Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 11-25-2014, 05:03 PM   #1
1 Rivet Member
 
Currently Looking...
Portland , Maine
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 5
Alarm/Theft Systems

I'm relatively new to this forum, and we're keenly interested in the Airstream Interstate, esp. the Grand Tour version. It looks ideal for us. Probably 6-9 months away.

One thing for sure, this RV is a significant financial investment. I sure would hate to lose it to the hands of a slippery thief. What protection comes with the vehicle? Have some of you installed aftermarket alarm/theft deterrent devices? The LoJack system, although a little pricey, seems to be the way owners of high-end sports vehicles go; is this true for you AI Owners as well?

Thanks for your input! If this topic is covered previously, please point me in the right direction.

-Tom (sleeptite)
sleeptite is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2014, 07:08 PM   #2
Rivet Master
 
73shark's Avatar
 
2011 Interstate Coach
Overland Park , Kansas
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,798
Welcome to the Air Forums.

There's at least one member, Protaganist, that has installed an aftermarket alarm system. He'll probably weigh in and let you know. You could search the forum as he did a write-up on it.
__________________
Glass half full or half empty to an engineer is the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

2011 Interstate SOLD! Upfitted 2017 Transit 350. SOLD!
73shark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2014, 07:44 PM   #3
Dazed and Confused
 
Isuzusweet's Avatar
 
Currently Looking...
1983 31' Airstream310
Hillsburgh , Ontario
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,805
A good car alarm will help but who reacts to car alarms anymore??? So the perp has enough time to pop the hood and kill the alarm.

The most effective anti theft system (other than a bloody big dog) is a fuel shut off switch. Find the wire that feeds power to your fuel pump in the tank and add a switch in that line. With no power to the pump the engine will turn over and may start for a few seconds but the Interstate will not go anywhere. The perp will deduce that you have installed a fuel shut off switch somewhere, so you have to be savvy in how you install the switch...

If you're lucky and have a switch blank in your dashboard, think about buying an OEM fog lamp, rear heater switch or defroster switch that only you would know operated the pump. The perp will go looking everywhere but right in front of his or her face as everyone else will put the switch in the footwell or somewhere hidden. This leaves the switch easily to operate for you and very secure.

Cheers
Tony
Isuzusweet is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2014, 08:21 PM   #4
Rivet Master
 
73shark's Avatar
 
2011 Interstate Coach
Overland Park , Kansas
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,798
Is there an electric fuel pump on the Sprinters?
__________________
Glass half full or half empty to an engineer is the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

2011 Interstate SOLD! Upfitted 2017 Transit 350. SOLD!
73shark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2014, 08:39 PM   #5
cwf
Rivet Master
 
cwf's Avatar
 
1999 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Hillsboro , Texas
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,406
Images: 2
Blog Entries: 2
Put the switch on another power line like the main feed to the engine management board or the "engine run" line
__________________
Peace and Blessings..
Channing
WBCCI# 30676
cwf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-25-2014, 09:29 PM   #6
Rivet Master
 
Boxster1971's Avatar

 
2024 Interstate 19
Fulton , Maryland
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,872
Quote:
Originally Posted by 73shark View Post
Is there an electric fuel pump on the Sprinters?

Yes there is - but I would not recommend messing with it unless it is done by a reliable shop that has a track record of installing such a security measure without damage to the vehicle. The Sprinter is a complex computer controlled system that does not react well to alterations to the electrical systems.
__________________
- - Mike
--------------------------
2024 Airstream Interstate 19e AWD
Previous: 2013 Airstream Interstate 3500 Ext Lounge
Boxster1971 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2014, 05:34 AM   #7
Figment of My Imagination
 
Protagonist's Avatar
 
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over , More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
Quote:
Originally Posted by 73shark View Post
There's at least one member, Protaganist, that has installed an aftermarket alarm system. He'll probably weigh in and let you know.
That was a pretty safe prediction. I read every post in the "Sprinter and B-vans" forum, and being a know-it-all (or at least "know-it-some") engineer, I can't resist weighing in on topics of interest.

I have a high-end Viper alarm system. Which I have to update now that I have a smartphone. A smartphone interface sends you a text message anywhere in North America whenever the alarm goes off, as long as both you and your protected vehicle are within range of a cell tower. If you can't store your Interstate at home, or if you still work for a living and can't be home when the alarm might go off, this is the best feature to have. If nothing else, you can call law enforcement or a trusted neighbor to check on your vehicle whenever an alarm is triggered.

Other key features of my Viper system include:
- A glass-break sensor. This is sensitive enough that if you tap on the glass with a coin or key, the alarm sounds. It's an audio sensor specifically keyed to the sound frequency of breaking glass.
- A tilt sensor. This will detect any attempt to hook the vehicle up to a tow truck, or to jack it up to steal those expensive aluminum rims.
- An internal motion sensor. If someone manages to get in without triggering any other sensor, this will detect them moving around. It will also detect a door opening. Downside is, you can't turn on the alarm while you're inside the vehicle, so it's not a lot of use while you're camping. The way I figure it, if someone breaks in while I'm inside, I have my own means to protect me and mine.
- A battery power sensor. If someone disconnects the power, it triggers another alarm powered by its own internal battery.
- Alarm sirens both inside the vehicle under the dash and outside the vehicle under the hood. At 135dB, this alarm is loud enough to cause physical pain to anyone inside the vehicle except hard-core rap afficionados who are already half-deaf.
- A bright flashing "Viper" logo decal on the windshield. An alrm system works best if you advertise that (1) you have one, and (2) it's active.

Two features I didn't get are the proximity sensor and the remote start.
- Proximity sensors detect when someone is close to the vehicle and give a warning, "Step away from the vehicle." I hate those, after all the times I've triggered one when the guy who has one parks next to me, and going back to my car triggers his alarm. As far as I'm concerned, that sensor is only good for convertibles, open-topped Jeeps, and pickups with no cover over the cargo bed, where a burglar doesn't have to smash in order to grab.
- Remote start enables the engine to be started without the chipped key. In other wods, it defeats the vehicle's manufacturer's own anti-theft devices without replacing them with something equal or better, so it's less secure. I'd rather have to manually start the engine, with the right key.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Isuzusweet View Post
A good car alarm will help but who reacts to car alarms anymore??? So the perp has enough time to pop the hood and kill the alarm.
As noted above, top-end alarm companies like Viper and Drone have thought of that. Any attempt to disconnect the battery triggers another alarm, powered by its own internal battery. The downside is that I can't use the disconect switch by the accelerator pedal, either, because it triggers an alarm, so there's a limit to how long I can let my Interstate sit without running down the battery. I can safely go about three weeks and still have enough power to start the engine, but just to be safe, and to prevent the dreaded Airstream Separation Anxiety, I drive my Interstate somewhere every two weeks or less, even if it's just to the grocery store. It is terribly handy to have an on-board fridge when buying groceries, you know.
Quote:
The most effective anti theft system is a fuel shut off switch. Find the wire that feeds power to your fuel pump in the tank and add a switch in that line.
Not necessary. Newer vehicles with ID-chipped keys include a fuel shut-off, including Sprinter vans. If you attempt to start the engine with the wrong key— or no key— the ignition switch prevents both the electric fuel pump and the starter from getting any power.

By the way, if you have more than one vehicle with ID-chipped keys (both my Interstate and my Honda Fit have them) it's best to keep those keys on separate rings. If they're on the same key ring, you can wind up with the ignition switch trying to read both keys because they've both close enough to the ignition switch, and locking out the starter and fuel pump.
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
Protagonist is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2014, 05:57 AM   #8
Rivet Master
 
1999 30' Excella 1000
small town , Maryland
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 802
A Doberman Pinscher always looked impressive behind a sliding glass door. Maybe a windsheild?
streaminwild is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2014, 06:09 AM   #9
Figment of My Imagination
 
Protagonist's Avatar
 
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over , More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
Quote:
Originally Posted by streaminwild View Post
A Doberman Pinscher always looked impressive behind a sliding glass door. Maybe a windsheild?
The problem there is that you'll have animal-rights activists breaking into your Interstate to free the "poor mistreated" critter, which kind of defeats the whole purpose of an alarm system!
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
Protagonist is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2014, 08:02 AM   #10
Rivet Master
 
InterBlog's Avatar
 
2007 Interstate
League City , Texas
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 6,139
Quote:
Originally Posted by Protagonist View Post

- A tilt sensor. This will detect any attempt to hook the vehicle up to a tow truck, or to jack it up to steal those expensive aluminum rims.
Interstates can't be towed, though, right? I was told this by another owner - they have to be moved via flatbed. Towing will cause serious damage for I forget what reason. That's why it's important to have roadside protection. Flatbeds of the size needed to transport an Interstate are very expensive to commission.

For in-use security, we have our sidearms and our dog who, although not as large or as imposing as a Doberman, has proven herself superb at detecting potential intruders. We learned this a few years ago by taking her tent-camping along the Rio Grande. A snarling dog in pitch darkness doesn't need to be a Doberman to send people scrambling in the opposite direction.

For not-in-use security, we pay for garaging in a rental facility - one with an electronic main gate, cameras everywhere, and all storage units with walls that come all the way to the ground and locking up-doors (none of the open bays that are popular among Class A owners for their cheaper cost but which send a visual signal to thieves that there's a lot of wealth stored there). Those could still be broken into, but any thieves would need to choose among a few hundred blind units, which makes Interstate targeting not very likely.
InterBlog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2014, 08:21 AM   #11
Figment of My Imagination
 
Protagonist's Avatar
 
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over , More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
Quote:
Originally Posted by InterBlog View Post
Interstates can't be towed, though, right? I was told this by another owner - they have to be moved via flatbed. Towing will cause serious damage for I forget what reason. That's why it's important to have roadside protection. Flatbeds of the size needed to transport an Interstate are very expensive to commission.
They can be towed, using a wheel-lift truck towing from the front (a wheel lift on the rear axle risks crushing the propane fill port). The Sprinter owner's manual recommends limiting such tows to 35mph and 35 miles distance to prevent transmission damage. Towing for longer distances requires disconnecting the driveshaft.

However, someone seeking to tow your Airstream away without your consent is unlikely to care about such niceties.

Also, even if you call for a "transporter" (flatbed tow) when you call roadside assistance, they may send a wheel lift towtruck anyway. That's what happened to me when my starter went out and I had to get a tow. I called, and specifically requested a flatbed tow capable of handling a 23-foot-long van 10 feet tall. They sent a wheel-lift towtruck anyway. I had two choices. Accept the tow and risk transmission damage, or refuse the tow, and find my own tow and pay for it myself.

Because I was concerned about possible transmission damage, at the same time I had the starter replaced, I had Mecedes Benz check the transmission (and paid for the diagnostic; small price to pay for peace of mind). They gave it a clean bill of health, and if that later proves not to be the case, it's on file that they cleared it for use as-is. Had the transmission been damaged, I was fully prepared to sue the towing company for the price of repairs.

And a word of advice, learned the hard way: If you need to have a wheel-lift tow, read the Sprinter owner's manual! There is a way to disable the automatic door locks, and you need to use it. You need to have it towed with the key in the ignition and in the accessory position so that you can move the gearshift to the neutral position, and the doors will lock on their own otherwise. Which could leave you with the vehicle locked with the keys in it and the chassis battery draining itself when the towtruck reaches the destination and drops off the vehicle.
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
Protagonist is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2014, 09:25 AM   #12
Rivet Master
 
Boxster1971's Avatar

 
2024 Interstate 19
Fulton , Maryland
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 3,872
Quote:
Originally Posted by Protagonist View Post
........
Also, even if you call for a "transporter" (flatbed tow) when you call roadside assistance, they may send a wheel lift towtruck anyway. That's what happened to me when my starter went out and I had to get a tow. I called, and specifically requested a flatbed tow capable of handling a 23-foot-long van 10 feet tall. They sent a wheel-lift towtruck anyway. I had two choices. Accept the tow and risk transmission damage, or refuse the tow, and find my own tow and pay for it myself........
......

Protag - which roadside insurance do you have? I had mine towed via Mercedes and they sent a special flatbed truck.


- - Mike
2013 Lounge EXT on 2012 Sprinter
__________________
- - Mike
--------------------------
2024 Airstream Interstate 19e AWD
Previous: 2013 Airstream Interstate 3500 Ext Lounge
Boxster1971 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2014, 09:39 AM   #13
Figment of My Imagination
 
Protagonist's Avatar
 
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over , More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boxster1971 View Post
Protag - which roadside insurance do you have? I had mine towed via Mercedes and they sent a special flatbed truck.
Good Sam Roadside Assistance.

I wasn't even aware that Mercedes Benz offered their own Roadside Assistance program until you mentioned it. After looking it up online, it appears that I'm not eligible for it, unless Foley RV is considered an authorized Mercedes Benz dealership. Which I kind of doubt.
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
Protagonist is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2014, 09:45 AM   #14
2 Rivet Member
 
nesoutlook's Avatar
 
2013 Interstate Coach
Boca Raton , Florida
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 45
I also have a Viper security system. Two interesting features of the system are low battery warning text and smart fence. The first item was a life saver. On a trip to Savannah, GA I left the headlights on while parked. I am sure this has not happened to anyone else. Thankfully I got a low battery warning text which gave me a chance to get back to the vehicle before the battery died. The other feature smart fence sends me a text when vehicle leaves one mile radius from parked location. I can then track vehicle from viper app.




Sent from my iPhone using Airstream Forums
nesoutlook is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2014, 09:48 AM   #15
Figment of My Imagination
 
Protagonist's Avatar
 
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over , More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
Quote:
Originally Posted by nesoutlook View Post
The other feature smart fence sends me a text when vehicle leaves one mile radius from parked location. I can then track vehicle from viper app.
That's something I'll need to check on when I upgrade to the smartphone interface from the key fob remote that I presently have.
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
Protagonist is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2014, 10:33 AM   #16
Rivet Master
 
Muskogee , Oklahoma
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 749
Alarm

I have the Drone system, one of the first installed in a Sprinter. At the time, the Viper system was not available for Sprinters. It's nice to be able to remote start the van, as well as receive an alarm on my iPhone if the alarm is tripped. As for stealing it, I'm not too worried unless they put it on a flatbed, but then, the Alarm would trip and notify me because of the shock sensor.

I'm more worried about someone breaking in and stealing the Kenwood deck or other property in the van while on a trip than anything else to be honest. It primarily just gives me peace of mind more than anything else.

I highly recommend the Drone system if you can find a shop to install it. You can remote start/stop then engine, lock/unlock the doors, and check the temperature, as well as locate the van using the smart phone app as well as track it. There is an annual subscription fee, but it's not much.
__________________
2011 Interstate WD/Lounge (since sold).
2020 Leisure Van WonderRTB
gmillerok1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2014, 11:31 AM   #17
c21
Rivet Master
 
2014 Interstate Coach
Arroyo Grande & Central Point , California & Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 624
Is anyone using Lojack and can you recommend it?
c21 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2014, 12:52 PM   #18
Rivet Master
 
73shark's Avatar
 
2011 Interstate Coach
Overland Park , Kansas
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,798
Quote:
Originally Posted by c21bill View Post
Is anyone using Lojack and can you recommend it?
There's a limited number of states that it's available in and Kansas isn't one of them. Not sure if that means I can't use it or if I was in a state that was covered and someone stole it and took it to Kansas, they couldn't track it.

One potential drawback to the remote start app is most, if not all, new vehicles use a chipped key and the app requires one to be located in the vehicle. The Sprinter key I'm told runs about $200.
__________________
Glass half full or half empty to an engineer is the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

2011 Interstate SOLD! Upfitted 2017 Transit 350. SOLD!
73shark is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2014, 01:19 PM   #19
c21
Rivet Master
 
2014 Interstate Coach
Arroyo Grande & Central Point , California & Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 624
Quote:
Originally Posted by 73shark View Post
There's a limited number of states that it's available in and Kansas isn't one of them. Not sure if that means I can't use it or if I was in a state that was covered and someone stole it and took it to Kansas, they couldn't track it.

One potential drawback to the remote start app is most, if not all, new vehicles use a chipped key and the app requires one to be located in the vehicle. The Sprinter key I'm told runs about $200.
I bought a spare chipped key for my AI and paid around 280 bucks for it. A spare key blade which opens the driver door was only 20 bucks.
c21 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-26-2014, 01:32 PM   #20
Rivet Master
 
73shark's Avatar
 
2011 Interstate Coach
Overland Park , Kansas
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,798
I was also told that there is a second, non-replaceable battery in the fob that talks to the ECM for starting. I think one of my fobs has that battery dying as I experienced a couple of no-starts on a recent trip. Checked fuse and it was OK. Then it started. Used spare for rest of trip w/ no no-start occurrences.
__________________
Glass half full or half empty to an engineer is the glass is twice as big as it needs to be.

2011 Interstate SOLD! Upfitted 2017 Transit 350. SOLD!
73shark is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Alarm and Security Systems for Interstate AirTurtle91 Sprinter and B-van Forum 26 11-04-2013 01:36 PM
Security alarm systems teagues Electronics & Connectivity 1 03-26-2009 01:57 PM
security from theft? kc airstreamer Our Community 13 10-01-2003 05:42 PM
Alarm Systems swebster Airstream Motorhome Forums 7 09-14-2003 12:58 PM


Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 08:22 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.