Best Motorhome security system (1 Viewer)

[jessthedog]

I think its 2-1 as its fitted to a van with a factory fitted immobiliser.

However you should always remember The Thatcham Approved checkmark is only given to the actual alarm and while Thatcham do have an Approved Installer Scheme, the alarms quality assurance means nothing if it is fitted by a cowboy or a well intentioned but inexperienced fitter, or one that's not around to honour a guarantee. One of the reasons why vanBitz have such a good reputation, is that they have been doing it for many years. Their attention to detail is top drawer, the comprehensive notes kept about each install, the options and quality of the fitting, is in my experience without equal. That it is Thatcham approved is well down the list of reasons why I always opt for strikeback.

Jim, I dont doubt that the Vanbitz alarms are one of, if not the best out there.

I was just pointing out that @NicNic thought he's was a CAT 1 and it wasn't.

 

[Deleted member 29692]

They might change their minds if you tried to claim.

Martin

They've both received the installation certificates for the alarm and the tracker and accepted them without question

The first one, when the van was new, specified a Cat 1 alarm and a tracker and they actually pre approved a Strikeback before I even had it installed.

The only difference between Cat 1 and Cat 2-1 is that if a manufacturer fitted immobiliser meets the requirements it does not need to be replaced which they then call 2-1. The alarm requirement is identical for both so it amounts to the same thing.

 

[Deleted member 29692]

Insurer to Pyro "Do you have a Thatcham alarm fitted?"
Pyro to Insurer "I have what the manufacturers installed plus a Sigma alarm. Does the Thatcham bit matter?"
Insurer "Not really. As long as you have adequate alarms fitted, it doesn't really affect your premiums by much "
Insurer "Do you have a tracker fitted?"
Pyro, wising up "Yes, but I put it in myself and it contacts me, not an alarm monitoring company"
Insurer "Great, DIY is fine but it only saves you £12 a year to have any tracker fitted. But this next question is really important"
Pyro, grimacing "what is it?"
Insurer "Do you have professionally fitted reversing sensors?"
Pyro "Of course, factory fitted. And I have an additional reversing camera, with a second longer distance rear view camera"
Insurer "Excellent, that saves a fair bit off your premiums"

Insurer: AIB

Now, with hindsight (and may yet be rectified), I would choose the VanBitz kit. Why? Reputation, support, attitude, Eddie knows his stuff. And he is an avid supporter around here. Just because he drives a £1M palace on wheels doesn't mean he's unapproachable.

As with all things, you pays your money, you takes your choice

Depends on the vehicle and the insurance company I suppose.

When we bought ours it was "you need a Cat 1 alarm and a Cat 5 or 6 tracker or we won't insure you. We'll need the installation certificates within 30 days please"

The only leeway I had was that they let me go a little over the 30 days once I could show that I had the work booked in.

No interest from any insurance company ever in reversing sensors (which we don't have) or a camera (which we do)

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[Chipster]

Both the Strikeback and the Gemini are Cat2-1.

 

[peterc10]

Unless it has changed?
The Vanbitz alarm might be the dogs gonads, but thats not Cat 1.

What makes you say that? The Growler is Cat 1 according to the certificate I have got.

 

[dulvil]

I have the outsmart the thief, Booked in to have it disconnected and have a growler fitted.reasons are,unlock it then go into locker and alarm goes off not always but frequently. When alarm goes off it is so quiet no one bothers. Then alarm people ring you which is quite a few times as remote keeps playing up, this can take up to 15 minutes never less than 5 in which time it could be ransacked GET A GROWLER

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[jessthedog]

What makes you say that? The Growler is Cat 1 according to the certificate I have got.

Here’s an explanation of the Thatcham category alarms
Thatcham Category 1 – electronic alarm and immobiliser
Systems that fall into this class are the cleverest and most complex on the market. A Category 1 alarm will feature perimeter and ignition detection, and will incorporate movement or glass break and tilt sensors. There’ll also be a siren powered by its own battery supply that will sound if your car gets broken into.

Immobilisers are also a requirement to pass Category 1 tests and have to be passively set – that means without any action from the driver – while a minimum of two operating systems or one control unit used for normal operation must be isolated.

Thatcham Category 2 – electronic immobiliser
Alarms are not a requirement to be awarded Category 2 Thatcham security status. However, an immobiliser is.

Just like Category 1 systems, a Category 2 device has to isolate at least two circuits or systems, or one vehicle control unit that’s required for the car to run properly. Again, it has to be passively set.

Thatcham Category 2/1 – electronic alarm upgrade
This Category is achieved if upgrade work is carried out on a Category 2 vehicle.

As long as the car has Category 2 security status, adding an alarm with the above facets from Category 1, the car can be upgraded to group 2/1, potentially lowering your vehicle insurance premiums.

I believe the Strikeback is CAT 2/1 Which as Jim says above.

 

[Jagtazman]

Vanbitz Strikeback Growler and Non Starter all you need

 

[JimJams]

Here’s an explanation of the Thatcham category alarms
Thatcham Category 1 – electronic alarm and immobiliser
Systems that fall into this class are the cleverest and most complex on the market. A Category 1 alarm will feature perimeter and ignition detection, and will incorporate movement or glass break and tilt sensors. There’ll also be a siren powered by its own battery supply that will sound if your car gets broken into.

Immobilisers are also a requirement to pass Category 1 tests and have to be passively set – that means without any action from the driver – while a minimum of two operating systems or one control unit used for normal operation must be isolated.

Thatcham Category 2 – electronic immobiliser
Alarms are not a requirement to be awarded Category 2 Thatcham security status. However, an immobiliser is.

Just like Category 1 systems, a Category 2 device has to isolate at least two circuits or systems, or one vehicle control unit that’s required for the car to run properly. Again, it has to be passively set.

Thatcham Category 2/1 – electronic alarm upgrade
This Category is achieved if upgrade work is carried out on a Category 2 vehicle.

As long as the car has Category 2 security status, adding an alarm with the above facets from Category 1, the car can be upgraded to group 2/1, potentially lowering your vehicle insurance premiums.

I believe the Strikeback is CAT 2/1 Which as Jim says above.

As said above.. The Strikeback or the Strikeback Growler completely comply with the Thatcham specifications. Your motorhome on the chassis based vehicle manufacture whether that being Fiat or Mercedes as examples will come as standard with the listed Category 2 immobiliser all depending on the age of the base vehicle. Our systems when installed alongside with your existing factory immobiliser as listed above categorises the system as the 2-1 upgrade. If your motorhome does not have a factory immobiliser as standard due to the age of the base vehicle then on this occasion we would then need to install an immobiliser for it to comply with Thatcham for your certificate to be issued.
As far a you are concerned for insurance purposes it is complies with the correct Thatcham specifications it to be the latest approved product.
This in turn, yes hopefully will give you a discount on your insurance premium but more importantly putting that aside be a bespoke manufactured motorhome alarm system and not a converted car alarm product..

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[Spud]

Vanbitz, Growler.

Spud

 

[Gorse Hill]

Hi having brought a new motorhome our insurance states we have got to have a tracker or cat 1 thatchams alarm fitted we have no idea which is best any advice will be appreciated thanks

Ring Adrian Flux insurance, didnt require any of above for my new van if that's what you require

 

[Deleted member 29692]

What makes you say that? The Growler is Cat 1 according to the certificate I have got.

For all practical purposes Cat 1 and Cat 2-1 are the same thing.

If you have a newish vehicle with a manufacturers immobiliser then that will be a Cat 2 device.

For your new system to be technically Cat 1 the installer would have to rip that out and replace it with a new but completely identical immobiliser.

That would obviously be stupid so they don't do that, just add the alarm element to it. Thatcham in their wisdom have given this a different designation - Cat 2-1.

For anyone not trying to make some kind of obscure point they are both Cat 1

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[jessthedog]

Except that it's not a Thatcham Cat 1 system is it? They certainly don't make that claim on their website.

That being the case if a Cat 1 system is an insurance requirement this system is not an option

I think this has been covered before. If I remember correctly, much like Eddie's Non Starter, the way this system works disqualifies it from any Thatcham approval.


You're right that there are other Cat 1 systems available but this isn't one of them.

For anyone not trying to make some kind of obscure point they are both Cat 1

The only person making obscure points young @NickNic was yourself. (as the above reply to DBK proved)
Not once have you said to DBK, My apologies John, I stand corrected!, I was wrong.
Because you can't admit that you were wrong It is not a CAT1 is it
Go on give it a try

 

[JimJams]

exactly as above.. at the end of the day for insurance purposes if required (as every insurance company is different depending on the underwriters and yes some don't require any form of security at all!) then yes its important to get the correct system that complies with the insurance requirements but surely more to the point its about protecting our worldly frankly very expensive asset being the motorhome and the toys and personal items we take away with us... can the system deter potential rogues with ultra bright external flush bumper/skirt mounted LEDs on the front, back and sides, does it cover the full perimeter of the motorhome internally and externally, does it protect my expensive electric bikes on the bike rack or when I'm sited somewhere, does it scream at them at first point of entry with 5 sirens as standard inside and out, can I arm the system when sleeping inside or when I go out for the day and leave my pet inside???
The money we all spend on these vehicles is to be honest probably apart from our own homes the biggest outgoing expense we will ever spend in the norm.
It really doesn't come down to Thatcham because generally this can be covered by a number of systems offered right throughout the market its about the piece of mind of protecting the important things like our motorhomes?

 

[Deleted member 29692]

The only person making obscure points young @NickNic was yourself. (as the above reply to DBK proved)
Not once have you said to DBK, My apologies John, I stand corrected!, I was wrong.
Because you can't admit that you were wrong It is not a CAT1 is it
Go on give it a try

Perhaps you could point out the post where I said anything of the sort to DBK? I've just reread the thread and can't see it. The only replies I've made to DBK on this thread have been discussing a completely different company, not Vanbitz or any of their products at all.



Either way if my insurers treat 1 and 2-1 as the same thing that's good enough for me.

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[jessthedog]

Perhaps you could point out the post where I said anything of the sort to DBK? I've just reread the thread and can't see it. The only replies I've made to DBK on this thread have been discussing a completely different company, not Vanbitz or any of their products at all.



Either way if my insurers treat 1 and 2-1 as the same thing that's good enough for me.

Never mind, one day maybe
There is a name for it. its called Cognitive Dissonance

 

[Neilfg]

Are there not going to be changes to the thatcham category guidelines? Cat 1,2,5,6 scrapped or changed

I have found that Aviva based insurance require Thatcham but others (Allianz, etc...) do not necessarily and accept the lockdown types.

 

[Nik]

Growler and Meta Trak inc mobile phone operated non starter.
+ excellent service both during and after.

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[eddie]

The VB system is very good but you can get Cat 1 alarms from other people. Have a look at Outsmart the Thief. Their basic Cat 1 system is a bit over £400. I have their Titanium tracker system which is a bit over £600 but it was fitted by them at my house, so no need to travel and stay overnight.
I'm certainly not knocking the VB stuff, it's good, but it isn't the only system on the market - which is the impression you might get on here.

I wouldn't and this isn't knocking a third party product. However, the "cheaper" comment you make should really read "different" The quoted price is for a CAN system operated coach built of panel van conversion. Add the options and the situation price wise rapidly reverses.

For example the link explains that the system works via the original vehicle remote control (the ones that have been electronically cloned!!) and that you can buy a remote control fob as an extra £39 each £78 for two, this will allow you to use the pet/night mode. Strikeback comes as standard with two remote fobs. Also I believe that the option of an accessory protection loop is quoted at £249 Again this is standard with Strikeback. One locker is included with Strikeback None with the system the link points to, again another £39.00

So with my simple maths £249 + £78 +£39 = £366.00 on top of the original £495

Of course you then have to factor in our system takes longer to install as it is a hard wired system, there no wireless contacts in Strikeback.

Apart from the fact that a hard wired door contact can be tested every single time the system is armed and will give an audible tone if there were to be a fault. the customer has the ongoing worry that the batteries are OK, if they fail will they fail whilst away, do spares need to be kept, how are they changed etc etc

So yes, wireless sensors are cheap (from a labour perspective) but no where near as reliable or maintenance free as a wired system. Add to this the fact that wireless sensors are frankly much easier to defeat, than a hard wired system, I think that I am justified in saying "different" rather than "cheaper"

Over the years we have had many people selling systems saying that "its just like Strikeback" or "it is a s good as a Strikeback" so we compiled a this form to help people work out EXACTLY what they get for their money:-

I have the outsmart the thief, Booked in to have it disconnected and have a growler fitted.reasons are,unlock it then go into locker and alarm goes off not always but frequently. When alarm goes off it is so quiet no one bothers. Then alarm people ring you which is quite a few times as remote keeps playing up, this can take up to 15 minutes never less than 5 in which time it could be ransacked GET A GROWLER

Thank you, You certainly wont find Growler quiet.

Regarding Thatcham Categories

I started installing alarms into Motorhomes in 1990 Thatcham didn't exist, the VSIB (vehicle Security Installation Board) didn't exist nothing did lol

If you wanted to immobilise a motorhome, you added it. In 1997 a European directive came into place stating that every vehicle manufactured in the EU zone would have to have a factory fitted immobiliser fitted.

They were rubbish! In 1999 for a magazine article in MMM I broke into and hotwired a motorhome in under 20 seconds. The only thing I didn't do was break the steering lock as it was the personal motorhome of Jonathon Lloyd (Gentleman Jack)

Immobilisers got better, Fiat had a little trouble with their CODE system which "Couldn't be removed" I made good money removing the "non removable" CODE immobilisers I still now send out step by step instructions to Funsters (I make them join before I'll give them free advice lol) once they have sent us (Van Bitz) a copy of their V5 to prove that they are the legal owner of the motorhome.

They are now very good, and I declined a recent invitation from a journalist to "Hotwire" a modern motorhome, explaining that it couldn't really be "Hotwired" anymore.

Years ago, once we were satisfied that Thatcham was here to stay, unlike schemes like the VSIB that we had wasted time ( I had written the Code of Practice for leisure Vehicles) and money on (We like many had paid to join, hoping the aim to wipe out cowboy installers) we decided that we would submit our new system for Thatcham approval. It had to have an alarm element and an two circuit immobiliser, which our system did.

At the time the manufacturers were not inclined to pay to have their new immobilisers listed on a UK insurance site, given that they had been "forced" to install them anyway. Consequently factory fitted immobilisers wheren't
always listed.

Roll the years on. Manufactured, factory fitted systems are now, pretty good, and as the "Thatcham" idea as been rolled, through Europe, even across to the States and Australasia, vehicle manufacturers now either submit to testing, or manufacture to agreed specifications.

There is no need now, for us to have Strikeback made with a Thatcham immobiliser, it is pointless, stupid, unnecessary, takes up power and payload.

Our alarm is made in Europe, we unlike some "specialists" only work on motorhomes. We are not a motorhome security specialist that then quotes for car alarms and caravan alarms on our website, Van Bitz only installs motorhome security systems to motorhomes. Most of what we work on is new, so every van we work on has a Thatcham Cat2 immobiliser fitted.

Knowing this why would we include a Category2 immobiliser in the system?

I know that some alarm systems are made outside the Eurozone, and that would be different to be fair. If I was making alarms in China for sale around the World I would include an immobiliser as I would be looking to sell it as a universal alarm, to sell anywhere in the World.

But, as I say, Van Bitz only work on motorhomes, the motorhomes have a Thatcham Category2 factory fitted immobiliser, we add the alarm element and the customer has a Category 1 alarm certificate

If you book in with an RV that doesn't have a factory fitted immobiliser Van Bitz fit a Category 2 immobiliser, and a Strikeback motorhome alarm system and the customer has a Category 1 certificate to give to their insurers

I hope this clears it up?

 

[sdc77]

The only person making obscure points young @NickNic was yourself. (as the above reply to DBK proved)
Not once have you said to DBK, My apologies John, I stand corrected!, I was wrong.
Because you can't admit that you were wrong It is not a CAT1 is it
Go on give it a try

So it is a cat 1 then according to @eddievanbitz .. who most people acknowledge as an expert...
So would that make you a Jeremiah .. ?

 

[Kingham]

How can you put a cost on 'peace of mind' ?

There are plenty of alarm companies in the NE that would have happily fitted me a decent alarm, but I had no hesitation in driving down to the other end of the country to get a Strikeback and non start fitted by @eddievanbitz

I fitted the installation in to a southern road trip, visiting my son in London first, then dropped down to Cornwall and used the time as a test for the van before the longer trips start.

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[deleted-member02]

So If I'm reading this correctly, an additional immobiliser isn't generally installed and the system relies on the original factory equipment?
Learn something new every day...
Would it be possible / advantageous to have a second immobiliser fitted?

 

[eddie]

So If I'm reading this correctly, an additional immobiliser isn't generally installed and the system relies on the original factory equipment?
Learn something new every day...
Would it be possible / advantageous to have a second immobiliser fitted?

Not really, unless it is a sneaky beaky one. We for example have our Non Starter which is a GPS/GSM based immobiliser that your turn the on and off using your phone, so nothing visible to attack or trace such as a keypad. Our Non Starter communicates via GSM to a hidden box in one place, that then controls the tiny immobilisation unit via its own localised WiFi network

 

[eddie]

So it is a cat 1 then according to @eddievanbitz .. who most people acknowledge as an expert...
So would that make you a Jeremiah .. ?

LOL to be fair, it would be better to say that, they are to all intents and purposes the same.

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[eddie]

We haven't even discussed the benefits of external LED's whilst camping at night

 

[JJ]

I am pretty sure that Motor Home Fun's Rule Two states that...

Alarms and security systems must be fitted by the EVB organisation (the only one with the official (Funster) Royal Seal of Approval).

Failure to do this might lead to the offenders having to sit in the Naughty Corner when in the Funster Marquee at shows or meets.


JJ

 

[Steve and Kat]

Eddie, When we bought our van, it came standard with a Thatcham Alarm Cat 6, a Vehicle Tracker. It comes with 2 fobs, and we can park up and walk inside the vehicle with the Alarm activated. Handy if sleeping in dodgy places, lets say.. When the Alarm goes off (for testing reasons) it's loud too..

How does this differ from your Growler... ?? Apart from the LED's outside.. Mine does have an irritating blue LED on the Dashboard that illuminates at night (obviously) which is bloody irritating but nonetheless an important deterrent.

Thank you..

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[eddie]

Anyone going

Eddie, When we bought our van, it came standard with a Thatcham Alarm Cat 6, a Vehicle Tracker. It comes with 2 fobs, and we can park up and walk inside the vehicle with the Alarm activated. Handy if sleeping in dodgy places, lets say.. When the Alarm goes off (for testing reasons) it's loud too..

How does this differ from your Growler... ?? Apart from the LED's outside.. Mine does have an irritating blue LED on the Dashboard that illuminates at night (obviously) which is bloody irritating but nonetheless an important deterrent.

Thank you..

Hi

Category 6 is a tracking system, but it sounds as if you have an alarm fitted as well. Do you know what make alarm you have?

It is hard to know what individual installers do and offer, and what features other alarm manufacturers offer, so we tend to suggest that people download the comparison chart from our website (or the link above) That is an easy way to see what you have got in comparison to our systems.

When used in advance, people often ask their dealers that have recommended "Brand X" the answers to some of the questions we ask, and it quickly becomes apparent that some people giving advice actually no very little about the products that they promote. This happens a lot when they simply get a third party in to install alarms and trackers.

 

[jessthedog]

So it is a cat 1 then according to @eddievanbitz .. who most people acknowledge as an expert...
So would that make you a Jeremiah .. ?

Very good
But I refer you to Eddies informative reply. He dosent at any time, say that the Alarm he fits is a Thatcham Cat 1 alarm.
He does fit a Cat 2-1 and gives you a certificate for Cat 1

I was just pointing out to a Funster, who was denigrating another system, coz it wasnt a CAT 1, and not knowing, that the system he had fitted wasnt a CAT1 either.
The Vanbitz system is the same Category as I have fitted 2-1.

 

[El-Nido]

Having the Growler fitted this Friday, insurance renewal due in 3 weeks - perfect timing ;-)

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