Can anyone suggest a DIY alarm system Forums

PJKRacing

It sounds like we agree on most points, the main reason I say get an insurance approved system fitted is if that you suffer loss they pay out, you may struggle with a DIY system. It maybe possible for you to buy an approved system and fit it yourself, I would check with your insurers if that would be acceptable.

My insurers wanted to see a copy of my fitting certificate before insuring my new van this year! I think this will become more commonplace, as many insurers are now offering a sliding scale of discounts depending upon what system is fitted.

IMHO Motorhome insurance is cheap when you consider the value of the unit and possessions within; I can understand them trying to ensure that the unit is protected.

I have wild camped and parked Motorhomes across the UK and Europe and feel security is more than just locks and physical barriers. There are many other considerations, that’s a whole new topic.

Just a few items we now use:

•A strap across both cab doors so that they can not be opened.

•The Fiamma Security handle across the caravan door, this is also useful for mother when getting in and out of the van.

•A carbon monoxide/smoke alarm with voice alert (this may have saved our life this year).

•Sleeping gas alarm linked to the alarm system.

•When wild camping we have a small PIR activated light we hang on the side of the van just as a deterrent. Do not know if it would deter but it makes me feel better.

Pete

Jeffus

[quote:c6686589b5="PJKRacing"]Just a few items we now use:
•A strap across both cab doors so that they can not be opened.
•The Fiamma Security handle across the caravan door, this is also useful for mother when getting in and out of the van.
•A carbon monoxide/smoke alarm with voice alert (this may have saved our life this year).
•Sleeping gas alarm linked to the alarm system.
•When wild camping we have a small PIR activated light we hang on the side of the van just as a deterrent. Do not know if it would deter but it makes me feel better. Pete[/quote:c6686589b5]

Hi Pete, We are just going through all this in preparation of taking delivery of new van in September. You say the carbon monxide/smoke alarm may have saved your life which one (carbon or smoke) and how? We have just purchased a carbon monoxide alarm from B&Q seems a really nice unit (battery powered). We are having a narcotic alarm fitted to the main alarm system. I have thought about the door straps but couldn't anybody getting passed the door windows just cut the straps or am I missing something? Speak soon, Jeffus. Cool

BarryandSue

I fitted [u:e3fb5c1693]two[/u:e3fb5c1693] sounders to my last motorhome - the usual , 115db self-powered one under the bonnet, and a second, also self-powered, [u:e3fb5c1693]inside[/u:e3fb5c1693] the cab, in a bugger of a position, right up under the dash.

When the ultrasonic alarm went off, it was impossible, and I mean [u:e3fb5c1693]impossible[/u:e3fb5c1693], to stay within the 'van, the noise was so great. It wasn't just painful, it was also totally disorientating. It meant that no thief could utilise the three or four minutes that they reckon they're safe to rifle the 'van, nor could anyone (apart from someone completely and utterly stone deaf!) steal the 'van and deal with the alarm in a more secluded location. It was a brilliant idea, and I'm going to do the same on my new 'van. thumbright

Barry

termie

Thanks for the good advice everyone
Much appreciated

Termie

Anonymous

I recently purchased a Lunar Roadstar which is lightly larger than a Sundance. To provide adequate security I have fitted 2 separate alarm systems. Firstly, a Sparkrite ultrasonic alarm system which cost about £60 from argos. The Sparkrite primarily provides protestion for the cab area. However, the ultrasonic detector covers most of the living area and sounds immediately the main door is opened. In addition, I have also installed a SAS motorcaravan alarm (cost aproximately £100) which has an infra red sensor and to which I have fitted reed switches to all the windows. I was able to conceal all the wiring by dropping the wiring down from the cupboards. The advantage in using 2 systems is that not only do the sensors overlap but it would mean that at least one alarm would continue to sound whilst attempts are made to disable the other. I have had one or 2 teething problems which hopefully are now resolved.

As comment has been made, the alarms only provide an audible deterrent which will not necessarily prevent smash and grab theft when parked in remote locations. I have fitted 2 security locking bolts to the cab doors which were cheaply purchased in Spain on holiday. In addition, I have fitted a fiamma cab lock (cost £49) to the main door. This is a very well designed product.

I use a heavy duty wheel clamp to prevent theft next to my home. However, this is too heavy to take on tour. After checking products available I am going to buy a Bulldog clamp which is relatively small and very secure (if locking wheel bolts are used.) The last item is a cover for the rear ladder. I have decided to make a cover from UPVC sheet which can be bought from suppliers of facia board cladding.

I hope this gives a basis for considering how to resolve the lack of security in anew motorhome.

autostratus · Moderator

[quote:6336c8e160="terver"]

I use a heavy duty wheel clamp to prevent theft next to my home. However, this is too heavy to take on tour. After checking products available I am going to buy a Bulldog clamp which is relatively small and very secure (if locking wheel bolts are used.) The last item is a cover for the rear ladder. I have decided to make a cover from UPVC sheet which can be bought from suppliers of facia board cladding.

I hope this gives a basis for considering how to resolve the lack of security in anew motorhome.[/quote:6336c8e160]

Talking of wheels.
When on holiday in June we were talking to a twin-axle caravan owner who had recently suffered a stolen outfit.
In order to get insurance on his new caravan his insurer had insisted on a range of measures which included among others fitting small, about 2 inches square yellow lockable units to the valve of each wheel.
The purpose was to fully deflate the tyre within a few yards should the caravan be moved.
That's supposing the thieves got the wheel clamps off.

I had never seen these before, can they be obtained for a motorhome?

spykal · Moderator

[quote:c2fa3dfbf2="termie"]lock etc) To my way of thinking if someone breaks into your van while your asleep and an alarm goes off it will have much more effect than any of the other measures mentioned.

Termie[/quote:c2fa3dfbf2]

I have an alarm (wireless PIR type) for use when the van is on the drive at home, it is part of the house system, but your suggestion has got me thinking that even if you don't have entry alarm fitted for use while travelling, a simple panic alarm ( 9v Handbag/belt type ) fitted somewhere handy to where I sleep may frighten off an intruder. I think I saw a suggestion in a magazine showing it fitted to the door so that the opening of the door pulled out the pin and set off the alarm.

Mike