Involved about motorhome safety? On the lookout for methods to guard your motorhome, caravan or campervan from theft? You’re not alone- it’s probably the most widespread questions we obtain. Right here’s how you can hold a motorhome secure at dwelling and whereas on the street.
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Motorhome Safety Ideas
One of many largest issues for anybody who owns a motorhome or campervan is how you can hold themselves, their van and their possessions secure, each at dwelling and while travelling.
Motorhome automobile thefts and break-ins are, sadly, turning into increasingly more commonplace. When you’re questioning if motorhomes get stolen, the reply is a particular YES.
There are two primary varieties of theft:
- total automobile theft (the place the automobile is stolen and infrequently damaged down for components) and
- break-ins, the place thieves are extra thinking about 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, largely opportunistic.
This publish is designed to tell you about potential dangers and enable you forestall each varieties of theft by displaying you a number of the greatest methods to make your camper as tough to steal as potential.
REMEMBER: The purpose is for would-be thieves to take a look at your automobile and make a split-second resolution that it’s too tough & not definitely worth the danger.
Not bought time to learn the entire publish?
Right here’s the important motorhome & camper van safety equipment we suggest:
After all, following the recommendation on this information doesn’t imply you’re resistant to theft- however it would undoubtedly enhance your odds.
Motorhome Safety
There are a number of varieties of motorhome safety we’re involved with:
- Find out how to hold your motorhome secure at evening whilst you’re sleeping inside
- Van safety once you go away it for a couple of hours to discover whereas travelling
- Safety of your van while NOT travelling- both at dwelling or in storage
Let’s break down every one beneath.
Motorhome Security Whereas Travelling
It’s onerous to say whether or not vans are extra susceptible at dwelling or whereas out and about on their motorhome holidays. Actually, most automobile thefts appear to occur at dwelling, while most possession-based thefts occur whereas travelling.
To begin, let’s have a look at methods to enhance security whereas out on the street, for every of the three primary areas of concern.
Safety at evening
Staying secure at evening in a motorhome or campervan whilst you’re travelling can really feel like a problem. When you’re not used to it, it may really feel isolating and susceptible to spend the evening in a plastic/ tin field as a substitute of bricks and mortar. Additionally, every little thing appears scarier at night- noises and passing automobiles could make you jumpy.
Let’s have a look at this logically.
While you keep in a motorhome in a single day, you’re typically going to be on one in all 3 locations:
We’ll have a look at bodily units and tips a bit 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 which may simply be luck, however I do my greatest to evaluate the chances and act accordingly.
When you’re new to motorhoming, you may be thinking about 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 tough (though not not possible) for folks to stroll onto a web site and steal your van, as they usually want some type of code or key to exit.
After all, 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 web site within the UK, the dangers are the identical. These places are authorised for motorhome stopovers, however haven’t any boundaries or cameras for nighttime safety.
The largest danger right here is opportunists- and the issue is that an aire is a identified place for motorhomes to cease at. So the native thieves can swing by each time 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 at no 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 another safety (like a campsite) round us.
Partly, I used to be frightened about being arrested, however largely I used to be frightened 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 job is to make your van seem like a tough goal to steal.
However the BIGGEST factor I do when wild parking is to make use of my widespread sense and belief my intestine. Clearly, I don’t choose 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 occasions regretted it. Nothing occurred to the van, however we spent the evening on edge and never sleeping properly, alert to any downside which could happen. Not one of the simplest ways to spend a night, so take heed to your intestine!
Motorhome Safety Units for Travelling – Making Your Automobile Motionless
There are some nice methods or instruments you should use 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 digital camera
- Trackers & Immobilisers
- Enhance Motorhome safety door locks
Let’s look into every of those in additional element beneath.
Finest Wheel Clamps for motorhomes & caravans
Motorhome or campervan wheel clamps are precisely what they sound like- a clamp which fits across the outdoors of your wheel and stops the automobile being moved.
After I was touring with bikes, we used one in all these on the trailer each evening and each time we weren’t planning to maneuver for a couple of 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 gained’t cease folks breaking in, however it would cease the van being stolen.
Steering locks for motorhomes
One other nice security system to cease the automobile being moved. These are (apparently!) more durable to take away than wheel clamps, and have been confirmed to discourage automotive thieves, so it stands to cause they need to work in opposition to motorhome theft.
Get the most important, meanest one you can- or the one with the very best safety scores, like this one. I significantly like that it doesn’t take up an excessive amount of area 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 series. It will 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 possibility is there.
The opposite possibility is to make use of a Pedal lock/ Clutch Claw. These improbable 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 concept, as is becoming a tracker or immobiliser. In case you are shopping for one to be able to cut back your motorhome insurance coverage premium, test together with your insurer first as they might insist on a particular mannequin or Thatcham degree earlier than they’ll approve a reduction.
I’ve a Transferring Intelligence tracker system fitted. It’s excellent – I’ve even been referred to as while getting on a ferry simply to make sure it’s actually me within the van!
Additionally, a phrase about immobilisers. Many thieves now carry expertise which over-rides factory-fitted immobilisers and permits them to steal a automobile with out having the keys. Which makes it much more vital 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 possibly can match further locks to all three.
Motorhome safety door locks
That is the BEST motorhome habitation door lock– as you’ll be able to lock it from the within in addition to the surface. It’s pointless having one which solely works from the surface once you need it whilst you’re sleeping- and it’s harmful to have one you’ll be able to’t unlock from inside!
NOTE: You probably have a campervan with a sliding door, this deadbolt lock comes extremely really helpful.
Motorhome Cab Door safety
You may also get further cab door locks, though please do measure your doorways rigorously as they don’t match every type. Moreover, you’ll be able to 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 in case you’re wild parking. Your most secure possibility within the occasion of a problem is to drive out, so making your automobile able to drive earlier than mattress is vital.
Motorhome storage door locks
One other weak level is probably your motorhome, campervan or caravan storage door(s). Typically, thieves might even acquire entry into your automobile this manner, through which case you actually need to make additional positive it’s safe.
Listed here are some motorhome storage door lock choices which come extremely really helpful, however you’ll be able to after all use the Fiamma door lock above too. Simply do not forget 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 sort of window to have in your van is a sliding one- however, actually, most of us don’t have these. You may get numerous window sensors, however only a few sensible units to cease a window being opened outwards. This is without doubt one of the greatest motorhome window lock units we’ve discovered.
Motorhome security- tricks to shield possessions whereas travelling
Okay, let’s have a look at how you can shield 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 also 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.
Nonetheless, the unhappy reality is that almost all thefts on a campsite happen from different folks already sharing the positioning with you. These are folks on the lookout for likelihood alternatives, equivalent to garments or equipment not noted in a single day. The best method to forestall in opposition to this isn’t to go away something out overnight- together with kayaks, wetsuits, towels and so forth.
I attempt 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 certain it’s locked up securely every evening.
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 hold watch.
There isn’t any simple answer to stop in opposition to this. I truly use a spread of strategies to attempt 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 seems at tough 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 definitely 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 those that the motorhome is below digital camera 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 evening. I would go for a brief stroll, but when I needed to go to an area attraction I’d use an aire or authorised parking place the place will probably be a bit 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 possibility for peace of thoughts. Though the safety digital camera gained’t cease anybody from breaking in, it does permit me to see who the thief was.
I’ve tried a few totally different motorhome safety cameras and am offered on this one. It permits me to visually see every little thing is okay, plus monitor my canine Mac if I’ve left him for a few hours- I like to ensure 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 cellphone signal- they’re so easy to arrange and excellent for shielding your house whilst you’re away. )
Wi-fi motorhome alarm system (or caravan alarm system)
That is widespread apply for a reason- it really works! Discover the loudest, meanest, noisiest wi-fi alarm system you’ll be able to and match it in your motorhome. You need the 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 in case you make it onerous for them to search out the gadgets rapidly.
You possibly can truly purchase a devoted secure like this and set up it in a locker somewhere- however please keep in mind the load of those things- you have to take that into consideration in your motorhome payload.
Another choice is to purchase ‘decoy’ tins like these or books the place you’ll be able to conceal valuables. There are many choices available on the market and it’s an effective way to cover jewelry or passports in case you 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 search out, and hope that the thief will take that and go away, feeling like they’ve ‘gained’.
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 could ask on your passport!)
Shut doorways, home windows & vents earlier than you allow
The plain exception to that is if you’re leaving a canine behind within the motorhome- you MUST go away them some air. In case you are travelling in a scorching nation, please keep in mind how rapidly a automobile can warmth up within the sunshine. However in any other case, shut every little 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.
Find out how to Safe your motorhome or caravan at dwelling
Okay, now onto how you can shield your motorhome or camper while you’re NOT travelling in it (in case you’re dwelling in a motorhome, this part isn’t for you! 🙂 )
Sadly, that is in all probability the time of largest danger.
The statistics for stolen autos are rising- and motorhome are a simple goal as they’re typically 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 shield your self. I all the time suggest eradicating any valuables from the van and storing them in your house.
Keep in mind, at dwelling you primarily need to shield the VEHICLE from being stolen by skilled thieves- not opportunistic passing.
Use Safe Motorhome Parking
I’ve all the time most well-liked to maintain my motorhome in a specialist motorhome and caravan storage yard. It’s a lot safer for it to be away from anybody on the lookout for a simple 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 will get it everytime you need!
Anticipate to pay round £80-£100/ month for storage- however for me it’s definitely worth the peace of thoughts. (Additionally, it would imply you should buy a much bigger motorhome than you thought because it doesn’t want to suit on a driveway!)
Securing your motorhome at dwelling
When you don’t need to or can’t use storage, you have to 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 degree locks
Mainly, the extra the merrier!
One other good possibility is to purchase a sticker together with your registration quantity on the roof, like this, in order that it may be simply noticed by ANPR cameras once you report it stolen.
Driveway publish
Lastly, when you have a motorhome or caravan which sits in your driveway, you would possibly need to contemplate a driveway publish like this, which is bolted into your drive, stopping a simple getaway. Becoming safe gates to your drive can also be a very good possibility.
I do know no-one likes to consider the potential for motorhome or camper theft, however a bit forethought and planning might cease a whole lot of potential heartache.
I hope you’ve discovered the following pointers helpful. You probably have, please share this text with your folks on social media to allow them to profit too.
Head to the motorhome recommendation web page for extra ideas and concepts
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