Vanbitz Security (1 Viewer)

[PaulSalsero]

Hi everyone I am a new member of "Motorhome Fun" and a new motorhomer: I have owned my 2013 Chausson Flash 10 MH for a year but have been too busy to set it up for use yet. I am very security conscious and my MH is in secure storage on CCC site and although my MH is not particularly valuable I do not intend to start using it until I have it fully alarmed with a tracker. I am thinking of Cat 1 and Cat 5. My research (such as it is) suggests that Vanbitz might be the best if also the most expensive. I have found the Vanbitz literature veryconfusing. I can understand that the product needs to be promoted but I wish it was accompanied by a simple separate clear cut description of the system. The accompanying text about why I should use Vanbitz and how thieves operate is very valuable but mixed up with the specification it just confuses. What I am thinking of getting is: Strikeback £600 + non-starter £400 + Metatrack £760 + £198 which is about £2,000. I am still thinking about adding extra sirens or "Growler". I will also add deadlocks to driver/passenger/habital doors and some visible deterents . I want to do some wild motorhoming and want to be able to leave MH parked while I go for long walks etc. My questions are 1) Any comment re Strikback+Non-starter+Metatrack? 2) Am I specifying more than I need. 3) Should I add anything. 4) Any suggestions.

 

[andy63]

Hi and welcome to fun...
Unless your insurance insist on a dedicated monitored tracker you have that facility with the alarm and non starter... You can request the location of your mh at any time and view it on google maps so personally i wouldnt bother spending on a tracker as well...spend the money on a disc lock and a pedal clamp... good items of visible security which make their job a bit more time consuming and difficult.
Andy

 

[scotjimland]

Eddie, the owner of Vanbitz is a Fun member and will be able to advise @eddievanbitz

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[PaulSalsero]

I am new to blog sites but have just read 2 helpful replies to my post from andy63 and scotjimland and don't know which of these gentlemen will receive this but thanks guys.

 

[Langtoftlad]

Obviously everyone's security needs are different... and there are other systems which are [probably] just as good as Vanbitz [and just as expensive].

I'm by no means an expert... but;
It is my understanding that cheaper systems often use the vehicle's own canbus & wiring loom and thus are easily defeated...
Vanbitz [and similar] use their own wiring loom and are specific to your vehicle.

I have Vanbitz Strikeback - I didn't go for Growler as I'm personally not convinced of the value or effectiveness of alarms, even loud ones, but it was a requirement of the insurance company.
I also had them install Metatrak's Non Starter - this is a brilliant bit of kit... imo.
Effective as a tracker too.
My cost for both was under £1k with Funster discount.

Whatever the value of your MH, what is the value of piece of mind?
If it's broken into, the alarm will hopefully scare them off, if they try to steal it - it won't start, if they drag it onto a low loader - you can see where they take it, if you leave the keys in the ignition and it's nicked - you can stop it at the next set of lights...
...and if your mechanic takes it for a road test, you can see how carefully he drives!

What do they say about bike locks - spend about 10% of the value?

 

[PaulSalsero]

Thanks Stephen very helpful - I wish I had got on this site months ago I am at last getting near a decision.

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[Wombles]

Suggest giving Van Bitz a call so they can advise best for your requirements - much easier than trying to work that out from the website info. It's also worth becoming a paid Fun subscriber as if you are a paid member & quote the relevant discount code when booking your appointment with them then up to 10% discount discount

 

[PaulSalsero]

Many thanks Wombles.

 

[Jagtazman]

We have Growler and Non Starter. Speak to Eddie will be able to explain difference between non starter and a full blown thatcham rated tracker. Then you can decided which you would like.

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[PaulSalsero]

Many thanks Jagtazman.

 

[Jagtazman]

Many thanks Jagtazman.

Np don't forget to join here best money you will ever spend

 

[icantremember]

As others have said, Vanbitz offer a discount to Funsters but you must be a fully paid member and to quote the discount code when you order from VB... if not you will miss the discount which would more than pay for your MHF subs.

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[Gorse Hill]

My insurance doesn’t require any requirements and I don’t have any (Adrian Flux), and I did spend what I consider a lot of money.
Just get out and enjoy your van, you have insurance to cover any loss that’s what’s its for.
If someone really wants you van nothing is going to stop them no matter what security you have.
If you do want it then Vanbitz are certainly one of the best.
Just go out and enjoy your van and don’t worry everything will be ok, if not you have insurance

 

[Carol]

Hello Paul Welcome to Motorhome fun, as others have said to get full advantage of the forum best to become a full member £15 a year then you can ask as many questions as you like otherwise you just get 5 free posts which I think you have now used. Up. The discount you would get from @eddievanbitz alone would pay it a couple of times over.
When you do get your van on the road I'm sure you will have a lot more questions.

 

[Speve]

Hi We have just had our new van fitted with Strikeback with two extra sirens and the non starter which can be used as a tracker, we had strikeback on our previous van and as far as I’m concerned the best you can get.
Never had a problem with it either.

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[Theonlysue]

Worth looking at autowatch ghost that SAP at doncaster fit.

 

[DuxDeluxe]

I have a (factory fitted) Scorpion system. Not totally happy with it but the insurance are happy. I’ve had strike back on the last three vans and really rate it as the very best

 

[Anthea M]

Is your van on a Ford Chassis ? If so an alarm is a must as these seem the easiest to steal.
Our new to us van may not be the most expensive but to us it was bought with hard earned cash and savings and would hate some scrote to have nicked it !
We went to Eddievanbitz on recommendation of fellow funsters and are very pleased with the product and service they provide. Plus they have a lovely campsite to stay on!!

Hello and welcome!

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[Phantomphixer]

Apologies if you have read this post that I posted yesterday elsewhere on the forum just thought it was appropriate to repost it here.
As few follow forum link backs.


What price security? My opinion...

Well I worked in the Commercial Intruder Alarms and Integrated system business for many years. If a thief wants it they will have it full stop! A local Caravan dealer had 3 vans stolen they just wrapped chains around the A frames and dragged them onto trailers.

There are many schools of thought on how to approach security. Make it secure as possible and hope the yobbos pick an obviously less secure target. Fit physical security and do not bother with alarms. Let the Insurance Company take the weight and not bother with any security. These are but a few. I guess it’s all relative to the value of your van and possessions within.

With a Determined thief or professionals, you stand no chance they often steal to order, you have to accept that! (A friend who was a transport manager had three Lorries stolen, it was discovered that they had been booked on a ferry to France the week previous to being stolen).
You might be able slow them down and make it damn awkward to take, which may buy you valuable time, this may well be key to stopping them, or perhaps them abandoning the attempt.

Alarm systems, these come in many types, Thatcham approved being the most secure and recognised by the insurance industry, most vehicles are already fitted with alarm systems some Thatcham approved some not, normally the insurance company will want to know which system you have and what Level of Thatcham type approval it has. There are 3 levels for alarms 1, 2 and 2/1. however please be aware there are some companies that give convincing specifications on their systems however they may not have Thatcham type approval. Be wary if the company uses wireless detectors and door contacts, to my knowledge these do not fall in line with the Thatcham guidelines. My advice would be always use hard wired detectors / contacts, One, they are generally more secure, and Two, if you have to replace them they are less costly and you will have a variety of options available rather than having to stick with the wireless manufacturers sensors.


Trackers, a lot of insurance companies like them or insist on them, I think it depends on the vehicle your insuring. How do they work? In a nutshell they receive signals from the GPS satellites, triangulate the position of the receiver, and resend (push) that data via the cellular network to a GPS tracking server to be read by tracking apps or software. Disabling them? Yes you can, GPS / SPS (L1 1575.42MHz) can be jammed, wideband jammers can remarkably be purchased very easily, or for those with the knowledge can make simple equipment to do the same. The uplink via the cellular network is less likely to be compromised however there is a question of the signal coverage in the area you are located.

However a thief can never really be sure that the signal has been compromised, so another common tactic would be to gain access and rip the tracker out. In MH's that have factory fitted trackers I'm pretty sure the installation location of these devices would be well known, however the location of those fitted by security companies would be relatively unknown. If you have a commercial tracking system already fitted, you might also wish to consider a second tracker, a thief would be unlikely to expect a second device! Considering the cost of these devices today, they could almost be used as a sacrificial device, used so that when the thief has located it and removed it, he is now confident that he has got rid of the device and will no longer be tracked. A typical cheap unit for those that wish to have something rather than nothing or to be used as a backup would be the TK103 series of trackers, Google is your friend! Please note the suffixes at the end of the model numbers denote the various functions the unit has so make sure you are purchasing the right model for your needs.
Generally Insurance companies do not accept Alarm systems to Trackers that are self-fitted.

Immobilisers these are generally part and parcel of the alarm system, however more secure standalone devices can be purchased that are more secure and more importantly can be controlled remotely via an app or a computer. These have the benefit that should you lose or have your keys stolen you can disable the vehicle remotely

Stopping them getting in!!!???. IMHO would be difficult because there are few RV's that I would say are inherently secure .... Perhaps panel vans? The leisure industry tends to use chocolate to fabricate their doors, windows and roof-lights because weight is a factor, this is unlikely to change. However making it unbearable to stay in the van is a viable option. Internal sounders can produce a wall of sound that deters even the most determined (even with ear defenders). You might want to consider an alarm that has a deafening internal sounder system. If you have an existing system and you wish to enhance the internal sounder, Google “Sound Bomb” this is a quad Piezo Electric sounder with a low current consumption that is deafening, install two of these in your van you won’t want to hang around.

Physical security, this is a good visual deterrent, and is generally accepted as a good way of slowing the criminals down. I’m sure that professional criminals know how these devices can be removed but it’s a good deterrent to the casual thief and another weapon in the armoury!

So back to the original comment what price security? Well if I have spent a considerable amount on a Motor home, personally I think it’s a no brainer not to secure it to the best of your ability, why would you not?

On collection mine is going straight to a specialist to have an additional alarm and remote immobiliser fitted. Additionally I will be fitting a few little surprises along the way for any would be thief, which I will not be discussing on any social media.

These are my personal views and you may wish to take different measures or none at all, its just my 2d!

 

[Phantomphixer]

Just as an aside, something worthy of note I had a Ifor Williams box trailer cut off the back of my tow vehicle. It vanished without trace. The police brought up a very good point, when I asked them about stopping and checking vehicles.
They said do you know how many twin axle Ifor Williams box trailers there are on the the road, all look identical! Good point! They recommended making the replacement stand out, make it easily recognisable or at least give it some easily recognisable distinguishing marks! I had the next one custom painted.
I'm not suggesting that you paint your van but I guess there are a number of vinyl wrap or large mural company's around.
Just a thought!

 

[Neilfg]

Apologies if you have read this post that I posted yesterday elsewhere on the forum just thought it was appropriate to repost it here.
.....
On collection mine is going straight to a specialist to have an additional alarm and remote immobiliser fitted. Additionally I will be fitting a few little surprises along the way for any would be thief, which I will not be discussing on any social media.

...

Which remote immobiliser are you going to get fitted?

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[hilldweller]

Any suggestions.

Take a deep breath and relax.

Then search FUN for days and see how many thefts occur. Remember an alarm detects an attack, it cannot prevent it, so if you park in an isolated spot and go for your walk you might as well leave the doors open.

Have you read Jim's security handbook ?

 

[Phantomphixer]

Which remote immobiliser are you going to get fitted?

Definitely Non Starter by Vanbitz

 

[Phantomphixer]

Take a deep breath and relax.

Then search FUN for days and see how many thefts occur. Remember an alarm detects an attack, it cannot prevent it, so if you park in an isolated spot and go for your walk you might as well leave the doors open.

Have you read Jim's security handbook ?

That said. If it's in a remote spot. One the thief's have to know it's there. Then they have to be going out with the intent to steal a motorhome. Then they have to be tooled up with the appropriate equipment to disable the alarm, disable the tracker, remove physical security.
My view would be that opportunist thief's that came across a MH in a remote area probably would not be carrying this sort of equipment on them on the off chance they may come across a MH.
However if you are targeted and followed to a remote location they would be better off mugging you for the keys.
If your targeted, forget it they will take your motorhome winch it up on to a low loader and away. However that depends on how serious you take security. If they can't start it for whatever reason there only option is to tow it or low loader it.
Be unconventional disabling your motor home.
Just saying!

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[MikeD]

Talk to Eddie - he is a straight guy and will not give u bad advice. He has been a member on here for some years and nobody and I mean nobody speaks ill of him.

 

[emo]

Definitely Non Starter by Vanbitz

Yes Vanbitz all the way for us

 

[hilldweller]

That said. If it's in a remote spot. One the thief's have to know it's there. Then they have to be going out with the intent to steal a motorhome. Then they have to be tooled up with the appropriate equipment to disable the alarm, disable the tracker, remove physical security.

They can be in a motorhome using a Swiss army knife in 10 seconds, grab a load of goodies and be off before anyone takes any notice.

A motorhome is Aladin's Cave to poor people.

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[Phantomphixer]

They can be in a motorhome using a Swiss army knife in 10 seconds, grab a load of goodies and be off before anyone takes any notice.

A motorhome is Aladin's Cave to poor people.

Indeed as I said in my post. I could probably say the same for your house, car, garage and shed. I've no doubt I could enter any of them in a similar manner. Having been in the industry and the military it would not be difficult.
However the more defensive security you put in the way the more it becomes unlikely or difficult. Unfortunately you can only apply security to a certain level, the ultimate security would be difficult to apply.

Incidentally I feel those people less fortunate, may not be happy about the implication that they may be thieves

 

[Langtoftlad]

and nobody and I mean nobody speaks ill of him.

We're all scared of him

 

[hilldweller]

Talk to Eddie - he is a straight guy and will not give u bad advice. He has been a member on here for some years and nobody and I mean nobody speaks ill of him.

What about that bloke found hanging from the Monkey Tree in Blenheim Palace.

Or was that the Pope's banker ?

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