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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.

Bertie.

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.

Bertie.

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.

Quote: Originally posted by cwdc56768 on 23/1/2012

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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

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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!!!

Bertie. 

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.

BB

Quote: Originally posted by cwdc56768 on 23/1/2012

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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

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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.

BB

I was in the 'I don't want it back' camp, however the discount on the insurance for a factory fit Tracker is sufficient to sway my decision.

We get £18400 inc contents new for old cover for £215.

Re fees, our van came with 1 years cover, & it was then less the £100 to cover the van for the life we have it.

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.

Bertie.