Vehicle Security & Anti-Theft

Lay bait

Then there are the basics: making it difficult to see into the vehicle, laying cell phone cables in such a way that it is obvious that no device is attached to them. In the past, we stowed our Macbooks in the back of the roof. Because with the predecessor, a VW T5, California Ocean, the ignition had to be running to raise the roof. - A feature that is no longer available in the Spacecamper. On the other hand, opening the roof is now not only faster and without electricity, but the SpaceCamper offers several hidden storage compartments. 

Last but not least, we have a second wallet "hidden" in the van, just in case. - In it are expired credit cards, as well as a little money. - Will that help? We don't know, but it can't hurt either. How does the Kölsch say? "Mer muss uch jönne können" - you also have to be able to indulge. After all, the guys are constantly training. 

"You know that queasy feeling when your second home is alone in the dark?

Factory-installed security systems no longer seem to offer effective protection, as crooks are also upgrading more and more. Radio key hacking seems to be becoming commonplace.

Stüven KFZ Alarm advertises that for more than 30 years no customer of STÜVEN KFZ Alarm has ever had to accept a theft or burglary. - No idea if this is true, but it convinced us.

COBRA alarm system

We want to protect our belongings as much as possible. Therefore, we have deliberately decided against a standard alarm system from VW. Because standard is just standard, every crook knows it. In order to make it as difficult as possible for them, we have installed two independent alarm systems. One is a Vodafone Automotive COBRA alarm system, including an electric immobilizer, GPS tracking, driver identification via a DriverCard, and radio sirens with integrated emergency power supply.

In addition, in "critical" situations, the alarm can be triggered from the inside via handheld transmitter. - With this system we are repeat offenders. STÜVEN CAR ALARM has already installed this system in our predecessor. So what motivated us to drive up north to have this alarm system installed? After all, there are companies in every major city that install alarm systems. We were convinced on the one hand by the obvious competence, and on the other hand by the individual advice. Here the customer gets what he needs, security.

Rollex or iWatch?

There are several systems in the program, one is Pandora, the other is Vodafone Automotive COBRA. Kai Stüven provides individual advice and explains the different advantages using the example of a comparison between a Rollex and an iWatch. He clearly points out the personal benefits. That was nice to see for me as a sales person. The guy knows what he is doing. Torgit then summed it up: "The guy not only has competence, but also damn big balls. That's how he conveys pure security" - after all, that's what you want when it comes to security.

We decided against stickers from the manufacturer Vodafone, and rather chose those from the market companion Viper together with a light diode. It certainly can't hurt to create a little additional confusion.

SpaceCamper

But we said we have another alarm system. Also with electronic immobilizer. This comes from SpaceCamper and is therefore reserved for SpaceCamper customers. This is also ultra-loud and also has an integrated emergency power supply. Its continuous sound is not quite legally compliant, but this is certainly the least of our problems in the event of an attempted theft. Will the alleged thief report us for this?

Guarantor Blok

We have supplemented the electronic immobilizer with two mechanical ones. As the main fuse we trust the Russian manufacturer Garant Blok. 

The lock blocks the vehicle's steering shaft by means of a slide firmly attached to the steering shaft and a multi-hardened bolt inserted into the slide. Thus, when the bolt is inserted, the steering can no longer be operated. And who knows more about car theft than the guys in Moscow? 

On the one hand, this video convinced us. On the other hand, the assessment of two men in the field. One is a Russian security expert and former car thief. 

Small disadvantage of the system, it is not delivered to Germany. But the delivery within Moscow to a hotel of your choice, takes place without additional fees. For the equivalent of about 250, - € a highly effective security, which hinders a thief at least some time. It is questionable whether he will then not look for an easier victim.

Bear lock better

We have also taken the second recommendation of the former car thief to heart. That's why we also installed a Bear-Lock gearshift lock. This locks the vehicle in engaged park position. Other selector positions cannot be engaged. The vehicle is locked within seconds and unlocked by key. The immobilizer is TÜV-approved and, like the Garant Blok, is made of hardened steel with an encapsulated lock. The Bear-Lock is installed by means of breakaway screws under or behind the center console, and is firmly connected to the vehicle body. 

Bear-Lock itself says about its system: "We are included manufacturer of the current recommendation list "automotive burglary/theft protection systems" of the police crime prevention of the states and the federal government. Bear-Lock is protected against vibrations, impact methods (bumping/picking/Hobb's opening method), drilling, pulling and icing. Thieves already know Bear-Lock and, from experience, leave it alone. 

On the road with the camper van - good equipment also counts for theft protection

Camper vans theft protection - an important thing

Anyone who frequently travels with a van knows how strong the connection is that you build with your vehicle. It goes without saying that you try to protect your van from thieves. That's why we have taken a number of measures to prevent our SpaceCamper "Butch" from falling victim to theft. Our basic anti-theft equipment consists of various alarms and immobilizers, which in combination provide security. So you have a better feeling yourself and the fun of camping is not clouded by worries about vehicle security. If you own your own van or are thinking about getting one, feel free to use our equipment as inspiration for your anti-theft device to decide which accessories fit your van and put them on your list.

Cheap equipment is the wrong choice when it comes to vehicle security - quality counts when it comes to theft protection

Anyone who relies on the simple standards that the manufacturers themselves install in their van, at no extra charge, need not be surprised at theft. After all, thieves keep up to date with security precautions and know how to circumvent such common precautions. So, to avoid having your vacation ruined by a van gone missing, you should ask yourself what items are missing from your van protection checklist.

Experts help to become active in vehicle safety

Practical and our tip here is, as we have done, to consult experts who know about securing camping vans and also not to shy away from the somewhat deeper grip in the purse, because if your car is stolen, it will certainly cost you more.

Components of a successful package for Camper Vans theft protection

The alarm system for the camper van, what to consider?

Especially the alarm system is one of the most important components to protect your vehicle from theft, so good precautions in this area should not be forgotten. We decided to use two different alarm systems to secure our SpaceCamper. Better safe than sorry is our motto in this regard! Our first alarm system and one of our highlights in terms of vehicle security, is an automotive COBRA alarm system from Vodafone, in addition to another system, from SpaceCamper, which is only available to customers of the company.

Immobilizer for the camper van - What is better: mechanical or electronic immobilizer?

The importance of the immobilizer should not be underestimated. You can use it to protect your van from crooks, just like a normal car. As most car owners know, we can distinguish between electronic and mechanical immobilizers. The category of mechanical immobilizers includes, for example, the steering wheel claw and the gearshift lock. Electronic immobilizers, on the other hand, are those that are automatically activated when the ignition is switched off. If you were to ask me which immobilizer is right for your Campingvan, I would reply that, again, a sensible way to go about this is to contact experts directly. They are experienced, in giving individual advice to owners of camper vans and can give you tips to make your vehicle safe. In any case, it makes sense to combine mechanical and electronic immobilizers.

Conclusion: theft protection and vehicle security for camper van

Overall, it can be said that it is very wise to adequately protect your vehicle from theft. It is at least as important as the packing list before departure and that you have enough water on hand. You should consciously deal with the topic of theft protection and get individual advice. Experts will answer your questions and help you to solve all problems concerning vehicle security. Once you have taken all the necessary precautions, you can finally sleep soundly and wake up every morning with a good feeling, because you know that the van, even if it is parked and abandoned in a large city, is not at the mercy of crooks.