Help needed from motorhome owners re alarms

Nice_Username

I've recently purchased a second-hand motorhome and wish to get it alarmed with a decent CAT1 alarm and immobiliser. I wondered if anybody could offer any moneysaving advice. My initial research on the internet suggests I'd be looking at a price around £300 including fitting. Does that seem reasonable and what checks should I ensure I make before doing anything? Thanks for any help.

anewman

Installing yourself is an option but you have to have a relatively good knowledge of car electrical systems, and a wiring diagram for the motorhome or a multimeter (with the knowledge of how to use it) would be a big help. You also obviously need to be able to get parts of the dash out etc.

Don't be so hung up on the cat 1 unless it's needed for insurance purposes.

What brand/type of alarm are you looking at?

Nice_Username

Hi anewman.

First of all I'm a complete know-nothing regarding cars/wiring etc... . I'd really rather get it installed by someone who knows what they're doing. The one I noticed today on the internet was called an Autowatch 160RLi

I guess the reason I wanted CAT1 is that I just wanted the best possible security...ie. immobiliser, every door alarmed, sensors inside etc. I was assuming CAT2 is not quite as secure, but I don't know? The motorhome itself is 18 foot, Talbot Autoquest 400GT, 1994 registered, bought for £8k.

anewman

Be careful that everything you want done is taken into account when you get a quote - for example additional switches to protect other doors etc may cost extra, as would extra sensors.

Toad systems are generally considered to be good. For example http://www.leisuretechservices.com/alarms.htm

For a motorhome I might be tempted to add something like mini piezo sirens (make an ear piercing sound inside so if anyone goes in they probably won't stay too long).

If the motorhome will be out of view for long periods, you can have something like a toad text alert, or clifford callguard fitted which will send you a text message when the alarm is triggered (they use PAYG sims so cost the cost of a text each time). Only problem is that sort of a system would cost another £300 or so. They can also be used in conjunction with the online mobile phone tracking services to give a rudimentary method of tracking, and let you send a message to the motorhome to cut off the fuel pump (if for example someone motorhome jacked you or stole the keys). They also text you if the battery is dying, and the clifford callguard (if installed correctly) can text you back the voltage of the leisure batteries on request.

This is assuming the system voltage is 12v and not 24v.