Vanbitz Motorhome Alarms. End of an Era?

[Jim]

I had my first alarm fitted by Vanbitz almost 30 years ago, and every motorhome since has taken me to Taunton to get it protected. The quality of the product, the skilled workmanship, and their attention to detail made Vanbitz the standout name in motorhome security; by a country mile.

A few years back, Ed and Lyn sold the business and their campsite to fund their retirement. The buyer had no background in motorhome security, but nothing initially changed. The same trusted Vanbitz team stayed on, and under the capable management of Ed and Lyn's son, Ash, the brand's reputation continued to grow.

Recently, however, I learned that Ash is leaving Vanbitz to start a new venture specialising in motorhome alarms. I don't know exactly what's gone on behind the scenes or why Ash has been so unhappy, but his departure marks a big change.

What this means for Vanbitz is unclear. Losing Ash, and potentially other key staff, could significantly impact their capability. Whether Vanbitz will continue fitting alarms going forward remains to be seen.

For those of us with Vanbitz systems who've come to rely on their seemingly lifetime support, this news raises questions. The company was always there when you needed them. What happens now is anyone's guess.

 

[Otter Spotter]

Without Ash and the gang then Whoever owns Vanbitz is going to really struggle to offer the same quality service and aftercare.
I presume that Ash will have to sign some form of ‘none poaching’ clause so we will have speak to him directly if we need him. It will be interesting to see what his new venture is.

 

[Dolmen]

Wasn’t this to be expected? When eddie sold the business he said at the time that Ash didn’t want it, one of the reasons being he wanted to live in Cyprus

 

[eddie]

Wasn’t this to be expected? When eddie sold the business he said at the time that Ash didn’t want it, one of the reasons being he wanted to live in Cyprus

Ah well, life gets in the way and takes over.

Ash’s profile picture shows my beautiful Granddaughter Olivia, and dreams of living the life of the Lotus Eaters get put on hold when raising Children.

Like all things in hindsight, things would probably be different now, if we knew then what we know now!

 

[dryad]

Recently, however, I learned that Ash is leaving Vanbitz to start a new venture specialising in motorhome alarms.

then presumably the best person to contact now will be ash who knows alarms etc inside out and will presumably be setting up elsewhere..
he’s still a member here so that’s good..
AshVanBitz

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[MisterB]

If the gang are going on separate paths, I wish them the best for their future

 

[Flairy]

Thankyou to Eddie Lyn and Ash for the amazing backup over the 20+ years since my alarm was fitted ,I wish you all the best ash whatever you do.

 

[Tombola]

If ash is setting up I'm sure there will be an opportunity for existing vanbitz system owners to jump on board with him.

 

[ShiftZZ]

Such a shame, loved the lot of them, yes even Eddie

 

[JeffH]

It's a great shame to read about vanbitz, however, I have had my first alarm fitted over 25 years ago and I can remember ash just starting out in the workshop. Over the years and another 8 or so alarms later I have seen Ash learn and move into the running of the business and become the person to go to if you needed anything, his knowledge about motorhome alarms or having an inverter or new batteries fitted has been spot on.

I wish Ash and his team every success with the new business and I will absolutely be booking my next new van in with him. It is the people and how they do their job for you and look after you that matters in business and that's why i will 100% be supporting Ash because I know I can trust him.

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[Saucer]

That is very interesting. We had our alarm fitted a few weeks back and were brought through the system by Ash and Nick, having previously met the new owner who said he had bought the business from the family. We wondered how that worked…now we know.

 

[Terry]

Speaking of Eddie and Ash can anyone shed light on a small question 2month old Raptor/Growler alarm went off, accidentally then turned back on with fob -The blue lights were flashing 3 times in quick succession- following morning the alarm was turned off and back on all ok but wondering what happened ? I have said friend must have done something and the constant 3flashes will be a code but he says I didn’t do anything Can anyone shed a light please

 

[Dolmen]

Ah well, life gets in the way and takes over.

Ash’s profile picture shows my beautiful Granddaughter Olivia, and dreams of living the life of the Lotus Eaters get put on hold when raising Children.

Like all things in hindsight, things would probably be different now, if we knew then what we know now!

Ain’t that the truth, things I was going to do and then life stepped in

 

[HugoBNB]

From personal experience, the original management and staff of good businesses rarely survive long after a takeover.
Good luck with your new venture Ash.

 

[Abacist]

Such a shame it hasn’t worked out for Ash but things were bound to change with a new owner. It’ll be hard starting over and setting up again but no doubt Eddie will help him.

I had the same sort of thing with my son but we got him out and helped set him up on his own and he’s back enjoying life again.

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[Tombola]

. Deleted possibly a bit too sensitive info.

 

[Phill D]

Whatever Ash does I am sure it will be well thought out.
I wish him and his young family every success

 

[Minxy]

Vanbitz and Cornish Farm.

Visited the website of one of my favourite campsites, Cornish Farm, to find a fresh new look to the web page. On reading the news section I learned that the campsite AND Vanbitz had been sold in December to new owners. Presumably this was when Eddie retired, but what surprised me was that the...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[ShiftZZ]

Such a shame, loved the lot of them, yes even Eddie

Changed my mind, can't stand that Eddie bloke. Ash ok, Lyn brilliant. But Eddie, miserable git...



Only joking..

 

[Chris]

Such a shame, loved the lot of them, yes even Eddie

I am sorry, but that is pushing it.

Loved Vanbitz, but Eddie?

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[Gellyneck]

Changed my mind, can't stand that Eddie bloke.

Thankfully I read to the end of the thread!
Was about to challenge your previous post but relieved that you've come to your senses again!

 

[Chris]

Changed my mind, can't stand that Eddie bloke. Ash ok, Lyn brilliant. But Eddie, miserable git...



Only joking..

That’s more like it.

 

[Minxy]

Changed my mind, can't stand that Eddie bloke. Ash ok, Lyn brilliant. But Eddie, miserable git...



Only joking..

Ah but which one are you joking about?

 

[ShiftZZ]

Ah but which one are you joking about?

Nobitz. Who else.

 

[Landy Andy]

That’s the problem with going with these small companies. Things change and then the support has gone.

Shame Ash wasn’t given the company, and it was sold to others.

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[pandas]

I had my first alarm fitted by Vanbitz almost 30 years ago, and every motorhome since has taken me to Taunton to get it protected. The quality of the product, the skilled workmanship, and their attention to detail made Vanbitz the standout name in motorhome security; by a country mile.

A few years back, Ed and Lyn sold the business and their campsite to fund their retirement. The buyer had no background in motorhome security, but nothing initially changed. The same trusted Vanbitz team stayed on, and under the capable management of Ed and Lyn's son, Ash, the brand's reputation continued to grow.

Recently, however, I learned that Ash is leaving Vanbitz to start a new venture specialising in motorhome alarms. I don't know exactly what's gone on behind the scenes or why Ash has been so unhappy, but his departure marks a big change.

What this means for Vanbitz is unclear. Losing Ash, and potentially other key staff, could significantly impact their capability. Whether Vanbitz will continue fitting alarms going forward remains to be seen.

For those of us with Vanbitz systems who've come to rely on their seemingly lifetime support, this news raises questions. The company was always there when you needed them. What happens now is anyone's guess.

The King is dead, long live the King. Things change - sometimes for the better sometimes worse but it changes.

 

[Darrel@VanBitz]

Thank you for your continued trust in Vanbitz over the years — it means the world to us.


While it’s true that Ash will be moving on to pursue a new venture, we want to reassure all our valued customers that Vanbitz remains very much open, fully operational, and committed to delivering the same 5-star service that has made us the UK’s leading name in motorhome security.



Our experienced and dedicated workshop team — the same skilled professionals who have fitted and supported your systems over the years — are all staying with us. We are immensely proud of the quality, workmanship, and customer care that define Vanbitz, and nothing about that is changing.



We sincerely thank Ash for his contributions and wish him the very best in his new chapter. Meanwhile, Vanbitz continues to thrive, evolve, and protect your motorhomes to the highest standard — just as we always have.



I hope this gives everyone a clear view moving forward from Darrel at van bitz

 

[ShiftZZ]

Serious note,.

I have always had excellent service and support from Vanbitz, Ash has sorted me out more than once, even on bank holidays, and yes I was an muppet.

I for one will be a customer of whatever Ash does, nothing has been too much trouble, just like Eddie...

I noticed a change in Vanbitz about 2 years ago, not the same as when Eddie was in charge. But things have moved on and so will I...

 

[PaulW2]

That is a shame. But hopefully if Ash will be setting up independently as an alarm provider there will at least be continuity of expertise in the market. Wishing Ash and the team all the best with their new venture.

(Just saw Darrel's post. A French CEO I worked for once asked an assembled crowd of hundreds of UK workers "What is better than a cake?" Everyone was a bit puzzled. A pint? A Ferrari? A pile of broccoli? "Two cakes" was his answer. So with a bit of luck we may now have two cakes in the motorhome security market. I'll watch this space to ensure that it doesn't all turn into a plate of spaghetti.)

 

[maison]

If Ash does set up a new venture I sincerely hope he will introduce it to us here, on MHF. Too good a level of service to lose.

(With Jim’s permission of course).

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