Fiat Ducato Factory Alarm System

[Dymockn]

Hi, I’ve purchased a new Campervan conversion from Westfalia based on the new Fiat Ducato Mk8 van. It's been imported to the UK by a UK Dealer and is in the process of being registered, not picking it up until January.

The original van was ordered with a factory fitted immobiliser and alarm. Apparently, the factory fitted alarm is not a Thatcham Category 1 alarm and according to Fiat in Swindon, cannot be removed or altered in anyway! Has anyone else managed to upgrade or remove a Fiat factory fitted alarm system on a Ducato van?

As the factory fitted alarm was really designed for a van not a campervan does anyone know whether you can lock the doors at night when in the campervan without the alarm on? Or even better, lock the doors and just disable the internal sensors?

The dealer is on a Christmas break so can’t ask him until 4th Jan.

 

[Phill D]

Hi welcome,
I doubt you will be disarm part of any standard factory fit alarm.

You can do what you whish with the vanbitz strike back or growler alarm systems specifically designed for motorhomes.
I also doubt there are any internal sensors on the factory alarm system.

 

[Stealaway]

I would be surprised if you couldn't have an addition Cat5 alarm fitted by you local chap for usually les than £300.

 

[dunnah01]

You can set to alarm the doors only on our 2011 fiat base using MES so not sure why it's not possible on more recent vans

 

[royandsharont]

I’m pretty sure you can disable ultrasonics on many factory fitted alarms or how would pet owners be able to leave them inside?

I also know my insurers only require a CAT 1 alarm OR tracker to be fitted so perhaps stick with the factory alarm but get a tracker?

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[Phill D]

I’m pretty sure you can disable ultrasonics on many factory fitted alarms or how would pet owners be able to leave them inside?

I also know my insurers only require a CAT 1 alarm OR tracker to be fitted so perhaps stick with the factory alarm but get a tracker?

i think thats Cat 1 immobilizer minimum Thatcham Cat acceptable for an alarm is now Cat 5

 

[Dymockn]

Thanks all for your replies

Sounds like I should be able to set just the door alarms or disable the ultrasonics, which is good news.

You are right about the insurance, they want a Tracker fitted as we don't have a Cat 1 alarm.

 

[arkwright]

You are right about the insurance, they want a Tracker fitted as we don't have a Cat 1 alarm.

How does it work in practice, do the insurance company insist on it from the start or do they give you a while to get one fitted after you've picked it up?

 

[Dymockn]

Not sure to be honest, assumed it would need fitting prior to insuring but haven't asked yet. I expect I will ask the dealer to fit it for us.

 

[dash300]

How does it work in practice, do the insurance company insist on it from the start or do they give you a while to get one fitted after you've picked it up?

I do seem to remember reading that there is a short time period during which you are able to take the vehicle to get the required category of alarm fitted. Someone will shortly confirm I am sure.

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[Stealaway]

You are right about the insurance, they want a Tracker fitted as we don't have a Cat 1 alarm.

If that's Caravan Guard insurance try Comfort insurance they are much more reasonable

 

[Phill D]

Comfort insurance will give you an agreed time after delivery to get an alarm fitted provided its a know supplier and cat 5.

 

[Dymockn]

It was CaravanGaurd. Thanks, will try Comfort.

 

[royandsharont]

I think Comfort gave you 14 days to get it fitted & provide them with certificates

 

[Dymockn]

Sounds good, thanks.