The Club

JohnnyCash · **Posted:** Mon Apr 23, 2007 11:12 pm

Is The Club worth buying for about $40?
Saw one at Kmart tonight and almost got it, but for $40 it doesn't do anything fun.
It's just an ugly metal bar that sits there.

Anyway do you think it's worth buying one? Can a Liberty even be stolen without a tow truck with the computerized key system they have?
I often park at trailheads and wander away, so I like it when I come back and my Jeep is still there.

Sir Sam · **Posted:** Mon Apr 23, 2007 11:54 pm

if you have the sentry key then not any easy way I know of.

If your really that concerned a fuel pump kill switch is a much more discrete and easy way to insure no one removes your car without your permission.

JohnnyCash · **Posted:** Tue Apr 24, 2007 12:12 am

Well there's a guy in my apartment complex that has a club on his Wrangler.
Maybe I just want to be like him.
Maybe I just have club envy.

Stuhlie · **Posted:** Tue Apr 24, 2007 12:44 am

HEy Johnny
I would save the 40 bucks for some thing else ! over here they just CUT the STEERING wheel w/ a hacksaw and leave the CLUB in the
space where your car was ! just my .02 :!:

JohnnyCash · **Posted:** Tue Apr 24, 2007 12:47 am

Stuhlie wrote:

HEy Johnny
I would save the 40 bucks for some thing else ! over here they just CUT the STEERING wheel w/ a hacksaw and leave the CLUB in the
space where your car was ! just my .02 :!:

Johnny don't like that !!!
So what's a good way to make sure my Jeep is still at the trailhead after camping out for a night or two?
By the way, I am in no way mechanically inclined, so it can't be anything too technical.

Pablo · **Joined:** Thu Feb 02, 2006 10:06 pm **Posts:** 1201

JohnnyCash wrote:

Stuhlie wrote:

HEy Johnny
I would save the 40 bucks for some thing else ! over here they just CUT the STEERING wheel w/ a hacksaw and leave the CLUB in the
space where your car was ! just my .02 :!:

Johnny don't like that !!!
So what's a good way to make sure my Jeep is still at the trailhead after camping out for a night or two?
By the way, I am in no way mechanically inclined, so it can't be anything too technical.

The fuel pump switch is a good idea. IF your e-brake works you can try putting the transfer case in neutral-- make sure the e works, on some it is not adjusted right from the factory and has been known to not hold the vehicle until adjusted. Believe it or not, back in the 90's chevy Suburban 4x4s were the 1 stolen vehicle in AZ and many a person thwarted theft by simply putting the transfer case in neutral.

Disconnecting the battery cables and taking one with you might work-- but you will have to reset the radio and your computer will have to "relearn" your driving habits.

Cacher123 · **Posted:** Tue Apr 24, 2007 2:40 am

They make an underhood battery cut off switch that has a small accessory lead to keep settings. However if anyone tries to turn over the engine since the accessory wire won't carry a large current (like starting) it just pops a small fuse. You just unscrew the large knob when you park and the thief doesn't know it's there. When u get back you replace the knob and drive away. If there was a theft attempt, replacing the knob still completes the main circuit and you can still drive away. If u get one, be sure to get one with the accessory lead since they sell these without it, just a cutoff switch, but it won't hold settings.
http://www.beverlyhillsmotorsport.com/bhmotor/batterycare/bhmbattery.html

Quote:

Battery Disconnect
This 3 in 1 anti-theft, battery saver and safety switch is the most versatile emergency equipment out in the market. For use as an anti-theft device, just remove the green knob and there is no chance of theft. For use as a battery saver or safety switch, loosen the green knob and remove the fuse. The 15 amp fuse maintains just enough power so your clock and radio settings remain intact. Our battery disconnect fits all 6, 12 and 24 volt batteries and is recommended use is for the negative post. Now you can store your vehicle for months at a time without worrying that your battery

Cheap protection for $20!

Sport · **Posted:** Tue Apr 24, 2007 9:06 am

You can buy an aftermarket steering wheel that is removable, can't drive without a steering wheel. But they will probably just tow it anyway.

Sir Sam · **Posted:** Tue Apr 24, 2007 2:28 pm

Sport wrote:

You can buy an aftermarket steering wheel that is removable, can't drive without a steering wheel. But they will probably just tow it anyway.

I like my airbag thank you.

in reality the sentry key pretty much solves the problem, and of your typical smash and grab guys wont be able to get away with the Jeep. I personally dont know of any way to bypass the sentry key because the ecu controls the startup.

I was working on an 00 XJ that had been hit on the front left and had damaged the ecu:
http://www.colorado4wheel.com/images/2000_freedom/manuals2.JPG
http://www.colorado4wheel.com/images/2000_freedom/manuals3.JPG
http://www.colorado4wheel.com/images/2000_freedom/manuals4.JPG

So in the process of this repair one of the ECUs I got was for the sentry key, so even though the Jeep didnt have any of the sentry key equipment the ECU still wouldnt let the vehicle run for more than a few seconds.

In reality a sentry key will be just about all the protection youll ever need, and a fuel pump cutoff is excellent protect because its so simple, easy to turn on and off, and can be put in plain sight and people will still not know what it is, let alone if you put the thing out of view(but still in easy reach)

gopherbeats · **Posted:** Tue Apr 24, 2007 11:00 pm

I know when I spot a vehicle with the Club installed, it just sparks my curiosity a bit as to why that car may be worth so much more... Then I usually just laugh to my self about the situation because I did not know people really used those things....

myjeepwalks · **Posted:** Tue Apr 24, 2007 11:22 pm

They will work to a point. How many theives are carrying a hacksaw around with them. Even if they are that is an extra few minutes they have to spend cutting the steering wheel. Then they have to hack the ignition to get it started. More time = more chance of getting caught. They were designed to be spotted by the theif and move on to an easier target. Even a sentry system system can be easily bypassed by professionals. If they really want it they will get it. One good thing is there are alot nicer/more valuable vehicles out there than Jeep Liberties for them to steal. :wink:

I think a hidden fuel pump cut off switch is the best option. Then again they can always tow it away.

KY Liberty · **Joined:** Sat Jul 09, 2005 1:46 pm **Posts:** 1195

Considering you can cut through most steering wheels very easily, I wouldn't rely on the Club. Anyway, they're just going to load it up on a flatbed if they want it. Just make it very unique and identifiable. That will greatly reduce it's value to a theif. You could also fill the back with some log chains and wrap them around a huge tree when you park. Just listen for the sound of a chainsaw. :wink:

psfahey · **Posted:** Wed Apr 25, 2007 3:34 pm

A few months ago, a crook stole my 2nd car, an old Porsche 911. I didn't even know it was gone until I got the bill from the impound yard. Apparently, the cops surprised the crooks and they ran off before they could load it on the truck they had at the ready. Naturally, the cops didn't catch anyone (even though the crooks were standing there when the cops drove up), and not much damage was done (they had a master key??). The only thing missing was the radar detector -- and I suspect the cops took that.

Long story short: The patrolman that took the report said the club was one of the best defenses against auto theft. So much so that a local PD near by was selling club knock-offs for $12, as part of an anti-theft campaign.

The nice thing about the club is that the crooks see it before doing damage to your car. With the hidden deterrents, you still end up with a broken window, scratched paint, and a sprung ignition lock (just enough damage to make it not worthwhile to file an insurance claim). The cops said that these days the pickin's are so good that crooks will usually move right on to the next car when they see a club.

So I bought one. And it sits--dutifully--right in the back seat. I'll probably get jacked again by another crook just to pay me back for being stupid enough to buy the darn thing and not use it.

-Pat

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Wed Apr 25, 2007 4:00 pm

The basic crook will not carry tools or equipment to stop anti-theft systems.

The car thief will have tools.

At minimum, you can stop a basic crook with visual anti-theft devices.

I saw a new type of "club" that covers almost the entire steering wheel. You would not be successful cutting it off at the steering wheel due to no steering wheel being left to steer. The device covers the wheel where it attaches to the center. That would definitely slow down a car thief.

MP Jeeper · **Posted:** Wed Apr 25, 2007 11:37 pm

Get a BIG dog! :twisted:

i have 2 Great Danes. Honestly, they wouldn't know to bite someone if i showed 'em how to do it! But tell that to anyone sizing up the Libby. No one goes near it unless i do first!

As an added bonus i have trail recovery on hand for just the price of a couple steaks

Tokyojoe · **Posted:** Wed Apr 25, 2007 11:59 pm

Do you keep the big dogs in the KJ overnight and during the middle of summer, for hours?
Big dogs work great during certain situations that is for sure but has its limitations also.

You could wire the drivers set so it delivers a shock to anyone sitting in it. On/Off switch hidden so you can turn it off while you plan to use it. Could get messy trying to peel off the remains of toasted thieves from the seat.

KY Liberty · **Joined:** Sat Jul 09, 2005 1:46 pm **Posts:** 1195

I prefer my additional security system to the dogs. It's a lot louder than the built in alarm, and the fireball that comes out the end is much more impressive than some flashing lights. It even bites through 1/4" steel plate. :twisted:

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