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Holidays are a time for relaxation and peace of mind. A time to unwind, and forget about everything that is causing you stress in your day-to-day life.
It serves to reason then, that when on holiday the last thing you need hanging over you is the additional worry of your campervan being stolen.
Amidst the excitement, a crucial aspect can sometimes go unnoticed: security. Problems can also arise when the camper isn’t in use, parked up seemingly safe at home.
Theft of your campervan can feel like a looming concern, but having the correct camper van tracker installed in your vehicle can ensure peace of mind and help prevent theft altogether.
In the event of theft or unauthorised use, the GPS tracking device helps with location tracking and quick recovery of your campervan. Use this guide to find out more about motorhome tracking devices, why it’s important to have one installed, and which tracker to fit to keep your camper van safe.
Real-time location monitoring
GPS tracking systems use radio wave technology or mobile-phone systems to pinpoint the location of your vehicle. Therefore, if your campervan is stolen, you can use the GPS tracker to locate the exact location of your vehicle.
Some tracking devices also offer vehicle owners peace of mind by activating when their campervan is moved without permission.
It is also important that you know the exact whereabouts of your campervan. Say, for example, you are on holiday and your camper van is not where you last left it. You can immediately notify authorities of the theft or unauthorised use.
Before installing a motorhome tracker, it is advised to check if it is insurance-approved. Most UK insurance companies will require that you install a Thatcham-approved tracking device. These help to provide different levels of protection and security depending on your needs.
Tracking in case of theft or unauthorised use
Should your camper be stolen, a motorhome tracking system allows you to monitor and track its movement in real time.
This information is invaluable, as you will be able to inform both your insurer and the police of its exact location and movements. You can use this stolen vehicle tracking data to direct law enforcers to where the vehicle is.
Peace of mind for campervan owners
Having a motorhome tracking system installed in your campervan can provide you with peace of mind thanks to its theft deterrence and recovery capabilities.
A tracking system serves as a powerful deterrent, as potential thieves are less likely to target a vehicle equipped with a visible tracking device.
In the unfortunate event of theft, the tracking system enables real-time monitoring of your motorhome’s location. This drastically increases the chances of quick recovery, minimising potential damage or loss.
Knowing you can track the vehicle can help to provide peace of mind that even in the event of theft, your campervan can still be recovered. Installers will ensure the insurance-approved tracking devices are located in a discreet location so burglars won’t easily find and remove your tracker.
Whether at home when you are away for a business trip or at your favourite camping site – a tracking system gives you the peace of mind you need to relax.
Lowering insurance premiums
Recovering a stolen vehicle can be expensive.
For owners who have non-insurance-approved trackers installed, it can be difficult and costly to locate and recover a stolen motorhome. This can lead to an increase in your insurance premiums, especially if you have to buy a new vehicle.
Many insurance firms reward their clients for installing tracking systems in their camper vans by lowering insurance premiums.
Long-term cost savings
The long-term benefits of having a camper van tracking system fitted far outweigh the initial installation costs. A vehicle that’s safe from theft and unauthorised use helps save money in the form of lower insurance premiums.
Another long-term benefit is knowing that, if your camper van does get stolen, you won’t have to fork out more cash to replace it. A stolen vehicle that is using an insurance-approved tracker can be easily located and recovered.
Understanding thatcham trackers
Thatcham Research recommends using Category S5 and S7 tracking devices on UK-registered vehicles.
S7 Vehicle Tracking Systems have the following features:
- Connected to a 24/7 certified Monitoring System.
- A minimum of one means of signal transmission.
- Own battery power supply and built-in Health Check program.
- Can locate your camper van within a one-mile radius in general terrain.
- A passively or actively set function.
- After initiation of the Thatcham pursuit test, they can precisely locate your vehicles within 15 minutes of receipt of the test signal.
- Remote set function.
- They’re resistant to damage/tampering for a minimum of 2 minutes.
The S5 Asset Location System has all the S7 features as well as:
- Backup battery power supply.
- Bi-directional data transmission.
- Data logging capabilities.
- Driver identification device.
- GPS and roaming SIM card.
- The ability to be set passively.
- A roaming SIM card.
- Vehicle motion detection.
Choosing the right tracker for your camper van
When choosing a motorhome tracker, you want to consider a few important factors. The first being the cost of the tracking device as not all trackers cost the same. More expensive trackers typically offer more features and greater security, but that is not to say that the less-expensive trackers are not capable of delivering great security.
It’s important to take into account the cost of the motorhome itself when creating your budget, as more expensive or valuable motorhomes may require a tracker with more features.
Similarly, you will want to look at the features itself. There may be a feature in particular that you are looking for when deciding on a tracker, which may only be available on certain types.
Compatibility with your vehicle and mobile phone is also another important consideration. A tracker’s effectiveness hinges on its seamless integration with both your vehicle and your mobile phone. The tracker should align with your vehicle’s make, model, and technical specifications, allowing for a smooth and reliable connection. This ensures accurate data transmission and real-time monitoring, pivotal for effective tracking of your motorhome.
Crystal Ball offers owners the following Thatcham-approved motorhome trackers:
S5 Thatcham tracker:
The S5 tracker is one of the best motorhome trackers currently available. It is perfect for use in high-value vehicles and has enhanced features to prevent theft and locate and recover stolen vehicles.
This tracker uses GPS technology and provides real-time data on your vehicle’s:
- Current location information
- Ignition status
- Battery life level
- Travel duration
It also offers monitoring of your vehicle’s status via a compatible smartphone app which is fully integrated with the motorhome tracker. The S5 makes use of a sophisticated Automatic Driver Recognition (ADR) system, which sends alerts to your mobile phone when your vehicle is driven with your permission.
S5+ Thatcham tracker:
The S5+ tracker is one of the most advanced motorhome trackers. It offers optional remote immobilisation and an easy-to-use mobile app.
The device is discreetly fitted and also provides real-time GPS information about your vehicle, including:
- Current location information
- Travel time
- Ignition status
- Battery voltage
The S5+ also offers ADR that ensures that the vehicle can’t be started without its unique driver card. The device offers 24/7 monitoring while its anti-tamper and tow-away alerts immediately notify you if your vehicle is moved.
S7 Thatcham tracker
The S7 tracker enhances your camper van’s security and is discreetly fitted in your vehicle making it difficult for thieves to locate and destroy the device.
Using GPS and GSM technology, the campervan tracker sends location data to a remote monitoring centre and your mobile tracking app. When your camper van is stolen, the device immediately sends an alert and location information to help authorities locate and recover the vehicle. Using its Tow & Tamper alert, vehicle owners are also immediately notified if their vehicle is driven or used without permission.
Conclusion
According to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, 58,000 vehicles were stolen in the UK in 2022, while motorhome theft has increased by a massive 81% since 2015.
To prevent the theft of your motorhome, it’s important to fit your vehicle with an anti-theft tracking device.
Motorhome trackers allow the real-time monitoring and location of your motorhome. Furthermore, using an insurance-approved camper van tracking system allows owners peace of mind, immediate and accurate tracking in the event of motorhome theft and reduces insurance premiums.
Contact Crystal Ball for a free demo to see which Thatcham tracker best fits your motorhome’s safety needs and budget.