Stolen Airstreams GPS Tracking & Deterrents

[RichHog]

I'm mad that somebody stole my trailer. I'm even madder that a number of other fellow Airstreams have been "hit" lately especially here in Texas. But no matter who or where you are, I ask that that the community would put our heads together and come up with some solutions that work in tracking units, reporting thefts and prevention before more units get stolen. I've found that just Locks, Hitch covers, Chains, just don't do it. Don't let a false sense of security fool you. My trailer was probably gone in 30 minutes regardless of three locks and chains. Now I'm finding that for under $200 I could have put a GPS tracking unit on my trailer and could have the joy of meeting the police at the location my trailer is tracked to. You guys with the stores ODM, Vintage Parts -- Get these things in stock and sell them to us. Does anybody make decent Alarm systems for Airstreams? Is it an option on a new one that costs $80,000? Let's create some awareness among the tribe and come up with ways to protect our investments. Because you never know - you may be next!

[RichHog]

Someone had posted this one but I'm not sure how well it works:

Informer Lite - Advanced GPS fleet Tracking Solution by RMTracking

Under $200 and you can activate the tracking as needed. But is it 100% accurate 100% of the time?

[cruiser54]

This model is recommended in Europe by some camper clubs.

http://www.diytrade.com/china/4/prod..._child_Elderly

Greeting Werner

[RichHog]

The Smart Tracker looks good under $ 200 with backup battrry. The informer lite I posted above is more expensive.

Smart Tracker - Advanced GPS Vehicle Recovery System by RMTracking

You can order service daily, weekly or monthly only when you need it.

Haven't purchased one but may try it,

[cruiser54]

I searched an English description....
It is about the MODEL, not about the supplier!
Great, one sees on Google Maps where the vehicle just is or where it goes!

[jdalrymple]

Here is one from Dewalt, a little more money but does more than just track.

DEWALT MOBILELOCK, Wireless Alarm System and GPS Locator

[RichHog]

Here's the Zoombak, $99.00 but the service plan is like buying cable. It seems geared for daily tracking of a car, or people. I like the idea of a generic black box that doesn't say GPS Tracking System on it.

Zoombak Universal Locator

Was thinking the fridge outside compartment would be a good location to place it as it could look like part of the fridge plus theres 12V there inside. Would be easy to check too when the trailer is in storage.

[Nuvite-F]

Originally Posted by RichHog

Was thinking the fridge outside compartment would be a good location to place it as it could look like part of the fridge plus theres 12V there inside. Would be easy to check too when the trailer is in storage.

All of these devices use GPS--must be able to receive the signal from satellites--and the cellular phone network--must be able to communicate with cell towers.

For these reasons I don't think the refrigerator compartment would be a good location unless the tracking device was connected to external GPS and cellular antennas elsewhere on the trailer. The best bet wold be someplace on the roof, either disguised as something else by a plastic cover--not metal!--or inside the fiberglass air conditioner housing, as someone suggested earlier.
.

[mwells4654]

Here is the one I think I am getting. It reports up to 4 times daily and you can set up virtual fences. A little more pricey but I think a better total value than the others I have seen.

Asset Protection Unit for GPS Tracking

[RichHog]

According to Casitaplaza, his Airstream was recovered due to the WMCCI numbers on the front. I'd say this is the best case for joining up. Though it won't prevent the theft like a pit bull would, it sure helps in the identifying part leading to recovery.

[robwok]

I wanted to post an update to this thread. It's as cheap as $40 and $40 a year to maintain the text plan: Amazon.com: Vehicle Car GPS Tracker 103B with Remote Control GSM Alarm SD Card Slot Anti-theft: Everything Else

I am even considering a feature on here. It comes with a relay that you can shut off power to something. My thought there would be that it would be interesting to apply power to the magnetic brakes. For example, you see it stopped. You call the police, and then you apply the brakes. The trailer can't be pulled, and while they're trying to figure out what's wrong, you and the cops show up. It can also trigger an alarm. I'm thinking putting an alarm cone in the belly pan and making the marker lights blink.

My current trailer is on blocks with no wheels, so I think it's okay for now...

I could easily hide this module in any number of crooks and crannies in my trailer.

[Taroni]

I am thinking big red numbers on the roof would be a good idea too.

[streaminwild]

Check out ''Spytec gl300'' on Amazon. Cost $50.00. Add pelican case for waterproofing. You can buy a wiring kit for continuous power. Use this for your Trailer. I think $25.00 per month fee. From personal experience, this tracking device worked great. robwok's device looks interesting post 11. I see a add for TRACKR which is the size of a quarter on this forum.

[SteveSueMac]

Whatever happened to LoJack? Is that viable for an RV? (On edit...) You used to be able to buy a new car with LoJack as an option - can you still do that? Is there a reason you can't do that on an Airstream?

[streaminwild]

Steve, If I remember right Lojack was installed in your vehicle as a accessory. Then when stolen, the police activated it, and they found the vehicle for you. I looked into Lojack in the 80s when I had a 72 ss Camaro stolen with only 27k miles on the clock. I think Lojack is still around.

[bel73]

You could also use an old smart phone. Hide it in your trailer and use the locate function when needed.

[waninae39]

i ordered the dewalt unit
are they related to dewalt tools or do they just use the same name and colours

[Troutboy]

The best I found in research was the Spot Trace. $50 to purchase (when on sale), $9 per month.

It's a GPS tracker, but it sends me a message everyday that my trailer is safe with a map and location. If it ,Ives, it also immediately send a text and email letting me know it moved.

Plus it is super small, and you can hide it so no one can see it. It also sends you a message when the batteries are getting low on power.

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by waninae39

i ordered the dewalt unit
are they related to dewalt tools or do they just use the same name and colours

The huge problem with the DeWalt unit (and others like it) is that it sends the movement message through a cellular network; Therefore no cell service then no notification. The GPS feature is only used to determine location before sending the alert. (Maybe a lag issue too.)

However, the SPOT Trace sends any movement notification instantly through the satellite system. You can also have multiple email/sms addresses for notification. The system is very sensitive - it will trigger a motion alert during a thunderstorm. It is easy to turn off when you are in the trailer so you don't get unwanted alerts.

[waninae39]

i got a refund from dewalt as the unit does not work outside of the USA (;

i will look at the spot. it seems to need sky view though , where as the dewalt doesn't and just needs a cell signal access

does the spot need to be placed on the rook of the AS