Alarms, imobilisers and trackers!

[Tcamper1963]

We have never had a problem in 20 years of having campers....BUT a few weeks ago our FORD TRANSIT Cavarno was parked up and our 2 wonderful bikes were stolen...we tracked down the car park CCTV and watched how they returned 10 mins later probably to the steal the motorhome....grrrrr......so they entered the vehicle without any implements AS IF they had the key....

Anyhow having never had an alarm we have to install one....

So any advice on Growler V Vanbitz???

Thanks in Advance...

 

[Phill D]

Vanbitz strike back is brilliant, vanbitz growler is the dogs bits.

 

[Phill D]

And if you subscribe to the forum you can get a discount if you request the saving and can prove subscription at the point of placing your order.

 

[Tcamper1963]

Thank you for that info...the bikes were stolen from inside the campervan...and I think Vanbitz have some sort of loop system...

 

[Tcamper1963]

Thank you for that info...the bikes were stolen from inside the campervan...and I think Vanbitz have some sort of loop system....to protect bikes for example...

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[ryan_flea]

That is awful. Sorry to hear. Are the bikes still missing? As with your profile pic it could be good to attach a picture and spread the word.

 

[phillipsheila]

The loop is for outside protection is is very good i got the strikeback and would recommend it

 

[Tcamper1963]

Yes the bikes are still missing...I have put a reward out on gumtree for the return of the bikes and I scan ebay and gumtree everyday...

 

[Tcamper1963]

The loop is for outside protection

Ah....might be useful? If we have the bikes on the rack, this only happens whilst we are driving otherwise they were put inside...wish I had locked them to the seats in the van...we only went for a 20 minute walk...grrrr

 

[pappajohn]

The quicker you contact vanbitz the quicker you'll get an alarm.
They usually have a waiting list they are that popular.
Their systems are designed for Motorhomes from the start, not just a modified car alarm like many others.

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[Lenny HB]

Sorry to here about your bikes. Where abouts were you parked?
Sounds like they must have watched you loading the bikes in the van.

 

[Tcamper1963]

Crikey...I meant to ask info about the differences between outsmart the thief and Growler?

My research might be wrong but it does seem that Vanbitz would suit me better...

Vanbitz growler has NON STARTER which seems good. The van cannot be moved unless towed...it has an app which can locate the vehicle but is not subscription based...
Out smart the thief seems to have an immobiliser but also uses a tracker which is subscription based £100 per year...

Is this correct?

 

[Tcamper1963]

Sorry to here about your bikes. Where abouts were you parked?
Sounds like they must have watched you loading the bikes in the van.

Yes they were waiting in a carpark near a nature reserve in the midlands...I think they went up to the van and looked in!...we hadn't drawn the curtains....grrr

 

[Guigsy]

What age is the Transit? The previous model had bit of a reputation for being easy to take, but the latest one is supposed to be better.

But generally, motorhome are not particularly difficult to get into. Reduce temptation, make yourself a harder target than the next guy, alarm and track.

 

[Tcamper1963]

It's a 2009 Transit...so we now do this:

1. Steering wheel lock
2. Pedal lock
3. Swivel seat lock
4. D lock the swivel seats together
5. Awaiting a OBD lock
6. Draw all the curtains
7. Awaiting the Growler to be fitted
8. Created a secret compartment
9. We also have a key safe awaiting to be installed!

Any more ideas? Would be appreciated...

Maybe we should name rename the van Fort know instead of Roxy!!!

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[Phill D]

a very large dog!!

 

[gus-lopez]

10. always deadlock the doors( douuble click on the remote)
11. fit internal locks to the front doors & rear doors top & bottom & exit through the side door.
12. fit milenco ( other makes available) dead locks on the outside of rear & side sliding doors.

 

[Phill D]

to state the obvious the best security is visible to the scrote! that tends to move them on to easier prey!

so for me it would be the Growler you have chosen and some additional visible external locks.

 

[Speve]

Vanbitz non starter is subscription from memory £65 but worth revery penny it also notify you of events by text and trackable but you probably won’t need to track as it won’t get pinched
paired with strikeback it’s a great bit of kit

 

[two]

My thoughts are that it's unlikely to happen again, so I'd get the cheapest solution that satisfies your insurance requirement.
There's a likelihood that anyone who's been persuaded to buy one make will say that it's the best without ever having owned the other.
With these things, you are buying peace of mind. If your mind is leaning strongly in one direction, it may be better to go that way.

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[Tcamper1963]

Vanbitz non starter is subscription from memory £65 but worth revery penny it also notify you of events by text and trackable but you probably won’t need to track as it won’t get pinched
paired with strikeback it’s a great bit of kit

Ah...the chap didn't say anything about a subscription...I will need to phone them again to check it out...thanks for the info..appreciated

 

[phillipsheila]

Ah...the chap didn't say anything about a subscription...I will need to phone them again to check it out...thanks for the info..appreciated

He is a member on here eddievanbitz I had an alarm from them it was a first class service and a very nice campsite dont forget to quote your membership no for discount

 

[Tcamper1963]

"best way is to immobilise the engine by putting a secret switch on the fuel cut off solenoid, it will never start and they would have to tow it away!"

I like the sound of this...found it in a motorhome fun post 2011....might work on my 2009 transit!

 

[Speve]

U

Ah...the chap didn't say anything about a subscription...I will need to phone them again to check it out...thanks for the info..appreciated

i think you’ll find the first year is included in the price

 

[peterc10]

Can thoroughly recommend Vanbitz. Their external bike loop is good at protecting anything outside of the motorhome such as bikes on the rack or off it, outside furniture etc.