The idea of thieves stealing your Ford F250 can keep you awake at night. So how can you make your F250 theft-proof? We researched this question, and here's what we found.
You can't make your Ford F250 100% theft-proof. But you can significantly reduce the risk of your truck getting stolen by using the manufacturer's proprietary anti-theft system. You can also use theft-prevention methods and install aftermarket anti-theft products.
Keep reading as we talk about different ways to make your Ford F250 less susceptible to theft. We’ll also tackle related subjects, including if insurance will cover a stolen truck.
What Is Ford's Anti-Theft System?
Ford’s SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System (PATS) has a multitude of security features. Found in different Ford vehicles manufactured from 1996, this system activates upon sensing attempts of theft.
In particular, it prevents any user from gaining access to the Ford vehicle and starting its engine if a person uses an unregistered key.
However, not every Ford vehicle has PATS. Ask the truck manufacturer or your vehicle dealer if your F250 has this system or not.
Also, if your Ford truck has the manufacturer’s SecuriCode keypad, you can watch this video to learn how to use it.
Best Anti-Theft Devices For F250
Apart from taking advantage of the Ford SecuriLock system, you can also use different anti-theft devices for your F250. Some of the aftermarket security products that might pique your interest are:
1. The Club 3000 Twin Hooks Steering Wheel Lock
This particular steering wheel lock has a universal fit. That means that you can use it for relatively any vehicle with a steering wheel, including the different Ford F250 models.
Its solid steel construction enhances peace of mind, knowing that thieves can’t drive away with your truck.
On the downside, the lock in this model is fairly standard. So an experienced thief with lock-picking experience might still be able to remove this security module from the steering wheel.
Check out this product on Amazon.
2. Disklok Steering Wheel Lock
Despite being more expensive than standard steering wheel locks, this product promotes optimal theft prevention for different vehicles.
It should fit the steering wheels of different Ford F250 models and other vehicles. Plus, it prevents access to the airbag and stops keyless entry attempts.
Check out this product on Amazon.
3. Tevlaphee Universal Steering Wheel And Break Lock
Budget-conscious F250 owners may want to check out this security device for their trucks. Aside from being reasonably inexpensive, it provides double the protection by locking the brake and steering wheel.
The product’s aluminum and steel build should also make it challenging for thieves to damage. But be wary of installing this device on your truck.
Improper placement may put your window at risk of breaking. Plus, the chrome finish might be hot to the touch, particularly in the summer.
Check out this product on Amazon.
4. KAYCENTOP Universal Wheel Clamp
You can use this wheel clamp to secure different vehicles in place, including the different Ford F250 models. It can fit tire widths of up to 10 inches, allowing you to use it for other wheeled vehicles like motorcycles, campers, and travel trailers.
It has a welded steel construction that’s quite resistant to dust and rust. But this wheel clamp might still break when subject to significant force and/or pressure. So a strong burglar with a hammer or crowbar might still be able to break this product.
Check out this product on Amazon.
5. Lucosobie Wheel Clamp
Carrying this clamp to your car might be more challenging than transporting other products of its class. Thanks in part to its 13-pound weight, this wheel clamp is both sturdy and weighty to help stop thieves from driving off with your F250.
It also has PVC strips to prevent the clamp from harming tires.
Check out this product on Amazon.
6. Trimax TCL65 Wheel Chock And Lock
Even though this product might be more expensive than many standard wheel locks on the market, its additional features justify the increase in cost.
As its name implies, this product doubles as a wheel chock while preventing thieves from stealing your F250.
Check out this product on Amazon.
7. KTNNKG Remote Kill Switch
Install this aftermarket kill switch to your F250 to prevent the truck from being burgled. This module functions by cutting off the battery when it receives the command from the dedicated remote.
The included instructions are also quite detailed, making the installation reasonably easy to complete for installers of different skill levels.
Check out this product on Amazon.
8. Lanpard Faraday Bag
Faraday bags work by preventing hackers and thieves from capturing electronic waves.
Without these bags, some burglars may use advancements in thieving technology to get the radio signals emitted from your F250’s key fob. Then, those people can use captured waves to gain access to your vehicle and start its engine.
The construction of this particular faraday bag prevents the electronic waves in the stored items from escaping. Aside from blocking key fob radio signals, this product can also block other frequencies from Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, and RFID.
Check out this product on Amazon.
9. Vyncs GPS Tracker
Although it can't prevent theft, this GPS tracker should do a good job of sending the location of your F250 if someone steals the truck.
This particular tracker also doesn't use an external battery as you connect it to the vehicle's OBD. It's also reasonably easy to install and will provide real-time updates to a connected smartphone.
But be wary as the efficacy of GPS trackers like this model often depends on the signal strength of your truck’s current location. So it may not provide accurate data if it enters areas with poor signal strength, such as inside tunnels.
Check out this product on Amazon.
How To Prevent Thieves From Stealing Your F250
Applying preventive measures may further reduce the chances of thieves taking your F250. Some anti-theft steps (that may or may not cost you money) you can take are:
Always Lock Your Doors
Many Ford trucks, including certain F250 models, have smart locking features. The vehicles will lock their doors as soon as their key fobs go beyond a three-foot vicinity.
However, many F250 trucks, especially older models, don’t have this proximity lock feature. If you have a fairly old F250, you still need to lock the truck manually. So ensure that you lock the doors before leaving the vehicle’s parking site.
Keep The Spare Key Hidden
Don’t leave your truck’s spare keys inside the cabin. Also, don’t place the spare keys in a place that’s visible from the windows.
Instead, bring your spare keys with you. You may also keep them in a safe box near your residence or place of work for added security.
Choose A Well-Lit Parking Space
Park your F250 under a bright light at night. Remember, many thieves like to work in the dark to avoid attention.
However, if you can't find a well-lit parking space, think about investing in a dash cam with night vision and motion-sensing features. Burglars that see this module may be discouraged from trying to take your truck.
Check out this motion-sensing dash cam on Amazon.
Think Like A Thief
Securing your F250 truck also means that you should put yourself in the mindset of a car thief. Ask yourself this question: What can I do to steal the truck?
Answering that question can help expose vulnerabilities in your vehicle. That way, you can apply the appropriate methods to help protect your F250 from thieves.
Does Insurance Cover Car Theft?
Comprehensive car insurance may cover the costs of your Ford F250 if it's stolen. Take note that the coverage differs for each insurance company and the supplied policy.
Also, regular car insurance doesn’t usually cover vehicle theft. Plus, both standard and comprehensive car insurance policies don’t typically grant coverage to stolen personal items in vehicles.
Final Thoughts
Although it's difficult to guarantee your Ford F250's protection against car thieves, you can reduce the chances of these troublemakers from running off with your truck.
Make sure to take preventive actions to ensure your vehicle’s safety and security at all times. Don’t forget that you can also install aftermarket automotive products to help reduce the risks of your truck being stolen.
If you’re looking for answers to other car safety concerns, check out these other great reads: