont mind giving some advice on what to purchase. I own a 2002 Chevy Astro Van that I am looking to put an alarm in. It is a 1500 series cargo van so it had no side windows but does have rear windows on the barn doors. The front driver and passenger doors are manual locks, the sliding door is manual lock and so is the rear barn door. My job requires I carry quite a bit of tools on me including a laptop and various Fluke testers which are very expensive so I am very concerned about security. Here is what I would like to do. Please tell me if I am missing parts or if there is another feature I should add-

Viper 1002 (comes with shock sensor)
DEI 506T glass sensor
DEI 507T tilt sensor
DEI 514N Neo Siren (install in the cabin)
DEI 520T battery backup kit (tie in with 514N)
I would like to add power door locks to both doors, the slider and the rear barn doors. How can I accomplish that?

Thanks for any help guys.

[Ray]

Wow, that's a lot of alarm stuff.

To add power locks you need to get the actuators from a vehicle with power locks, install them in your doors - run the wiring, relays, etc.

May i also suggest something?
Build a steel box - or buy one. Bolt it to the floor of the van from the inside of the box, put the tools inside, lock the box with a couple big fat padlocks.

[danager]

Actuators are available, for universal applications. The shop installing the security system will have them, at about $10-$15 plus labour (each).

As mentioned above, look at additional prevention, as the alarm will only alert you to a break in (prevent in some cases).

I will also say, the alarm is only as good as the install. You are looking at a comprehensive list of components, so research the install bay as well.

For a couple components you have listed:
Glass sensor - these are great if you are concerned a items could be removed from the vehicle through the window opening. Otherwise, a door will need to be opened, so this sensor wouldn't be needed. You mentioned the van has little glass. They use a microphone, and when mounted up front, could be less effective against rear glass intrusion. They also have a tendency to false alarm in a work vehicle. This is due to the lack of insulation, and the amount of product being carried. As heat/cold cause items to expand and contract, the microphone can pick up on that.

You also have the digital tilt/motion sensor listed - these are most often used to prevent tow away, or wheel theft. I have not found this to be a concern with a work vehicle.

A battery back-up is a good idea, but let me introduce a twist... Look into the DEI 515R. It is a siren, with a built in battery. This siren is connected to the power/ground, and alarm outputs. Once triggered by the alarm, or power/ground (either) loss, the siren triggers. It has a 30 minute power supply, and can only be dissarmed by the alarm, or the use of a barrell key. I had to remove one of these, where the owner didn't have the key, and what a pain! We wrapped it in dynamat, and threw it into a garbage can and put the lid on, but it still drove us crazy.

Last, I would recommend an additional shock sensor for the rear of the vehicle. This "may" not be needed. I like the additional sensor, so the one that comes with the alarm doesn't have to be set too sensative, just to pick up rear impact.

What I would look at installing:
Viper 1002 - Security system
4 TL1006 - door lock actuators
DEI 515R - battery back-up siren
DEI 504D - shock sensor

Ask:

Where will the various components me mounted? The controll module should not be easily accessible, in your van, I would mount this by the headlight switch. The LED should be visable from both side windows, and perhaps from the rear. Above the radio is always good.
How will the connections be made? All connections should be soldered.
How will the wiring be routed? All wiring should be routed along with factory wiring. This makes the wiring less conspicuous. The wiring running to the rear for the locks, and possible shock sensor, can be difficult to run this way. I would insist on it, and in a work vehicle, sometime you need to remove equipment...

Hope this helps, and good luck!

[PhocusOnMy2.0LZeTeC]

Originally Posted by Ray

Wow, that's a lot of alarm stuff.

To add power locks you need to get the actuators from a vehicle with power locks, install them in your doors - run the wiring, relays, etc.

May i also suggest something?
Build a steel box - or buy one. Bolt it to the floor of the van from the inside of the box, put the tools inside, lock the box with a couple big fat padlocks.

Can I use aftermarket actuators? Maybe something like a DEI 524K kit?? I have already put it metal mesh over the rear barn doors and a wall of metal mesh behind the 2 front seats in case they break in that way. Steel box wouldn't work with all of the containers I have in there fr parts. I'd never be able to get in there lol !! But great idea though.

[PhocusOnMy2.0LZeTeC]

Originally Posted by danager

Actuators are available, for universal applications. The shop installing the security system will have them, at about $10-$15 plus labour (each).

As mentioned above, look at additional prevention, as the alarm will only alert you to a break in (prevent in some cases).

I will also say, the alarm is only as good as the install. You are looking at a comprehensive list of components, so research the install bay as well.

For a couple components you have listed:
Glass sensor - these are great if you are concerned a items could be removed from the vehicle through the window opening. Otherwise, a door will need to be opened, so this sensor wouldn't be needed. You mentioned the van has little glass. They use a microphone, and when mounted up front, could be less effective against rear glass intrusion. They also have a tendency to false alarm in a work vehicle. This is due to the lack of insulation, and the amount of product being carried. As heat/cold cause items to expand and contract, the microphone can pick up on that.

You also have the digital tilt/motion sensor listed - these are most often used to prevent tow away, or wheel theft. I have not found this to be a concern with a work vehicle.

A battery back-up is a good idea, but let me introduce a twist... Look into the DEI 515R. It is a siren, with a built in battery. This siren is connected to the power/ground, and alarm outputs. Once triggered by the alarm, or power/ground (either) loss, the siren triggers. It has a 30 minute power supply, and can only be dissarmed by the alarm, or the use of a barrell key. I had to remove one of these, where the owner didn't have the key, and what a pain! We wrapped it in dynamat, and threw it into a garbage can and put the lid on, but it still drove us crazy.

Last, I would recommend an additional shock sensor for the rear of the vehicle. This "may" not be needed. I like the additional sensor, so the one that comes with the alarm doesn't have to be set too sensative, just to pick up rear impact.

What I would look at installing:
Viper 1002 - Security system
4 TL1006 - door lock actuators
DEI 515R - battery back-up siren
DEI 504D - shock sensor

Ask:

Where will the various components me mounted? The controll module should not be easily accessible, in your van, I would mount this by the headlight switch. The LED should be visable from both side windows, and perhaps from the rear. Above the radio is always good.
How will the connections be made? All connections should be soldered.
How will the wiring be routed? All wiring should be routed along with factory wiring. This makes the wiring less conspicuous. The wiring running to the rear for the locks, and possible shock sensor, can be difficult to run this way. I would insist on it, and in a work vehicle, sometime you need to remove equipment...

Hope this helps, and good luck!

Can I use the universal actuators on the sliding door and rear barn door? Maybe a DEI 524K kit?

Yes I agree with additional prevention. I have installed steel mesh over the rear barn doors and installed a steel mesh wall located behind the 2 front seats.

Thanks for the heads up on the glass sensor. What you say makes perfect sense. Scratched from the list lol.

515R? Sounds perfect! Thanks.

Thanks for all the advice. I am trying to do all the homework I can so I can take it to a good friend who is an installer. He was my bay manager at Tweeter before they closed our store down and another 30 last year.

[danager]

Yes, the 524 kit will work. These universal kits work on most vehicles, that have a solid linkage system. Our Foci use a cable system, therefore these kits do not work (they will, requires quite a bit of modifying the kit).

If your buddy is doing this, I am sure he will take care of you. I only do work for close friends, and always do the "full load".

[PhocusOnMy2.0LZeTeC]

Ok guys after doing more research here is what I have come up with. Tell me what you think

Viper 1002 (basic alarm with shock sensor)
http://www.viper.com/Products/Produc...?ProductID=109

DEI 515ESP (siren with backup battery and keys) (install in rear cargo area)
http://cgi.ebay.ca/DEI-515ESP-BACK-U...742.m153.l1262

Crime Guard AU94T (Prox sensor)
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-7CT99RS...spx?i=514AU94T

Electric Life 2 door power door lock it (driver and passenger door)
http://www.electric-life.com/product...&rp=&yp=93.962

CargoLock Electronic Deadbolt 40100 (deadbolt on slider and barn door)
http://www.cargolock.com/products.html

Painless Performance 2 wire door jamb contact 40022
http://www.painlessperformance.com/w...rchField=40022

What do you guys think of that setup? I appreciate all the help and have taken all of your advice into consideration so thats why I selected the above product.

[danager]

I just cought you have a sliding side door, do you already have the contacts installed? If not, order them from GM prior to the install.

You also listed a proximity sensor... These are impeded by metal, so not too effective on any cargo vehicle (few windows, safety bulkhead installed, and the constant addition and removal of materials, changing the redar 'bubble"). I would steer clear of the proximity sensor. If your side and rear door turn on a domelight, you can tap into that. If not, order the factory switches from GM as well.

[PhocusOnMy2.0LZeTeC]

I have a sliding side door and rear barn doors. Both are manual locks and neither of them have the contacts. Good idea on ordering the factory contacts. I would just need the contact for the sliding door correct?

[danager]

You should only need contacts for the sliding door. I like the factory ones, because they install so cleanly, and hold up very well. As for the rear doors, most of those vans have a harness going into the door.