Wheel lock when camping on site
Hi there new to this is it nessasary to take wheel clamp on holiday as they are quite heavy or will steering device be enough cheers Steve
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If you are staying on a wardened CMC site then there should be no problems at all. We have a caravan and always put the hitch lock on together with the alarm but it is an insurance requirement and also just habit.
Your steering column lock should be sufficient but if you venture onto CLs then I would advise using the clamp. We've not had any problems on CLs either but some of them are in remote locations or sometimes do not have anyone directly looking over them, e.g. farmers working etc.
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It has never crossed my mind to have a wheel clamp on my motorhome although I did on my previous caravan. I do have a Strikeback Alarm and a factory fitted immobilser fitted which hopefully would be some deterrent. I know we can't take anything for granted but I always think of campsites as relatively safe places. If you would feel safer using a wheel clamp have a look at the Bulldog Euro clamp which whilst still quite heavy is more compact than most.
David
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A wheel clamp on site would be a real pain in my view. We don’t even possess one.
On site we rely on the vehicle's own security and, in a public car park, will add a steering wheel lock which also acts as a visible deterrent.
I'd leave the wheel clamp at home, Nash.
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We are same as TW. Just don't leave any valuables on view in a car park. If you just pitch up on a site, doubt you will have any worries. A lot of Farm CLs have excellent security in place as they are protecting much more expensive gear than Motorhomes!
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Security requirements for caravans and motorhomes differ. A MH is basically a large expensive car with car type security. It came with a tracker fitted in addition to the normal immobiliser/alarm. The only additional security I've added is a steering wheel heavy duty "Stoplock" which acts as a visual deterrent.
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Please don’t! They might catch on then the insurance industry will demand that we all fit them.
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No. Neither.
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That’s not unusual for a caravan, David. Not normally so for motorhomes.
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I always fit my Alko lock but with a Lock n Level it’s so easy. Also my hitch lock and put the alarm on at certain CLs. Always a good policy but unfortunately, if a thief wants tour caravan bad enough he’ll have it- these security items just slow them down!
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I wouldn't use a wheel clamp on a MH while on site, should you have to move it quickly (fire) then you wouldn't stand a chance of getting your vehicle out of the way.
Would you put a wheel clamp on a car on site?
Caravans I know some insurance companies insist on it so you have no choice, regards to fire on site it does happen, not often thankfully but just once next to you or near by is enough to make you think. Moving a caravan with legs down and possibly an awning quickly is not going to happen, just move car.
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The caravan insurance policies I looked at only required a security device if you were leaving the van unattended for a period i.e. more than a day trip out.
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We always fit our hitch lock and wheel clamp on site so adhere to our insurance policy, not to fit them may give the insurance company a get out clause, just imagine your filling in a claim form and it comes to the part " were the security devices fitted to your caravan " and after reading the recent review on Exeter race course site you would be wise to do the same
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I'm astonished that people fit wheelclamps on campsites and at motorway stops, but there you are, they do. But only in the UK .
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Likewise! Although our insurance company only require one security device to be fitted - whenever our van is sited, I fit both Alko wheel locks, hitchlock and set the alarm and tracker when we are away from it - whatever site we are on.. Like Merve, I use Lock 'n Level and if I am using that, it's just so easy to fit both wheel locks. Yes, I'm all too well aware that nothing will prevent the most determined thief but anything I can do to make their life as difficult as possible and possibly give me a fighting chance of getting them locked up, then so be it. From experience, most thieves will go for the soft option - I'm just not going to let my van fall into that category!
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Well said Richard. That is the sensible approach to a problem that is never going to go away. We , as van owners are in the crosshairs of professional caravan thieves all the time and they strike when least expected. I have had a caravan stolen and it was devastating! Do everything you can to stop these scumbags from making an easy living and never let your guard down. They know everything about your van before they attempt to steal it. They know where the alarm loud speaker is for instance so they can silence that by pushing a screw driver through it - hence- no alarm. So, if you can change to position of the speaker but keep the old speaker in position- that will confuse them and not switch of the alarm as they thought it would. The alarm going off may be enough to send them scampering. . If you have a tracker, make sure it’s well hidden. They can’t search everywhere- it’ll take too long. Another trick is to have an independent system to drive the tracker regardless as to whether they disconnect the battery or not- again, they will think they have switched it off- until a police car is seen in the rear view mirror 🤣🤣
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The answer to the OP is, depends how much you value your van, personally yes, plus hitch lock. If you get into the habit of putting them on then you will automatically do it whatever site you are. Some site have barriers and security some just an open gate.
Was at a service station once, hubby had gone to the shop, I needed the loo, so went into the caravan, sat there hoping no one would steal the van while I sat there.
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Err, the OP has a motorhome and is asking about using a wheelclamp.
Hitchlock? I know, it’s an easy mistake to make. 😁
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I know Tinny, but the thread gives people a chance to express their fears, worries and anxiety.
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I realise that, Euro, and goodness knows there are a lot of anxieties out there.
I was pointing it out for Cariadon's benefit as she seems to be advising the OP to use a clamp plus hitchlock.
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