Involved about motorhome safety? On the lookout for methods to guard your campervan from theft? You’re not alone- it’s some of the frequent questions we receive- preserve a motorhome each protected at dwelling and whereas on the highway?
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Motorhome Safety Suggestions
One of many largest considerations for anybody who owns a motorhome or campervan (together with us!) is preserve themselves, their van and their possessions protected, each at dwelling and while travelling.
Motorhome automobile thefts and break-ins are, sadly, changing into increasingly commonplace. In case you’re questioning if motorhomes get stolen, the reply is a particular YES.
There are two essential kinds of theft:
- total automobile theft (the place the automobile is stolen and infrequently damaged down for elements) and
- break-ins, the place thieves are extra fascinated by your contents, as an alternative of taking the automobile itself.
It most likely doesn’t come as a lot of a shock that complete automobile thefts are typically carried out by skilled (ie: skilled) thieves, while thefts on the highway are, broadly talking, principally opportunistic.
This put up is designed to tell you about potential dangers and assist you forestall each kinds of theft by displaying you among the finest methods to make your camper as tough to steal as potential.
REMEMBER: The purpose is for would-be thieves to have a look at your automobile and make a split-second choice that it’s too tough & not definitely worth the danger.
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’re resistant to theft- however it’ll vastly enhance your odds.
Motorhome Safety
There are a number of kinds of motorhome safety we’re involved with:
- How one can preserve your motorhome protected at evening 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 dwelling or in storage
Let’s break down every one under.
Motorhome Security Whereas Travelling
It’s arduous to say whether or not vans are extra susceptible at dwelling or whereas out and about on their motorhome holidays. Definitely, most automobile thefts appear to occur at dwelling, while most possession-based thefts occur whereas travelling.
To start out, let’s take a look at methods to enhance security whereas out on the highway, for every of the three essential 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. In case you’re not used to it, it might probably really feel isolating and susceptible to spend the evening in a plastic/ tin field as an alternative of bricks and mortar. Additionally, every little thing appears scarier at night- noises and passing vehicles could make you jumpy.
Let’s take a look at this logically.
Whenever you keep in a motorhome in a single day, you’re typically going to be on one in all 3 locations:
We’ll take a look at bodily gadgets and methods just a little later, however let’s assess the ‘odds’ at every location. I ought to level out that we’ve been touring Europe in our 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 we do our greatest to evaluate the chances and act accordingly.
In case you’re new to motorhoming, you could be fascinated by 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 unimaginable) 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 automobile 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 accepted for motorhome stopovers, however don’t have any boundaries or cameras for nighttime safety.
The most important 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 at any time when they wish to see who’s arrived.
For my part, some locations are riskier than others. We keep away from stopping at motorway aires for longer than an hour or two, though you’re allowed to remain in some in a single day without spending a dime in Europe. There are too many tales of robberies in these places, primarily by passing truckers or hitch-hikers.
We additionally attempt to keep away from aires close to massive 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 we don’t go to cities, simply that we’ll use a campsite as an alternative of an aire wherever potential.
Motorhome/ campervan security when wild parking
I keep in mind, after we first began motorhome wild parking in 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 (critically, please don’t do this till you’re leaving), then it’s unimaginable for anybody to PLAN any type of theft prematurely.
So that you’re dealing solely with passing opportunists. Which implies your process is to make your van seem like a tough goal to steal.
However the BIGGEST factor we do when wild parking is to make use of our frequent sense and our intestine. Clearly, we don’t choose a wild parking spot pondering it’s going to be dodgy, however after we arrive we typically get a ‘feeling’.
We’ve got ignored these emotions twice- and each instances we’ve regretted it. Nothing occurred to our van, however we spent the evening on edge and never sleeping effectively, alert to any downside which could happen. Not the easiest way to spend a night, so hearken to your intestine!
Motorhome Safety Gadgets for Travelling – Making Your Automobile Motionless
There are some nice programs 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 under.
Greatest Wheel Clamps for motorhomes & caravans
Motorhome or campervan wheel clamps are precisely what they sound like- a clamp which matches across the outdoors of your wheel and stops the automobile being moved.
We use one of these on the trailer each evening and at any time when we’re not 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 will get one to make use of in your motorhome- it received’t cease folks breaking in, however it’ll 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 automobile thieves, so it stands to cause they need to work towards motorhome theft.
Get the most important, meanest one you can- or the one with the very best safety rankings, like this one. We 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 our new motorhome, each of our entrance seats swivel. After we are leaving the motorhome, we flip each seats round and lock them along with a sequence. It will cease anybody trying to drive the motorhome- they will barely attain the wheel, not to mention the pedals!
The opposite choice is to make use of a Clutch Claw. These incredible gadgets 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 thought, as is becoming a tracker or immobiliser. If you’re shopping for one to be able to scale back your motorhome insurance premium, examine together with your insurer first as they might insist on a selected mannequin or Thatcham degree earlier than they’ll approve a reduction.
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 necessary to have further safety measures fitted.
Motorhome RV security- No-one can steal it if they will’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 may match extra locks to all three.
Motorhome safety door locks
This is the BEST additional motorhome habitation door lock– as you’ll be able to lock it from the within in addition to the skin. It’s pointless having one which solely works from the skin while you need it when you’re sleeping- and it’s harmful to have one you’ll be able to’t unlock from inside!
NOTE: We fitted the Milenco model, which appears to be discontinued, however this one from Thule is strictly the identical.
When you have a campervan with a sliding door, this deadbolt lock comes extremely beneficial.
Motorhome Cab Door safety
You can too get additional cab door locks, though please do measure your doorways rigorously as they don’t match every kind. 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.
Motorhome storage door locks
One other weak level is probably your motorhome, campervan or caravan storage door(s). Generally, thieves might even achieve entry into your automobile this fashion, wherein case you actually need to make further certain it’s safe.
Listed below are some motorhome garage door lock options which come extremely beneficial, however you’ll be able to in fact 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 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 gadgets to cease a window being opened outwards. This is among the best motorhome window lock devices we’ve discovered.
Motorhome security- tricks to defend possessions whereas travelling
Okay, let’s take a look at 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 finest for you.
Suggestions towards theft at campsites
The doorway barrier at campsites can also be good towards 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 probability alternatives, similar to garments or package unnoticed in a single day. The best option to forestall towards this isn’t to depart something out overnight- together with kayaks, wetsuits, towels and many others.
We try to fight this by placing our moist kayak & paddleboard on the motorhome roof overnight- which is nice so long as it’s not windy!!
When you have an external storage box for your motorhome or campervan, be sure it’s locked up securely every evening.
Suggestions towards 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 any simple answer to stop towards this. We truly use a variety of strategies to try to cease our possessions being stolen or the van being vandalised while we’re 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 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. We’ve met folks with ‘German Shepherd on board’ stickers- once they don’t have a canine in any respect, not to mention a German Shepherd!
We’ve got stickers warning those who the motorhome is underneath digital camera surveillance in any respect time (it’s!)
Motorhome safety whereas wild parking
We very VERY not often go away our van unattended for longer than about half an hour whereas wild parking- and by no means at evening. We’d go for a brief stroll, but when we wish to trip our motorbikes or go to a neighborhood attraction we’ll take the motorhome to an aire or accepted parking place the place it will likely be just a little extra safe- primarily as a result of different individuals are round.
The one exception to this was in whereas we have been touring Norway in our motorhome. That nation is the most secure nation now we have EVER visited, and we merrily left our van along side a highway and went off on the motorbikes for a day with out concern. I want in all places was like that!
RELATED: 5 essentials you NEED for wild parking- and 2 you don’t!
Caravan & Motorhome safety gadgets to guard possessions
Motorhome Safety Digicam- 12v safety
That is our favorite choice for peace of thoughts. Though the safety digital camera received’t cease anybody from breaking in (though we do have indicators within the window saying the van is underneath 24hr surveillance, so possibly it does!), it WILL enable us to see who the thief was.
We’ve got tried a few completely different motorhome safety cameras and are utterly sold on this one. We use it EVERY SINGLE TIME we go away the van. It permits us to visually see every little thing is accurately. It’s additionally an effective way to observe our canine if we’ve left him for a few hours- we like to ensure he’s okay.
(We additionally use these cameras on the boat for safety after we’re leaving it for lengthy intervals and we’ve by no means had an issue. All you want is energy, the bottom station and a cellphone signal- they’re so easy to arrange and ideal for safeguarding your property 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 wireless alarm system you’ll be able to and match it in your motorhome. You need all the 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 reducing your odds significantly should you make it arduous for them to seek out the gadgets shortly.
You may truly purchase a dedicated safe like this and set up it in a locker somewhere- however please keep in mind the load of those things- it is advisable to take that under consideration in your motorhome payload.
Another choice is to purchase ‘decoy’ tins like these or books the place you’ll be able to cover valuables. There are many choices available on the market and it’s an effective way to cover jewelry or passports should you REALLY can’t take them with you.
Don’t go away a decoy
We all 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, we 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. If you’re travelling in a scorching nation, please keep in mind how shortly a automobile can warmth up within the sunshine. However in any other case, shut every little thing up tight.
Take away issues from sight
When you have a motorhome tv or a devoted motorhome sat-nav, take away it from view and conceal it someplace protected. Identical recommendation for iPads, laptops, telephones and different digital gadgets.
How one can Safe your motorhome or caravan at dwelling
Okay, now onto defend your motorhome or camper while you’re NOT travelling in it (should you’re living in a motorhome, this part isn’t for you! 🙂 )
Sadly, that is most likely the time of largest danger.
The statistics for stolen automobiles are rising- and motorhome are a straightforward goal as they’re usually newer, decrease mileage and due to this fact their elements promote for extra.
Nonetheless, there ARE some issues you are able to do to assist defend your self. We all the time advocate eradicating any valuables from the van and storing them in your house.
Bear in mind, at dwelling you primarily wish to defend the VEHICLE from being stolen by skilled thieves- not opportunistic
passing.
Use Safe Motorhome Parking
We’ve got all the time most popular to maintain our 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 straightforward goal.
You wish to retailer it someplace with 24hr CCTV, locked gates and restricted entry (utilizing a keyfob or code) We extremely
advocate someplace with 24hr entry so you’ll be able to go away everytime you need!
Count on to pay round £60-80/ month for storage- however for us it’s definitely worth the peace of thoughts. (Additionally, it would imply you should purchase a much bigger motorhome than you thought because it doesn’t want to suit on a driveway!)
Securing your motorhome at dwelling
In case you don’t wish to or can’t use storage, it is advisable to discover methods to make your motorhome look as protected as potential in your drive or on the highway.
Some choices for this embrace:
- 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 choice is to purchase a sticker together with your registration number 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, you probably have a motorhome or caravan which sits in your driveway, you may wish to take into account a driveway post like this, which is bolted into your drive, stopping a straightforward getaway. Becoming safe gates to your drive can also be a very good choice.
I do know no-one likes to consider the potential for motorhome or camper theft, however just a little forethought and planning might cease plenty of potential heartache.
I hope you’ve discovered the following pointers helpful. When you have, please share this text with your mates on social media to allow them to profit too.
Head to our motorhome advice web page for extra suggestions and concepts
Final replace on 2024-09-15 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Photographs from Amazon Product Promoting API
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