FORD TRANSITS AND SECURITY (1 Viewer)

[wingman]

I MAY (I stress the word May!) think of downsizing the van next year. The van I fancy has a Transit chassis. However, I’ve read many a post on stolen vehicles with a quote like, “Yet another Transit......What do you expect, it’s a Transit...” etc.

Leaving alarms to one side for a mo’, I’m aware that the cab door locks can be modded, or different and additional locks fitted, BUT, what’s the point of this when the hab’ windows etc are so vulnerable. Pop a rear window and you’re in the cab!

 

[andy63]

my thinking as well..
I've owned transits since the 80's... and thats on tyneside where they were disappearing at an alarming rate..
I agree about the ease with which they can be entered irrespective of additional front door security..
I honestly believe that a decent alarm and some visible security devices like disc
locks pedal clamps .. will make them pass you by for an easier target..
if they have the privacy and time theres nothing that can't be taken I'm sure...
a little diy modding of wiring also helps but appreciate not everyone wants to be doing that on a new vehicle..
andy

 

[Janine]

I did an insurance quote with Comfort today.

2nd question was 'Is it a Ford?'

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[Gellyneck]

I honestly believe that a decent alarm and some visible security devices like disc locks pedal clamps will make them pass you by for an easier target.

So that's why you leave the broken bed down!

 

[Wombles]

Hab & roof windows are vulnerable but window alarms & LockMouts help as a preventative measure. If buying new look for S4 & S7 flush fitting windows which are more secure. Obviously that applies to all motorhome chassis not just Ford.
One of the best things about the Transit is that with the dealer service you get Ford Assist European included at no extra cost which includes cover at home - we used this recently for our car & it was the AA. Replacement parts don't cost a fortune either.
Know the OP is aware of improving security measures but for those that don't see this for Ford https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/foru...-vans-essential-cab-security-upgrades.132770/ & this for Fiat https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/threads/fiat-ducato-extra-locking-security-devices.142690/

 

[andy63]

So that's why you leave the broken bed down!

grant you come from Glasgow... I imagine it was the some there....at the time they wanted the engines mainly... if they couldn't steal the vehicle they had been known to cut the engines out and leave the rest.... so me bed up or down would make little difference..

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[Gellyneck]

grant you come from Glasgow... I imagine it was the some there....at the time they wanted the engines mainly... if they couldn't steal the vehicle they had been known to cut the engines out and leave the rest.... so me bed up or down would make little difference..

And the wheels!
Oh, and then they'd come back and steal the bricks they left it up on first time around!

 

[Reallyretired]

Apologies for resurrecting an ancient thread from 2017.

We have recently downsized to a transit based low profile coachbuilt, and I was concerned about security due to their somewhat dubious reputation.

We have alarm, immobiliser and monitored tracker. Additional deadlock and one of those Fiamma straining bars on the hab door. It is also kept n secure storage, though occassionally on the drive if we're doing something on it.

Looking at sundry videos on youtube it would appear that the most vulnerable vehicles are PVCs which still have the original rear and side doors. The rear door allows the central locking to be unlocked with a hacksaw blade and the side door can be peeled down even without tools unless fitted with extra high level locks!

The cab doors can be picked with tools available on the net, as can Fiats and probably Mercedes. I haven't seen anything available for these doors more effective than a ratchet strap though the door handles, which is cheap and would necessitate breaking a window, in which case entry could be obtained even if you had fitted an expensive deadlock.

I think a steering lock could perhaps be useful, and a lock on the reversed driving seat is a cheap but effective deterrent.

Any other bright ideas?

 

[Badknee]

I quite like the idea of pedal locks where all three are covered and disc lock steering wheel covers get good revues.
gus-lopez made his own pedal locks.

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[TheBig1]

Apologies for resurrecting an ancient thread from 2017.

We have recently downsized to a transit based low profile coachbuilt, and I was concerned about security due to their somewhat dubious reputation.

We have alarm, immobiliser and monitored tracker. Additional deadlock and one of those Fiamma straining bars on the hab door. It is also kept n secure storage, though occassionally on the drive if we're doing something on it.

Looking at sundry videos on youtube it would appear that the most vulnerable vehicles are PVCs which still have the original rear and side doors. The rear door allows the central locking to be unlocked with a hacksaw blade and the side door can be peeled down even without tools unless fitted with extra high level locks!

The cab doors can be picked with tools available on the net, as can Fiats and probably Mercedes. I haven't seen anything available for these doors more effective than a ratchet strap though the door handles, which is cheap and would necessitate breaking a window, in which case entry could be obtained even if you had fitted an expensive deadlock.

I think a steering lock could perhaps be useful, and a lock on the reversed driving seat is a cheap but effective deterrent.

Any other bright ideas?

relocate and put a lock on the OBD port

Ford Transit OBD lock

I recently bought a new van as my daily driver and being a transit, I was very worried about the security issues. In particular the OBDII port by the driver's knee. It has been well reported in the press and indeed on this forum that the Transit as a base vehicle is extremely easy to steal. A...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

Fit a pedal lock

ATE pedal lock

I was searching for another security measure to protect our motorhome from theft, and thought of the excellent clutch claw, as was marketed to motorhomers at shows a few years ago. Not a bad price at £119, but the ability to fit an automatic van was a bit vague and non comital from the company...

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[DandG5515]

Garrisons locks Hykee drivers door lock replacement barrel (barst@@d to fit), full pedal lock, disc lock on steering wheel. (Crook lock waste of time as they hacksaw the wheel in minutes). That’s visual deterants to slow them down.

 

[Jamesh]

How about an isolator switch on the driver's seat with a lever to activate which you can then remove perhaps between the handbrake and the seat box??

Something like this...

24v Heavy Duty 1000 Amp Battery Isolator Cut Off Kill Switch Truck / Lorry | eBay

24v / 12V Heavy Duty Battery Isolator Master Cut off Switch. Simply Remove Key To Disconnect Battery. SUITABLE ALL 24V & 12v APPLICATIONS. 200A continuous.

www.ebay.co.uk

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[emjaiuk]

We’ve a Hymer A class with a Transit chassis. Hymer drivers door and normal hab door. Had to fit a tracker before Comfort would insure it.

 

[black Jake]

I am thinking of fitting covert flashing blues triggered by the alarm sensor which may attract the Police. I don’t think I would be prosecuted as I wouldn’t be driving but the crimes might!

 

[DandG5515]

We’ve a Hymer A class with a Transit chassis. Hymer drivers door and normal hab door. Had to fit a tracker before Comfort would insure it.

Comfort just don’t want to insure fords, they quoted me 3x what I normally pay. Your a class would not stand out as a Ford apart from the wheel trims.

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[Rimswell Wanderer]

I MAY (I stress the word May!) think of downsizing the van next year. The van I fancy has a Transit chassis. However, I’ve read many a post on stolen vehicles with a quote like, “Yet another Transit......What do you expect, it’s a Transit...” etc.

Leaving alarms to one side for a mo’, I’m aware that the cab door locks can be modded, or different and additional locks fitted, BUT, what’s the point of this when the hab’ windows etc are so vulnerable. Pop a rear window and you’re in the cab!

We have a 2015 Autotrail Tribute we use a clutch claw and a sold secure steering wheel lock plus a Tracker maybe a bit OTT
but a visual deterrent, Since I sent photos of the clutch claw to Caravan Guard I see they have started suggesting them as additional security, I know that some of the 4x4 response teams are using them on their Land rovers.as they are a prime target.

 

[pampam]

And spin seats round and lock in position facing habitation(altho this wont stop them stealing engine)
i have a 2017 lwb black transit,and am very aware of its allure to certain people,in fact on the odd occasion we stand on a carboot,we are guaranteed to get at least 2 comments from gents (with certain accents) on what a lovely van it is ,i had a new sliding gate fitted with lock on drive. After a visit by a couple of such gentlemen But if they want summat theyll have it!
i do like it tho (touch wood ,cos im tempting fate)

 

[Jamesh]

And spin seats round and lock in position facing habitation(altho this wont stop them stealing engine)
i have a 2017 lwb black transit,and am very aware of its allure to certain people,in fact on the odd occasion we stand on a carboot,we are guaranteed to get at least 2 comments from gents (with certain accents) on what a lovely van it is ,i had a new sliding gate fitted with lock on drive. After a visit by a couple of such gentlemen But if they want summat theyll have it!
i do like it tho (touch wood ,cos im tempting fate)

Mine is always first on the drive....

VW transporter in front....

Anyway if it gets nicked I'm off to get a VW crafter / man tge!!!!

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[gwyntaxi]

I did an insurance quote with Comfort today.

2nd question was 'Is it a Ford?'

I have read on a website that certain Ins. Companies will not insure The later Transit due to the amounts and regularity that they are stolen...just sayin.

 

[Badknee]

I’m not 100% sure Transits are that much easier to steal than other makes but that certain people find them attractive for breaking for parts or cloning. Our Ducato has a strikeback Growler, tracker, and we wire both the cab doors together with the seats reversed.
If they want it they may be able to take it eventually but the idea is to deter them from trying.

 

[Richard n Ann]

I am thinking of fitting covert flashing blues triggered by the alarm sensor which may attract the Police. I don’t think I would be prosecuted as I wouldn’t be driving but the crimes might!

If you don't switch them on and if they dont look blue they are legal.
I made some with clear high power blue LEDs and fitted them on my Land rover in the grille, looked flippin awesome at night, like an army bomb disposal vehicle

During testing:

Blue 3w LED

youtube.com

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[triky]

If you don't switch them on and if they dont look blue they are legal.
I made some with clear high power blue LEDs and fitted them on my Land rover in the grille, looked flippin awesome at night, like an army bomb disposal vehicle

During testing:

Blue 3w LED

youtube.com

This the arrangement i used on my "Autocruise Sunningdale" A long vinyl covered cable from Halfords ,threaded through the door handle & a padlock.!!

 

[triky]

If you don't switch them on and if they dont look blue they are legal.
I made some with clear high power blue LEDs and fitted them on my Land rover in the grille, looked flippin awesome at night, like an army bomb disposal vehicle

During testing:

Blue 3w LED

youtube.com

This is for the habitation door on the " Autocruise Sunningdale" .A Dog choke chain with quick release clips onto a sound base/fixing ,for added security at night .

 

[Stealaway]

Leaving alarms to one side for a mo’, I’m aware that the cab door locks can be modded, or different and additional locks fitted, BUT, what’s the point of this when the hab’ windows etc are so vulnerable. Pop a rear window and you’re in the cab!

I am not bothered about them getting in the van as we leave nothing in it worth stealing --- aside from the odd bottle of whisky

I only want to stop them nicking the whole van.
As such my idea of total security is to have a secret kill switch some where.
Even a cheap and simple battery isolator switch hidden under the bonnet -- to the starter motor maybe?

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