Security - Wheel clamp & Hitch lock

Herb Atious

Hi all

Returning to caravanning after a break of 20 years

Tow car and caravan now sorted but need some advice on hitch lock and wheel clamp

this is for a Compass which has alloy wheels and a Winterhoff 3000 hitch

I have been looking at the MP5414 Hitch Lock unless anyone can suggest a better alternative

On wheel clamps there are a plethora of them !

Any recommended ? or to be avoided ;-)

I fully understand the argument about how much is it worth to secure a caravan but our pockets are not bottomless ;-)

Alloys already have locking wheel nuts

 

Any help or advice appreciated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ForestR

We used a Maypole stronghold WS3000 on our last caravan and a Nemesis Ultra wheel lock which we still use on our present caravan which now has an Alko hitch.

N1805

Perhaps a look on the club’s classified adverts would help to find a suitably priced one.  Members change caravans or move to M'homes so inevitably end up with various items they no longer need to use.  The fact that some insurance companies offer discounts for approved security is something to consider.  I would think a Winterhoff 3000 steel ball hitch lock may be an idea & a similar standard of robust wheel clamp.

Herb Atious

Thanks for that suggestion

The Maypole seems to be the one most used

Not heard of the Nemesis wheel lock, looks a good if not expensive one, I assume it replaces one of the wheel nuts but looks good, wonder if I can pick up a second hand one, new are a little to much

Thanks again

 

 

 

Herb Atious

I wrongly thought the classifieds were for members only, as a returning caravanner I hadn't wanted to rejoin until I had a caravan, which I now do, but find I could have searched the classified anyway

Not much in there at present but will keep my eye on them just in case

Thank you for that

 

HillClimb

Yes there are loads to choose between and a range of prices

I seem to recall there are a couple of different official testing bodies who "approve" or recommend security devices

One is SoldSecure http://www.soldsecure.com/search?product_type_id=&product_type_caption=&grading=299&company=&action=

Their reviews might influence your choices - there's no point paying money out on a device that can be defeated in seconds.

The other organisation is Thatcham (who are I think an insurance industry sponsored company) - You can search for approved devices via this page http://ww2.thatcham.org/standards/index.jsp;jsessionid=242F37E15174513ABA3F4D34C0581D90?page=187 it doesn't seem possible to filter the results to show only caravan hitchlocks so you have to scroll past all the caravan and mototbike wheel locks too

Using a SoldSecure/Thatcham device might reduce your insurance premiums - hope this helps

EasyT

I would pick some items and check that insurance companies are content.

I am not at all worried about my caravan being stolen. Were that to happen I am insured new for old and it would be an inconvenience. 

On my previous van I just had a hitchlock. Did not wish to faff with a wheel clamp. Present van has an alarm and an Alko wheel lock. Easy to fit as I have a motormover to align. 

At home the caravan is down the side of the house, nose in, X-Trail parked behind (If X-Trail not there we are probably away as use a 16 year old Yaris most of the time at home). Front gates locked if we are not around and at night. Far easier pickings locally. Theft from CC sites and associated sites possible but unlikely. 

EJB986

Have typed this post 3 times but have decided that owners should buy the best products they want to afford as that gives the most peace of mind.

The gist of my Deleted User posts is that 10 minutes is the normal project time to steal a well guarded and secured caravan.

PS. I'm not up to date on the latest wheel nut security items....but they are only steel!

 

 

Herb Atious

Thanks for your input

Yes Thatcham is funded by a levy on Insurers but even so is regarded fairly well in the trade for approvals

Sold Secure I hadn't come across until a couple of weeks ago

As you say its worth considering both recommendations listings if it reduces premiums, sometimes the higher cost of the approved items outweighs the reduction though

So far have ordered a Maypole Sold Secure hitch lock and am looking further on the wheel clamp

Thanks again for yours

 

Herb Atious

Thanks for yours

I am having to store the caravan away from home as we have no means to keep it at home, so am in need of a little peace of mind hence wheel clamp/lock and hitch lock, previously we had them at home so it wasn't so much of a problem

I know insurance would cover should it occur but can do without that hassle frankly having just spent some weeks looking for this one I am not so keen on doing it again should the worst happen ;-)

This has an alarm but what use are they in all honesty

So its just putting as much in the thieves way as I can can

 

 

Herb Atious

Thanks for your input, as I said at the start I know the argument about how much is it worth to have it stolen, but pockets are only so deep for a great many people

I also know how easy it is even with the best security around to steal a car or caravan, I was in the trade and I suspect your estimate of ten minutes was over generous

The hitch lock is sorted, its the wheel clamp/lock that is the problem for now, so many varieties, hence my asking for recommendations for those to use and to be avoided

Although it would be nice to have the best there is it simply isn't affordable

Thanks again