MattBW
Here to help
Super Poster
Lifetime VIP Member
GPS Trackers:
It is a sad reality that because our vans are desireable and expensive, occasonally some will get stolen. Sometimes they are sent abroad and other times stripped for parts. It is very rare but why not reduce the risk?
So I thought it worth starting a topic on GPS and police trackers. These are becoming very cheap now, as well as small and easy to hide. The cheapest I have seen (and tested is currently available for the price of a few pints that work on Pay as you go sims. Other services
offer subscription free operation (see VIP discounts).
So what do you need to look for when trying to buy a tracker?
GSM or VHF based?
GSM based trackers use the mobile phone network to communicate with you. Often they will send and receive text messages (they are effectively a phone with GPS capability). Some can work entirely by texts and will send a map link when required. Others can do live internet based tracking, but from my own experience texts have been more than sufficient and are available as long as there is a phone signal.
GPS and GSM signals can to a degree be blocked and for this reason they aren't 100% reliable, however with the cost dropping having a GSM based tracker is certainly better than nothing. Many of the units can be fitted to alert you to doors opening or van movement if wired
correctly. At a most basic level van movement and location is achievable with just a power connection.
Many of then simply work with a pay as you go sim or a cheap contract.
The cheaper units tend to be less user friendly and a little harder to setup. Many internet connected devices use the old 2g network, important to check your providers coverage and support before getting a SIM if you want to use this option.
In practice you can call the number and receive a text back with its location. Most have a variety of features from movement alerts, speed alerts and with proper wiring door alerts or internal mics and cameras in the event of a theft.
VHF based system.
The tracker system is less prone to blocking because it is traced by police scanners not by sms or data connections. This system usually has an annual charge and initial purchase price, but can't really be blocked easily. http://www.tracker.co.uk/about-us/the-police-and-tracker/ It is depandent on the police having the resources and appetite to find your vehicle.
GPS Signal:
GPS signal can travel through glass, carpet and plastic without any issue. Many units have a GPS antenna which can be placed in an optimum location. This means it can be hidden under the dash panels or even inside plastic bumpers (signals can actually bounce off the road and
up underneath the van). however you should be avoided placing it under large metal panels (like the cali roof) because signal can be greatly effected. If you have a fibreglass roof you should get a GPS signal through it.
Subs or sim based?
Many trackers will work with a simple phone sim and you can use them with whatever deal suits you, paying per text or for data useage.
Other options are available with a subs free approach, so you never have to worry about any other costs moving forward. This is a matter of personal preference.
Hard wired or battery based systems:
Decent units are available that can run for 90 or 180 days on a battery. Some even come convincingly disguised as torches or other simple devices. These offer no real advantage other than they dont need to be plugged in and don't drain a vehicle battery. Good if you don't use your van very often, it should alert you when the battery needs charging.
Hard wired take power from a vehicle battery and ensure the device is always on. Many will alert you if the battery gets low or is disconnected. Better if you use the vehicle regularly, a fit and forget device. Power consumption is low but like any vehicle if left on for prelonged period it will wear out your battery.
It is a sad reality that because our vans are desireable and expensive, occasonally some will get stolen. Sometimes they are sent abroad and other times stripped for parts. It is very rare but why not reduce the risk?
So I thought it worth starting a topic on GPS and police trackers. These are becoming very cheap now, as well as small and easy to hide. The cheapest I have seen (and tested is currently available for the price of a few pints that work on Pay as you go sims. Other services
offer subscription free operation (see VIP discounts).
So what do you need to look for when trying to buy a tracker?
GSM or VHF based?
GSM based trackers use the mobile phone network to communicate with you. Often they will send and receive text messages (they are effectively a phone with GPS capability). Some can work entirely by texts and will send a map link when required. Others can do live internet based tracking, but from my own experience texts have been more than sufficient and are available as long as there is a phone signal.
GPS and GSM signals can to a degree be blocked and for this reason they aren't 100% reliable, however with the cost dropping having a GSM based tracker is certainly better than nothing. Many of the units can be fitted to alert you to doors opening or van movement if wired
correctly. At a most basic level van movement and location is achievable with just a power connection.
Many of then simply work with a pay as you go sim or a cheap contract.
The cheaper units tend to be less user friendly and a little harder to setup. Many internet connected devices use the old 2g network, important to check your providers coverage and support before getting a SIM if you want to use this option.
In practice you can call the number and receive a text back with its location. Most have a variety of features from movement alerts, speed alerts and with proper wiring door alerts or internal mics and cameras in the event of a theft.
VHF based system.
The tracker system is less prone to blocking because it is traced by police scanners not by sms or data connections. This system usually has an annual charge and initial purchase price, but can't really be blocked easily. http://www.tracker.co.uk/about-us/the-police-and-tracker/ It is depandent on the police having the resources and appetite to find your vehicle.
GPS Signal:
GPS signal can travel through glass, carpet and plastic without any issue. Many units have a GPS antenna which can be placed in an optimum location. This means it can be hidden under the dash panels or even inside plastic bumpers (signals can actually bounce off the road and
up underneath the van). however you should be avoided placing it under large metal panels (like the cali roof) because signal can be greatly effected. If you have a fibreglass roof you should get a GPS signal through it.
Subs or sim based?
Many trackers will work with a simple phone sim and you can use them with whatever deal suits you, paying per text or for data useage.
Other options are available with a subs free approach, so you never have to worry about any other costs moving forward. This is a matter of personal preference.
Hard wired or battery based systems:
Decent units are available that can run for 90 or 180 days on a battery. Some even come convincingly disguised as torches or other simple devices. These offer no real advantage other than they dont need to be plugged in and don't drain a vehicle battery. Good if you don't use your van very often, it should alert you when the battery needs charging.
Hard wired take power from a vehicle battery and ensure the device is always on. Many will alert you if the battery gets low or is disconnected. Better if you use the vehicle regularly, a fit and forget device. Power consumption is low but like any vehicle if left on for prelonged period it will wear out your battery.
For a technophobe like me it was a bit mind-blowing (!) but the basic info was there. 
