Vanbitz Alarm Growler/Tracker

[RGR723]

Hi all
In January take delivery of new MOHO. Have read a lot about the above on various posts on this site all good,
my question is how easy is it to use? any issues like false alarms don't want to upset the neighbours!

 

[eddie]

AFAIK my system installed in 2015 will work with any SIM card as long as it has the ability to use 2G. So you can use another supplier by swopping over the SIM card. Lebarra was chosen by Vanbitz because at that time it was the best one for use in Europe.

Can eddievanbitz confirm this please because I think I will be in the same position next year. ?

Absolutely, but I don’t know why Lebara are being so difficult? all Puddleduck want to do it top up her PAYG SIM automatically

 

[peterc10]

Absolutely, but I don’t know why Lebara are being so difficult? all Puddleduck want to do it top up her PAYG SIM automatically

Thanks Eddie but as I understand it Helen is having to change the top up payment credit card details because her card has expired. And they send a code to the SIM as part of their 2 part credit activication process and there is no way to read it. I will be in the same position soon.

 

[Wools]

We have owned our van 6 years, previous owner had Strikeback fitted in 2012.
We find it is a well designed alarm. If staying somewhere you are unsure of, it can be set as a perimeter alarm.
It has a panic button on the fob, not that we have used it.
It has a self diagnostic feature which allows you to pinpoint alarm activations and/or sensor failures.
Vanbitz have proved able to provide good backup which is fortunate because we have had issues, namely:-
Habitation door sensor failed.
Power feed failed rendering alarm dead.
Cable fault to garage doors and bike loop.

The above faults were dealt with in timely fashion by a visit to vanbitz.

Separately, both status LEDs failed. Replacements were posted to us.

This month, false alarms were occuring, which, using the built in diagnostic, was traced to the bonnet tilt switch.
Fitted a replacement ourselves from RS components, sorted.

To conclude, a great system but not infallible. We are in Somerset, an hour from Vanbitz. Not as inconvenient as travelling from further afield.

 

[carolyn]

I need to update my payment card for auto-top up via my account. Lebara send a code to the SIM as part of the double check. There is no other way to contact them

No way to top up otherwise as nearest top up shop a long way from here and I can't drive at the moment

Could you put the SIM into a smartphone , update your card and then put it back in your alarm. I do know they are a real bu..er to get out but we had to put a new SIM into ours when we had a senior moment on our old van and left it longer than the couple of months without sending a txt. If you don’t get yours topped up you’re going to have to do that anyway shortly.

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[Puddleduck]

Could someone help you and get you a top up as you can't drive.

If Lebara won't help you by allowing you to update the way you pay them to use the SIM in your pager I can't see any other way around their rules

Could you put the SIM into a smartphone , update your card and then put it back in your alarm. I do know they are a real bu..er to get out but we had to put a new SIM into ours when we had a senior moment on our old van and left it longer than the couple of months without sending a txt. If you don’t get yours topped up you’re going to have to do that anyway shortly.

Can't get to it carolyn so it will be a trip to Somerset at some point next year

 

[carolyn]

Can't get to it carolyn so it will be a trip to Somerset at some point next year

Are you absolutely certain as we had a problem with ours, something else and had to send it back to be reset, and Eddie’s son was able to tell us where it was . I remember because I had to order a set of screwdrivers, torque heads as we don’t have such things! It would have been a lot easier to drive to Taunton with hindsight, we’re only an hour away!

They keep such good records that they can probably tell you where yours is, ours wasn’t where they normally were.

 

[eddie]

Are you absolutely certain as we had a problem with ours, something else and had to send it back to be reset, and Eddie’s son was able to tell us where it was . I remember because I had to order a set of screwdrivers, torque heads as we don’t have such things! It would have been a lot easier to drive to Taunton with hindsight, we’re only an hour away!

They keep such good records that they can probably tell you where yours is, ours wasn’t where they normally were.

Knowing where it is isn't a problem, it all works fine still

Puddleduck wants to change the way that she pays Lebara for her airtime contract. Lebara want to send her a code which she can't retrieve. I have never heard of this before with Lebara and think that PD should argue with Lebara and find a better way to verify who she is.

I suggested continuing with the old way of topping up the Pay As You Go SIM card but the top up shop is some distance away, hence my suggestion that someone else buys a PAYG top up card.

 

[carolyn]

Knowing where it is isn't a problem, it all works fine still

Puddleduck wants to change the way that she pays Lebara for her airtime contract. Lebara want to send her a code which she can't retrieve. I have never heard of this before with Lebara and think that PD should argue with Lebara and find a better way to verify who she is.

I suggested continuing with the old way of topping up the Pay As You Go SIM card but the top up shop is some distance away, hence my suggestion that someone else buys a PAYG top up card.

I know there’s no problem with the non starter. My suggestion was to take the SIM out, pop it into a smart phone, update the credit card, then put the SIM back in the non starter. I don’t think there’s anyone to do the topping up for her. She’s really unwell herself. This is just a new level of security from Lebara I presume for a new credit card, much like all these OTC from banks.

She lives in the Scottish Borders and is talking about leaving it inactive until she can travel down to Taunton next year so I was trying to think of alternative solutions.

 

[Puddleduck]

I know there’s no problem with the non starter. My suggestion was to take the SIM out, pop it into a smart phone, update the credit card, then put the SIM back in the non starter. I don’t think there’s anyone to do the topping up for her. She’s really unwell herself. This is just a new level of security from Lebara I presume for a new credit card, much like all these OTC from banks.

She lives in the Scottish Borders and is talking about leaving it inactive until she can travel down to Taunton next year so I was trying to think of alternative solutions.

As I am in a wheelchair getting it out would be impossible at the moment given Martin is also incapacitated.....

Perhaps the ATM machine in the hospital will do top ups but I don't know if that is an option now.

This is a Lebara issue not a Vanbitz issue. Lebara have been totally unhelpful and there is no way to talk to a human unless you can retrieve the code....

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[eddie]

I know there’s no problem with the non starter. My suggestion was to take the SIM out, pop it into a smart phone, update the credit card, then put the SIM back in the non starter. I don’t think there’s anyone to do the topping up for her. She’s really unwell herself. This is just a new level of security from Lebara I presume for a new credit card, much like all these OTC from banks.

She lives in the Scottish Borders and is talking about leaving it inactive until she can travel down to Taunton next year so I was trying to think of alternative solutions.

I know and we would all love to help, but its a PAYG and according to Lebara you can top up using Pay Pal or even cash, no need to do anything or go anywhere.

As I am in a wheelchair getting it out would be impossible at the moment given Martin is also incapacitated.....

Perhaps the ATM machine in the hospital will do top ups but I don't know if that is an option now.

But you can top up a PAYG SIM as a "guest" you don't need a credit card

Head to the official Lebara UK Website and follow the steps below:

1. Select a top up amount from all the options, then click continue.
2. If you have a promotional code, then add it; however, if not, then choose a free Lebara SIM and click continue.
3. Continue as Guest .
4. Enter the mobile number you want to top up in each of the boxes on the screen, then continue.

Lebara TopUp Online | SIM Topup

Login to Lebara Mobile UK to Topup or Recharge your SIM online. It easy, secure and just click away. Enable Auto Topup to stay connected

mobile.lebara.com

 

[Treeeev]

I have had the same problem with Lebara before but I managed to speak with them and told them that the sim was in a tracker so I couldn't see any text messages. Once I had explained what I was using the sim for, they were able to reply on my behalf to the text message so I could progress with changing the payment card

See support contact details below

Cheers

Trevor

 

[eddie]

I have had the same problem with Lebara before but I managed to speak with them and told them that the sim was in a tracker so I couldn't see any text messages. Once I had explained what I was using the sim for, they were able to reply on my behalf to the text message so I could progress with changing the payment card

See support contact details below

Cheers

Trevor
View attachment 697278

We suggested that as well. At the end of the day it is a PAYG SIM card and your trying to pay them money!

 

[carolyn]

PayPal seems like the easiest and quickest option.

 

[nigel dewbery]

Hi all
In January take delivery of new MOHO. Have read a lot about the above on various posts on this site all good,
my question is how easy is it to use? any issues like false alarms don't want to upset the neighbours!

Had a growler fitted to our hymer in 2019 and so far no false alarms. We have had two occasions where it has seen off potential intruders where scratch marks were left where they tried to get in
Don’t forget that mug members can get a discount at van bits if you give them the code

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[Neils now retired]

Hi all
Thanks for the responses enough to convince me that the 'Growler and immobiliser' is the way to go for me.
Have spoken to Eddie and members of his team all very helpful.
Not looking forward to a couple of nights on a campsite in January for it to be fitted though!

Had it fitted in early December, two nights on their nice site. Good opportunity to test diesel heater......and all good! Alarm is excellent and staff at Vanbitz very helpful.

 

[stevee2]

Just been down to Vanbitz to have growler & strikeback system fitted , very professional company & very patient explaining how it operates .
Campsite very good nice heated shower & toilet block just what you need for this time of the year .

 

[RGR723]

Just been down to Vanbitz to have growler & strikeback system fitted , very professional company & very patient explaining how it operates .
Campsite very good nice heated shower & toilet block just what you need for this time of the year .

Vanbitz did their bit yesterday, I've got to do mine now and get to grips with it. Once home today it was very nice to set the alarm and be amused by the blue flashing lights.
Felt the whole process of installation and demonstration was excellent. It shows their experience and confidence in their product.

 

[TheBows]

Can I ask how much the Vanbitz growler & strikeback system is to have fitted? I am thinking I need something like this.

 

[Sapper520]

Home - VanBitz

Van Bitz is the UK's leading motorhome security installation company with an envious reputation for providing first class services and cutting-edge security

www.vanbitz.com

Dont forget to quote you’re a member on here…..at time of booking…..to get your discount.

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[Otter Spotter]

Can I ask how much the Vanbitz growler & strikeback system is to have fitted? I am thinking I need something like this.

Give Ash a call at Vanbitz, he will quote you, with no pressure sales and plenty of sound advice.

 

[stevee2]

Can I ask how much the Vanbitz growler & strikeback system is to have fitted? I am thinking I need something like this.

Sorry for delay in replying
The cost was £1393.20 , I paid extra to have a 2nd outside locker. Protected , they include 1 & charge £50 for each extra locker. This included £129.00 discount for a member of MF & also they include one nights stay in campsite as part of the deal , don’t tell everyone but they didn’t charge me for 2 nd night stay as my van didn’t get finished till 5pm & didn’t fancy traveling 120 miles home that night .

 

[AshVanBitz]

Can I ask how much the Vanbitz growler & strikeback system is to have fitted? I am thinking I need something like this.

Hi TheBows,

Please pm me you email address and the make and model of your motorhome. When I am back in the office on Monday I will send you over a price list along with specifications.

Hope you have a great weekend.

Kindest regards

Ash