Technical Alarm, Rev Sensors and Camera advice

[Minx]

Hi all ... I'm hoping some of you lovely Fiat Ducato owners can help me!

We're shortly taking delivery of a new Globecar Familyscout L camper conversion based on a x250 Fiat Ducato Maxi chassis (6.34m approx).

We want to do the following:

• upgrade the existing Cat 2 immobiliser to a Cat 1 along with an alarm
• install some reversing sensors
• install a rear-view camera

The latter 2 items we are happy to do ourselves (although I don't think hubby will want to drill the holes in the bumper so that'll be my job! ).

The problem we're having is that we're being given 'conflicting' information as to what we can/cannot do!

Alarm - we will get this done professionally (we need to get a certificate for our insurance) but as we only have one Fiat remote fob so want an alarm with 2 remote fobs for alarming and unlocking/locking, should we go for a system that links into the Canbus and if so do we need anything doing by the dealer brefore we get it to allow this, or should we look at a totally independent system?

Reversing sensors - can we simply supply the power by linking it into the reversing light wiring or will this upset the Canbus etc? Any recommendations for which ones to go for and/or whether we'd be better getting it done professionally.

Camera - Does the Ducato come with pre-wiring for this, or will we have to run our own cables and if so should we run it independently from a plug into the dash 12v socket or link it into the ignition, again will this cause problems with the Canbus? We removed a system from our previous camper (also a X250 but put our own cables etc on) so have the monitor, camera etc already.

Due to our location (near Hull, E Yorkshire) alarm etc fitters are thin on the ground so any recommendations for who to go to would also be very gratefully received.

Very many thanks in advance for any help/comments/advice! :worship:

Mel

 

[varesecrazy]

Hi Mel,

there was somebody up your way in the Forum.., actionman37

DO feel free to search old posts, in "security" section of FF too,

Charlie

 

[taffybloke]

Hello Mel. There is a guy down in the west country that can help you. he is Eddie of http://www.vanbitz.com/. He is also on http://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/ and offers a 10% discount to subscribed forum members. He also has a campsite so you can stay over while the work is done.


Mike

 

[shotgun]

the reversing sensors & rear-view camera can be fitted and its not a hard job
done lots on cars and vans you can get the kits off ebay

 

[Minx]

Hello Mel. There is a guy down in the west country that can help you. he is Eddie of vanbitz.com

Mike

Thanks Mike, but I've seen Eddie's prices v(I know him from my MH forum) and whilst his stuff is quality but it is very expensive nonetheless! The camper is costing me enough without taking out a mortgage for the 'bits'!

 

[Minx]

the reversing sensors & rear-view camera can be fitted and its not a hard job
done lots on cars and vans you can get the kits off ebay

Thanks Shotgun, that's my thinking.

We're also reconsidering the alarm system as hubby has been speaking to a local mobile chap who suggested fitting one that doesn't use the Canbus to keep it simpler and not have any 'warranty' issues in the future and also if there are any problems in the future it could prove easier to find the cause. He can fit one for between £50 and £70 if we buy the alarm itself (he'll check the van first before we commit anyway) - he's recommended getting a Cat 2 to 1 upgrade off Ebay with the certificate for our insurance if we want it.

Our insurance will only be reduced by about £18 by having one fitted so as most 'alarm specialists' are wanting to charge around £300 all in, it would never 'pay' for itself through insurance savings but that's not the issue - we only want it for our own peace of mind for when we wildcamp so that we would know if anyone tried to get in and obviously be a deterrent then (visible 'activation' warning light) for then and during the daytime when we park the van.

 

[shotgun]

with the camera you can get wireless or wired
I would go for the wired as its a better pics

 

[taffybloke]

I've seen Eddie's prices

Fair comment. Hope you get it sorted.


Mike