Best budget security

[Fatmrsgeorge]

Having blown the life savings on the van, what do you recommend as the best budget security, apart from a great big dug.

We are not very screwdriver competent, unless it's in a glass.

 

[starquake]

Wouldn't scrimp on the security, get a Metatraq or Van Bitz setup.

Just look on google for many of the stuff you put on wheel etc, against a theif for how useless most are (most cheap solutions are defeated in around 30 seconds or less).

Really with security the more you spend the better it'll be, you want something where the wiring isn't obvious to anyone with vehicle knowledge (as lets face it, things are stolen to order these days, so by having decent security it helps).

If your van is with some insurers they may insist on a rated tracking/alarm/immobiliser setup.

What I can say is the don't rely on the immobiliser on a Peogeot/Fiat van, having had a locksmith out to do us an additional key, it basically takes a small machine plugged into the OBD port to make a new key, and takes about 1 minute.

 

[Burge]

Usually depending on Value of Van Ins Company's insist on a Tracker fitted
Edit : Probably a 'Disklock' for starters

 

[Speve]

Usually depending on Value of Van Ins Company's insist on a Tracker fitted

That’s not quite correct there are lots of companies that don’t want either we have a higher value van and LV= have not required any although I do have a strike back and non starter fitted.

 

[Burge]

That’s not quite correct there are lots of companies that don’t want either we have a higher value van and LV= have not required any although I do have a strike back and non starter fitted.

Stand to be corrected then.
CMHC ins insisted with ours.

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[MisterB]

It's really worth considering a Vanbitz alarm - not cheap but you've invested and you want to keep that investment secure. Until you bite the bullet (dont forget your discount as a member) put as many visual deterrents as you can, clutch claw steering lock wheel lock etc

 

[Brains]

VanBitz Taunton

Tracker
Immobiliser
Alarm
As a minimum.

Plus a steering lock/pedal lock, decent locks etc etc.
There is a good chance your insurance company will insist on tracker/immobiliser/alarm anyway.

Motorhomes of any age are desirable items, the older ones are stripped for spares as they typically have low milage,
the newer ones are given a new identity.

Bottom line is your security needs to be at least as good as anyone else's.
As for those in the know, the subtle VanBitz blue flashing LED means they will try any other van before yours.

 

[carolyn]

I suppose it depends on how much your life savings were. If they were £20,000 then maybe I’d think about scrimping but if you’ve bought a new or newish van then for me I think it would be false economy to try to save a few hundred pounds or a grand if you're talking a Strikeback plus growler.

 

[PaulW2]

 

[Grummyb]

im with Starquake on this 1 why would you spend your life savings on something and then scrimp on its security

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[iandsm]

Having blown the life savings on the van, what do you recommend as the best budget security, apart from a great big dug.

We are not very screwdriver competent, unless it's in a glass.

When I feel I am staying in a place which might need that little exert security as well as the alarm I feel it better to discourage naughty people. We no longer have a dog but I leave a large dog bowl of water, a heavy chain dog lead and sometime a large dog chew toy outside by the Habitation door. Makes me feel a little more comfortable.

 

[Landy Andy]

Budget security
Strap joining front two doors
An “elephant” on the hab door
A clamp when home.

 

[Hoovie]

Step 1. Comprehensive Insurance

Other security options are just options. Insurance will make sure you don't loose those Life Savings you have invested.

 

[PaulW2]

Having blown the life savings on the van, what do you recommend as the best budget security, apart from a great big dug.

We are not very screwdriver competent, unless it's in a glass.

In seriousness I would concur with what has been said so far:

• The best available motorhome alarm, which you can also set when you're in the van (internal sensor switched off), which makes a racket and which also has bright external deterrent lights and some warning stickers. As others have said, Van Bitz Growler.
• Then an immobiliser and tracker. MetaTrak is the one fitted by Van Bitz.

Then, if you also want a visual deterrent for someone who may be oblivious to the above cues, A yellow Stoplock Pro steering wheel lock. (Some prefer disklocks, but I like the Stoplock.)

It does cost some money, but it works - and it works in different circumstances. A break in when you're in or away, an attempted theft, an attempted theft by loading the vehicle onto a flatbed. And it has call centre support and you can track where it is.

Alternatively you could just be like those animals that evolve to look like more dangerous ones and just have some lights, stickers and warnings. This works a lot of the time - those animals also survive!

 

[Just smiffy]

The best insurance company you can find….