Motorhome security when away

huskydog
huskydog Club Member Posts: 5,460 ✭✭✭✭✭
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edited March 2017 in Motorhomes #1

there is lots of advice about making our Motorhomes secure when at home ,but when we have been away on holiday and see M/H's parked up in car parks I never see anyone put wheel clamps on ,I fit one when we are parked up in car parks , perhaps I'm paranoid about it not being there when we come back , I do use other "internal " security devices 

do some let their guard down when away ???

Comments

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,144 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2017 #2

    We always use a steering wheel lock when Ieaving the MH as an added security measure with a great visual deterrent. Other security features are operative as well. 

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
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    edited March 2017 #3

    We still have ,the removable steering wheel off our last Motor Caravan,,it was a great deterant and also allowed us to swivel he drivers seat without struggle,open to offers,it fits 2004 boxer

  • peegeenine
    peegeenine Forum Participant Posts: 548
    edited March 2017 #4

    I use a clutch claw. It's a device that clamps the brake and clutch pedals together and wedges them in the up position so they can't be pressed. It can be seen from the outside of the vehicle just like a steering wheel clamp.
    A removable steering wheel is a good deterrant but only if you take it with you.

  • triky auto
    triky auto Forum Participant Posts: 8,690
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    edited March 2017 #5

    wink On my Autocruise ,i used a plastic covered cable from 'Screwfix' through the door handles & steering wheel,padlocked in the middle of the cab.On the side entry door ,a lockable swing over deterant.

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,388 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2017 #6

    You need the keys to steal most modern vehicles these days. What is of more concern is preventing the motorhome from being broken into and that is nigh on impossible. The best one can do is make life difficult for any would be thief so he/she goes and picks an easier target.

    peedee

     

  • SteveDSD
    SteveDSD Forum Participant Posts: 36
    edited March 2017 #7

    The main thing is to try and minimise the valuables that are in the van when left.  If someone wants to break in then they will.  

    A friend had his motorhome broken into. The van had deadlock doors. The thieves couldn't open any of the doors so had to climb in and out of the window. They destroyed the window blind and got glass all around the sofa. 

    Sadly the thieves got away with a laptop and a couple of tablet computers that had been left in an inside cupboard.

    Never leave stuff lying around that could encourage them, but as they know that there could be valuables hidden inside then they might just break in to have a look around and it only takes 5 minutes to check all the usual hiding places.

    if you do have stuff like laptops etc. just make sure they're insured for being left in the van, and make sure you have backups of the data that's on them. (not just in case they get stolen, by the way).

    As for the van being stolen, the suggestions others have made about physical devices is good, but maybe consider a GPS tracker system so it might be possible to find out where it is if it was stolen. 

  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Forum Participant Posts: 3,007
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    edited March 2017 #8

    When we bought our new (first) motorhome last year I was surprised that it didn't have a decent alarm so I paid an extra £500 for alarms on doors, lockers, intruder detection etc. It also has a safe so I feel comfortable about cash and passports. It wouldn't stop a smash and grab attack though so tablets, laptops etc. are still vulnerable. Too many other things to worry about!

  • Aspenshaw
    Aspenshaw Forum Participant Posts: 611
    500 Comments
    edited March 2017 #9

    Wheel clamps weigh too much to be carried within most motorhomers payload. I use a steering lock instead. Lock it and alarm it, park sensibly, hide valuables, and most motorhomers will feel safe.

     

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,144 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2017 #10

    And if it should be stolen, I wouldn't want it back. 

  • Tigi
    Tigi Forum Participant Posts: 1,038
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    edited March 2017 #11

    Motorhomes have a flag waving above them saying all our personal belongings are in here, one of the reasons we rarely parked ours in car parks, maybe they are not so easy to drive off but so easy to break into.

  • QFour
    QFour Forum Participant Posts: 442
    edited March 2017 #12

    Not much stops a Battery Powered Diamond Bladed Disc Cutter. They just cut through the steering wheel which is the weakest point.

  • twobytwo
    twobytwo Forum Participant Posts: 1
    edited March 2017 #13

    We are first timers with a new motorhome. What are people's thoughts on wheel locks? Are they worth having when parking the vehicle up for long periods? 

    Can anyone recommend a good wheel lock which is easy to fit? 

    Thanks louise 

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited March 2017 #14
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User