If you are choosing a tracker for your motorhome, you will often come across two main categories: S5 and S7.
Both can provide monitored vehicle tracking, but they are not the same.
For motorhome owners, we would generally favour S5.
The reason is straightforward: an S5 system adds driver identification to the tracking setup.
That means the system is not only monitoring where the motorhome is and whether it is moving. It can also identify whether the person driving it has the correct authorised identification.
For a high-value vehicle that may spend long periods parked at home, in storage or away from its owner, that extra layer of security can make a significant difference.
At Southdowns Motorhomes, we arrange fitting of S5 tracking systems to both new and used motorhomes.
What Is an S7 Tracker?
An S7 tracker is a monitored vehicle tracking system.
Depending on the system fitted, it can provide functions such as:
- GPS vehicle location
- Movement alerts
- Battery disconnection alerts
- Battery backup
- Journey information
- Geofencing
- App access
- 24-hour monitoring
For many vehicle owners, that may be enough.
If the motorhome moves unexpectedly, the system can identify that movement and help monitor the location of the vehicle.
The limitation is that an S7 system does not include the same level of driver identification found with S5.
That is why, when we are talking specifically about motorhome security, we believe S5 is usually the stronger option.
What Does an S5 Tracker Add?
An S5 tracker provides monitored tracking but also adds driver identification.
With compatible systems, the authorised driver can be recognised through an app, driver identification card or tag.
This allows the system to detect situations where the motorhome is being driven without the expected driver identification being present.
That is an important distinction.
A tracker that only knows the vehicle is moving is useful.
A system that also knows whether an authorised driver appears to be present provides another security check.
For a motorhome, we think that is well worth considering.
Why Driver Identification Matters on a Motorhome
Motorhomes are not used in the same way as everyday cars.
They may spend:
- Weeks parked on a driveway
- Months in secure storage
- Long periods unused during winter
- Time parked away from home while travelling
- Extended periods at campsites or storage compounds
That means unexpected movement can be particularly important.
With S5, the tracking system is looking not only at vehicle movement but also at whether the correct driver identification is present.
That can help flag situations where the motorhome is being driven by somebody who should not be driving it.
For us, that is the main reason S5 makes more sense for many motorhome owners.
S5 vs S7: The Main Differences
Here is the comparison in simple terms:
| Feature | S5 Tracker | S7 Tracker |
|---|---|---|
| GPS tracking | Yes | Yes |
| 24/7 monitored tracking | Yes | Yes |
| Movement alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Battery disconnection alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Battery backup | Yes | Yes |
| App access | Yes | Yes |
| Geofencing | Yes | Yes |
| Driver identification | Yes | No |
| Higher level of driver monitoring | Yes | No |
The biggest difference is the final point.
Both can tell you that the motorhome has moved.
S5 adds another layer by checking for an authorised driver.
That is why we would normally recommend S5 where the owner wants the stronger of the two options.
Why We Prefer S5 for Motorhomes
A motorhome is usually a high-value purchase.
It is also a vehicle that may be left unattended for long periods.
That makes security a little different from an ordinary car used every day.
We think S5 is particularly well suited to motorhomes for several reasons.
It Adds Driver Identification
This is the biggest advantage.
If the motorhome moves without the correct driver identification, the system can raise an alert.
That gives the monitoring setup another way of identifying potentially unauthorised use.
It Gives More Than Basic Location Tracking
A standard GPS tracker may tell you where the vehicle is.
An S5 system combines location tracking with monitored alerts and driver identification.
That makes it a much more complete security system.
It Can Suit Higher-Value Motorhomes
Many modern motorhomes represent a considerable investment.
If you own a high-value HYMER or another premium motorhome, it makes sense to consider a security system that goes beyond basic tracking.
It May Match Stricter Insurance Requirements
Some insurers may specifically request S5.
Even where S7 is accepted, choosing S5 can mean you are fitting the stronger specification from the outset.
You should still confirm the exact requirement with your insurer before installation.
Is S7 Still a Good Tracker?
Yes.
S7 is still a monitored tracking system and may be perfectly suitable where an insurer accepts it and the owner does not want driver identification.
We would not describe S7 as poor.
The question is whether it is the best choice for a motorhome.
If you are already investing in a professional tracker installation, we think it makes sense to consider whether the additional protection from S5 is worth having.
For many motorhome owners, the answer will be yes.
What If My Insurer Only Requires S7?
If your insurer says S7 is acceptable, you can still choose S5.
Insurance requirements usually set the minimum standard the insurer wants to see.
They do not necessarily stop you from fitting a higher-specification tracking system.
So if S7 meets the policy condition but you prefer the added driver identification available with S5, you can ask about fitting an S5 system instead.
It is still sensible to confirm this with your insurer before installation.
What If My Insurer Specifically Requires S5?
Then you should fit an appropriate S5 system that meets the requirement they have given you.
When you contact Southdowns, let us know exactly what your insurer has requested.
That helps make sure the proposed system matches the specification required for your policy.
What About S5+?
You may also come across S5+ systems.
These can include additional immobilisation functions, depending on the system fitted.
That can add another level of protection beyond standard S5 tracking.
If you are looking for the strongest option available for your motorhome, it is worth asking whether an S5+ system is suitable for your vehicle.
Not every motorhome or installation will require the same setup, so this is something to discuss before fitting.
Is S5 Worth It for a Motorhome Kept in Storage?
We think this is one of the situations where S5 makes particularly good sense.
A motorhome in storage may be out of sight for days or weeks at a time.
Features such as movement alerts, geofencing and monitored tracking can help you keep an eye on the vehicle.
Driver identification adds another check if the motorhome starts moving unexpectedly.
For a vehicle that spends long periods away from you, that can be reassuring.
Can S5 Be Fitted to an Existing Motorhome?
Yes.
S5 tracking systems can be fitted to existing motorhomes as well as new vehicles.
So you do not need to be buying a new motorhome to improve the tracking system.
At Southdowns Motorhomes, we can discuss the right setup for your vehicle and arrange professional fitting.
S5 vs S7: Which Would We Choose?
If the question is simply which is the stronger option for a motorhome, we would choose S5.
S7 provides monitored tracking.
S5 provides monitored tracking plus driver identification.
For a motorhome that may be high in value, kept in storage and left unused for long periods, we think that additional layer is worth having.
S7 may meet the minimum requirement for some owners.
S5 is the option we would generally favour where you want a higher level of protection.
S5 Motorhome Tracker Fitting at Southdowns
If you are considering a tracker for your motorhome, speak to Southdowns Motorhomes about S5 fitting.
We can discuss your vehicle, check what your insurer has requested and arrange installation of a suitable system.
Whether you have a new motorhome or one you already own, an S5 tracker can add monitored tracking and driver identification to your existing security setup.
FAQs
The main difference is driver identification. S5 systems include driver identification, while S7 systems do not. Both can provide monitored tracking, movement alerts and location information.
For many motorhome owners, yes. S5 adds driver identification to monitored tracking, which makes it a stronger option where you want more than basic vehicle location and movement monitoring.
Not necessarily, but you can still choose S5 if you want the added driver identification. It is always worth checking with your insurer before installation.
Motorhomes are often left unused or in storage for long periods. Driver identification adds another check by helping the system recognise whether the person driving the vehicle appears to be authorised.
Yes. Both types can be suitable for motorhomes. The better choice depends on your insurer’s requirements and the level of security you want.
Standard S5 tracking does not always include immobilisation. Some S5+ systems can include additional immobilisation functions, depending on the system fitted.
It can be. Features such as monitored tracking, movement alerts, geofencing and driver identification can be particularly useful where the motorhome is parked away from home.
In many cases, yes. The exact installation depends on the vehicle and electrical setup, so it is best to have the motorhome assessed before fitting.
Where the choice is between S5 and S7, we would generally favour S5 because it adds driver identification to monitored vehicle tracking.
Southdowns Motorhomes can arrange supply and fitting for S5 tracking systems and advise on the right setup for your motorhome and insurer requirements. Our cost includes your first years’ subscription cost too.
Written by the Southdowns Motorhomes team. With decades of experience supplying premium motorhomes to UK and European customers, our team understands what makes a vehicle suitable for serious touring.
