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Does anyone have any advice on where to locate the metal data tag on my Hobby caravan?  CRiS instructions say that it should be inserted in a wooden frame of a seat/shelf/cupboard, but that it cannot be read through metal or from a distance greater than 6".  The police advise that it should be readable from the exterior of the caravan but we can't find anywhere to put it. (police often stop caravans crossing the border here and scan them without gaining entry)  We thought of the wooden gas locker floor but it is impossible to get at with the drill required to make the hole to insert the chip which is 4mm thick by 35mm long.  When we phoned CRis they said it could be read through metal so we're a bit confused now

Pam

Sometimes You're the windscreen; sometimes the fly

Hi

I think you've got to consider the police.

If you want it detected it needs to be well within their search area (I assume they must have a pattern - I doubt if they'll get down on their knees or stand on tip toe). Perhaps a chat to them or if you can observe them checking a caravan might help you decide.

I suspect (but I don't know) the Aluminium panel won't be a problem but suggest you avoid extra thick areas like corners.

Tyreman

Hi

(sorry pc was out of action there for a while) yes have spoken to police and they say they scan underneath too with a scanner on a pole (!).  the front and rear panels appear to be aluminium also Tyreman.  After much consideration and head scratching we have located it where it can be scanned (hopefully) from the exterior.  CRiS give you a pre paid postcard where you give them instructions as to exactly how to find the chip so I imagine the police, if suspicious, contact CRiS for instruction as to location (I thought this a very bad idea at first, to be noting on a postcard the exact location of your microchip, until I realised (ahem or husband pointed out) there are no address or caravan details on the postcard - only the CRiS registration number.  Hopefully we've belted and braced the thing.  We etched all the windows, including the rooflights, and burned the CRiS no. into the A frame so if the swines want to steal it it will be expensive for them to "ring" it.  Its just so strange - our last caravan was never at risk of theft (being 20 years old - the Dingles would turn their noses up at it.)  There's a lot to be said in terms of worry etc.......

thanks for your advice

Pam

Sometimes You're the windscreen; sometimes the fly

Hi Pam

Yes my last caravan was 18 years old when we parted (had it from new).

Welcome to the new world of very expensive attractive assets that are easily nickable.

Tyreman

Can anybody confirm that the data tag can be scanned through the aluminium skin of a caravan.

Looking at my van I can't see anywhere viable that would not require being behind the wall.

Also can anybody give any advice as to the actual fitting. Is it best to drill into a wooden frame; insert the tag & then make good the hole with a plug?