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 preserve a motorhome protected at dwelling and whereas on the highway.
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Motorhome Safety Suggestions
One of many greatest issues for anybody who owns a motorhome or campervan is preserve themselves, their van and their possessions protected, each at dwelling and while travelling.
Motorhome car thefts and break-ins are, sadly, turning into increasingly commonplace. If you happen to’re questioning if motorhomes get stolen, the reply is a particular YES.
There are two important varieties of theft:
- complete car theft (the place the car is stolen and infrequently damaged down for elements) and
- break-ins, the place thieves are extra excited about your contents, as an alternative of taking the car itself.
It most likely doesn’t come as a lot of a shock that entire car thefts are usually carried out by skilled (ie: skilled) thieves, while thefts on the highway are, broadly talking, largely opportunistic.
This put up is designed to tell you about potential dangers and enable you stop each varieties of theft by displaying you a number of the greatest methods to make your camper as troublesome to steal as potential.
REMEMBER: The goal is for would-be thieves to take a look at your car and make a split-second resolution that it’s too troublesome & not definitely worth the threat.
Not acquired time to learn the entire put up?
Right here’s the important motorhome & camper van safety package we advocate:
In fact, following the recommendation on this information doesn’t imply you might be proof against theft- however it’s going to positively enhance your odds.
Motorhome Safety
There are a number of varieties of motorhome safety we’re involved with:
- Find out how to preserve your motorhome protected at evening when you’re sleeping inside
- Van safety if you depart it for just a few hours to discover whereas travelling
- Safety of your van while NOT travelling- both at dwelling or in storage
Let’s break down each under.
Motorhome Security Whereas Travelling
It’s arduous to say whether or not vans are extra weak at dwelling or whereas out and about on their motorhome holidays. Actually, most car thefts appear to occur at dwelling, while most possession-based thefts occur whereas travelling.
To start out, let’s have a look at methods to enhance security whereas out on the highway, for every of the three important areas of concern.
Safety at evening
Staying protected at evening 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 probably really feel isolating and weak to spend the evening in a plastic/ tin field as an alternative of bricks and mortar. Additionally, all the pieces appears scarier at night- noises and passing automobiles could make you jumpy.
Let’s have a look at this logically.
If you keep in a motorhome in a single day, you’re usually going to be on one among 3 locations:
We’ll have a look at bodily units and tips somewhat 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 is perhaps excited about these posts:
Motorhome safety – stop 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 web site 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 car thefts occur from correct campsites.
Suggestions 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 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 wish to see who’s arrived.
For my part, some locations are riskier than others. I keep away from stopping at motorway aires for longer than an hour or two, although you might be allowed to remain in some in a single day free of charge 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 huge cities. Once more, you’re extra prone 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 an alternative of an aire wherever potential.
Motorhome/ campervan security when wild parking
I bear 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 nervous about being arrested, however largely I used to be nervous about being murdered in my sleep. Or robbed.
So, right here’s the factor.
If you end up wild parking- NO ONE KNOWS WHERE YOU ARE.
So long as you haven’t posted it on Fb (significantly, please don’t try this till you’re leaving), then it’s not possible for anybody to PLAN any type of theft upfront.
So that you’re dealing solely with passing opportunists. Which suggests your job 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 choose a wild parking spot pondering it’s going to be dodgy, however once I arrive I usually 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 nicely, alert to any drawback which could happen. Not one of the simplest ways to spend a night, so take heed to your intestine!
Motorhome Safety Gadgets for Travelling – Making Your Automobile Motionless
There are some nice methods 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.
Greatest 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 car being moved.
After I was touring with bikes, we used one among these on the trailer each evening and at any time when we weren’t planning to maneuver for just a few hours. It’s pretty straightforward to uncouple a trailer, connect it to a different car and drive off with it, so a clamp helps deter that.
You will get one to make use of in your motorhome- it received’t cease folks breaking in, however it’s going to cease the van being stolen.
Steering locks for motorhomes
One other nice security machine to cease the car being moved. These are (apparently!) tougher to take away than wheel clamps, and have been confirmed to discourage automotive thieves, so it stands to cause they need to work towards motorhome theft.
Get the largest, 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 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 series. This can cease anybody seeking to drive the motorhome- they’ll barely attain the wheel, not to mention the pedals! (I ought to level out that I very hardly ever do that, however the possibility is there.
The opposite possibility is to make use of a Pedal lock/ Clutch Claw. These unbelievable 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 superb 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, verify along with your insurer first as they could insist on a selected 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 known 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 car with out having the keys. Which makes it much more necessary to have further 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 car. 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 skin. It’s pointless having one which solely works from the skin if you need it when you’re sleeping- and it’s harmful to have one you possibly can’t unlock from inside!
NOTE: When you’ve got a campervan with a sliding door, this deadbolt lock comes extremely advisable.
Motorhome Cab Door safety
You can too get further cab door locks, though please do measure your doorways rigorously as they don’t match all sorts. 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 advocate utilizing a cab locking bar or wrapping your seat belt round your seats for those who’re wild parking. Your most secure possibility within the occasion of a problem is to drive out, so making your car 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 car this manner, wherein case you really want to make further certain it’s safe.
Listed below are some motorhome storage door lock choices which come extremely advisable, 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 will get a lot of 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 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.
Suggestions towards theft at campsites
The doorway barrier at campsites can be good towards theft of possessions- anybody seeking 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 positioning with you. These are folks searching for probability alternatives, resembling garments or package not noted in a single day. The best solution to stop towards this isn’t to depart something out overnight- together with kayaks, wetsuits, towels and many others.
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!!
When you’ve got an exterior storage field on your motorhome or campervan, ensure that it’s locked up securely every evening.
Suggestions towards theft of contents at aires
It is a robust one- as most individuals know that you can be leaving your car to go to the native city or attraction at some point- in spite of everything, that’s why you’re there. And, sadly, they do preserve watch.
There isn’t any straightforward answer to stop towards 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 car seems to be at troublesome to get into as potential.
These further 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 who the motorhome is underneath digicam surveillance in any respect time (it’s!)
Motorhome safety whereas wild parking
I very VERY hardly ever depart my motorhome unattended for longer than about half an hour whereas wild parking- and by no means at evening. I’d go for a brief stroll, but when I wished to go to a neighborhood attraction I’d use an aire or permitted parking place the place will probably be somewhat extra protected.
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 together with a highway and went off on the motorbikes for a day with out concern. I want all over the place was like that!
RELATED: 5 necessities you NEED for wild parking (and a pair 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 digicam received’t cease anybody from breaking in, it does enable 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 all the pieces 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 telephone signal- they’re so easy to arrange and excellent for shielding your private home when you’re away. )
Wi-fi motorhome alarm system (or caravan alarm system)
That is frequent observe 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 protected
Sadly, to a decided thief, nothing is foolproof- however you’re decreasing your odds significantly for those who make it arduous for them to seek out the gadgets shortly.
You’ll be able to really purchase a devoted protected like this and set up it in a locker somewhere- however please keep in mind the load of those things- it’s good to take that into consideration in your motorhome payload.
Another choice is to purchase ‘decoy’ tins like these or books the place you possibly can disguise valuables. There are many choices in the marketplace and it’s an effective way to cover jewelry or passports for those who REALLY can’t take them with you.
Don’t depart a decoy
I do know a number of individuals who journey with a ‘decoy merchandise’- an previous laptop computer or iPad which has no worth to them.
They depart this out on show, or someplace straightforward to seek out, and hope that the thief will take that and depart, feeling like they’ve ‘received’.
Personally, I by no means depart ANYTHING out on show- the goal 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 permit
The plain exception to that is in case you are leaving a canine behind within the motorhome- you MUST depart them some air. In case you are travelling in a scorching nation, please bear in mind how shortly a car can warmth up within the sunshine. However in any other case, shut all the pieces up tight.
Take away issues from sight
When you’ve got a motorhome television or a devoted motorhome sat-nav, take away it from view and conceal it someplace protected. Similar recommendation for iPads, laptops, telephones and different digital units.
Find out how to Safe your motorhome or caravan at dwelling
Okay, now onto shield your motorhome or camper while you’re NOT travelling in it (for those who’re dwelling in a motorhome, this part isn’t for you! 🙂 )
Sadly, that is most likely the time of greatest threat.
The statistics for stolen autos are rising- and motorhome are a simple goal as they’re usually newer, decrease mileage and subsequently their elements promote for extra.
Nonetheless, there ARE some issues you are able to do to assist shield your self. I at all times advocate eradicating any valuables from the van and storing them in your house.
Keep in mind, at dwelling you primarily wish to shield the VEHICLE from being stolen by skilled thieves- not opportunistic passing.
Use Safe Motorhome Parking
I’ve at all times 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 simple goal.
You wish to retailer it someplace with 24hr CCTV, locked gates and restricted entry (utilizing a keyfob or code). I extremely advocate 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 an even bigger motorhome than you thought because it doesn’t want to suit on a driveway!)
Securing your motorhome at dwelling
If you happen to don’t wish to or can’t use storage, it’s good to discover methods to make your motorhome look as protected as potential in your drive or on the highway.
Some choices for this embody issues we’ve already talked about above, resembling:
- 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 along with your registration quantity on the roof, like this, in order that it may be simply noticed by ANPR cameras if you report it stolen.
Driveway put up
Lastly, if in case you have a motorhome or caravan which sits in your driveway, you may wish to contemplate a driveway put up like this, which is bolted into your drive, stopping a simple getaway. Becoming safe gates to your drive can be a great possibility.
I do know no-one likes to consider the potential for motorhome or camper theft, however somewhat forethought and planning might cease loads of potential heartache.
I hope you’ve discovered the following pointers helpful. When you’ve got, 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 suggestions and concepts
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