Alarms what-where-how??
As some of you are aware Jules and I are looking to change our van.
Without a massive budget we set off round various dealers and were amazed how brand new vans come without an alarm!
I would have thought that after laying out in excess of 15k you would have some piece of mind about the security.
Oh, the dealers will gladly supply one for around a further £350!
Every car that was made after 1980 has some kind of immobiliser/alarm!
Has anyone else bought a van without an alarm and fitted one themselves?
If so what make? How good? What does it cover?
(Whinge button off) 
Comments
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typical MH alarm is around £600+
for that youll get something linked to the vans central locking, an 'open' alarm on each door and locker, and internal motion sensors....
others will tell you what you might het in a caravan set yp these days with no central locking.
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Do people take any notice of alarms? Our 'new to us 2013 Coachman' came with a Sargent something alarm. Shortly after collecting last summer it was noticed that there were problems with it, so it was packed off back for repair. When it came back, it worked of a fashion & then seemed to improve .... A few weeks after the caravan was stored at home and not plugged in it was noticed that the leisure battery was goosed, so a new one was bought and as it was cold I didn't bother fitting it straight away. The battery was re-fitted last week but the alarm has now decided to not play games, it won't arm or talk to the awning light (it should do) I assume its own battery went fully flat
..... it's a job for 'later'My point being, it's been more trouble than I think it's worth. I hope that Sargent don't go into the car alarm/immobiliser market ..... as helpful as they are. And it's not even very loud even when it's been triggered
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Our 2004 Swift has a Sargent 202 fitted and it's so good I'm thinking of taking out and fitting it to our new van . . . If ever we find one
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I suspect that as much notice will be taken of a caravan alarm as is taken of a house alarm sounding. It is a nuisance to be ignored.
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GC
Don't forget an alarm is only as good as your neighbour.I would rather invest in a good quality Alko wheel lock.I have an alarm on my van but I am not sure who would hear it if initiates on my storage compound.Plus it does have a constant battery drain if not connected to mains.
If you wanted to fit an alarm yourself you could try someone like maplins.Shed alarms could be used to fit in a caravan.
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for some i surers, its mandatory, as is a tracker when the van is over a certain value.
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Motorhomes come with immobilisers as standard, just like cars. The expectation that they should also come as standard with an alarm I find quite odd. Alarms come in all shapes and sizes so one fitted by the manufacturer may not suit the needs of the customer. Far better to allow those customers that want an alarm to choose exactly what they want and have it retro fitted, just like they have to choose the radio when buying some cars. I don't think that an alarm has as much effect now a days, but, if it gives peace of mind then it is a worthwhile investment.
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IMHO alarms & immoblisers are better factory fitted when they can be wired properly into the original loom instead of another partial loom tapped in here & there, though the down side is that they're all the same. Are radios still an option on some cars these days? I thought that sharp practice had been abandoned a long time ago ... maybe the bells & whistles version might be an option
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I'd be surprised if there were many second hand vans without an alarm.
Alarms are often specific to the user needs. Some keep expensive items in lockers and garages so will need those alarmed, some are less bothered. Some alarms have perimeter only options which are useful if you have a dog or want to sleep with an external alarm switched on. Some alarms contact your mobile to warn you your vehicle has been entered with the alarm on.
Some dealer alarms are glorified car alarms and are relatively cheap but not always suitable for motorhomes. However, they can be self fit if you are experienced enough. However, most good alarm systems are sold to fitters.
If you want to see what is possible, visit the VanBitz web site. It is a long standing firm with a high reputation in motorhome circles.
BB is right, good motorhome alarms are more likely to be in the £600+ price band.
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I think the OP wants a caravan alarm.
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Boom!
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I thought somebody would have realised by now
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Tangent city
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I do doubt that alarms are a great deterrent in many instances. On site thefts are very low and that is where they are most effective as thieves do not want to draw attention to them. On a storage site then they are of little use as thieves would choose a quiet time to steal the caravan and no one would hear it in most cases In your drive they give some protection but I am not convinced.
The problem with the one in our last caravan was the siren was in a bed locker with a grill under it and was not particularly loud It was easily reached once in the caravan and could be dealt with by a thief in seconds.
If you are looking at an alarm check ts siren's location and accessability.
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