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Topic: Coach battery stolen...what to do??? (Read 4 times) previous topic - next topic
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Coach battery stolen...what to do???
Yahoo Message Number: 145726
Someone removed my coach battery cutting all the wires in the process. Fortunately they didn't break the door. Any suggestions on whether to report it to the insurance company and how much replacement/repairs are likely going to cost? They even cut the heavy gauge wire that goes into the coach, so it's not a simple replacement. I guess they wanted to get in & out quickly since it's parked right next to my house in the fenced-in back yard! Sigh.

My next question is on replacement suggestions. That's probably a function of how much I want to spend & whether I can bear seeing them stolen again...

Thanks to the group in advance!

Ray 1997 TK
2003 MB
Formerly 1997 TK
Re: Coach battery stolen...what to do???
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145727
It boils down to a couple of things .. how much the job cost to have done vs how much to do it yourself.
..are you capable of doing the job yourself .. if your capable of doing the job yourself, will the hassle of the job be less than hassle of paying any increase to your insurance to have the work done.

I have very few claims on my insurance so any "not at fault" long term hit would be very small.  I once was a good working on cars but once leaving college and getting more reliable cars my skill atrophied a good bit.  I can change batteries, and some cables, but that cable that goes into the coach worries me.  So I would likely claim the insurance.
 If your on friendly terms with your insurance agent he would be the best person to talk to about long term what the claim might do to your insurance rating.
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Coach battery stolen...what to do???
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145728
In my last post I forgot to offer my sympathy.  I am very sorry for my neglect and also for the damage to your rig.
John
Currently: 2008 36' Tiffin Open Road
Previously: 2007 Mid Bath
Re: Coach battery stolen...what to do???
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145733
There is no reason not to turn it into insurance. I would not replace any wires only splice what is needed on to where they cut. I certainly wouldn't let them win and do without .

Sent from Garry's iPhone
Re: Coach battery stolen...what to do???
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145737
Thanks for your reply John including your second. I have to cool down a bit before making any decisions, but my thought is that it's going to cost just as much as my deductible, so I'll end up paying either way.
Ray
2003 MB
Formerly 1997 TK
Re: Coach battery stolen...what to do???
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145739
If you get AGM batteries, you can store them inside the coach, wherever it is convenient for your model.  In our 2004 RB, they are stored under the rear-facing dinette seat, right next to the original battery compartment.  I use the original battery compartment to hold a 5# propane tank for our portable Weber clamshell grill.

Very sorry to hear about your loss.  --Ted
Re: Coach battery stolen...what to do???
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145987
10years ago I had some one steel the radio from my Dodge in my own drive way one night. When I got the LD I had an alarm system installed. My big consern was at the house. The alarm would cause them to leave but also wake me.
 You could build a simple alarm for just the battery compartment for $10 to $15. You have 12 volt in the box. Get a syren that will have a 110 Db sound. You need a switch to turn the alarm on. This you can get from any alarm shop. Get a  magnetic switch that is normaly closed. The switch part would mount on the side of the box and the magnet to trip the alarm would be glued near the top of the door. When the door to the battery compartment is closed the magnet will open the switch. When the door is opened the alarm will sound. When the door is left go it will close and stop the alarm. Put a switch in the compartment below so you can turn off the alarm to get into the battery box. The noise will get rid of them and wake you up.
 
Re: Coach battery stolen...what to do???
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 145992
10years ago I had some one steel the radio from my Dodge in my own drive way one night. When I got the LD I had an alarm system installed. My big consern was at the house. The alarm would cause them to leave but also wake me.
 You could build a simple alarm for just the battery compartment for $10 to $15. You have 12 volt in the box. Get a syren that will have a 110 Db sound. You need a switch to turn the alarm on. This you can get from any alarm shop. Get a  magnetic switch that is normaly closed. The switch part would mount on the side of the box and the magnet to trip the alarm would be glued near the top of the door. When the door to the battery compartment is closed the magnet will open the switch. When the door is opened the alarm will sound. When the door is left go it will close and stop the alarm. Put a switch in the compartment below so you can turn off the alarm to get into the battery box. The noise will get rid of them and wake you up.

Keep in mind that a typical 110 db piezo siren will draw about 1/4 amp (250 ma) of current, while most magnetic switches in common use by alarm companies might be rated for 200 ma max. and most of those being "normally open" (magnet not present). Many alarm companies stock the normally closed switches, but it is unlikely they will be high current. If you connect a battery, siren, and typical mag switch in such a manner, it may work a few times, but then the contacts will fail, often "welding" shut.

That said, high current, normally closed switches are inexpensive and readily available on-line. You'll want one rated about double the expected current draw.

The simple circuit described will sound the alarm when the door is opened. Keep in mind that the average bad guy will slam the door shut immediately. With the addition of an SCR* or latching relay and reset switch, the siren will continue to sound - - many municipalities require a 10 minute, or there'bouts, timer on audible alarms so they don't drive innocent people totally bonkers.

*Using an SCR (silicon controlled rectifier) will also negate the need for a high current switch, as the gate current is quite low.

Or, if you don't want to fiddle making your own you can find many options on line for a remote operated door alarm similar to this (not a recommendation):

http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Anti-Theft-Remote-Control-Security/dp/B00IPANGW6/ref=sr_1_14?ie=UTF8&qid=1398701027&sr=8-14&keywords=alarm+with+remote

(I have an alarm company, run by my children now, so am vaguely familiar with this stuff! :c)

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"Yonder" '05 MB
"WLDBLU" glider trailer