DIY Van Alarms UK Guide
A professional security system for your campervan costs £300-500 fitted. A DIY system costs £30-150 and takes an afternoon. Here is what works.
Types of DIY Alarm
1. Magnetic Door Sensors
Simple: a magnet on the door and a sensor on the frame. When the door opens, the sensor triggers an alarm. Wireless kits (Ring, Yale, Aqara) cost £25-50, run on batteries, and pair with your phone via WiFi. Installation: Peel-and-stick adhesive. 10 seconds per door. No wiring. Best for: Alerting you to unwanted entry while you are inside or nearby. Downside: Only covers doors, not windows or roof vents.
2. PIR Motion Sensors
Passive infrared detects body heat. Mount inside the van, pointing at the main living area. When someone enters, it triggers a 100dB alarm. Installation: Screw or stick to the ceiling. Wire to 12v or run on batteries. Connect to an alarm unit. Best for: Detecting intruders while you are away from the van. Downside: False alarms from pets (some have pet immunity).
3. Glass Break Sensors
Detects the sound of breaking glass. Mount near windows or roof lights. Triggers an alarm if someone smashes a window. Best for: Vans with large side windows or multiple roof lights. Downside: May not trigger on laminated glass (most van windscreens are laminated).
4. Van-Specific Kits
- AutoVox V40: 4G-connected alarm with GPS tracking, motion sensor, and door sensors. £120. Requires a SIM (pay-as-you-go, £5/year).
- Urban Security: Sound alarm with tilt sensor. £35. Detects jacking or towing.
- Meta Trak S5 Lite: 4G tracker + alarm. £150. Subscription needed.
DIY Installation Steps
- Choose your sensors (magnetic + PIR is the best combination)
- Mount the main alarm unit somewhere hidden (under a seat, in a cupboard, behind a panel)
- Stick door sensors on all entry doors
- Mount PIR sensor in the rear, pointing toward the doors
- Connect everything wirelessly or with 12v wiring
- Test the system
My DIY Setup
- Aqara door sensor on the side door (£15, battery, no hub needed)
- Ring PIR motion sensor in the rear (£30, battery, pairs with phone)
- AutoVox V40 wired into the leisure battery (£120, always on)
- Total: £165, 30 minutes install
Does It Reduce Insurance?
Some insurers offer a discount for Thatcham-approved alarms only. DIY systems do not qualify for a discount. But they do provide genuine security — which is worth more than the £20 annual insurance saving.
Verdict
A £50 PIR alarm and a set of magnetic door sensors is the best DIY security for a campervan. It will not stop a determined thief, but it will scare off opportunistic ones and alert you if someone tries to get in while you are parked nearby.
