Multimedia, Alarms and allsorts!!

[Rivermount]

Hi, we are newbies to motorhoming and have just got our first van. We are still very much in the learning stage and have done a few mini trips getting used to things and trying to work out what we might and might not need to add to the vehicle. We know we need to add an alarm system and also would like to add an integrated multimedia radio at some point, that would also be the screen for a reversing camera/satnav etc. We only have a temporary radio in at the moment that my son gave us as it came with nothing. We have been looking at Vanbitz alarms and also Kenwood multimedia stations (yes horrified at the cost of these things these days!!!) Being not at all knowledgeable on these things, it may sound a daft question but would the wifi aspects on one bit of equipment interfere with the other? We don't want to make expensive mistakes if we can help it! Any thoughts and suggestions all welcomed!! Thank you!

 

[Riverbankannie]

If you are considering an alarm from vanbitz (good choice) then ask them about a radio/reversing camera system. If travelling abroad, it’s useful to have a radio with Bluetooth link to your smartphone so you can obtain British radio stations over the 4g network.
As for satnavs, you need one that is easily updateable. The integrated one in out van is not so I use a standalone garmin. A lot of people also swear by google maps on a phone or tablet. I do use this too as an alternative way of finding out where exactly I am !

 

[Quackers]

Was down at Vanbitz for an alarm a few days ago, really good company to deal with.

 

[f6c]

Welcome aboard

 

[DBK]

An alarm isn't compulsory, we didn't get one fitted for several years. It was only after our first trip to Italy during which we parked in some questionable places we decided to get one. The VanBitz stuff is excellent but ours from Outsmart the Thief suits us and includes a tracker and remote immobiliser. They fitted it on our drive. But you can also beef up the physical security for example Proplate thingies under the door handles on Fiat chassis vans and if it's a Transit base then OBD protection.

Where you live is also a factor as of course is where the vehicle is kept, especially if parked on the street.

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[RubyOptics]

We know we need to add an alarm system and also would like to add an integrated multimedia radio at some point, that would also be the screen for a reversing camera/satnav etc. We only have a temporary radio in at the moment that my son gave us as it came with nothing.

Whilst vans are new to me, ICE is not If you are looking for a cost-effective solution, may I suggest you look at some of the head units available from Alibaba et. al. The problem with a garmin or similar is that in reality, as soon as you've bought it, it's out of date. Using an online service such as google maps or Sygic also seems to be popular here (you can input the size of your van and it will help to stop you form going somewhere you can't fit!).
You will need to determine whether you can fit a single or double DIN unit and there are a huge variety of android head units on the market for very reasonable prices. These will allow you to use GPS, connect to online music streaming services, connect to your phone for making calls etc etc.
Edit - Sound quality is mostly determined by your speakers, these can be upgraded very cheaply at a later date if you feel the need.

 

[Rivermount]

Thank you for your replies. Will have a look at some of those things.

 

[Stealaway]

We know we need to add an alarm system

Look up your local Thatcham Cat1 alarm fitter on Google. He will come to your place to fit it.
I've just had a Clifford one fitted to my new van (because the insurance company insisted on it) for £299.00.
It take around an hour.

I have a mate with one of these - he thinks it's wonderful

10.1" Android 9.0 8core 4+32G Car Multimedia Player 1DIN PX6 + Backup Camera | eBay

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[Madcaravanner]

My in car entertainment , is also my Sat Nav and can have a rear view camera and be isolated (proof of hand brake being applied ) to show DVD and MP4 we use an MP3 stick for when we can't be bothered with the radio it came from Ebay for Less than £110

 

[Landy Andy]

Take a look here regarding alarm, tracker, and immobiliser.

Caravan & Motorhome Security Specialist

Caravan & motorhome security systems available at Outsmart the Thief Ltd. We have a great range of market-leading security devices, alarms, trackers &...

www.606060.com

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[63720]

I personally wouldn't combine too many features in one unit. It complicates updates, upgrades and if it goes down you lose the lot.