Tracker alarms
There have been wide ranging and sometimes inaccurate views expressed on 'Tracker' alarms, their dependency on the caravan battery and claims that internal batteries have a life expectancy of just days.
In the absence of my local workshop manager who's on holiday I've edited the following from Tracker's own site.
In summary; the alarm doesn't go off if you remove your leisure battery or it goes flat and the tracker internal battery lasts for 5 years not just days. The above may not apply to vans with older systems or alternative makes of tracker - but it does apply to current Swift models. I'm sorry if your own van falls outside of the following, Tracker don't publish specifications for older vans on the web. I've edited down the original text to keep it as short as possible, without omitting anything essential.
Swift Caravans now fitted with market leading TRACKER security
Date: 22 November 2012
TRACKER has been chosen to supply its Battery Powered TRACKER Retrieve as standard to Swift caravans, bringing unrivalled protection to all of its 2013 models.
Battery Powered TRACKER Retrieve has been developed using TRACKER’s unique award winning technology that does not rely on the caravan’s leisure battery in order to operate. The unit has a self-contained and hidden power source, which means it is even tougher for crooks to uncover.
As with all TRACKER’s stolen vehicle recovery solutions, Battery Powered TRACKER Retrieve uses Very High Frequency (VHF) technology which offers the ultimate level of security, enabling police to locate stolen caravans even when they are concealed in containers, lock-ups or shipped abroad.
When a Caravan is stolen, the customer reports the theft to the police and obtains a Crime Reference Number. TRACKER then activates the unit, which emits a unique signal, allowing the police to track the stolen caravan. Over 90% of vehicles fitted with a TRACKER device are successfully located and over £461 million worth of stolen vehicles have been recovered and returned to their owners by TRACKER to date.
Battery Powered TRACKER Retrieve
Specially developed to protect unpowered or infrequently used assets to avoid draining the battery, Battery Powered TRACKER Retrieve has it’s own power source and does not need to be wired into the electrical system of your vehicle. The unit is easy to fit and suitable for all kinds of vehicles and assets from quad bikes, horse boxes, trailers and catering vans to classic cars and vintage motorbikes.
This battery powered version uses the same advanced VHF tracking technology as the other TRACKER units for fast, effective recovery of your stolen vehicle.
Battery Powered TRACKER Retrieve features:
Patented VHF technology that can track stolen vehicles even when they are concealed in containers, lock-ups or underground car parks
Long battery life with up to 5 years standby
Can be installed easily in vehicles or hired assets
Offers high tech tracking that is not affected by signal jammers
Nationwide support from the UK police force
Tracking coverage throughout the UK, France, Spain, Poland, Italy, Holland and Luxembourg
TRACKER Caravan Monitor features:
Motion sensor to detect unauthorised movement
Includes alarm system with two key fobs to arm and disarm the product
Optional Passive Infrared sensor that detects intruders
1 year warranty from date of installation
Insurance approved by Thatcham
Up to 25% insurance discounts
How does it work?
Notify
If your vehicle is stolen you should call the police and TRACKER to report the theft.
Activate
On being contacted about the theft we will activate the tracking unit.
Track
The police will use TRACKER receivers in their patrol vehicles and helicopters to locate your stolen vehicle.
Secure
Once located, TRACKER will send a uniformed guard to wait with your vehicle anywhere in mainland Great Britain.
Recover
TRACKER will arrange for the recovery company to return your vehicle to you anywhere in mainland Great Britain.