Security and Hydraulic Levelling Systems

[Joolsm]

I'm currently researching hydraulic levelling systems to use in conjunction with VB Full Air (HPC or E&P automatically drop the suspension when combined with VB I believe) and I have a few questions about security. When our new MH eventually arrives we'll be keeping it at a MH and caravan parking facility and so I want it to be as secure as possible.
I expect it will be pretty vulnerable to break-in (despite there being security cameras) but I want to ensure it's as difficult as possible to steal the vehicle. My questions re. levelling are:
1) On either HPC or E&P systems do the rams retract if the fluid cables are cut?
2) On either system, will the rams retract only if the ignition is on?
3) Is there another levelling system that fits my needs better?

In essence I want to be able to leave my MH raised without the possibility of it being lowered in my absence.

 

[Googlebot]

The rams shouldn’t retract if the lines are cut, normally they have a valve in to prevent this but I am not an expert in the system used by any means.

Incidentally, if I was that worried about it being nicked I was looking at preventing it being lowered, I would change my storage.

 

[David and Sally]

The rams on HPC rise if the ignition is on and the handbrake is released. Self levelling is a deterrent, not a prevention.

 

[peterc10]

I suspect your main security question should be what alarm and tracker should I get. Your insurance company will probably require either or both. The easy answer is contact Vanbitz who advertise on this forum.

 

[funflair]

I think that with both HPC and E&P the jacks will fail if the lines are cut, the Goldschmitt pro series is different in that it has the valves directly on the rams as opposed to a valve block at the pump, I believe that you can also lock the system with a pin code once the jacks are deployed.

As others have said though I wouldn't be replying on jacks for security but every little bit helps.

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[Old Gibber]

I'm currently researching hydraulic levelling systems to use in conjunction with VB Full Air (HPC or E&P automatically drop the suspension when combined with VB I believe) and I have a few questions about security. When our new MH eventually arrives we'll be keeping it at a MH and caravan parking facility and so I want it to be as secure as possible.
I expect it will be pretty vulnerable to break-in (despite there being security cameras) but I want to ensure it's as difficult as possible to steal the vehicle. My questions re. levelling are:
1) On either HPC or E&P systems do the rams retract if the fluid cables are cut?
2) On either system, will the rams retract only if the ignition is on?
3) Is there another levelling system that fits my needs better?

In essence I want to be able to leave my MH raised without the possibility of it being lowered in my absence.

Go for the electric Tesa Autolift system, and then fit a hidden switch between the battery and the system. Cheaper too.

 

[Two on Tour]

Go for the electric Tesa Autolift system, and then fit a hidden switch between the battery and the system. Cheaper too.

The Tesa Autolift system has a very small footplate and is only suitable for use on hardstanding unless you put pads under each footplate if you park up on grass.

 

[Old Gibber]

The Tesa Autolift system has a very small footplate and is only suitable for use on hardstanding unless you put pads under each footplate if you park up on grass.

It comes with large pads to put under the plates as standard, and even a short pole to position them and pull them out.

 

[Two on Tour]

It comes with large pads to put under the plates as standard.

Yes, but you still have to faff about lining up a pad under each of the four legs every time.

Great idea on your hands and knees when it pissing down with rain on wet grass.

 

[GeeCee]

I have the E&P levelling system fitted and I sometimes leave it in storage with the rams down. Howerver if someone were to break in and locate and pick up the operating handset (not difficult) they could easily lower the van off the rams and be away with it. As others have said you need to invest in a good alarm and/or tracker and make sure the storage facility itself is well protected.

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[Joolsm]

The rams shouldn’t retract if the lines are cut, normally they have a valve in to prevent this but I am not an expert in the system used by any means.

Incidentally, if I was that worried about it being nicked I was looking at preventing it being lowered, I would change my storage.

A fair comment, but our options are limited.

 

[Joolsm]

Thanks for all the helpful comments so far. I understand that nothing is a perfect security option and so I have already been in contact with VanBitz re. Alarm and Non-Starter, which would acts as the ‘main’ security. My questions about the leveling systems are to try and work out which would be the best and most secure option to supplement an alarm and immobiliser.

 

[Joolsm]

I think that with both HPC and E&P the jacks will fail if the lines are cut, the Goldschmitt pro series is different in that it has the valves directly on the rams as opposed to a valve block at the pump, I believe that you can also lock the system with a pin code once the jacks are deployed.

As others have said though I wouldn't be replying on jacks for security but every little bit helps.

This sounds interesting…I should imagine it would work in conjunction with the Goldschmitt air suspension. And probably more expensive too!

 

[Peppadog]

Our E&P system, like all others I guess, requires ignition on to raise or lower.
As previously stated, if the handbrake is released while the ignition is on, it will raise the legs automatically.
I have an older strikeback alarm that only works now with the internal sensor, but it works. I have security locks fitted to doors and garage, and I fit an old fashioned krooklock to make it harder to get in and the steel. Still probably the best security device? I would not leave my van in storage, they are a target area. But my drive might be one day, who knows?

 

[Joolsm]

Our E&P system, like all others I guess, requires ignition on to raise or lower.
As previously stated, if the handbrake is released while the ignition is on, it will raise the legs automatically.
I have an older strikeback alarm that only works now with the internal sensor, but it works. I have security locks fitted to doors and garage, and I fit an old fashioned krooklock to make it harder to get in and the steel. Still probably the best security device? I would not leave my van in storage, they are a target area. But my drive might be one day, who knows?

Unfortunately we live in an apartment in the city centre - options are limited for parking. Somehow I don’t think it will fit in our underground parking space!

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[gus-lopez]

Your insurance company will probably require either or both.

He lives in spain.Doubtful they will require anything.

 

[Old Gibber]

Yes, but you still have to faff about lining up a pad under each of the four legs every time.

Great idea on your hands and knees when it pissing down with rain on wet grass.

Gee, get a life! Never need to get on my hands and knees to put the pads under, that's what they provide the rod for if you read back. The back jacks are directly behind each wheel anyway so only 2 jacks somewhat underneath. Frankly any self levelling system will sink in soft grass, so when the ground is that soft, I use a bit of common sense and opt for hard standing.

Hey ho, you've made your point, you don't like the Tesa system.

 

[Jofang]

I'm not familiar with the system you mention but I am an hydraulics engineer. There is no firm answer to your question without seeing the hydraulic cylinders or a least a circuit diagram, but I would expect such cylinders to feature a pilot operated check valve mounted on the cylinder to allow the vehicle to be raised for long periods without sagging down, in which case cutting any of the hydraulic lines would have no effect at all, as the oil would be locked inside the cylinder rendering it unable to move.

 

[Carpmart]

I'm not familiar with the system you mention but I am an hydraulics engineer. There is no firm answer to your question without seeing the hydraulic cylinders or a least a circuit diagram, but I would expect such cylinders to feature a pilot operated check valve mounted on the cylinder to allow the vehicle to be raised for long periods without sagging down, in which case cutting any of the hydraulic lines would have no effect at all, as the oil would be locked inside the cylinder rendering it unable to move.

I can confirm I have left my vehicle ‘up’ on the E&P for three months and no discernible drop in that time.

 

[Speve]

Fit strike back with non starter even if they can get rams retracted they won’t be able to drive off

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[Jim]

Gee, get a life!

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[mitzimad]

jacks down wheels of jacks up should work well

i just though about that you could put the wheels under the van

 

[Speve]

They now require a tracker if you want to be covered for theft

To be honest we have found LV= to very competitive on insurance and a lot less hassle to deal with although I have never had to claim. Your van is probably worth a fair bit more than ours so would not know if they want tracker fitted for something over £100k

 

[funflair]

To be honest we have found LV= to very competitive on insurance and a lot less hassle to deal with although I have never had to claim. Your van is probably worth a fair bit more than ours so would not know if they want tracker fitted for something over £100k

I am not sure that LV would even quote, but would be interesting if they did and covered Croatia.

 

[Southdowners]

Our E&P system, like all others I guess, requires ignition on to raise or lower.
As previously stated, if the handbrake is released while the ignition is on, it will raise the legs automatically.
I have an older strikeback alarm that only works now with the internal sensor, but it works. I have security locks fitted to doors and garage, and I fit an old fashioned krooklock to make it harder to get in and the steel. Still probably the best security device? I would not leave my van in storage, they are a target area. But my drive might be one day, who knows?

Ours doesn't require the ignition on to raise/lower.

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[DuxDeluxe]

We are getting E&P jacks very soon and not worried from a security point of view. Insurance required alarm and tracker but had the non starter for added peace of mind even though it made no difference to Comfort, who are incidentally very good on price as well as claims service

 

[funflair]

Ours doesn't require the ignition on to raise/lower.

Ours is the same, the difference between fitted in Germany and fitted in UK I think.

 

[Coastal Cruiser.]

Probably best deterrent is a removable steering wheel

 

[Peppadog]

Probably best deterrent is a removable steering wheel

Yes. Also useful for seat rotation on many vans. But where to get one nowadays? Last time I looked nothing seemed available.
I guess in wheel airbags have done for them?

 

[Coastal Cruiser.]

Yes. Also useful for seat rotation on many vans. But where to get one nowadays? Last time I looked nothing seemed available.
I guess in wheel airbags have done for them?

The Iveco based van offer them as an option but not sure of any others.
No doubt you can find them as they can be fitted to most vehicles but as you say without airbags also.

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