Should I upgrade my security?

[Poppy and Hamish]

Hi, I am super new to motorhoming. I picked up my new purchase yesterday. Was very nervous about driving a large vehicle for the first time, but it was fine. I have been researching the forums and other places to prep for motorhome life and was concerned about theft and security. More research and I decided to get Vanbitz to install the growler and non starter systems. However, when I picked the Motorhome up yesterday, I discovered it already has an extra alarm fitted, that I wasn’t aware of previously. It is a Cobra.

Essentially, my questions is, although I know this won’t have as many features as the growler, is it good enough? It seems silly to replace the alarm if there is a perfectly acceptable one in it (I will still get the non starter), but as I have already budgeted for the growler, if the cobra isn’t very good, more than happy to upgrade. I just can’t stand needless waste of resources for the sake of terms of both my pocket, and the environment and not wanting to be part of the throw away culture.

 

[Dutch 68]

Hi, I am super new to motorhoming. I picked up my new purchase yesterday. Was very nervous about driving a large vehicle for the first time, but it was fine. I have been researching the forums and other places to prep for motorhome life and was concerned about theft and security. More research and I decided to get Vanbitz to install the growler and non starter systems. However, when I picked the Motorhome up yesterday, I discovered it already has an extra alarm fitted, that I wasn’t aware of previously. It is a Cobra.

Essentially, my questions is, although I know this won’t have as many features as the growler, is it good enough? It seems silly to replace the alarm if there is a perfectly acceptable one in it (I will still get the non starter), but as I have already budgeted for the growler, if the cobra isn’t very good, more than happy to upgrade. I just can’t stand needless waste of resources for the sake of terms of both my pocket, and the environment and not wanting to be part of the throw away culture.

Why not ask eddievanbitz for an honest opinion, he is the professional

 

[CazPaul]

It’s daft to replace a perfectly good system when it’s already got an alarm fitted, don’t waste your brass.

 

[Poppy and Hamish]

It’s daft to replace a perfectly good system when it’s already got an alarm fitted, don’t waste your brass.

Thanks, I suppose that was part of my question really, if it's a perfectly good alarm system or not Which you have now answered

 

[rolosroller]

I would leave alone. And get a few extras. Clutch claw . steering wheel lock .And a few claymore mines

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[Poppy and Hamish]

Haha, thanks. It also comes with a pedal lock (different brand to clutch claw, probably because it doesn't have a clutch!). Also a bar over the habitation door.

 

[Stealaway]

It sounds ok to me especially if it's Thatcham approved. Your insurance will insist that it is.
It seems that the previous owner was careful about security.
Unless it's a Ford

 

[ShiftZZ]

We changed our van and went to Vanbitz, the van had a Cobra alarm system, and apparently a tracker which was not active..

From my own personal viewpoint I would go to vanbitz and install Growler and remove Cobra, then you now its good.. Was the Cobra professionally installed?

Im on my second Vanbitz alarm and about to have Lithium installed..

 

[Revolvor]

I think the Vanbitz Non-starter is an add-on to Strikeback or Growler. It can't be installed in isolation.

 

[Poppy and Hamish]

It sounds ok to me especially if it's Thatcham approved. Your insurance will insist that it is.
It seems that the previous owner was careful about security.
Unless it's a Ford

I was really lucky with the vehicle I found, they were careful about everything, bad it's in immaculate condition.

Not a Ford! Haha

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[The general]

.And a few claymore mines

Make sure you face then the correct way

 

[The general]

Unless it's a Ford

The old chestnut

 

[Otter Spotter]

You need to look at what the cobra system does, does it have 5 LEDs and 5 sirens to deter thiefs?
Dies Cobra have aSiren inside to burst scrotes eardomes if they get inside? If it doesn’t then Vanbitz Strikeback and Growler will and if you have the Metatrak tracker with app then you will know where your van is at anytime and you can immobilise the van at will.
Go to Vanbitz, the piece of mind will be brilliant.

 

[Poppy and Hamish]

We changed our van and went to Vanbitz, the van had a Cobra alarm system, and apparently a tracker which was not active..

From my own personal viewpoint I would go to vanbitz and install Growler and remove Cobra, then you now its good.. Was the Cobra professionally installed?

Im on my second Vanbitz alarm and about to have Lithium installed..

I have no idea about the installation history sadly. Was just shown the alarm fob when picking it up, so not really sure what is covers

 

[Brains]

Find out more about the Cobra.
If its a 'car' alarm system, then you are probably better off upgrading to VanBitz.
But if its a decent 'motorhome' alarm system then leave alone.

Our van came with a Vodafone tracker (and no alarm).
We went to VanBitz and had the lot fitted, including tracker.

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[Poppy and Hamish]

You need to look at what the cobra system does, does it have 5 LEDs and 5 sirens to deter thiefs?
Dies Cobra have aSiren inside to burst scrotes eardomes if they get inside? If it doesn’t then Vanbitz Strikeback and Growler will and if you have the Metatrak tracker with app then you will know where your van is at anytime and you can immobilise the van at will.
Go to Vanbitz, the piece of mind will be brilliant.

No it doesn't. Problem is I am not sure what the Cobra does so hard to compare, but absolutely not the same as Strikeback and Growler. Thanks, peace of mind is important

 

[Poppy and Hamish]

Find out more about the Cobra.
If its a 'car' alarm system, then you are probably better off upgrading to VanBitz.
But if its a decent 'motorhome' alarm system then leave alone.

Our van came with a Vodafone tracker (and no alarm).
We went to VanBitz and had the lot fitted, including tracker.

I have the manual for the cobra and it's not very detailed. Possibly because those features don't exist. I have no idea if the bonnet is covered for example... I guess I was hoping some of the forum users would know if it's a decent motorhome specific one to help inform my decision.

 

[GMLS]

A Cobra was prefitted to our last wan when we picked it up. It was less than a year old. The insurance company wanted proof it was fitted by a professional and the van came with a certificate to prove this. It was a pretty basic alarm but satisfied the insurance company. When we get our new van I will try and get a Strikeback if there is a slot available within the grace period allowed

 

[Stealaway]

The old chestnut

It seems that every time a motorhome is reported stolen on here or Facebook it's invariably a tranny based model

 

[Kups]

No it doesn't. Problem is I am not sure what the Cobra does so hard to compare, but absolutely not the same as Strikeback and Growler. Thanks, peace of mind is important

We had a dealer fitted alarm system replaced by Van Bitz best. They removed the dealer system main wiring in three minutes as it was wired to the OBD port. Says a lot for security of that system.

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[Otter Spotter]

No it doesn't. Problem is I am not sure what the Cobra does so hard to compare, but absolutely not the same as Strikeback and Growler. Thanks, peace of mind is important

forgot to mention bonnet sensor and loop sensor for bikes or chairs outside van

 

[Verteuil Man]

It sounds ok to me especially if it's Thatcham approved. Your insurance will insist that it is.
It seems that the previous owner was careful about security.
Unless it's a Ford

If you insure with Comfort they do not ask about Thatcham.

 

[Stealaway]

If you insure with Comfort they do not ask about Thatcham.

They always have with me if I wanted the discount.

 

[Verteuil Man]

They always have with me if I wanted the discount.

When I first insured I went round the houses with C&CC, CAMC answering all the multitude of questions, Ave you got? Is it Thatcham etc. Phoned Corform and all they wanted to know was do you have a tracker. I told them I have wheel clamps, steering wheel lock and a mirage of other devices. He said we are not bothered about them, they are for your own peace of m8nd. All we want is tracker. That was in 2019.

 

[Verteuil Man]

So the answer to the OP's question is. How much do you value your motorhome? The last time I heard of Cobra alarms was back in the 1980's on Ford Capri's.

We have a Strikeback system on ours and it gives you a peace of mind. It has some features we have not used yet such as gas detection but 8 will work it out at some point.

We work on the theory that more is better without over kill. And what you have should be good. After all, you are protecting a considerable investment and you might get a bit more on resale.

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[Stealaway]

When I first insured I went round the houses with C&CC, CAMC answering all the multitude of questions, Ave you got? Is it Thatcham etc. Phoned Corform and all they wanted to know was do you have a tracker. I told them I have wheel clamps, steering wheel lock and a mirage of other devices. He said we are not bothered about them, they are for your own peace of m8nd. All we want is tracker. That was in 2019.

I'll never understand the way insurance companies are thinking.
I also insured my new 59 grand Burstner in 2019. There was no mention of tackers only a Thatcham alarm which I had fitted at my dealer's before I collected it.
I don't want to try and understand how they arrive at individual premiums
I give up!

 

[Verteuil Man]

I'll never understand the way insurance companies are thinking.
I also insured my new 59 grand Burstner in 2019. There was no mention of tackers only a Thatcham alarm which I had fitted at my dealer's before I collected it.
I don't want to try and understand how they arrive at individual premiums
I give up!

If we understood we would be millionaires.

 

[Otter Spotter]

I'll never understand the way insurance companies are thinking.
I also insured my new 59 grand Burstner in 2019. There was no mention of tackers only a Thatcham alarm which I had fitted at my dealer's before I collected it.
I don't want to try and understand how they arrive at individual premiums
I give up!

I think the issue is that the insurance companies know that most alarms and trackers can be bypassed very easily because most work through the OBD port so take seconds to break.

It would take more than a few minutes to deactivate a Vanbitz alarm by which time if you have Growler they will have burst eardrums and will not be able to think.

my Insurer Motorhome Guard were chuffed and complimentary when I advised them that Vanbitz had fitted my alarm and offered me a discount, instead I asked them to increase sum assured at no cost so a form of discount.
The LEDs outside the vehicle are a very strong Deterrent.

 

[ShiftZZ]

We always feel safe with strikeback, we have it on at night when we are inside, it gives you that safe feeling..
By all acounts the installation is complex and involves working behind the dash. All the work and wiring is very tidy, you also get some stickers to warn any thief that the van is alarmed, this is in multiple language,. I also have a photo of
eddievanbitz Sitting on a portaloo in a side window as extra security.

Having travelled through Europe for three months, the number of vans that appear not to have an alarm is a worry. That flashing blue light is a comfortable feeling..

Go for Strikeback/growler, failing that a picture of Eddie..

 

[Verteuil Man]

I think the issue is that the insurance companies know that most alarms and trackers can be bypassed very easily because most work through the OBD port so take seconds to break.

It would take more than a few minutes to deactivate a Vanbitz alarm by which time if you have Growler they will have burst eardrums and will not be able to think.

my Insurer Motorhome Guard were chuffed and complimentary when I advised them that Vanbitz had fitted my alarm and offered me a discount, instead I asked them to increase sum assured at no cost so a form of discount.
The LEDs outside the vehicle are a very strong Deterrent.

The blue LEDs keep my neighbour awake so I have to leave them off. She lives on the other side of the road.

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