Vanbitz Strikeback Alarm or Upgrade to Growler?

[BritAussie]

We are booked into Vanbitz in early March to have an alarm and the non-starter fitted to our new Boxstar 540. I can’t decide whether the normal Strikeback will be sufficient or if we should upgrade to the Growler. The extra ££ is one issue, the other is that I’m worried if we keep setting the alarm off it will really annoy us and neighbours being so much louder - assuming it is?? On the other hand the lifetime warranty vs 2 years makes sense if you need to have regular services, etc? I’ve emailed Vanbitz but would appreciate thoughts from those of you that have either Alarm?

We aren’t intending to have the Shadow VTS fitted but should we consider that? It seems to be paying double for the same thing though I know you get the external monitoring. TIA

 

[Jim]

I would get the Growler. If theives get in. The extra sirens inside are IMO the best defence against property theft. They really work.

 

[eddie]

We are booked into Vanbitz in early March to have an alarm and the non-starter fitted to our new Boxstar 540. I can’t decide whether the normal Strikeback will be sufficient or if we should upgrade to the Growler. The extra ££ is one issue, the other is that I’m worried if we keep setting the alarm off it will really annoy us and neighbours being so much louder - assuming it is?? On the other hand the lifetime warranty vs 2 years makes sense if you need to have regular services, etc? I’ve emailed Vanbitz but would appreciate thoughts from those of you that have either Alarm?

We aren’t intending to have the Shadow VTS fitted but should we consider that? It seems to be paying double for the same thing though I know you get the external monitoring. TIA

Why not ask the guys to demonstrate both when your there if you can't make up your mind, the difference is impressive and they can talk you through both options on the day and you can decide then. The same as the Shadow VTS unless it is a condition of the insurance the Non Starter is a better option in my opinion

 

[Clarky]

Had a Growler on two vans over a ten year period.
I have set it off a very few times but only because of my stupidity.
Not had one false alarm in all that time.

Richard.

 

[mapman]

Growler for peace of mind. Never had a false alarm.

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[phillipsheila]

Get the growler in my opinion its the best there is and not had 1 false alarm

 

[hymermick]

Ive had the Growler alarm for 7 years with no problems.

 

[Kannon Fodda]

Setting off the alarm system is more likely to annoy the neighbours. That's the outside sirens that will wake them up. I could hear my very clearly when I'd parked on the far side of Fleet M3 services, and was entering the main building. When my alarm has gone off it has been operator error that I've mis set it somehow.

If you set off your alarm inside, even with just outside sirens you will know about it, but, would still be able to concentrate. I expect with internal sensors (I only had the Strikeback), your ears would be ringing for hours afterwards.

The Vanbitz systems can be customised. The Growler is belt and braces. The Strikeback can have additions like extra warning LEDs. I went with a Strikeback + with my PVC being only 5.4m. I'd probably go straight to the Growler if I was fitting today.

Even if you don't have the tracker, get the metatrak non starter. That's the thing that really is going to give you peace of mind. Even if the scroats were to get your keys and the key fob to turn off the alarm (thinking if they were to break into my house first with the van parked out front on the drive), the non starter will prevent them driving off as unless they have your phone for the app, and know how to get past your phone's login, they can't reset the non starter. Unlike some immobilisers there is a photo elsewhere on this forum of the lengths someone went to, unsuccessfully, to get past the non starter's wiring.

 

[brocola]

Never had a problem accidentally setting off my Growler after the first few days of getting used to it. The wife, well that's another story...

 

[DuxDeluxe]

Setting off the alarm system is more likely to annoy the neighbours. That's the outside sirens that will wake them up. I could hear my very clearly when I'd parked on the far side of Fleet M3 services, and was entering the main building. When my alarm has gone off it has been operator error that I've mis set it somehow.

If you set off your alarm inside, even with just outside sirens you will know about it, but, would still be able to concentrate. I expect with internal sensors (I only had the Strikeback), your ears would be ringing for hours afterwards.

The Vanbitz systems can be customised. The Growler is belt and braces. The Strikeback can have additions like extra warning LEDs. I went with a Strikeback + with my PVC being only 5.4m. I'd probably go straight to the Growler if I was fitting today.

Even if you don't have the tracker, get the metatrak non starter. That's the thing that really is going to give you peace of mind. Even if the scroats were to get your keys and the key fob to turn off the alarm (thinking if they were to break into my house first with the van parked out front on the drive), the non starter will prevent them driving off as unless they have your phone for the app, and know how to get past your phone's login, they can't reset the non starter. Unlike some immobilisers there is a photo elsewhere on this forum of the lengths someone went to, unsuccessfully, to get past the non starter's wiring.

What Rob said above. Non starter is the way to go as well as Growler

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[Langtoftlad]

I don't have much faith in alarms, no matter how good.
But it was a condition of the insurance, so have the Strikeback.
Rather than Growler, I spent the difference [ish] on the Non Starter which I do have faith in.

 

[Speve]

We went for strike back with extra sirens and a non starter had it on two vans now without problems.
We didn’t want growler for same reasons

 

[BritAussie]

Why not ask the guys to demonstrate both when your there if you can't make up your mind, the difference is impressive and they can talk you through both options on the day and you can decide then. The same as the Shadow VTS unless it is a condition of the insurance the Non Starter is a better option in my opinion

Thanks - Ash did say we could do that, I’m just not sure if my partner will be with me on the day so was hoping to gather user views too. It appears as though there is not much difference in insurance if we do t not go for the shadow option - they are just insisting on an alarm for insurance purposes.

 

[Brains]

We have Growler (and non starter/tracker)
In 2 years we have only had one false alarm, we found out later it was caused by the fridge door swinging open as it had not been secured.

Only thing I would add is if you normally park in storage you should also have solar panels to keep the battery topped up, as all those alarms and LED's do drain the battery over the space of a few weeks

 

[BritAussie]

I don't have much faith in alarms, no matter how good.
But it was a condition of the insurance, so have the Strikeback.
Rather than Growler, I spent the difference [ish] on the Non Starter which I do have faith in.

That’s sort of our thinking - but then I’m wondering if the extra £400 is actually worth it because of the lifetime warranty despite the other extras? Assuming it is actual lifetime ie if we kept the van 10 years or more? And not a fixed 4 year term or something?

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[BritAussie]

We have Growler (and non starter/tracker)
In 2 years we have only had one false alarm, we found out later it was caused by the fridge door swinging open as it had not been secured.

Only thing I would add is if you normally park in storage you should also have solar panels to keep the battery topped up, as all those alarms and LED's do drain the battery over the space of a few weeks

Thanks - it is kept at home but I’m sure the van does have solar anyway. We are lucky in that we are 1 of 4 cottages with parking behind all and the access is off a main road but the parking area isn’t visible to anyone walking by. That’s not to say it couldn’t get nicked from home, but unlikely as access is very tight (hence we are downgrading for a 6m to 5,4m for ease of turning circle. But of course we will need the security when out and about too.

 

[eddie]

That’s sort of our thinking - but then I’m wondering if the extra £400 is actually worth it because of the lifetime warranty despite the other extras? Assuming it is actual lifetime ie if we kept the van 10 years or more? And not a fixed 4 year term or something?

We have specialised with motorhome security since 1990 and when we say lifetime we mean lifetime, if you keep the van 20 years its coverd parts and labour for 20 years

We still have customers that are going strong since installations in the early 90's

I'd be an excellent customer as I change my camper too often but many people don't

 

[BritAussie]

We went for strike back with extra sirens and a non starter had it on two vans now without problems.
We didn’t want growler for same reasons

Interesting - do you ever miss not having a control centre contact for the tracking device? Or is the app / map access good enoigh for your needs

 

[BritAussie]

We have specialised with motorhome security since 1990 and when we say lifetime we mean lifetime, if you keep the van 20 years its coverd parts and labour for 20 years

We still have customers that are going strong since installations in the early 90's

I'd be an excellent customer as I change my camper too often but many people don't

Great thanks - that’s really helpful to know and may tip the balance along with the other extras. I’m hoping we won’t change this van!!

sorry - one more ? - do you need to get the units serviced or only when/if a fault develops?

 

[eddie]

We have Growler (and non starter/tracker)
In 2 years we have only had one false alarm, we found out later it was caused by the fridge door swinging open as it had not been secured.

Only thing I would add is if you normally park in storage you should also have solar panels to keep the battery topped up, as all those alarms and LED's do drain the battery over the space of a few weeks

To be honest all but an extremely small number (Morello and RV's for example) of motorhomes are converted vans designed primarily as delivery vans, as such designed to be stop - start day in day out five, six, seven days a week, they were never intended to to be parked up for weeks on end so with or without an alarm the quiescent drain of things like the factory fitted clock memory, the radio memory, the vehicle ECU and the factory fitted immobiliser 4 -6 weeks is likely to cause an issue

Which is why I designed the Van Bitz Battery Master years ago to resolve this issue

Battery Master

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[Brains]

Which is why I designed the Van Bitz Battery Master years ago to resolve this issue

Battery Master

Got one of them as well !

Well worth the small outlay to get fitted, as no more flat batteries

 

[eddie]

Great thanks - that’s really helpful to know and may tip the balance along with the other extras. I’m hoping we won’t change this van!!

sorry - one more ? - do you need to get the units serviced or only when/if a fault develops?

The alarm system checks itself every single time you arm it. If it detects a fault it tells you, if you ignore this the alarm arms up anyway and disables the faulty circuit! so no need for an annual inspection

So for example lets just say that you have left the passenger door ajar, the alarm would give you a warning tone to advise you, if you ignored this the two can doors would be ignored, but every thing else would arm

If some one came along and opened the door, the Hyper Frequency Unit (Microwave) would trigger the alarm, the same as opening the caravan door

Then, when you returned the alarm would would give you an audible warning to advise you that the alarm had been triggered and there is a mode that would let you check why, cab doors, internal sensor, bonnet etc

With all of this information we can usually deal with any issues over the phone, and most bits are user replaceable

 

[jezport]

I would say if you have chosen to go for a Vanbitz alarm you are prepared to pay for the best, then you may as well go the whole way. Otherwise you will always regret it and think why didnt I do it!

 

[BritAussie]

Setting off the alarm system is more likely to annoy the neighbours. That's the outside sirens that will wake them up. I could hear my very clearly when I'd parked on the far side of Fleet M3 services, and was entering the main building. When my alarm has gone off it has been operator error that I've mis set it somehow.

If you set off your alarm inside, even with just outside sirens you will know about it, but, would still be able to concentrate. I expect with internal sensors (I only had the Strikeback), your ears would be ringing for hours afterwards.

The Vanbitz systems can be customised. The Growler is belt and braces. The Strikeback can have additions like extra warning LEDs. I went with a Strikeback + with my PVC being only 5.4m. I'd probably go straight to the Growler if I was fitting today.

Even if you don't have the tracker, get the metatrak non starter. That's the thing that really is going to give you peace of mind. Even if the scroats were to get your keys and the key fob to turn off the alarm (thinking if they were to break into my house first with the van parked out front on the drive), the non starter will prevent them driving off as unless they have your phone for the app, and know how to get past your phone's login, they can't reset the non starter. Unlike some immobilisers there is a photo elsewhere on this forum of the lengths someone went to, unsuccessfully, to get past the non starter's wiring.

Thanks - i guess the really loud internal siren is one of my worries - strangely, considering I have a hearing problem, loud noises really bother me. But I guess the secret is not to set it off accidentally!! And yes it’s the non starter that Im really keen on - I’ve seen that photo and what a mess! We were considering OTT but I wasn’t so sure how secure their fitting would be, given that it could be done by mobile fitters. And the fact they are all different depending on area you are in so may not fit many units at all - whereas Vanbitz is done on their premises (which luckily is fairly close to us) so obviously their engineers are fitting lots more.

At the end of the I’ve always thought you get what you pay for, so should probably take my own advice!

 

[PaulC70]

I went for the growler too and the battery master, had it fitted in December. I havent bothered with a non starter etc to be honest as I have a clutchclaw, stoplock pro, obd lock and patriot lock on the driver seat etc too.

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[PaulC70]

Oh just remembered I had one extra sensor fitted to the gas locker door too.

 

[PaulC70]

I did have an issue initially with the microwave sensor being a little too sensitive and had the alarm going off a few times, I have the moho parked in the visitor layby on our cul de sac. I tracked it down to the bin lorry and one or two neighbours who have "rumbly" engined cars going by. A quick email to vanbitz and they explained how to slightly desensitise the sensor, after that no more issues but internal growler still works

 

[Kannon Fodda]

Thanks - i guess the really loud internal siren is one of my worries - strangely, considering I have a hearing problem, loud noises really bother me. But I guess the secret is not to set it off accidentally!! And yes it’s the non starter that Im really keen on - I’ve seen that photo and what a mess! We were considering OTT but I wasn’t so sure how secure their fitting would be, given that it could be done by mobile fitters. And the fact they are all different depending on area you are in so may not fit many units at all - whereas Vanbitz is done on their premises (which luckily is fairly close to us) so obviously their engineers are fitting lots more.

At the end of the I’ve always thought you get what you pay for, so should probably take my own advice!

Strikeback / Growler gets a switch mounted on dashboard to turn off the internal sensors so you can sleep at night / move around with the alarm set. That's great as I'm often on large open sites such as New Forest where all sorts can be passing by, and it means the bike on the accessory loop on the back is alarmed and I can stop worrying about it (accessory loop to the tow bar area can be separately switched on/off from another dashboard switch).

Non starter system is great as the app system does also act as a self tracker device so you can see where your van has been, and you can also arm / disarm the immobiliser remotely. You'll get warnings if your alarm does go off, but in many respects it operates separate to the Strikeback/Growler as the alarm fob only does the alarm, and immobiliser is the phone app, so the two different sets of controls provide two separate levels of protection. Metatrak does have an annual subscription, but that is a lot less than standard trackers.

Problem with numpty me is getting up in morning, forgetting I've got the alarm on (despite the flashing LED on dashboard above the speedo area), opening the door and all hell breaks loose. If I had the Growler sounders I think by now I would have permanent hearing loss. I've taken to hooking my keys over the internal whoosh bang door handle as a warning to myself.

 

[Coastal Cruiser.]

Growlers are very loud, someone set one off in a site in Brugge at about 6-30 in the morning

 

[Speve]

Interesting - do you ever miss not having a control centre contact for the tracking device? Or is the app / map access good enoigh for your needs

You can see where the van is at all times on the mapping and with the non starter hopefully it’s not going anwhere with out me