RAVELCO THREAD

[Mississauga TRX]

Lockdown Security in Markham. Good service, was able to get an appointment quickly, and less expensive than their competitors.

Thanks I will give them a call tomorrow. I just got the Viper installed yesterday. Heads up they stole about 35 RAMs in the GTA last week.

 

[BlueTRX]

Another member posted that you can text this number +7 (960) 503-30-39 and they will direct you to a local dealer.

From what I’ve seen on the forums, the biggest downside to IGLA is a lack of local installers for interested clients. Seems like a business opportunity ripe for the plucking.

I had an IGLA dealer only 30 minutes away. Worked out great.

Lots of members here have gone the IGLA route - myself included. About $800CAD installed.

The key benefits have already been stated: No fob, integrates with factory electronics, no wires need to be cut, you retain remote start, and it is completely stealth. I use my phone as a key to disable the IGLA meaning it is completely transaparent in operation. The app runs in the background You can also use a customizable button sequence that you can set yourself.

Personally, I think the Ravelco is ugly, requires cutting factory wiring (ie not reversible), you lose remote start, and who wants to carry another thing on their keychain? Ravelco seems like a last century solution compared to a CANBUS enabled digital killswitch.

100% of the people who installed the Ravelco would agree its ugly and didn't do it because it seems like latest tech. Losing remote start isn't another great feature either.
I cant comment on the IGLA as I'm not familiar with it, however I personally think the main advantage of the Ravelco is that is an old school time consuming install system that is not that easy to get around.
I personally would not trust any security system dependent on a Controlled Area Network bus as those can be flashed with an update as fast as a key fob is reprogrammed and the truck is gone.

Unrelated but here's a link to how CAN bus systems can be hacked

Enhance Your Key Fob Via CAN Bus Hacking

[Igor] drives a 4th generation Volkswagen Golf, and decided he wanted to play around with the CAN bus for a bit. Knowing that the comfort bus is the most accessible and the safest to toy with, he s…

hackaday.com

 

[ZTRX]

I'm curious with the revelco, if you put it in valet mode and then pull the rebelco plug out does it stay in valet the next time you put the plug in?

 

[juicebox]

Yep! I wanted to initially go with hidden, horizontal mount but Rich advised against it. I have zero issues with the location. How'd your install go?

I initially thought my install went great. Rich was super professional and he had it done in about 2 hours. He walked me thru the do’s and dont’s, and answered all my questions. At one point I asked, “so the fuse panel is still easily accessible?”, and he said yes. It wasn’t until that evening that I looked closer at the install, since I have several projects that require me to get in/out of that fuse panel(ie. hardwire radar, conceal display, dash cam, etc). From what I can tell, there is no way possible to remove the left screw of the fuse panel because the Ravelco mount is completely blocking it. To me it looks like he used that screw to secure the Ravelco mount by itself first, and then he attached the Ravelco unit to the mount. Does yours look like this?

I know a bunch of people had it mounted in this location, like @TReX-RAM , so I’d appreciate it if you guys can check yours to see if it looks like mine! Thanks!

 

[TReX-RAM]

I initially thought my install went great. Rich was super professional and he had it done in about 2 hours. He walked me thru the do’s and dont’s, and answered all my questions. At one point I asked, “so the fuse panel is still easily accessible?”, and he said yes. It wasn’t until that evening that I looked closer at the install, since I have several projects that require me to get in/out of that fuse panel(ie. hardwire radar, conceal display, dash cam, etc). From what I can tell, there is no way possible to remove the left screw of the fuse panel because the Ravelco mount is completely blocking it. To me it looks like he used that screw to secure the Ravelco mount by itself first, and then he attached the Ravelco unit to the mount. Does yours look like this?

I know a bunch of people had it mounted in this location, like @TReX-RAM , so I’d appreciate it if you guys can check yours to see if it looks like mine! Thanks!View attachment 37008View attachment 37009View attachment 37010

Mine is identical. It is somewhat of a PIA. You need to back the nut off the Ravelco plug to access the mounting screws and then fuses.
Maybe look at it as another added security feature? LOL

 

[Jeffro]

I'm curious with the revelco, if you put it in valet mode and then pull the rebelco plug out does it stay in valet the next time you put the plug in?

the valet would have to remove the Revelco plug and keep it with your key fob, she isn't running without that plug in. I'd just be 'sure' you alert him to remove it or someone may very well steal it right there in valet parking even with it in valet mode.

You still hold the ability to keep it in and out of Valet mode via app on your phone, plug in or out. Just so nobody will be running 1/4 mile hot laps in her while you are enjoying your steak.

 

[Tom488]

I'm curious with the revelco, if you put it in valet mode and then pull the rebelco plug out does it stay in valet the next time you put the plug in?

Yes. The Ravelco is just a circuit interrupter - has no affect on the UConnect system, which is where Valet mode is selected/unselected.

 

[StuM]

do I have to purchase this through AAA for the discount? If not, how do I get that applied? (Currently on mobile so it’s a pain to search through this thread…my apologies)

Just advise Ravelco that you’re an AAA member, when ordering. The installer may ask to see your card.

 

[Pumphry Bigelow]

Not all installers recognize the AAA discount. Mine did not, however, they did offer a cash discount if you paid that way instead of a credit card. I had Chuck and Megan.

 

[Solaris]

Finally got to ordering for my IE. They have a 100$ discount right now so that was a welcome surprise...will put it in the tank!

 

[CUOFFRD]

Just read a concerning post in the Super Duty group about a DFW install.

 

[Billet P]

Can anyone share some of the Do's and Don'ts that you were informed by your installer? I was considering the IGLA system but there seem to be no installers local to SoCal.

 

[juicebox]

Can anyone share some of the Do's and Don'ts that you were informed by your installer? I was considering the IGLA system but there seem to be no installers local to SoCal.

The company who does the Ravelco installs in Cali and Arizona is ironically called, "California & Arizona Ravelco". And my installer tech guy who came to my house was "Rich B". It wasn't until after he was here, and I was poking around their website, that I noticed "Rich B" is the CEO of said company! So I would assume he did a top-notch install, since he's the head honcho. After reading the horror story above in DFW, I wished I had asked him if he soldered all the connections...I may call them back and ask just for peace of mind.

He didn't really tell me a lot of do's and don'ts:
- He basically said don't ever lose the card he handed me, because it has a code on it and you need that card if you ever need to order a new replacement puck/plug thingy from Ravelco.
- And he said if you happen to start the vehicle without the puck/plug in place(it obviously isn't going to start), just turn it off and put the plug back in and then start it up again. The truck won't throw any error codes unless you try to start it repeatedly with the plug out, at which point, just use a Tazer to clear the codes.
- He also said that he recommended putting on the window stickers he handed me to let would-be-thieves know they aren't going anywhere if they break into my truck.
- Obviously, remote start is not going to work with the plug out. You could leave the plug in on hot days if you still want remote start, but with my luck that will be the day someone steals my truck.
- The only other thing he told me is if you pull the plug out while the engine is on, it's going to shut off. So if you're getting car jacked, pull the plug on the way out

I've had mine installed for a few weeks now, and zero issues. I've forgotten to put the plug in a couple times, but I just turned it off, put the plug in, and started it up with no issues or error codes. Best of luck!

Here's a pic of "Rich B", my installer and CEO:

About

Learn why over 6 million vehicle owners trust the Ravelco Anti-Theft Device. Proven unbeatable since 1976. Protect your car today.

www.nohotwire.com

 

[Billet P]

The company who does the Ravelco installs in Cali and Arizona is ironically called, "California & Arizona Ravelco". And my installer tech guy who came to my house was "Rich B". It wasn't until after he was here, and I was poking around their website, that I noticed "Rich B" is the CEO of said company! So I would assume he did a top-notch install, since he's the head honcho. After reading the horror story above in DFW, I wished I had asked him if he soldered all the connections...I may call them back and ask just for peace of mind.

He didn't really tell me a lot of do's and don'ts:
- He basically said don't ever lose the card he handed me, because it has a code on it and you need that card if you ever need to order a new replacement puck/plug thingy from Ravelco.
- And he said if you happen to start the vehicle without the puck/plug in place(it obviously isn't going to start), just turn it off and put the plug back in and then start it up again. The truck won't throw any error codes unless you try to start it repeatedly with the plug out, at which point, just use a Tazer to clear the codes.
- He also said that he recommended putting on the window stickers he handed me to let would-be-thieves know they aren't going anywhere if they break into my truck.
- Obviously, remote start is not going to work with the plug out. You could leave the plug in on hot days if you still want remote start, but with my luck that will be the day someone steals my truck.
- The only other thing he told me is if you pull the plug out while the engine is on, it's going to shut off. So if you're getting car jacked, pull the plug on the way out

I've had mine installed for a few weeks now, and zero issues. I've forgotten to put the plug in a couple times, but I just turned it off, put the plug in, and started it up with no issues or error codes. Best of luck!

Here's a pic of "Rich B", my installer and CEO:

About

Learn why over 6 million vehicle owners trust the Ravelco Anti-Theft Device. Proven unbeatable since 1976. Protect your car today.

www.nohotwire.com

Thanks. That info and personal experience helped out. So technically Remote start feature is still there but only when the Ravelco plug is intact or plugged in? I thought one would lose that functionality totally. Since I park in the garage, I still like to use it in the morning, but when my truck is not in the garage, is when the anxiety kicks in.

 

[Pumphry Bigelow]

The above story is a sad one. I guess like anything nowadays, you have people that just do not care about their craft and take the easy way to do things. I have been extremely pleased with my installation. My installer, Chuck Whigham, has been doing these kind of installs for close to 40 years. My installation is hidden underneath, and now that I am accustomed to it’s location, is pretty seamless when I get in the vehicle. However, my installer recommended not putting the stickers on the window. I suppose there are many trains of thought on this matter. Personally, I didn’t really want the stickers on there anyway.

 

[ZTRX]

picked up truck on Tuesday, Ravelco installed yesterday. Slept a little better last night....

 

[juicebox]

Thanks. That info and personal experience helped out. So technically Remote start feature is still there but only when the Ravelco plug is intact or plugged in? I thought one would lose that functionality totally. Since I park in the garage, I still like to use it in the morning, but when my truck is not in the garage, is when the anxiety kicks in.

Correct. Remote start absolutely works if the Ravelco plug is in.

 

[juicebox]

The above story is a sad one. I guess like anything nowadays, you have people that just do not care about their craft and take the easy way to do things. I have been extremely pleased with my installation. My installer, Chuck Whigham, has been doing these kind of installs for close to 40 years. My installation is hidden underneath, and now that I am accustomed to it’s location, is pretty seamless when I get in the vehicle. However, my installer recommended not putting the stickers on the window. I suppose there are many trains of thought on this matter. Personally, I didn’t really want the stickers on there anyway.

I am ALL about visual deterrents, so I am pro-sticker. You barely notice the sticker is there once you hop in. I even use a Club when I park somewhere public! The more I can deter thieves from even attempting to damage my truck to break in, the better. Next step is horn relocating and/or reinforcing it's electric connection!

 

[Eighty]

Tip: Adhere the Ravelco stickers to a piece of firm clear plastic, then just tuck them in your window when you want them to show (but they don't have to be there all the time).

 

[NRDALRT]

Tip: Adhere the Ravelco stickers to a piece of firm clear plastic, then just tuck them in your window when you want them to show (but they don't have to be there all the time).

...even if you don't actually have the system.