Involved about motorhome safety? On the lookout for methods to guard your motorhome, caravan or campervan from theft? You’re not alone- it’s one of the frequent questions we obtain. Right here’s easy methods to preserve a motorhome secure at residence and whereas on the street.
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Motorhome Safety Ideas
One of many greatest considerations for anybody who owns a motorhome or campervan is easy methods to preserve themselves, their van and their possessions secure, each at residence and while travelling.
Motorhome automobile thefts and break-ins are, sadly, changing into an increasing number of commonplace. If you happen to’re questioning if motorhomes get stolen, the reply is a particular YES.
There are two important sorts of theft:
- whole automobile theft (the place the automobile is stolen and infrequently damaged down for components) and
- break-ins, the place thieves are extra focused on your contents, as a substitute of taking the automobile itself.
It in all probability doesn’t come as a lot of a shock that entire automobile thefts are typically carried out by skilled (ie: skilled) thieves, while thefts on the street are, broadly talking, principally opportunistic.
This put up is designed to tell you about potential dangers and aid you forestall each sorts of theft by displaying you a few of the greatest methods to make your camper as troublesome to steal as potential.
REMEMBER: The purpose is for would-be thieves to have a look at your automobile and make a split-second resolution that it’s too troublesome & not well worth the threat.
Not received time to learn the entire put up?
Right here’s the important motorhome & camper van safety equipment we suggest:
In fact, following the recommendation on this information doesn’t imply you’re proof against theft- however it would undoubtedly enhance your odds.
Motorhome Safety
There are a number of sorts of motorhome safety we’re involved with:
- The way to preserve your motorhome secure at night time when you’re sleeping inside
- Van safety while you go away it for just a few hours to discover whereas travelling
- Safety of your van while NOT travelling- both at residence or in storage
Let’s break down every one under.
Motorhome Security Whereas Travelling
It’s exhausting to say whether or not vans are extra susceptible at residence or whereas out and about on their motorhome holidays. Definitely, most automobile thefts appear to occur at residence, while most possession-based thefts occur whereas travelling.
To begin, let’s take a look at methods to enhance security whereas out on the street, for every of the three important areas of concern.
Safety at night time
Staying secure at night time in a motorhome or campervan when you’re travelling can really feel like a problem. If you happen to’re not used to it, it might really feel isolating and susceptible to spend the night time in a plastic/ tin field as a substitute of bricks and mortar. Additionally, every thing appears scarier at night- noises and passing vehicles could make you jumpy.
Let’s take a look at this logically.
If you keep in a motorhome in a single day, you’re typically going to be on one among 3 locations:
We’ll take a look at bodily units and tips a bit of later, however let’s assess the ‘odds’ at every location. I ought to level out that I’ve been touring Europe in my motorhome for a number of years and have by no means been the sufferer of theft (contact wooden). I do know that may simply be luck, however I do my greatest to evaluate the percentages and act accordingly.
If you happen to’re new to motorhoming, you may be focused on these posts:
Motorhome safety – forestall RV and camper theft whereas travelling
Most campsites we’ve stayed at have had some type of barrier stopping you from simply driving in. This makes it very troublesome (though not not possible) for folks to stroll onto a website and steal your van, as they usually want some type of code or key to exit.
In fact, there are exceptions, however only a few automobile thefts occur from correct campsites.
Ideas for camper safety in a single day at aires
Whether or not you’re utilizing a French Aire or staying on a C & L website within the UK, the dangers are the identical. These places are permitted for motorhome stopovers, however don’t have any obstacles or cameras for nighttime safety.
The most important threat right here is opportunists- and the issue is that an aire is a recognized place for motorhomes to cease at. So the native thieves can swing by at any time when they need to see who’s arrived.
In my view, some locations are riskier than others. I keep away from stopping at motorway aires for longer than an hour or two, regardless that you’re allowed to remain in some in a single day without cost in Europe. There are too many tales of robberies in these places, primarily by passing truckers or hitch-hikers.
I additionally attempt to keep away from aires close to large cities. Once more, you’re extra more likely to get opportunists or thieves in areas with extra people- that’s simply easy maths. I’m not saying I don’t go to cities, simply that I’ll use a campsite as a substitute of an aire wherever potential.
Motorhome/ campervan security when wild parking
I keep in mind, after we first began motorhome wild parking within the UK, how terrifying it felt to sleep in a motorhome with out every other safety (like a campsite) round us.
Partly, I used to be fearful about being arrested, however principally I used to be fearful about being murdered in my sleep. Or robbed.
So, right here’s the factor.
If you find yourself wild parking- NO ONE KNOWS WHERE YOU ARE.
So long as you haven’t posted it on Fb (significantly, please don’t do this till you’re leaving), then it’s not possible for anybody to PLAN any type of theft prematurely.
So that you’re dealing solely with passing opportunists. Which suggests your process is to make your van seem like a troublesome goal to steal.
However the BIGGEST factor I do when wild parking is to make use of my frequent sense and belief my intestine. Clearly, I don’t decide a wild parking spot considering it’s going to be dodgy, however after I arrive I typically get a ‘feeling’.
I’ve ignored these emotions twice- and each instances regretted it. Nothing occurred to the van, however we spent the night time on edge and never sleeping properly, alert to any drawback which could happen. Not the easiest way to spend a night, so take heed to your intestine!
Motorhome Safety Units for Travelling – Making Your Automobile Motionless
There are some nice techniques or instruments you should utilize when leaving your campervan or motorhome unattended through the day:
- Wheel clamps for motorhomes or caravans
- Steering locks for motorhomes
- Make van undriveable
- Motorhome or camper alarm
- Motorhome safety digicam
- Trackers & Immobilisers
- Enhance Motorhome safety door locks
Let’s look into every of those in additional element under.
Finest Wheel Clamps for motorhomes & caravans
Motorhome or campervan wheel clamps are precisely what they sound like- a clamp which matches across the exterior of your wheel and stops the automobile being moved.
After I was touring with bikes, we used one among these on the trailer each night time and at any time when we weren’t planning to maneuver for just a few hours. It’s pretty simple to uncouple a trailer, connect it to a different automobile and drive off with it, so a clamp helps deter that.
You may get one to make use of in your motorhome- it received’t cease folks breaking in, however it would cease the van being stolen.
Steering locks for motorhomes
One other nice security machine to cease the automobile being moved. These are (apparently!) tougher to take away than wheel clamps, and have been confirmed to discourage automotive thieves, so it stands to purpose they need to work in opposition to motorhome theft.
Get the most important, meanest one you can- or the one with the best safety rankings, like this one. I significantly like that it doesn’t take up an excessive amount of house when not in use- important in a motorhome or campervan.
Make your camper van undrivable
On my motorhome, each of my entrance seats swivel. When leaving the motorhome, I might flip each seats round and lock them along with a sequence. This may cease anybody trying to drive the motorhome- they’ll barely attain the wheel, not to mention the pedals! (I ought to level out that I very not often do that, however the choice is there.
The opposite choice is to make use of a Pedal lock/ Clutch Claw. These incredible units lock the pedals collectively, so the motorhome can’t be pushed. Once more, it doesn’t cease the preliminary break-in, however one step at a time!
Motorhome Alarms, Trackers and Immobiliers
A motorhome alarm system is a wonderful thought, as is becoming a tracker or immobiliser. If you’re shopping for one so as to scale back your motorhome insurance coverage premium, verify along with your insurer first as they could insist on a selected mannequin or Thatcham stage earlier than they’ll approve a reduction.
I’ve a Shifting Intelligence tracker system fitted. It’s excellent – I’ve even been referred to as while getting on a ferry simply to make certain it’s actually me within the van!
Additionally, a phrase about immobilisers. Many thieves now carry know-how which over-rides factory-fitted immobilisers and permits them to steal a automobile with out having the keys. Which makes it much more necessary to have additional safety measures fitted.
Motorhome RV security- No-one can steal it if they’ll’t get INTO it
Your first job is to cease folks getting entry into your automobile. The three details of entry are the cab doorways, habitation door and van home windows.
You’ll be able to match further locks to all three.
Motorhome safety door locks
That is the BEST motorhome habitation door lock– as you possibly can lock it from the within in addition to the surface. It’s pointless having one which solely works from the surface while you need it when you’re sleeping- and it’s harmful to have one you possibly can’t unlock from inside!
NOTE: You probably have a campervan with a sliding door, this deadbolt lock comes extremely beneficial.
Motorhome Cab Door safety
You may also get further cab door locks, though please do measure your doorways fastidiously as they don’t match all kinds. Moreover, you possibly can carry a locking cab bar, which successfully locks the 2 cab doorways collectively to allow them to’t be opened.
PLEASE NOTE: I don’t suggest utilizing a cab locking bar or wrapping your seat belt round your seats if you happen to’re wild parking. Your most secure choice within the occasion of a difficulty is to drive out, so making your automobile able to drive earlier than mattress is necessary.
Motorhome storage door locks
One other weak level is doubtlessly your motorhome, campervan or caravan storage door(s). Typically, thieves might even achieve entry into your automobile this manner, by which case you really want to make additional certain it’s safe.
Listed below are some motorhome storage door lock choices which come extremely beneficial, however you possibly can after all use the Fiamma door lock above too. Simply keep in mind that you don’t want to purchase the costly model which opens from the within.
Motorhome window safety
Motorhome window safety is a problem. By far the BEST kind of window to have in your van is a sliding one- however, truthfully, most of us don’t have these. You may get plenty of window sensors, however only a few sensible units to cease a window being opened outwards. This is likely one of the greatest motorhome window lock units we’ve discovered.
Motorhome security- tricks to defend possessions whereas travelling
Okay, let’s take a look at easy methods to defend your CONTENTS (and your self!) from theft whereas travelling. Once more, your location and place you select to cease will have an effect on which technique will work greatest for you.
Ideas in opposition to theft at campsites
The doorway barrier at campsites can be good in opposition to theft of possessions- anybody trying to rob something has to hold it again to their van on the entrance. The place there are usually cameras.
Nevertheless, the unhappy truth is that almost all thefts on a campsite happen from different folks already sharing the location with you. These are folks searching for probability alternatives, equivalent to garments or equipment neglected in a single day. The simplest strategy to forestall in opposition to this isn’t to depart something out overnight- together with kayaks, wetsuits, towels and so forth.
I try to fight this by placing a moist kayak & paddleboard on the motorhome roof overnight- which is nice so long as it’s not windy!!
You probably have an exterior storage field on your motorhome or campervan, be sure that it’s locked up securely every night time.
Ideas in opposition to theft of contents at aires
It is a powerful one- as most individuals know that you may be leaving your automobile to go to the native city or attraction at some point- in any case, that’s why you’re there. And, sadly, they do preserve watch.
There isn’t a simple answer to forestall in opposition to this. I really use a variety of strategies to try to cease my possessions being stolen or the van being vandalised while I’m not with it- we’ll get to these shortly. All you are able to do is guarantee your automobile appears at troublesome to get into as potential.
These additional locks talked about above and a few well-placed stickers like these are greater than most individuals have, which makes your van look not well worth the effort. I’ve met folks with ‘German Shepherd on board’ stickers- after they don’t have a canine in any respect, not to mention a German Shepherd!
I’ve stickers warning people who the motorhome is underneath digicam surveillance in any respect time (it’s!)
Motorhome safety whereas wild parking
I very VERY not often go away my motorhome unattended for longer than about half an hour whereas wild parking- and by no means at night time. I would go for a brief stroll, but when I wished to go to an area attraction I’d use an aire or permitted parking place the place it is going to be a bit of extra secure.
The one exception to this was whereas touring Norway within the motorhome. That nation is the most secure nation I’ve EVER visited, and we merrily left our van in conjunction with a street and went off on the motorbikes for a day with out concern. I want in all places was like that!
RELATED: 5 necessities you NEED for wild parking (and a couple of you don’t!)
Caravan & Motorhome safety units to guard possessions
Motorhome Safety Digital camera
It is a nice choice for peace of thoughts. Though the safety digicam received’t cease anybody from breaking in, it does permit me to see who the thief was.
I’ve tried a few completely different motorhome safety cameras and am offered on this one. It permits me to visually see every thing is okay, plus monitor my canine Mac if I’ve left him for a few hours- I like to verify he’s okay.
(We additionally used these cameras on the boat for safety when leaving it for lengthy intervals. All you want is energy, the bottom station and a telephone signal- they’re so easy to arrange and ideal for safeguarding your own home when you’re away. )
Wi-fi motorhome alarm system (or caravan alarm system)
That is frequent follow for a reason- it really works! Discover the loudest, meanest, noisiest wi-fi alarm system you possibly can and match it in your motorhome. You need your complete neighbourhood to know one thing isn’t proper and scare the bejeezus out of would-be thieves.
Don’t put it on a delay- any potential thief is out and in in a few minutes tops. You need that factor to be singing
inside seconds of being activated.
Motorhome secure
Sadly, to a decided thief, nothing is foolproof- however you’re decreasing your odds significantly if you happen to make it exhausting for them to seek out the gadgets rapidly.
You’ll be able to really purchase a devoted secure like this and set up it in a locker somewhere- however please keep in mind the burden of those things- that you must take that into consideration in your motorhome payload.
An alternative choice is to purchase ‘decoy’ tins like these or books the place you possibly can disguise valuables. There are many choices available on the market and it’s a good way to cover jewelry or passports if you happen to REALLY can’t take them with you.
Don’t go away a decoy
I do know a number of individuals who journey with a ‘decoy merchandise’- an outdated laptop computer or iPad which has no worth to them.
They go away this out on show, or someplace simple to seek out, and hope that the thief will take that and go away, feeling like they’ve ‘received’.
Personally, I by no means go away ANYTHING out on show- the purpose is to not get damaged into in any respect, not trick somebody to interrupt in to steal a dummy.
Different tricks to safe your motorhome whereas travelling
Don’t ever hand over your keys!
No campsite ought to ever ask on your keys (though some might ask on your passport!)
Shut doorways, home windows & vents earlier than you allow
The apparent exception to that is if you’re leaving a canine behind within the motorhome- you MUST go away them some air. If you’re travelling in a sizzling nation, please keep in mind how rapidly a automobile can warmth up within the sunshine. However in any other case, shut every thing up tight.
Take away issues from sight
You probably have a motorhome television or a devoted motorhome sat-nav, take away it from view and conceal it someplace secure. Identical recommendation for iPads, laptops, telephones and different digital units.
The way to Safe your motorhome or caravan at residence
Okay, now onto easy methods to defend your motorhome or camper while you’re NOT travelling in it (if you happen to’re residing in a motorhome, this part isn’t for you! 🙂 )
Sadly, that is in all probability the time of greatest threat.
The statistics for stolen autos are rising- and motorhome are a straightforward goal as they’re usually newer, decrease mileage and due to this fact their components promote for extra.
Nonetheless, there ARE some issues you are able to do to assist defend your self. I all the time suggest eradicating any valuables from the van and storing them in your house.
Bear in mind, at residence you primarily need to defend the VEHICLE from being stolen by skilled thieves- not opportunistic passing.
Use Safe Motorhome Parking
I’ve all the time most popular to maintain my motorhome in a specialist motorhome and caravan storage yard. It’s a lot safer for it to be away from anybody searching for a straightforward goal.
You need to retailer it someplace with 24hr CCTV, locked gates and restricted entry (utilizing a keyfob or code). I extremely suggest someplace with 24hr entry so you may get it everytime you need!
Anticipate to pay round £80-£100/ month for storage- however for me it’s well worth the peace of thoughts. (Additionally, it would imply you should purchase an even bigger motorhome than you thought because it doesn’t want to suit on a driveway!)
Securing your motorhome at residence
If you happen to don’t need to or can’t use storage, that you must discover methods to make your motorhome look as protected as potential in your drive or on the street.
Some choices for this embrace issues we’ve already talked about above, equivalent to:
- CCTV stickers
- steering wheel-locks
- wheel clamps
- Additional door locks, particularly on the habitation door
- Window locks
- Gear stage locks
Principally, the extra the merrier!
One other good choice is to purchase a sticker along with your registration quantity on the roof, like this, in order that it may be simply noticed by ANPR cameras while you report it stolen.
Driveway put up
Lastly, in case you have a motorhome or caravan which sits in your driveway, you may need to think about a driveway put up like this, which is bolted into your drive, stopping a straightforward getaway. Becoming safe gates to your drive can be choice.
I do know no-one likes to consider the potential of motorhome or camper theft, however a bit of forethought and planning might cease lots of potential heartache.
I hope you’ve discovered the following pointers helpful. You probably have, please share this text with your pals on social media to allow them to profit too.
Head to the motorhome recommendation web page for extra suggestions and concepts
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