Motorhome Door Locks

JaneandIan
JaneandIan Forum Participant Posts: 85
edited June 2017 in Motorhomes #1

Hi everyone. We have been having a circular discussion about the value (or not) of putting additional habitation door locks on our motorhome. Do they act as a deterrent or as an advert that there may be something worth taking? Wouldn't any thief just use windows? If we did use them then which are best? Any thoughts would be very welcome.

Comments

  • JVB66
    JVB66 Forum Participant Posts: 22,892
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2017 #2

    We have a Fiamma Handle on all our Habitation doors which helps entrance/exit (at our age) but cannot see that it would "attract" low lifes,if they want something nothing will stop them

  • KeithandMargaret
    KeithandMargaret Forum Participant Posts: 660
    500 Comments
    edited June 2017 #3

    Personally I'd not bother with spending money on extra external door locks - if they are determined to break in while the vehicle is empty then they still have a relatively easy way in via the plastic windows.

    And they would only cause more bodywork damage by levering the extra handles off, if they took that route, when breaking in and it would only hinder them for a few seconds.

    If you're bothered about having the MH stolen then fit a tracking device.

    Keeping blinds and curtains drawn would hide what may be inside and taking out anything of value would save you from any great financial loss.

     

     

     

  • peedee
    peedee Club Member Posts: 9,388 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2017 #4

    I would fit a good alarm and immobilser system rather than go to extra locks and a tracker, the latter usually has an ongoing cost.

    peedee

  • JaneandIan
    JaneandIan Forum Participant Posts: 85
    edited June 2017 #5

    Thanks folks - you have pretty much confirmed the way we were thinking. We have alarms we can set on the windows and door as a deterrent but have decided that prudence in what we take with is is probably the best of options. we don't have TVs etc so ...

  • DavidKlyne
    DavidKlyne Club Member Posts: 13,864 ✭✭✭
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    edited June 2017 #6

    I am not sure that motorhome habitation doors are that secure to a determined thief. I reckon a crowbar would easily open one. Whilst I agree a good alarm system  is a worthwhile investment most thefts from motorhome/caravans are opportunistic in nature and  in and out in seconds is the desired approach. With something like a Fiamma D Lock it makes breaking in via the habitation door much more difficult which might be enough to deter someone and encourage them to move on to another vehicle.

    David

  • peegeenine
    peegeenine Forum Participant Posts: 548
    edited June 2017 #7

    I think it would be difficult to crowbar the habitation door on my Bolero. It has twin 2 stage locking points, which I believe to be burst proof, just the same as the cab doors. I thought it was part of the regulations for MHs that all doors must comply with vehicle door regs but having looked at some new MHs recently I'm not so sure now. Even some expensive continental MHs look a bit weak and some MHs still only have a single catch. An exterior door lock may be worthwhile in those instances.

  • MichaelT
    MichaelT Forum Participant Posts: 1,874
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2017 #8

    Whatever you do to the doors the windows are just flimsy plastic albeit harder to climb into but easier to crow bar open...