The Ultimate Guide To Caravan Trackers

Caravan trackers are designed to track caravan and motorhome location and monitor for theft. They use GPS technology to provide real-time location information and can be monitored remotely via a mobile app or website. So they can help recover your vehicle if it’s stolen.

On average, 2,800 caravans are stolen each year in the UK. Some thefts aren’t reported, so the number of caravans stolen may be even higher.

Caravans are easier to steal than motorhomes, as they can be towed away. By installing a tracker — especially combined with a caravan alarm system and caravan CCTV — you may be able to recover a stolen vehicle or prevent theft altogether.

Here’s everything you need to know about choosing, installing, and using a caravan tracker.

How to choose your caravan tracker

There are 3 key considerations for choosing a caravan tracker:

Thatcham certification
Ease of installation
Cost

Some trackers — usually the ones that have their own built-in power source — are easy to install yourself. But others require a bit of technical knowledge. In these instances, it’s a good idea to seek professional installation so you know the tracker is fitted properly and discreetly.

There are also substantial cost differences, even among the best caravan trackers. Your budget will dictate how much you spend on your tracker. Be mindful that many trackers require you to pay an upfront cost and a subscription fee. The subscription fee must be renewed at regular intervals.

What is Thatcham Certification?

Caravan trackers are given a Thatcham Certification to verify their effectiveness. The Thatcham Certification process tests security systems against a set of rigorous standards. Only those systems that pass the tests are given a Thatcham certification.

3 best caravan trackers

1. Phantom Pro 3

Trustpilot: 4.7*
Price: from £499.00 (including monthly subscription)
Thatcham Certification: S7

The Phantom Pro 3 is a caravan tracking system that uses GSM and GPS technology to keep tabs on your vehicle. When the 3D motion sensor is set off, it sends an alert to the Phantom app, notifying you of possible unauthorised vehicle movement.

The Pro 3 uses the caravan battery as its main power source, though it’s backed up by a secondary rechargeable battery. Up to 3 emergency contacts can be alerted by the Moving Intelligence call centre when the tracker is triggered.

2. Tracker Retrieve

Feefo: 4.4*
Price: £249.00 (+£159.00 1-year subscription)
Thatcham Certification: S7

The Retrieve uses a patented VHF (Very High Frequency) tracking technology to keep track of your caravan or motorhome. This technology is used by UK police forces to monitor vehicle theft, so it’s among the most advanced systems out there.

Unlike some other systems, the Retrieve runs off its own built-in power source. It doesn’t need to be wired into the vehicle’s electrical system, preventing caravan battery drain.

3. Scorpion Track and Trace

Trustpilot: 3.7*
Price: £149.99 (including subscription)
Thatcham Certification: Not included; S5 or S7 available at an additional cost

This compact GPS tracker is waterproof, easy to install, and tracks your vehicle location in real-time. Users can access the vehicle location through the ScorpionTrack website, or the purpose-built app. Like the Retrieve, this caravan tracker uses its own power source.

Scorpion’s monitoring team is Thatcham-accredited. They’ll help facilitate the safe recovery of your caravan or motorhome. Be aware that this tracker itself isn’t Thatcham-certified; an S5 or S7 tracker is available at an additional cost.

How to install a caravan tracker

Tracker installation depends on which unit you buy. Some — like the Scorpion Track and Trace and Retrieve — can be fitted easily by the user. The Phantom, meanwhile, must be wired in. While this is more fiddly initially, it makes the tracker harder to remove by would-be vehicle thieves. If you’re unsure how to wire it in, an installer can do it for you.

With any tracker, you must make sure it’s hidden from view and difficult to find. Otherwise thieves can easily remove them from the vehicle.

How to monitor your caravan tracker

Caravan trackers typically come with 2 options for monitoring vehicle location:

Mobile app
Website access

Of course, your caravan may be moved when you’re not monitoring the app. In these instances, you should receive a push notification that tells you that your vehicle has moved. Tracking companies also have their own internal monitoring teams who are active 24/7, and can help you track down your vehicle if it goes AWOL.

Caravan trackers: are they worth it?

Caravans are going up in value, which makes them more attractive targets for thieves. As towing vehicles, they’re also easier to steal than motorhomes. So while tracking devices can be expensive, it’s a good way to protect your investment and give you a chance of vehicle recovery.

Trackers are especially effective if used in conjunction with other security devices, like cameras and alarms.

Thatcham Certification is also widely recognised by insurers. So using certified security equipment may help you save on your caravan insurance premium.

To find out more about protecting your vehicle, see our top 10 tips for improving your caravan security.

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