Motor home tracker advice please

[LittleJayne]

Hello - we had our motor home stolen recently - we got it back and have added some extra security locks. I would like to put a tracker on it does anyone have advice about the best ones to buy please?

 

[Richard n Ann]

There is a huge range from cheapo Chinese ones you use with an app to the older very expensive ones that come with a call centre.
How much do you want to spend?

 

[Belledog]

We have global telematics. Can’t tell you how good or bad it is as yet but good reviews. We also have a ghost watch immobiliser and growler alarm. Nothing more we can do if they decide to nab it.

 

[pappajohn]

You have a choice of two types.
A monitored tracker which is quite expensive plus an annual fee but is monitored by a tracking center.
The other is a self fit which you monitor on your phone.... Cheap and subscription free. works OK but no backup.
Depending what you opt for will help with your request.
Self fit type will not get police assistance but monitored trackers generally do.

 

[Jewellbags]

We have a voda phone one and it’s very good . Very easy to use , good settings and traceability

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[g3cwi]

I have a rewire security one (UK Company). I self fitted it (easy). It cost £59.95. No subscription required. SIM from Gifgaff gives data that does not expire. Just bought £10 allowance a few years ago. I have had it for a few years now. No issues. https://www.rewiresecurity.co.uk/

 

[Peter and Julie]

Hello - we had our motor home stolen recently - we got it back and have added some extra security locks. I would like to put a tracker on it does anyone have advice about the best ones to buy please?

Phantom tracker are a good make and service is great.

 

[Peter and Julie]

Phantom tracker are a good make and service is great.

Mine cost £349.00 that 24h call, movement sensor plus alarm notification. Cheap if your van runs to 10's of thousands.

 

[Coolcats]

.

 

[Phill D]

We have a voda phone one and it’s very good . Very easy to use , good settings and traceability

Any more information on this please?

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[Coolcats]

Hello - we had our motor home stolen recently - we got it back and have added some extra security locks. I would like to put a tracker on it does anyone have advice about the best ones to buy please?

https://www.tracker.co.uk/ is one with multiple technology and varying options. Good customer service as well

 

[Jewellbags]

Any more information on this please?

I’ll look for the details of the device when I get hom e

 

[Mark McG]

Another vote for Rewire. Very impressive Services for the annual £60 fee

 

[g3cwi]

Another vote for Rewire. Very impressive Services for the annual £60 fee

Annual fee? Mine does not have a fee. £59.95 was a one-off payment.

 

[Two on Tour]

Annual fee? Mine does not have a fee. £59.95 was a one-off payment.

That's because like me one of my Rewire Security trackers is donkey's years old and they don't supply GiffGaff sims anymore and if your fit your own GiffGaff sim they are now monthly top up or they expire, so hold onto that sim as it's gold dust

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[ceejayt]

We have a S orphan Tracker - lots of features, web access and a phone app. Geofence the vehicle wherever you are and know as soon as it moves

 

[Jewellbags]

I’ll look for the details of the device when I get hom e

Right we have a vodaphone automotive protect and connect S7 system . It cost £ 444 fitted (ouch) but enables me to geo stamp locations so I know when it moves , find its current location , get notices when my daughter exceeds certain speed limits , put in garage or ferry mode to stop false warnings. Vodaphone have called me before when I forget to disable it when at the garage as well. Let me know if you need more info . It also gave me a warning when my batteries were low

 

[Stanbrook]

The choice is endless.......

Name	EU	Pro	Cert
Autowatch (Track & Trace 1)			Thatcham S7
Autowatch (Track & Trace 5)			Thatcham S5
CanTrack(Asset / Protect)			Thatcham Category S7
CobraTrak (S5) Request more info			Thatcham S5
Hal-Locate (Hal 3000) Request more info			Thatcham S7
Meta Trak(S5 V2) Request more info			Thatcham S5
Meta Trak(S7) Request more info			Thatcham S7
Phantom (Guard Pro / Pro III / Sentinel / iTrack / iTrack OBD)			Thatcham S7
Phantom (Guard Pro S5 / iTrack Secure 5 / iTrack secure 5+ / Sentinel Five / Sentinel Five+)			Thatcham S5
Rewire Security (S7)			Thatcham S7
Rewire Security (S5, S5+)			Thatcham S5
Scorpion (ScorpionTrack HD S7)			Thatcham S7
Scorpion (S5-VTS)			Thatcham S5
SmarTrack (Protector Plus / Protector Pro / Protector Pro Global / Trident) Request more info			Thatcham S7
SmarTrack (5 / 5DRS) Request more info			Thatcham S5
Sargent (Swift Command Tracker / Sargent Tracking (Auto-Trail Connect))			Thatcham S7
Teletrac Navman (Trackstar S5)			Thatcham S5
Teletrac Navman (Trackstar S7)			Thatcham S7
TRACKER (S5 Plus)			Thatcham S5
TRACKER (Locate / Monitor / Plus / Vantage)			Thatcham S7
Van Bitz (Shadow VTS)			Thatcham S5
Vodafone (Protect & Connect S5 / Protect & Connect S5 Plus)			Thatcham S5
Vodafone (Protect & Connect S7)			Thatcham S7
Older devices (Thatcham delisted or discontinued but still acceptable)
Autotxt (RVCS6)			Previously Thatcham CAT 6
British Tracking Systems (Predator)			Previously Thatcham CAT 5
CobraTrak (Plus / Plus Web / ADR / First / First Mobile / Q / Q Attivo)			Previously Thatcham CAT 6
CobraTrak (5 / 5 Web / NavTrak ADR 5)			Previously Thatcham CAT 5
Global Telematics Ltd (Group 999 CAT 5)			Previously Thatcham CAT 5
Hal-Locate (Hal 1000 - must be ProActive)			Previously Thatcham CAT 6
Metasystems (TVM CAT 5)			Previously Thatcham CAT 5
Masternaut (MCU2)			Previously Thatcham CAT 5
Meta Trak(5)			Previously Thatcham CAT 5
Meta Trak(6 / 6 V2 / VTS / TVM110 / Defcom Trak)			Previously Thatcham CAT 6
Neo-Trac (One)			Previously Thatcham CAT 5
Phantom (Pro II/Pro Active)			Previously Sold Secure
RedWeb Technologies Ltd (RX10)			Previously Thatcham CAT 5
Road Angel (Trac-It)			Previously Thatcham CAT 6
Scorpion (ScorpionTrack CAT 6 - ST50 / Scorpion Track HD CAT 6 - ST60 / Scorpion Track Fleet 'Secure' CAT 6 - ST70)			Previously Thatcham CAT 6
Scorpion (ScorpionTrack CAT 5 - ST55)			Previously Thatcham CAT 5
Scorpion (Pursue / 5)			Previously Thatcham CAT 5
SmarTrack (Alert24 / Toad Track TT1000)			Previously Thatcham CAT 6
SmarTrack (Alert24 Keyguard)			Previously Thatcham CAT 6
SmarTrack (CAT 5 / CAR 5 DRST / CAT 5 PRO DRS)			Previously Thatcham CAT 5
Trackstar (Trafficmaster)(TM100 / TM400 / TM450 / TM460)			Previously Thatcham CAT TQA
Teletrac Navman (Trackstar CAT 5)			Previously Thatcham CAT 5
Teletrac Navman (Trackstar Leisure / Trackstar CAT 6 / Trackstar Advance)			Previously Thatcham CAT 6
Toad (Toad Track 1000)			Previously Thatcham CAT 6
TRACKER (CAT 5 Plus)			Previously Thatcham CAT 5
TRACKER (Response)			Previously Thatcham CAT 6
TRACKER (Retrieve - battery powered) *Only accepted on certain models see below.			Previously Thatcham CAT 7
Trak (Global Solutions Ltd) (Swiftrak)			Previously Thatcham CAT 6
Trafficmaster (Trackstar 5)			Previously Thatcham CAT 6
Trafficmaster (Protector 2 / Trackstar TM470)			Previously Thatcham CAT 6
Vari-Trac (One)			Previously Thatcham CAT 5
Vodafone (Protect & Connect 5)			Previously Thatcham CAT 5
Vodafone (Protect & Connect 6)			Previously Thatcham CAT 6

*Tracker Retrieve only acceptable when fitted to:

• 2013 – 2016 models of Swift, Autocruise, Bessacarr and Escape Motorhomes.
• 2015 – 2019 models of Elddis Marquis Majestic range and Elddis Tyne Valley Signature range.
• 2018 - 2019 models of the Elddis Preston Supreme range.
• 2019 models of the Elddis Brownhills Evolution range.
• 2019 Glossop Chatsworth.

For fitment to other motorhomes please contact us.


Unaccepted tracking devices
Tracking Devices that are not accepted for motorhomes (for new customers) include:

• Any self track devices
• Any pay as you go track units
• Any self fitted device
• Glopos
• iMob
• Locator
• Mtrack
• Metis Trackers
• Navman
• Orchid
• Outsmart The Thief Defender
• Phantom Target/Non Pro Active
• Sky Tag Tracker
• SureTrack
• TrackBak
• Tracker Echo
• Tracker Horizon
• Trackstar Plus

Top tips when choosing a motorhome tracking device

• European cover
  Make sure the tracking device you choose can operate in the countries you plan to visit. There are different types of European cover offered by tracking devices. Some devices will simply be able to tell you the location of your motorhome when it is stolen abroad, whereas other devices offer full European monitoring and recovery with locally accredited monitoring centres to co-ordinate police response on your behalf in European countries.
• Proactive tracking devices
  Such devices can alert you and your tracking device company as soon as thieves disturb or move your motorhome, allowing for the quickest possible recovery.
• 24 hour monitoring centre
  Leave the monitoring and recovering to the professionals. We do not accept self monitored devices.
• Certifications
  Tracking devices that have been certified as Thatcham Category S5, S7, CAT 5 or CAT 6 approved – click here for details about security certifications.
• Low battery alert
  If your motorhome is not used for long periods, battery power to your tracking device could soon run out, rendering your tracking device useless. Some devices will alert you if battery power runs low.

certifications
Thatcham Category 6 approval (discontinued)
These tracking systems are monitored and due to their proactive nature can identify unauthorised movement of a motorhome. These devices allow a motorhome to be tracked by the monitoring service to precise street map level.

Thatcham Category 5 (discontinued)
These Tracking systems are designed specifically for powered vehicles such as motorhomes (not caravans) and are effective against the current trend of thieves breaking into houses to steal vehicle keys. Owners are supplied a separate driver identification tag or card which is intended to be kept separate from your motorhome keys. If your motorhome is moved using keys but the driver's identification tag is not present in the motorhome, the tracking device monitoring centre immediately identifies your motorhome as likely to be stolen. CAT 5 devices allow police to immobilise a stationary vehicle under controlled conditions. Such systems tend to be a more expensive to install and monitoring fees can cost more than a CAT 6 or 7 device.

S5 Category
Classed as vehicle tracking systems. It’s expected most devices that were Category 5 will migrate to S5 approval subject to Thatcham research centre testing. However, the S5 category removes the need for CAT 5 devices to have various functions such as remote engine immobilisation. Devices will still need to have a driver identification tag feature. We expect some previous Category 6 approved devices will add a driver identification tags and resubmit themselves for S5 approval.

S7 Category
Classed as asset location systems. This category largely combines previous Thatcham category 6 and 7 device standards into one. Subject to Thatcham testing many CAT 6 and 7 devices will become S7 approved.

Thatcham TQA (Thatcham Quality Assured) approval
Thatcham Quality Assured (TQA) tracking and location devices are tested to prove that the device meets minimum insurance requirements. The TQA accreditation was replaced by the CAT 6 and CAT 7 accreditations. There are certain devices (such as Trackstar TM100) that we continue to accept as they did carry TQA approval but which have since been superseded by newer devices.

Goodluck

 

[Speve]

You need a Vanbitz non starter for reassurance that van won’t be driven away with stolen keys best money I spent on our van peace of mind
And it has a tracking device not Thatcham.

 

[Spawn_e_git]

We have global telematics. Can’t tell you how good or bad it is as yet but good reviews. We also have a ghost watch immobiliser and growler alarm. Nothing more we can do if they decide to nab it.

I have the same.
The App was a bit flaky at first but it's been good for a while. They called me last year just as the channel tunnel train started to move off towards France from Folkstone.
They also called twice recently when I had two battery swaps due to the engine battery flattening during lockdown. They called within a minute of me disconnecting the battery on both occasions. I paid for the lifetime subscription as I intend on keeping the van for a good while.
Recently put a private plate on, no charge to update records either.

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[PJGWiltshire]

As can be seen the sky is the limit as to what to pay. A question you need to ask is. Can the tracker be blocked. I asked this question when I was about to renew my subscription. I have found out the the bad guys now buy off e bay a simple tracker blocking gadget. As trackers use mobile phone signal the gadget blocks the signal from getting past it. Thus the message does not get to the monitoring company. They then make efforts to find the tracker and remove it then steal the van. I then decided to have the Meta trak system installed which stops the engine being started full stop. I get notified that the alarm has been activated. Yes if they use a blocker the vehicle simply will not start. I have now cancelled the tracker subscription.
check your insurance does not require a tracker if you go down this line

 

[Wellington]

Gap security did mine. They came out the next day and did it. It was £250 and £12 a month, which easily I save on the insurance premium. I can’t remember what it is, but I’ll have a look tomorrow if you want more info. I hummed and hawed a bit on the phone (to figure out if it was a good buy) and they offered put in a better tracker at a cheaper price.

 

[Coolcats]

You need a Vanbitz non starter for reassurance that van won’t be driven away with stolen keys best money I spent on our van peace of mind
And it has a tracking device not Thatcham.

With so many tracking companies it must be big business, but I also wonder how many of those listed are providing the same tracking unit but their own service centre and marketing activity.

it was also good to see Caravan Guard show a range of trackers which are not acceptable including the cheapo self install ones as there is no service centre.

 

[Coolcats]

As can be seen the sky is the limit as to what to pay. A question you need to ask is. Can the tracker be blocked. I asked this question when I was about to renew my subscription. I have found out the the bad guys now buy off e bay a simple tracker blocking gadget. As trackers use mobile phone signal the gadget blocks the signal from getting past it. Thus the message does not get to the monitoring company. They then make efforts to find the tracker and remove it then steal the van. I then decided to have the Meta trak system installed which stops the engine being started full stop. I get notified that the alarm has been activated. Yes if they use a blocker the vehicle simply will not start. I have now cancelled the tracker subscription.
check your insurance does not require a tracker if you go down this line

Anything and everything to help stop a thief has to be good.

 

[Brains]

We looked in trackers, alarms and immobilisers, and then when for the best.

Our very first trip, straight from the dealers door was to visit Eddie VanBitz in Taunton (which was a 200 mile diversion off our route home)
They fitted a tracker, alarm and immobiliser (and a few other bitz) .

Considering the amount is costs to replace a motor home, (insurance never pays out in full) I'm rather surprised that in this day and age anyone does not have tracker/alarm/immobiliser fitted as standard.

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[g3cwi]

It’s a good thing that they don’t really. Their motorhomes are far more likely to be stolen than ours.