Tracker, is there any point?

[Chrissy101]

In this case they wont pay out anyway will they ?

No but police weren't interested either.

 

[Coastal Cruiser.]

Thieves just font give a......

Low level crime for the police, first thing is they give you a crime number and then you won’t hear from them again! One 3t machine was spotted tracking down a dual carriage way into the back of a horse box in a Sunday I know of 7 excavators stolen in 6 months around that area!!

 

[Pausim]

It's on 'fun' home page. The woman had left the keys in whilst loading.

I eventually tracked down an article that seems to fit. Couldn’t find it on Motorhomefun Home but I do now vaguely recall an earlier posting about it. Disappointed but not surprised the Met Police were not particularly interested, they often just issue a crime number for insurance purposes. Both they and the insurance company might have been more sympathetic if there had been a tracker but that wasn’t mentioned in the article I read. They probably give priority to cases where the owner had not made the theft easy. Do you have a reason for linking this to a tracker?

 

[Chrissy101]

I eventually tracked down an article that seems to fit. Couldn’t find it on Motorhomefun Home but I do now vaguely recall an earlier posting about it. Disappointed but not surprised the Met Police were not particularly interested, they often just issue a crime number for insurance purposes. Both they and the insurance company might have been more sympathetic if there had been a tracker but that wasn’t mentioned in the article I read. They probably give priority to cases where the owner had not made the theft easy. Do you have a reason for linking this to a tracker?

I just thought if the police weren't going to recover it how would I get it? What would be the point of knowing where it was. We do need more security, just deciding what. It's a 2013 van conversion so not 100k but it's special to us. We have a disclok, seats turned around and padlocked and at present under cctv but the alarm isn't great!

 

[Mleabon]

That’s the beauty of the vanbitz/wattguardz meta non starter!
Other than lifting with a crane or towing they can’t get the van started if you enable it on the app!!
This is what makes my blood boil with insurance companies, I can get a tracker with subscription and when it gets nicked the nice lady at the call centre will tell you where it’s being burned out or stripped out, whereas my non starter would ensure it doesn’t go off my drive in the first place yet they won’t give me any money off my premium!!

Me too.

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[Mleabon]

You do hear of motorhomes being recovered that have trackers fitted. Not all of them but some. So I think it's worth it if it increases the chances of recovery. But you need other deterrents as well. ie good alarm (growler) and metatrak immobiliser plus physical deterrents too. Deadlocks. Wheel clamps, etc.

 

[Chrissy101]

You do hear of motorhomes being recovered that have trackers fitted. Not all of them but some. So I think it's worth it if it increases the chances of recovery. But you need other deterrents as well. ie good alarm (growler) and metatrak immobiliser plus physical deterrents too. Deadlocks. Wheel clamps, etc.

Even if it's an old van? We've got disclok, seats padlocked together, alarm? 2013 van conversion

 

[Janine]

I contacted a local scrapman to come and collect some metal that I was getting rid of.

First thing he did was have a good nosey round my van and tell me I needed to get a steering lock on it.

I had to smile

 

[Mleabon]

Even if it's an old van? We've got disclok, seats padlocked together, alarm? 2013 van conversion

Well that's up to you. I guess it depends how much you value it and how upset you'd be if it went. (and if your insurance demands it - mine does)

 

[Chrissy101]

Well that's up to you. I guess it depends how much you value it and how upset you'd be if it went. (and if your insurance demands it - mine does)

Thanks for the reply. Insurance isn't bothered. I guess, as you say, how upset would we be if it was stolen.

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[stewartwebr]

I probably wouldn’t have one, but it’s a requirement of my insurance, along with secure Platinum CASOA storage which cost me £60 a month and it’s never there. Just view it as part of the premium.

 

[Coastal Cruiser.]

Unfortunately if someone wants your vehicle you are pretty much done for, I have a few mates who recently had machines stolen from their yards, one found the trakers on the floor in the yard and the other one they found his trakers a mile away in a lay bye so if they want it they will take it.
Obviously have the technology to find trakers and disable them

 

[PlacidoD]

The problem is that they are nearly all fitted in the same place on a Fiat Ducato. I won’t say where though, but I expect most do know!

I am amazed that nobody contributing to this thread has mentioned s7 battery powered self-fit trackers.

They are not wired to the 12V system so you can hide them where you want. There is a review of several models here:

Guide to battery powered tracking devices

Caravan Guard gives you their top picks for battery powered asset location systems to keep tabs on your motorhome or caravan. Read more here...

www.caravanguard.co.uk

I have the Matrix iQ MagTrack+

It is still on special offer until the end of this month (i.e this Sunday) with CAMC:

Matrix iQ

www.caravanclub.co.uk

I get a discount on my insurance premium with one fitted AND they are more difficult to detect than wired in trackers.

£178.95 including 1st year subscription

 

[beachwomble]

I had the bee's knees tracker fitted. The tracking company doesn't know where the van is because I'm in Switzerland. They don't tell you that when you buy it.

 

[AshWattGuardz]

I supply and install tracking system nearly everyday of the week and it isn't because I try to sell them. The majority of insurance companies specify that a tracking system is a requirement and do not offer their services if you do not have one installed.
I have never been an advocate for tracking systems as they can be located using handheld devices, they can be blocked easily, they are a complete after-thought and they only really benefit the insurance companies. You are basically paying for an additional insurance policy to protect your insurance provider!
"Prevention is better than cure", so first and foremost, give the vehicle a visual presence. Flashing LED's positioned around the vehicle will deter a considerable amount of potential thieves. If one vehicle is flashing, and one vehicle isn't, which one do you think they are going to focus on? Don't go for extra locks. These can bring the wrong attention as it can say that you are holding items of high importance/value and make your vehicle more desirable. Let them get in as easily as possible without causing damage and that bring me onto the next thing.
Number two is "Audible". If they still want to break in they are going to regardless of what you put in front of them. So have sirens front, back, inside, outside. Make it as uncomfortable as possible and bring attention to the vehicle. Most won't want to hang around to see what happen next.
But then there will always be the ones left over that just do not care and they are determined to get your pride and joy. Isn't it better to stop them from being able to take the vehicle instead of hoping to get it back (and that is if you actually want it back!!).
So the third this is "Additional immobilisation upgrades" and this is a much better option. Even if they have your keys, these devices will prevent them from starting the vehicle. This is what I recommend to all my customers.
However the insurance companies generally have the final say so if you are going to the expense of having a tracking system, go that little bit further and have the immobilisation upgrade with it. And also make sure that your tracking system runs on 4G so it not restricted on the countries where it will work.
If you currently have a 2G system you will probably already know that these do not work in Switzerland. France have announced that their 2G will be turned off by the end of the year as well. Many more countries across Europe will be following in suit but there are no specific times to when that will happen. It may be wise to check with your insurance companies to see if you are covered in those countries as I have heard that some of them are stating that you are not (anyway that they can avoid paying out!).

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[gus-lopez]

I just thought if the police weren't going to recover it how would I get it?

You go to where the tracker says it is & drive it back home if it can be driven.If not you recover it on the recovery truck you took with you or tow it back.

What would be the point of knowing where it was.

As above you go & pick it up & take with you people who wish to do harm to others,just for a laugh,in case you meet the thieves

I had the bee's knees tracker fitted. The tracking company doesn't know where the van is because I'm in Switzerland. They don't tell you that when you buy it.

my self fitted ones have contract sims in them & work all over europe as I check them regularly

 

[PlacidoD]

I supply and install tracking system nearly everyday of the week and it isn't because I try to sell them. The majority of insurance companies specify that a tracking system is a requirement and do not offer their services if you do not have one installed.
I have never been an advocate for tracking systems as they can be located using handheld devices, they can be blocked easily, they are a complete after-thought and they only really benefit the insurance companies. You are basically paying for an additional insurance policy to protect your insurance provider!
"Prevention is better than cure", so first and foremost, give the vehicle a visual presence. Flashing LED's positioned around the vehicle will deter a considerable amount of potential thieves. If one vehicle is flashing, and one vehicle isn't, which one do you think they are going to focus on? Don't go for extra locks. These can bring the wrong attention as it can say that you are holding items of high importance/value and make your vehicle more desirable. Let them get in as easily as possible without causing damage and that bring me onto the next thing.
Number two is "Audible". If they still want to break in they are going to regardless of what you put in front of them. So have sirens front, back, inside, outside. Make it as uncomfortable as possible and bring attention to the vehicle. Most won't want to hang around to see what happen next.
But then there will always be the ones left over that just do not care and they are determined to get your pride and joy. Isn't it better to stop them from being able to take the vehicle instead of hoping to get it back (and that is if you actually want it back!!).
So the third this is "Additional immobilisation upgrades" and this is a much better option. Even if they have your keys, these devices will prevent them from starting the vehicle. This is what I recommend to all my customers.
However the insurance companies generally have the final say so if you are going to the expense of having a tracking system, go that little bit further and have the immobilisation upgrade with it. And also make sure that your tracking system runs on 4G so it not restricted on the countries where it will work.
If you currently have a 2G system you will probably already know that these do not work in Switzerland. France have announced that their 2G will be turned off by the end of the year as well. Many more countries across Europe will be following in suit but there are no specific times to when that will happen. It may be wise to check with your insurance companies to see if you are covered in those countries as I have heard that some of them are stating that you are not (anyway that they can avoid paying out!).

All of the above is very sound advice Ash. I absolutely agree.
My premium reduction and the tracker subscription more or less cancel each other out otherwise I would not bother and I am not at the premium end of the market so I otherwise stick with low cost items like blue flashing lights but I would be heading your way if there were few more noughts on the value of my MoHo!

 

[Chrissy101]

I supply and install tracking system nearly everyday of the week and it isn't because I try to sell them. The majority of insurance companies specify that a tracking system is a requirement and do not offer their services if you do not have one installed.
I have never been an advocate for tracking systems as they can be located using handheld devices, they can be blocked easily, they are a complete after-thought and they only really benefit the insurance companies. You are basically paying for an additional insurance policy to protect your insurance provider!
"Prevention is better than cure", so first and foremost, give the vehicle a visual presence. Flashing LED's positioned around the vehicle will deter a considerable amount of potential thieves. If one vehicle is flashing, and one vehicle isn't, which one do you think they are going to focus on? Don't go for extra locks. These can bring the wrong attention as it can say that you are holding items of high importance/value and make your vehicle more desirable. Let them get in as easily as possible without causing damage and that bring me onto the next thing.
Number two is "Audible". If they still want to break in they are going to regardless of what you put in front of them. So have sirens front, back, inside, outside. Make it as uncomfortable as possible and bring attention to the vehicle. Most won't want to hang around to see what happen next.
But then there will always be the ones left over that just do not care and they are determined to get your pride and joy. Isn't it better to stop them from being able to take the vehicle instead of hoping to get it back (and that is if you actually want it back!!).
So the third this is "Additional immobilisation upgrades" and this is a much better option. Even if they have your keys, these devices will prevent them from starting the vehicle. This is what I recommend to all my customers.
However the insurance companies generally have the final say so if you are going to the expense of having a tracking system, go that little bit further and have the immobilisation upgrade with it. And also make sure that your tracking system runs on 4G so it not restricted on the countries where it will work.
If you currently have a 2G system you will probably already know that these do not work in Switzerland. France have announced that their 2G will be turned off by the end of the year as well. Many more countries across Europe will be following in suit but there are no specific times to when that will happen. It may be wise to check with your insurance companies to see if you are covered in those countries as I have heard that some of them are stating that you are not (anyway that they can avoid paying out!).

Thanks Ash for the info, it sounds great. The insurance company isn't bothered (van worth 35ish) We've got disclok, padlocked seats together. Our alarm isn't great. Could I get a quote?

 

[Pausim]

There is a review of several models here:

Guide to battery powered tracking devices

Caravan Guard gives you their top picks for battery powered asset location systems to keep tabs on your motorhome or caravan. Read more here...

www.caravanguard.co.uk

“ A minimum of one means of transmission of signal (essentially the technology used to send its location – this can be via GPS, GSM or VHF)”
I do get a bit concerned when authoritative articles think GPS is a means of transmission. I believe it is the bit that works out the location but doesn’t transmit anything.

 

[AshWattGuardz]

Thanks Ash for the info, it sounds great. The insurance company isn't bothered (van worth 35ish) We've got disclok, padlocked seats together. Our alarm isn't great. Could I get a quote?

Apologies for the delayed reply.
Absolutely. Please send me and email with your vehicle details and I would be happy to provide you with some options.
info@wattguardz.com

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[Chrissy101]

No worries. You responded to an email sent.

 

[Lenny HB]

I have a tracker which cost me £35 fitted to my van in a place of my choosing so not easily found (I hope) It has a geofench so if it leaves I get a text within 10 seconds so can see where it is on an app. The subs are £50 a year. Perhaps I have 2 at that price!! Not needed on my insurance.

Same here.

 

[Brianmor]

I've put a Chipolo tracker in mine for £20 you can follow it anywhere in the world where people have either an android or iphone.
The wife's keys and purse, all our vehicles including our pushbikes have them as well.
They just work.

 

[Brains]

As a minimum get a Alarm, Tracker, Immobiliser fitted.
Best on the Motorhome market is WhattGuardz (ex VanBitz)

Plus fitt one extra device. Steering lock, clutch claw, disk lock, turned seats etc.

 

[DesmoDog]

I'm told our new Autotrail V-line is fitted with a Sargent tracker as standard.
I'll need to swap the registration into my name and pay the subscription.

When getting quotes for insurance last Friday I didn't know about the tracker at first and a lot of companies were refusing to quote.
I phoned the Dealer to ask if anything was fitted and they explained the situation with the Sargent tracker.
Once declared it opened up the quotes that had been refused.

It would of course be helpful if the dealers vehicle details mentioned the tracker as I'm sure some will have paid OTT for their insurance without knowing about it.

The subscription appears to be less than the difference in the quotes with and without it.

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[Dolmen]

I wouldn't have one if it was not for the insurance, however, I have no emotional commitment to my van, if its stolen I would hope the insurance pay up and I would get another one. I have spoken to many motorhome owners who love their van, not any van, just the van they have and they would be devastated if they didn't get it back so a tracker is an absolute must for them.

 

[AshWattGuardz]

I'm told our new Autotrail V-line is fitted with a Sargent tracker as standard.
I'll need to swap the registration into my name and pay the subscription.

When getting quotes for insurance last Friday I didn't know about the tracker at first and a lot of companies were refusing to quote.
I phoned the Dealer to ask if anything was fitted and they explained the situation with the Sargent tracker.
Once declared it opened up the quotes that had been refused.

It would of course be helpful if the dealers vehicle details mentioned the tracker as I'm sure some will have paid OTT for their insurance without knowing about it.

The subscription appears to be less than the difference in the quotes with and without it.

Just make sure your factory fitted unit uses 4G if you are planning on travelling in the EU. You do not want to be in the position where your insurance company refuses to pay out if your system is not operating fully at the time.

 

[Mixyblob]

I fitted 2. One is relatively easy to find and looks the part, even has a flashing light but does nothing.
The other is way harder to find and does the job.
Even if it proves useless at finding the van if its stolen, its worth the £60 per year just to keep tabs on where and when we were on our travels.

 

[DesmoDog]

The problem is that they are nearly all fitted in the same place on a Fiat Ducato. I won’t say where though, but I expect most do know!

I wish I knew.
I can't find mine to change the battery so I can buy a subscription!

Sargent Tracker

The 2021 Auto Trail V-Line 635 SE we’ve just purchased is fitted with a Sargent Tracker, which helped reduce our insurance premium. Although I’ll fit another as I’m sure any experienced thieves know where to find them. I’ve set up a MyAutoTrail account, but when I tried to pay for a...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[CV20Bobby]

The problem is that they are nearly all fitted in the same place on a Fiat Ducato. I won’t say where though, but I expect most do know!

Not too sure about that , there was a post yesterday about a tracker needing new battery on a Ducato van ,he couldn’t find it to change battery . I found where mine was by chance and messaged him to let him know where mine was , he messaged back this morning that his tracker wasn’t hidden where mines is. Both Ducato PVC .

Edit: it’s the post above this
Maybe you could message him to tell him .

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