Security Alarms

Some car alarms brand names that meet Australian Standards are – Autowatch, Antitheft Autopage, Cobra, Mongoose, Piranha and Night Vision.

Caravan & Motorhome Alarm System

Cobra Car Alarms Sales & Service Pty Ltd have a Caravan and Motorhome Alarm System that features a wireless smoke detector, wireless passive infra red (PIR) sensor and a two stage shock sensor (Impact Sensor).  The sensors are battery operated and, when triggered, transmit a radio frequency to the alarm unit.  DIY systems are available, but note the alarm requires a constant 12V power supply.

Cobra also have a ‘CarMinder GPS Tracking System’.  Unlike other tracking products on the market it does not require a subscription to a base monitoring service instead, you contact your vehicle or it contacts you.  As soon as the alarms sounds, the system sends you a text message informing you of your vehicle’s position, direction of travel, UBD page and grid reference.  Where you are outside of the UBD map area you are able to use the latitude and longitude co-ordinates for location of your vehicle. 

By using your mobile, you can close doors, shut off fuel supply and apply hazard lights. 

An advanced feature is that the system can send an alert to a primary number and a secondary number, say an SMS to your mobile and a voice alert to your Telstra home phone. No doubt there would have to be a mobile telephone coverage to enable receipt of the SMS alert.  Another option is for the alert to also be sent to your email account.

Then there is the Kratzmann’s Caravan Security System which comprises a main control unit with 12V backup and designed to cope with the rigors of outback travel.  The system includes passive infrared movement sensors, two security coded long range remote controls and a high powered internal siren.  The Kratzmann’s security systems can be added to an existing RV or incorporated into a newly build caravan.

For more information do a Google search at the top of this page.

Security Lighting and Security Alarm for RV’s

If you are looking to deter unauthorised entry to your RV or annex why not try a security light and alarm device. 

Mobi Secure provide a portable security light and alarm.  One of their systems is just the sensor light and the other is a combination of the sensory light and an alarm.  Power is provided by 240V mains power or by 12V through an inverter. 

There are three settings - distance (up to 12m at 110 degrees), lux (day, dusk or night) and time (10sec to about 12 min). 

Narva Automotive Lighting & Electrical now sell three types of awning lamps and one of these lights has a large white base that incorporates an innovative Passive Infrared Sensor (PIR).  The PIR sensor is activated by movement within a three metre radius and can be adjusted to remain illuminated for as little as one second or one minute.  A three-way switch can be used to leave the lamp turned on or off permanently as well as switching the sensor on separately only when the sensor is activated.

Engine Immobiliser

Insurers assess security using 6 categories – ease of entry, ignition lock/switch construction, engine immobiliser, original equipment (OE) car alarm, stereo security and other devices (such as locking wheel nuts and VIN (vehicle identification number)). 

Since July 2001, all new passenger cars must be sold with an engine immobiliser that complies with Australian Design Rules.

For motorhome and campervan owners, consideration should be given to installing an engine immobiliser or upgrading your alarm system to incorporate an engine immobiliser if one is not already in the vehicle. 

What is an engine immobiliser ?

It is an electronic device that interrupts the power supply required to start a vehicle’s engine. 

A good immobiliser should isolate at least two electrical circuits (starter, ignition and/or fuel system) to prevent the engine from starting.  Immobilisation relays should be hidden away in the control box making it harder for a thief to locate.

Immobilisers that comply with Australian/New Zealand Standards (AS/NZS 4601) ensure that the immobiliser will not affect the safe operation of your vehicle or be easily overcome by thieves.  The engine immobiliser should automatically activated (passive arming) when you turn off the engine.

Motor vehicle insurers recommend the use of black wires when installing, instead of coloured wires, as this would make it more difficult for thieves to identify the wires to bypass the immobiliser. 

Some engine immobiliser brand names that meet AS/NZ 4601 are – Cobra, Mongoose, Piranha and Flashpoint.

For more information do a Google search at the top of this page.