Autostarters on a overland rig

[Mikeblack]

I was wondering what manufacturer does everyone use when it comes to having a auto starter on your vehicle. I was putting together a list of things I want my vehicle to have and especially here in the Northeast where we have some mighty cold winter but not super cold at least. Have you noticed any reliability issues when it comes to attaching a auto starter on your vehicle and would you still get one after your time and experienced with it on your vehicle.

Is it worth the investment in a convenience to have one or do I lose reliability if I have it on a 4Runner

 

[USStrongman]

Mine came with my JKU as part of the Winter Edition. Block heater, remote start, LED head/fog lights, Trac-Loc, AEV bumpers, rock rails, plus a few other "premium" options. Remote start is wonderful. We ahve highs in the 105° range and lows in the sub zero. I use more for AC in the summer than heat in the winter. No issues other than having a spare battery all of the time for the remote to help ensure no starting/alarm issues.

 

[RideFlyDiveJeep]

Same as USStrongman. Came on the JLU. Gets the temps tolerable especially when travelling with the young kids or the dog. I leave it on the dash vents especially in the winter so as not to crack the windshield. If you have a fridge, it also gets that off the battery sooner. To answer what manufacturers. best I can get you is a link for the 10 best remote starters. But they are worth it!

 

[ThundahBeagle]

Mine came with my JKU as part of the Winter Edition. Block heater, remote start, LED head/fog lights, Trac-Loc, AEV bumpers, rock rails, plus a few other "premium" options. Remote start is wonderful. We ahve highs in the 105° range and lows in the sub zero. I use more for AC in the summer than heat in the winter. No issues other than having a spare battery all of the time for the remote to help ensure no starting/alarm issues.

Wait, wait, wait...you have need a block heater? In Texas?!

 

[ThundahBeagle]

Are we talking about remote starters or something that autonomously starts your car periodically when not in use? As far as remote starter...My 2014 GMC Sierra came with the remote start and lock. It's in the RPO codes and everything. I'm in the Northeast as well, though somewhat more north. I love it and will probably always get a remote starter. I start it up before heading outside to clear the driveway of snow and often the truck will warm up enough to melt a lot of the snow and ice.

Even my 1993 big Blazer Silverado had remote start. What great technology

 

[Mikeblack]

Are we talking about remote starters or something that autonomously starts your car periodically when not in use? As far as remote starter...My 2014 GMC Sierra came with the remote start and lock. It's in the RPO codes and everything. I'm in the Northeast as well, though somewhat more north. I love it and will probably always get a remote starter. I start it up before heading outside to clear the driveway of snow and often the truck will warm up enough to melt a lot of the snow and ice.

Even my 1993 big Blazer Silverado had remote start. What great technology

A regular remote start to turn the car on

 

[ThundahBeagle]

A regular remote start to turn the car on

That's what I thought. Indespensible. Makes all those horror movie, car key fumbling moments a mute point, too

 

[Mikeblack]

That's what I thought. Indespensible. Makes all those horror movie, car key fumbling moments a mute point, too

My one concern is when it comes to a cold crank when vehicle has been sitting for awhile. And Pennsylvania we have Colton part which is few of my friends and I go down to and do a little bit of exploration. But we come into the vehicle sometimes it needs a jolt. I know for a fact that they have those battery kits that can help with jumping your vehicle if it's been sitting for a while.

The last thing I want to happen is when I'm doing a solo trip and my vehicle does not want to kick over if I had the remote start and walking up to a from a distance

 

[wigsajumper]

My TJ unlimited has an old after market Cobra remote starter that was in it when I bought it about three years ago. Since then I have not had an issue with the remote starter even when it was -10 degrees F. Battery was about 10 years old when I replaced it last summer. It has been reliable. It does have a quirk that I don't like. When I disconnect the battery I have to remember to disable the remote starter. If I don't when I reconnect the battery the remote start will kick in and start the Jeep. First time it happened a few tools and rags were almost pulled into the fan/serpentine belt.

While really nice to have on days when it snows/freezes or bitterly cold I won't get another installed aftermarket. I wouldn't get a stock one either unless it was part of a package that had stuff I really wanted. Just one more electronic thing to go bad and have to troubleshoot when the vehicle doesn't start or stay running.

 

[Mikeblack]

My TJ unlimited has an old after market Cobra remote starter that was in it when I bought it about three years ago. Since then I have not had an issue with the remote starter even when it was -10 degrees F. Battery was about 10 years old when I replaced it last summer. It has been reliable. It does have a quirk that I don't like. When I disconnect the battery I have to remember to disable the remote starter. If I don't when I reconnect the battery the remote start will kick in and start the Jeep. First time it happened a few tools and rags were almost pulled into the fan/serpentine belt.

While really nice to have on days when it snows/freezes or bitterly cold I won't get another installed aftermarket. I wouldn't get a stock one either unless it was part of a package that had stuff I really wanted. Just one more electronic thing to go bad and have to troubleshoot when the vehicle doesn't start or stay running.

It's a good thing you didn't have your hand get caught in the blade fan or tools are flying out at you

 

[Tundracamper]

I have the Accessorides long range remote start on my ‘19 4Runner. I can start the car from my office or anywhere in my house. I’m not sure the range is actually 2,000 ft, but I know it’s at least over 1,000 ft line of sight and will easily transmit through concrete walls - even with some distance to go. You can also install the hood safety switch that disables it when working on the vehicle. Plus, it’s two-way, meaning the remote beeps when the car sends a signal verifying the start was successful. I’ve been extremely happy with it.

 

[MidOH]

Nearly useless, but cool as heck. Although most overlanding gear is the same.

I'm in and out of the truck a few times while packing up camp, no harm in starting the truck. In the winter I have to sweep snow off anyways, so there's no need to remote start if I have to be within contact distance of the truck again.

What does suck is Dodges push button start. You have to climb in the truck to start it. My Ford can be started just by reaching in and turning the key. I need to find the Dodges seat wires and short them out. So any vehicle like that, I'd like remote start.

 

[ThundahBeagle]

Being from the Northeast, I dont believe it is "nearly useless". Is it necessary? No. Is it useful? Yes.

Despite what manufacturers are telling you these days, it is still advisable - in the winter at least - to warm up your vehicle before moving on. Yes, for the engine to lube and get warm, but also the transmission, unfreezing the brakes and e brake cable, warning up the coolant and heater hoses, etc, all before taking off at highway speeds.

On snowy mornings, I can start my truck the moment I wake up. Then jump into my pants, start the coffee percolating, get a jacket on and start shoveling towards the truck in the driveway.

By the time I clear the walkway and reach the truck, its warm enough to drive. Often, the ice at the windows has begun to melt away. People dont realize the damage that brushing does to the paint of your car, and how easy it can be to break or scratch a window while scraping ice away.

A cushioned seat isnt "necessary" to drive eather, but it sure does make a difference

 

[Tundracamper]

Nearly useless, but cool as heck. Although most overlanding gear is the same.

I'm in and out of the truck a few times while packing up camp, no harm in starting the truck. In the winter I have to sweep snow off anyways, so there's no need to remote start if I have to be within contact distance of the truck again.

What does suck is Dodges push button start. You have to climb in the truck to start it. My Ford can be started just by reaching in and turning the key. I need to find the Dodges seat wires and short them out. So any vehicle like that, I'd like remote start.

Said someone that doesn’t live where it is 100F when you get off work!