Involved about motorhome safety? On the lookout for methods to guard your campervan from theft? You’re not alone- it’s probably the most widespread questions we receive- easy methods to hold a motorhome each protected at dwelling and whereas on the highway?
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Motorhome Safety Ideas
One of many largest issues for anybody who owns a motorhome or campervan (together with us!) is easy methods to hold themselves, their van and their possessions protected, each at dwelling and while travelling.
Motorhome automobile thefts and break-ins are, sadly, changing into increasingly more commonplace. Should you’re questioning if motorhomes get stolen, the reply is a particular YES.
There are two principal sorts of theft:
- complete automobile theft (the place the automobile is stolen and sometimes damaged down for components) and
- break-ins, the place thieves are extra curious about 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 usually carried out by skilled (ie: skilled) thieves, while thefts on the highway are, broadly talking, principally opportunistic.
This publish is designed to tell you about potential dangers and enable you forestall each sorts of theft by displaying you a number of the finest methods to make your camper as troublesome to steal as attainable.
REMEMBER: The intention is for would-be thieves to have a look at your automobile and make a split-second choice that it’s too troublesome & not well worth the threat.
Not acquired time to learn the entire publish?
Right here’s the important motorhome & camper van safety package we advocate:
After all, following the recommendation on this information doesn’t imply you might be resistant to theft- however it can vastly enhance your odds.
Motorhome Safety
There are a number of sorts of motorhome safety we’re involved with:
- How you can hold your motorhome protected at evening whilst you’re sleeping inside
- Van safety once you go away it for a number of hours to discover whereas travelling
- Safety of your van while NOT travelling- both at dwelling or in storage
Let’s break down each beneath.
Motorhome Security Whereas Travelling
It’s exhausting to say whether or not vans are extra weak 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 have a look at methods to enhance security whereas out on the highway, for every of the three principal areas of concern.
Safety at evening
Staying protected at evening in a motorhome or campervan whilst you’re travelling can really feel like a problem. Should you’re not used to it, it may really feel isolating and weak to spend the evening in a plastic/ tin field as an alternative of bricks and mortar. Additionally, every part 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 in every of 3 locations:
We’ll have a look at bodily gadgets and methods a bit of 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 which may simply be luck, however we do our greatest to evaluate the percentages and act accordingly.
Should you’re new to motorhoming, you is perhaps curious 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 troublesome (though not not possible) for individuals to stroll onto a website 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 website within the UK, the dangers are the identical. These areas are authorized for motorhome stopovers, however don’t have any limitations or cameras for nighttime safety.
The most important threat 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. We 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 totally free in Europe. There are too many tales of robberies in these areas, 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 attainable.
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 some 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.
When 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 upfront.
So that you’re dealing solely with passing opportunists. Which suggests your process is to make your van appear to be a troublesome goal to steal.
However the BIGGEST factor we do when wild parking is to make use of our widespread sense and our intestine. Clearly, we don’t decide a wild parking spot considering it’s going to be dodgy, however after we arrive we usually get a ‘feeling’.
We’ve 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 one of the simplest ways to spend a night, so take heed to your intestine!
Motorhome Safety Units for Travelling – Making Your Car Motionless
There are some nice methods or instruments you should utilize when leaving your campervan or motorhome unattended throughout 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.
We use one in every of these on the trailer each evening and each time we’re not planning to maneuver for a number of hours. It’s pretty straightforward 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 individuals breaking in, however it can 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 automobile thieves, so it stands to purpose they need to work towards motorhome theft.
Get the most important, meanest one you can- or the one with the very best safety scores, like this one. We 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 our new motorhome, each of our entrance seats swivel. Once we are leaving the motorhome, we flip each seats round and lock them along with a series. It will cease anybody trying to drive the motorhome- they will barely attain the wheel, not to mention the pedals!
The opposite possibility is to make use of a Clutch Claw. These unbelievable 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 wonderful concept, as is becoming a tracker or immobiliser. In case you are shopping for one so as to scale back your motorhome insurance coverage premium, verify together with your insurer first as they might insist on a selected mannequin or Thatcham stage 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 essential to have additional safety measures fitted.
Motorhome RV security- No-one can steal it if they will’t get INTO it
Your first job is to cease individuals 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
That is the BEST extra 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 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: We fitted the Milenco model, which appears to be discontinued, however this one from Thule is strictly the identical.
You probably have a campervan with a sliding door, this deadbolt lock comes extremely beneficial.
Motorhome Cab Door safety
You too can get extra cab door locks, though please do measure your doorways rigorously as they don’t match all kinds. 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). Typically, thieves might even achieve entry into your automobile this fashion, wherein case you actually need to make additional positive it’s safe.
Listed here are some motorhome storage door lock choices 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 may get a number of window sensors, however only a few sensible gadgets to cease a window being opened outwards. This is among the finest motorhome window lock gadgets we’ve discovered.
Motorhome security- tricks to shield possessions whereas travelling
Okay, let’s have a look at easy methods to 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 finest for you.
Ideas towards theft at campsites
The doorway barrier at campsites can 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 truth is that the majority thefts on a campsite happen from different individuals already sharing the location with you. These are individuals searching for likelihood alternatives, reminiscent of garments or package not noted in a single day. The best solution to forestall towards this isn’t to go away something out overnight- together with kayaks, wetsuits, towels and so forth.
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!!
You probably have an exterior storage field in your motorhome or campervan, ensure it’s locked up securely every evening.
Ideas towards theft of contents at aires
It is a robust one- as most individuals know that you may be leaving your automobile 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 hold watch.
There isn’t a straightforward resolution to forestall towards this. We really use a spread 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 appears at troublesome to get into as attainable.
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. We’ve met individuals with ‘German Shepherd on board’ stickers- once they don’t have a canine in any respect, not to mention a German Shepherd!
We’ve stickers warning people who the motorhome is underneath digital camera surveillance in any respect time (it’s!)
Motorhome safety whereas wild parking
We very VERY hardly ever go away our van unattended for longer than about half an hour whereas wild parking- and by no means at evening. We would go for a brief stroll, but when we need to experience our motorbikes or go to an area attraction we are going to take the motorhome to an aire or authorized parking place the place will probably be a bit of extra safe- primarily as a result of different individuals are round.
The one exception to this was in whereas we had been touring Norway in our motorhome. That nation is the most secure nation now we have EVER visited, and we merrily left our van in conjunction with a highway and went off on the motorbikes for a day with out concern. I want in every single place was like that!
RELATED: 5 necessities you NEED for wild parking- and a couple of you don’t!
Caravan & Motorhome safety gadgets to guard possessions
Motorhome Safety Digicam- 12v safety
That is our favorite possibility for peace of thoughts. Though the safety digital camera gained’t cease anybody from breaking in (though we do have indicators within the window saying the van is underneath 24hr surveillance, so perhaps it does!), it WILL enable us to see who the thief was.
We’ve tried a few completely different motorhome safety cameras and are completely bought on this one. We use it EVERY SINGLE TIME we go away the van. It permits us to visually see every part is appropriately. It’s additionally a good way to watch our canine if we’ve left him for a few hours- we like to verify 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 excellent for safeguarding your own home whilst you’re away.
Wi-fi motorhome alarm system (or caravan alarm system)
That is widespread follow 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 whole 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 should you make it exhausting for them to seek out the objects shortly.
You may 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.
An alternative 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 a good 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 previous laptop computer or iPad which has no worth to them.
They go away this out on show, or someplace straightforward to seek out, and hope that the thief will take that and go away, feeling like they’ve ‘gained’.
Personally, we by no means go away ANYTHING out on show- the intention 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 in your keys (though some could ask in 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. In case you are travelling in a sizzling nation, please bear in mind how shortly a automobile can warmth up within the sunshine. However in any other case, shut every part 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 protected. Similar recommendation for iPads, laptops, telephones and different digital gadgets.
How you can Safe your motorhome or caravan at dwelling
Okay, now onto easy methods to shield your motorhome or camper while you’re NOT travelling in it (should you’re dwelling in a motorhome, this part isn’t for you! 🙂 )
Sadly, that is most likely the time of largest threat.
The statistics for stolen automobiles are rising- and motorhome are a straightforward 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. We at all times advocate eradicating any valuables from the van and storing them in your house.
Bear in mind, at dwelling you primarily need to shield the VEHICLE from being stolen by skilled thieves- not opportunistic
passing.
Use Safe Motorhome Parking
We’ve at all times 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 searching for a straightforward goal.
You need 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!
Anticipate to pay round £60-80/ month for storage- however for us it’s well worth the peace of thoughts. (Additionally, it’d 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
Should you don’t need to or can’t use storage, it’s good to discover methods to make your motorhome look as protected as attainable in your drive or on the highway.
Some choices for this embody:
- CCTV stickers
- steering wheel-locks
- wheel clamps
- Additional door locks, particularly on the habitation door
- Window locks
- Gear stage 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, in case you have a motorhome or caravan which sits in your driveway, you would possibly need to take into account a driveway publish like this, which is bolted into your drive, stopping a straightforward getaway. Becoming safe gates to your drive can be a great possibility.
I do know no-one likes to consider the potential of motorhome or camper theft, however a bit of forethought and planning might cease plenty 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 our motorhome recommendation web page for extra ideas and concepts
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