We are shortly to take delivery of a new caravan. Whilst it will have the standard alarm system, we are considering an additional tracking device, and have arrived at two options:
1. "Tracker", which is Thatcham approved, and the only one operated, according to the leaflet, by all UK police forces. Quite expensive to have installed and for annual subscriptions.
2. Bulldog TR20 GPS tracking System. Uses PAYG mobile phone SIM card, and no subscriptions. An additional advantage is that it will operate outside the UK. Also a lot cheaper to buy, and installation is simple DIY.
Has anyone been down the road of choosing between these two units? Comments would be appreciated.
There website claims that Towergate Bakers give 10% discount. I am with the C.C, so will ask them tomorrow if they recognise the TR20. Good security is the most important factor, but cost has to be taken into account.
Our new van came with Tracker factory fitted and first year subs included, after that I think it works out at about £9 a month, ours does work outside the UK, you just have to phone them first to let them know.
On our last trip I set the alarm off while packing up, once I had hitched up and was less than 5 minutes down the road they had phoned all 3 contact numbers and sent text messages out. Quite reassuring I thought.
Ours is insured through C&CC and I don't know the exact figure, but know we did get a decent discount.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Come at it from a different angle. If you have new for old insurance and the level of cover you have specified is correct, and not under the value of a new van, why go for a tracker device? If the van is stolen, do you want it found after someone else has been using it, and perhaps damaged the van? Having paid the new for old premium and then made arrangements to make sure that the van can be found may mean that you have paid out a premium unnecessarily.
Just a thought.
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
Quote: Originally posted by cwdc56768 on 23/1/2012
Come at it from a different angle. If you have new for old insurance and the level of cover you have specified is correct, and not under the value of a new van, why go for a tracker device? If the van is stolen, do you want it found after someone else has been using it, and perhaps damaged the van? Having paid the new for old premium and then made arrangements to make sure that the van can be found may mean that you have paid out a premium unnecessarily.
Just a thought.
Phil
Phil, you have put into words exactly the way I have always felt. When we had our last van stolen, once it had gone, I was actually pleased we didn't get it back. For no other reason than, it just wouldn't be or feel the same after someone else had used it. For this reason, I have never considered buying a tracker - I would perfer to pay extra insurance premium for the new for old cover.
Phil and David, I can see the logic of your reasoning. Has anyone compared the cost of a tracker plus subs., to that for 'new for old' insurance?
There is, of course, the chance you will get your 'van back anyway, in which case you still have the possibility of repairs and clean-up to rid yourselves of the distaste of use by the thieving cretins!!!
I had a tracker put in a new lorry Bertie, it cost me £750 for the life of ownership of the vehicle. I don't know how much the same would cost today but a call to Tracker would soon tell you.
Quote: Originally posted by cwdc56768 on 23/1/2012
Come at it from a different angle. If you have new for old insurance and the level of cover you have specified is correct, and not under the value of a new van, why go for a tracker device? If the van is stolen, do you want it found after someone else has been using it, and perhaps damaged the van? Having paid the new for old premium and then made arrangements to make sure that the van can be found may mean that you have paid out a premium unnecessarily.
Just a thought.
Phil
My feeling to a "T" Phil, when our last van was stolen off the drive, deep down I didn't want to see it again. However, a tracker in a stolen Senator led police to the compound where they found ours, the Senator with the Tracker, another caravan, two Quad bikes & two commercial vehicles all of which had been stolen.
I'd never put a Tracker in my caravan for the reasons you highlight above, they are however very good. I've a friend with a huge fleet of vehicles all fitted with Trackers & he was showing me how he can monitor his fleet all over the country from his office, very impressive.
I see you're heading to the cotswolds in November, which part are you heading for? I live in the cotswolds.
Our van has a large off side window in the bedroom. Useless but it was part of the publicity for the van that you could sit up in bed in a morning drinking tea looking at the countryside. Think its more like,...so the folks in the next van can see you!!!!
Anyway the current model of van has had the window removed, keeping the side wall solid and the space used for a dressing table/mirror with socket, for sitting on the bed to make yourself gorgeous in the morning....far more useful......the wife would like the van stolen so we can get the latest model.........
Just a thought........
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
Our van has a Tracker fitted from new, but we have never activated it. If it's stolen I don't want it back. It would feel somehow unclean, hard to put it into words.
If it is stolen and they get it back for me, I shall immediately sell it, whatever that deal costs me.
Jim
We have a Phantom tracker fitted to our van. Although, thank goodness, our van has never been stolen, its efficency was proved to us when we towed it without switching the device off. Phantom were on the phone to us within 5 minutes. Its worth the £99 per year just for the peace of mind it gives (not to mention the insurance discount we get)
------------- hawk
"Laugh and the world laughs with you, snore and you sleep alone"
I have the body of a greek god - its in my freezer
Regarding trackers and recovery of stolen vehicles, I think the wish to get them back is different for a motor vehicle compared to a caravan. A caravan (or motorhome) is much more personal; you live, eat and sleep in it. It must be hard to rid oneself of that unclean feeling.
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Topic: Security
