I've decided to get a remote start installed on my 2011 Ranger. I'm debating if I should go one step farther and incude an alarm. The truck is garaged and I've never had any issues with theft. My other thought is to skip the alarm and get a 2 way remote start system. Any opinions?

 

I say if your going to do it..go all out. Alarm & Remote Start 2-way setup. Pay once..and do it right!

I've had Viper units installed on my own truck & work vehicles. Once you get a setup..you will want it on every vehicle! you get spoiled!

 

I have a Viper Remote Start with Smart Start on my Ranger. i did not spring for the alarm.

The viper system is really nice. the KeyFob is not some gimmicky hunk, its low profile, nicely made and subtle, the one i got is one way AM, and it exceeds the range of my former CompuStar FM remote.

The system comes with a very bright flashing LED that 'emulates' an alarm which is nice if you decide to forgo it and do the rest later.

The smart start is awesome, any smart phone (iPhone in my case), you just open the app, you can get two way verification that the truck is locked, unlocked, and remote start (or stop) the motor right from your phone, from anywhere there is cell service.

when i leave work, i have to take a bus to the employee lot. its a 5 minute ride, and its out of range for any KeyFob, so the smart phone system is really sweet. plus you'll never have that nagging feeling "did i lock my truck?"

they keyfob looks like this only without the gray outline, and the new version is somewhat smaller as well...

 

Ive never considered a remote start due to the fact that I'm manual.
But, if and when I have an automatic vehicle, I will get one with an alarm. Alarm may never be used, but its better to have it and never use it than to need it and it not be there.

 

I love my remote start. Nice and chilly in the summer and nice and toasty in the winter. I have the basic package from a local car audio place. It came with the remote start and an alarm. I only arm the alarm when I park it in an unfamiliar location. Some people say these systems can cause issues down the road that are hard to diagnose but i have not had any issues with mine i love the dang thing!