Involved about motorhome safety? Searching for methods to guard your campervan from theft? You are not alone- it is some of the frequent questions we receive- tips on how to preserve a motorhome each secure at dwelling and whereas on the highway?
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Motorhome Safety ideas
One of many greatest questions for anybody who owns a motorhome or campervan (together with us!) is tips on how to preserve 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. For those who’re questioning if motorhomes get stolen, the reply is a particular YES.
There are two important varieties of theft:
- whole automobile theft (the place the automobile is stolen and sometimes damaged down for components) and
- break-ins, the place thieves are extra fascinated about your contents, as an alternative of taking the automobile itself.
It most likely does not 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 submit is designed to tell you about potential dangers and aid you stop each varieties of theft by exhibiting you a number of the finest methods to make your camper as troublesome to steal as doable.
The goal is for would-be thieves to take a look at your automobile and make a split-second resolution that it is not well worth the threat.
Not bought time to learn the entire submit?
Here is the important motorhome & camper van safety equipment we advocate:
After all, following the recommendation on this information doesn’t imply you might be resistant to theft- however it’s going to vastly enhance your odds.
Motorhome Safety
There are a number of varieties of motorhome safety we’re involved with:
- Tips on how to preserve your motorhome secure at night time whilst you’re sleeping inside
- Van safety while 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 beneath.
Motorhome security whereas travelling
It is onerous to say whether or not vans are extra weak 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 start out, let us take a look at methods to enhance security whereas out on the highway, for every of the three important areas of concern.
Safety at night time
Staying secure at night time in a motorhome or campervan whilst you’re travelling can really feel like a problem. For those who’re not used to it, it could possibly really feel isolating and weak to spend the night time 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.
However, let us take a look at this logically.
Whenever you keep in a motorhome in a single day, you are usually going to be on one in all 3 locations:
We’ll have a look at bodily units and tips slightly later, however let’s assess the ‘odds’ at every location. I ought to level out that we have 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.
For those who’re new to motorhoming, you could be fascinated about these posts:
Motorhome safety – stop RV and camper theft whereas travelling
Most campsites we have stayed at have had some type of barrier stopping you from simply driving in. This makes it very troublesome (though not unattainable) 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 are utilizing a French Aire or staying on a C & L web site 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 largest 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 every time they need 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, regardless that 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 areas, primarily by passing truckers or hitch-hikers.
We additionally attempt to keep away from aires close to large cities. Once more, you are extra prone to get opportunists or thieves in areas with extra people- that is simply easy maths. I am not saying we do not go to cities, simply that we’ll use a campsite as an alternative of an aire wherever doable.
Motorhome/ campervan security when wild tenting
I bear in mind, after we first began motorhome wild tenting 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 frightened about being arrested, however principally I used to be frightened about being murdered in my sleep. Or robbed.
So, this is the factor.
When you find yourself wild camping- NO ONE KNOWS WHERE YOU ARE.
So long as you have not posted it on Fb (severely, please do not do this till you are leaving), then it is unattainable for anybody to PLAN any type of theft prematurely.
So that you’re dealing solely with passing opportunists. Which suggests your activity is to make your van seem like a troublesome goal to steal.
However the BIGGEST factor we do when wild tenting is to make use of our frequent sense and our intestine. Clearly, we do not decide a wild tenting spot considering it should be dodgy, however after we arrive we usually get a ‘feeling’.
We have now ignored these emotions twice- and each instances we have regretted it. Nothing occurred to our van, however we spent the night time on edge and never sleeping effectively, 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 Units for travelling – making your automobile motionless
There are some nice programs 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 beneath.
Finest 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 in all these on the trailer each night time and every time we’re not planning to maneuver for just a few hours. It is 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 will not 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 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 purpose they need to work towards motorhome theft.
Get the most important, meanest one you can- or the one with the best safety scores, like this one. We notably like that it does not 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 sequence. This can cease anybody trying to drive the motorhome- they’ll barely attain the wheel, not to mention the pedals!
The opposite choice is to make use of a Clutch Claw. These improbable units lock the pedals collectively, so the motorhome cannot be pushed. Once more, it does not 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 in an effort to cut 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’re going to approve a reduction.
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 can not 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 further locks to all three.
Motorhome safety door locks
That is the BEST further motorhome habitation door lock– as you possibly can lock it from the within in addition to the skin. It is pointless having one which solely works from the skin while you need it whilst you’re sleeping- and it is harmful to have one you possibly can’t unlock from inside!
Motorhome Cab Door safety
You too can get further cab door locks, though please do measure your doorways fastidiously as they do not 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.
Motorhome storage door locks
One other weak level is doubtlessly your motorhome, campervan or caravan storage door(s). Typically, thieves may even acquire entry into your automobile this fashion, through which case you actually need to make additional positive it is safe.
Listed here 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 do not forget that you needn’t 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 haven’t got these. You may get a lot of window sensors, however only a few sensible units to cease a window being opened outwards. This is likely one of the finest motorhome window lock units we have discovered.
Motorhome security- tricks to shield possessions whereas travelling
Okay, let us take a look at tips on how 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 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.
Nevertheless, the unhappy reality is that the majority thefts on a campsite happen from different folks already sharing the location with you. These are folks on the lookout for likelihood alternatives, comparable to garments or equipment overlooked in a single day. The best technique to stop towards this isn’t to depart something out overnight- together with kayaks, wetsuits, towels and so on.
We try to fight this by placing our moist kayak & paddleboard on the motorhome roof overnight- which is nice so long as it is not windy!!
When you have an exterior storage field on your motorhome or campervan, make sure that it is locked up securely every night time.
Ideas towards theft of contents at aires
It is a robust one- as most individuals know that you can be leaving your automobile to go to the native city or attraction at some point- in any case, that is why you are there. And, sadly, they do preserve watch.
There is no such thing as a simple answer to forestall towards this. We truly 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 to be like at troublesome to get into as doable.
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 have met folks with ‘German Shepherd on board’ stickers- after they haven’t got a canine in any respect, not to mention a German Shepherd!
We have now stickers warning those that the motorhome is beneath digicam surveillance in any respect time (it’s!)
Motorhome safety whereas wild tenting
We very VERY hardly ever depart our van unattended for longer than about half an hour whereas wild camping- and by no means at night time. We’d go for a brief stroll, but when we need to experience our motorbikes or go to a neighborhood attraction we’ll take the motorhome to an aire or authorized parking place the place will probably be slightly extra safe- primarily as a result of different persons 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 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 camping- and a couple of you do not!
Caravan & Motorhome safety units to guard possessions
Motorhome Safety Digital camera- 12v safety
That is our favorite choice for peace of thoughts. Though the safety digicam will not cease anybody from breaking in (though we do have indicators within the window saying the van is beneath 24hr surveillance, so possibly it does!), it WILL permit us to see who the thief was.
We have now tried a few completely different motorhome safety cameras and are totally offered on this one. We use it EVERY SINGLE TIME we depart the van. It permits us to visually see every little thing is appropriately. It is also an effective way to observe our canine if we have left him for a few hours- we like to verify he is okay.
(We additionally use these cameras on the boat for safety after we’re leaving it for lengthy durations and we have 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 house whilst 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 entire neighbourhood to know one thing is not proper and scare the bejeezus out of would-be thieves.
Do not 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 are decreasing your odds significantly if you happen to make it onerous for them to seek out the gadgets rapidly.
You may 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- it is advisable 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 conceal valuables. There are many choices available on the market and it is an effective way to cover jewelry or passports if you happen to REALLY cannot take them with you.
Do not depart 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 depart this out on show, or someplace simple to seek out, and hope that the thief will take that and depart, feeling like they’ve ‘gained’.
Personally, we 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
Do not 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 permit
The apparent exception to that is if you’re leaving a canine behind within the motorhome- you MUST depart them some air. If you’re travelling in a scorching nation, please bear 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
When you have a motorhome television or a devoted motorhome sat-nav, take away it from view and conceal it someplace secure. Similar recommendation for iPads, laptops, telephones and different digital units.
Tips on how to Safe your motorhome or caravan at dwelling
Okay, now onto tips on how to shield your motorhome or camper while you are NOT travelling in it (if you happen to’re residing in a motorhome, this part is not 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 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 have now at all times most popular to maintain our motorhome in a specialist motorhome and caravan storage yard. It is 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) We extremely
advocate someplace with 24hr entry so you possibly can depart everytime you need!
Count on 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 buy an even bigger motorhome than you thought because it does not want to suit on a driveway!)
Securing your motorhome at dwelling
For those who do not need to or cannot use storage, it is advisable discover methods to make your motorhome look as protected as doable in your drive or on the highway.
Some choices for this embrace:
- CCTV stickers
- steering wheel-locks
- wheel clamps
- Further 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 together 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 submit
Lastly, you probably have a motorhome or caravan which sits in your driveway, you may need to take into account a driveway submit like this, which is bolted into your drive, stopping a simple getaway. Becoming safe gates to your drive can also be an excellent choice.
I do know no-one likes to consider the opportunity of motorhome or camper theft, however slightly forethought and planning may cease a number of potential heartache.
I hope you’ve got discovered the following pointers helpful. When you have, please share this text with your pals on social media to allow them to profit too.
Head to our motorhome recommendation web page for extra ideas and concepts
