2004 Dodge Ram remote start advice

Hey everyone, I have some questions regarding adding a remote start to my Ram 1500 SLT Quad Cab 4WD Hemi.  I've searched around here, and with SO much information and a lot of the pro lingo it's hard to come up with the right stuff for me to get.  I'm a newb to car security, etc. but I'm confident in my ability to install this on my own.  I'm an electronics tech in the Navy and pretty mechanically inclined as well.

The Ram has the grey key with factory anti-theft.  Sentry key I believe it's called?  I'd like to retain the factory anti-theft/keyless entry and just add a remote start.  What products are required (bypass kit?) and which r/s, keyless entry do you guys recommend?  I see a couple of the DEI units are recommended here a lot.

Thanks for the help guys.  I'm unfamiliar with the different products, etc. but I'm excited to get something and get it installed. 

Mike

I would give up the idea of keeping the factory remote. (no range) Everyone loves the viper (except me) I am anti-DEI. The products are NOT superior, they just know how to market them. I would look for a Compustar dealer to do business with. Or An Astroflex dealer. Yes you will need a "bypass" kit.

These are jusy my opinions...K don't no body get mad at me.

Thanks thepencil.  Did you forget a link for the first bypass kit you mention, or am I confused?  I'll check out the other manufacturers besides Directed.  The Valet from them is the only r/s kits that I've looked at so far online.  So I should only need a good bypass kit, the r/s kit, and that's pretty much it?

I don't intend to keep the factory remote, sorry if I wasn't clear.  I'd like to retain the factory anti-theft/alarm/whatever you wanna call it and just add the r/s with the new remote. 

Ok, so I'll need to get a CHDL3-PK, or the CHRDAA and decide on a remote start kit.  I guess it's like starting a war to ask for a specific remote start suggestion? lol 

I just want sometime relatively basic with two remotes, separate lock/unlock buttons, and I guess that's kinda it.  Basically just want to start the truck up and warm it up or cool it down depending on the season.

Note to Kar Tuneman,

I agree that DEI products are not nessecarily "superior" to other products (well a few) but thier success is due to more then just marketing..which I agree they do very well.

I also respect that this is your opinion. But IMO I find thier online support is excellent, thier products work first time every time out of the box, and thier programming is MUCH simpler and versitile than most every other product I have used in the past which includes, but is not limited to audiovox, ungo, omega, bulldog, clifford (pre dei), alpine, code alarm and a host of other known and unknown flea market brands I can't even remember.

As a matter of fact someone I worked for several years ago markets his own line of alarms and RS's. He started in 1975 which was about the time the owner of DEI had started. He met the owner of DEI years later at a CES show and asked him why he had so much more sucess then everyone else. His answer was "my product is really no different then anyone elses..its just that our stuff proved more reliable"

I have to agree with that but of course if "installers" are burning stuff up due to ignorance or lack of experience/skill of course they will blame the product. Yes..believe it or not that happens (sarcastic), but this is the main reason DEI will only sell thier systems to MECP certified shops and not to the general public..well at least in theory, I admit I see thier stuff gray marketed as well but I have to give them credit for trying.

But again as you stated this is an opinion and NOT to say DEI is superior than other products out there, especially ones I may have no experience with. But although not exclusivly, I have been using DEI products for 15 years give or take and have no complaints..well thier phone tech line leaves something to be desired(does anyone really have a good one?) but I have no need to use it because I have other resources if I can't find the info I need online or figure it out myself.

My vote on a good remote start is Compustar. Perhaps I am just anti DEI as well but the tech support when needed is second to none and the equipment in my opinion is far superior.

but this is the main reason DEI will only sell thier systems to MECP certified shops and not to the general public..well at least in theory, I admit I see thier stuff gray marketed as well but I have to give them credit for trying.

Here in lies the problem. DEI has done nothing to keep every Tom, Dick, and Harry from getting their hands on the product. Take a look at 80% of the posts on this web site. If it weren't for the "grey market" DEI would not be able to swallow up every company it has in the past. Astroflex, and Polk are their latest capitalistic buyouts. If DEI really cared about keeping their product out of the hands of the "non-cetified proffesional" they would shut down som of these internet wacko's 

Again.....my opinion.

Yeah I have to agree with that Kar TuneMan. But the product has worked well for me so far.

However, if I get the chance I would be more then willing to try other products I see mentioned here that I have no experience with. Personally I feel regardless of DEI's marketing, whoring, and capatalist buyouts that 99% of my customers will buy what I recommend to them as long as it meets their needs.

But honestly do you really think any other company would not do the same thing (if they don't already) as far as growing thier business? I know when I had a small high end shop that every rep told me that thier products were "exclusive" and I had territory "protection" only to see the same product in the big chain stores (no need to mention names) shortly after. It's the American way I reckon but I guess we wouldn't have it any other way.