Vehicle Security & Anti-Theft
Who wouldn't want more security for their second home, the perfect theft protection? Car theft is like the weather: there is the real and the perceived temperature. According to the theft report published by the German Insurance Association (GDV)*, the theft rate is falling, most recently to its lowest level since reunification. - However, the economic damage for the thieves has increased. - In addition, thieves also love the van. Who does not know the posts, which dedicate themselves to the search for the disappeared Bulli. In the case of a VW California, SpaceCamper, Terracamper & Co. is not only a car stolen, the Bulli is often much, much more, freedom, home ... A freedom for which you often had to wait a long time. In our case it is not "only" the second, but the first home. We drive there our whole life for a walk.
Prevent instead of cure!
So what to do if the queasy feeling remains? Therefore, one thing in advance, we are well aware that there is no 100% protection. But it certainly makes sense to make life difficult for thieves by creating several hurdles. Time is certainly the most important hurdle for thieves. But the most important hurdle remains certainly the gut feeling. - We consciously consider whether and where we park our car. When touring larger cities, we prefer to park the van at the campsite and take the bikes, public transport, Uber or cab into the city. - Simply more relaxed. - And in front of one or the other supermarket, we spontaneously decide whether someone stays at or in the van. Because even a broken window costs money and nerves. Even when checking into a campsite, someone stays with the van.
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?
Stüven car alarm
This is how a promotional video from Stüven KFZ Alarm begins. - After this video it was clear, we want more security.
In addition, you don't want to skip every major city when you travel.
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.
His dry conclusion: "Steering wheel locks and wheel claw toys, pedal locks good, Bear-Lock better, Garant Blok best." When asked why, it was just as dry: "Because you don't have room for the Flex. If you had it, it would take you ½ hour. That's too much time." That one seemed to know his stuff. The second fireman, they know well with Flex & Co. Here the argument coincided: "You have no room down there for the flex".
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.
LEDLENSER
And when we camp freely, our LEDLENSER X21R flashlight is always at hand. With 5,000 lumens, the lamp is not only extremely bright, but also creates strobe light flashes with dazzling effect if desired. But above all, it is robust and lies well in the hand with just over 1,300 grams. Surely a beating proof.
Drive-on lock plate
Safety also concerns the protection of our mountain bikes, SUPs, etc.
I owe this object to my friend Micha as the idea giver, respectively my brother Dirk in the execution.
There is always something to attach or connect on the road. No matter whether it is the SUP, the bikes or the dog. What do I attach the same? - With this plate very simple. Drive with one of the tires on the plate and this is already loaded with about 750 kilograms. Then nobody pulls away so fast. Also the excess luggage fulfills finally times a sense. - The whole thing then combined with a good chain lock, because safe is safe. - Also on the bike carrier itself, our load is secured. For this purpose, in addition to a chain with padlock, lockable tension belts with steel core. And so that no one simply steals the bikes including our original VW T6 rear carrier on the tailgate, this is secured by an alternative set of screws. The screws are to be turned only by a special key out or in. - As soon as the link falls into my hands again, I will add this.
Marten protection
But it's not just the big predators that need to be watched out for. - The Bulli has another natural enemy, a real predator.
Therefore, our Butch, from SpaceCamper, receives an electronic marten protection. Here sensors are mounted on hoses and body parts. Everywhere where the marten could be on his nightly tours. When the ignition is switched off and the hood is closed, a high voltage is generated that is harmless to humans and animals. In addition, the marten's access is made more difficult so that it does not necessarily have to come into contact with the electrically charged sensors. The modern electronics guarantee a uniquely low power consumption. Thus, the car battery is allegedly not discharged even during longer standstill periods. - As long as we do not report further on this, this seems to work.
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Here our TERRANGER Offroad modifications, info about the topics Terranger off-road driving training, Energy management, DIY Water tanks, DIY Rear carrier system, pit stop at delta4x4, Sand sheets, Vehicle foiling and Ceramic sealing.
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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.
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Hello, intuitively I have done everything right with Baer Look. Since I am expanding my T5 all-wheel drive is the reference to the alarm system important to me. Without wanting to go into specifics, how did you insure the investment? Is it enough to extend the corresponding household or do you have an extra insurance and if so what kind. Thanks for a tip.
Hey Sven,
since we no longer have household insurance, it can't help. We have a luggage insurance with increased coverage.
Thanks very interesting blog!
I believe that is one of the most vital information for me.
And i am glad studying your article. But wanna remark on some normal issues, The site style is perfect, the articles is really nice : D.
Just right process, cheers
"May we get what we want,May we get what we need,But may we never get what we deserve."😉
Hi exceptional blog! Does running a blog like this require a massive amount
work? I've absolutely no expertise in computer programming however I
was hoping to start my own blog in the near future.
Anyhow, if you have any suggestions or techniques for
new blog owners please share. I understand this is
off subject nevertheless I just needed to ask.
Appreciate it!
Hey
I would ask myself what is the goal of the blog. We do it for the fun of it. And then it takes a lot of fun to justify the work. It's work, a lot of work. We are repeatedly asked how the blog pays off. If you want to earn money with it, you should come from the field of advertising, photography, film or media consulting. We are not. That's why it's a pure hobby. We earn through links. approx. € 40 to € 50. That doesn't cover the cost of the blog. 😳 If this doesn't stop you, do it! WordPress is a good place to start.
Where or how did you purchase the Garant Blok?
Thanks for a hint
We have the Garant Blok brought by an acquaintance from Moscow. Brought to the hotel and paid with cash. No joke.
Can you help me with a contact .... Garant Blok in exchange for cash on delivery in Berlin or by arrangement ... Greetings and thanks Andreas
Hello Andreas,
I would love to help you, but I cannot. The company that makes the Bloks does not deliver. Or rather, they only deliver within Moscow. We have already asked several shipping companies. All have refused, probably because of problems with customs. No chance.
Greetings from Crete