Member Since: 15 Jul 2011
Location: Hants
Posts: 47
Caravan security
Having recently picked up a caravan ( thanks Simonz ), I need to sort the security.
I'm looking for recommendations for a cost effective security solution (or things to avoid)? Current thoughts are some kind of hitch lock and a wheel clamp. eBay have examples of both for not a lot of money.
10th Feb 2012 9:12 am
Frapp
Member Since: 19 Dec 2008
Location: Norff Zummerzet
Posts: 1655
Re: Caravan security
d3_col wrote:
eBay have examples of both for not a lot of money.
Not a lot of money usually means not a lot of good when it comes to security
Hitch lock
Wheel clamp
Frigging big chain around chassis to ground anchor Member of the carrot crank club
Embarrassingly in for the 2nd round, bought another two
D3 Jack Russell carrier
D4 Landmark for towing duties
10th Feb 2012 9:20 am
Chippy
Member Since: 05 Jan 2012
Location: Surrey
Posts: 520
Hitch locks on there own won't even slow the little darlings down , they get round those with a bit of
tube and a scaffold clamp. Do both the hitch lock and a good quality wheel clamp
Then if some low-life, scumbag, pondlife scrote does manage to circumvent your security (and they will if they want your 'van badly enough!) at least you stand a chance of getting it back.
You might want to consider storing it on a CASSOA gold or silver storage site too.Now an ex-D3 owner after 7 happy years. Miss the car but not the big bills
10th Feb 2012 9:45 am
Chippy
Member Since: 05 Jan 2012
Location: Surrey
Posts: 520
Good call! I've got a tracker on mine too purely because it came with it as standard and it reduces the
insurance alot, but the one thing that bugs me is if it were to get nicked and it wasn't found straight away would I really
want it back I mean it could be in a complete mess and need loads of work
10th Feb 2012 9:53 am
sean 471
Member Since: 26 Apr 2011
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 2990
If it can be fitted go for a wheel clamp that goes throught the wheel to the chasis. You will get a extra discount from your insurance for these.
10th Feb 2012 9:57 am
mcsimmo
Member Since: 08 Aug 2011
Location: North of the south
Posts: 1795
No doubt about it, as many clamps as you can. Find out what make of tow hitch your van has fitted, and get the one the manufacturer recommends. Some cheaper hitchlocks can be easily bypassed, even to the point that theives can take off the hitchlock with the lock left intact.
Don't be tempted to cut corners by going cheap and cheerfull on the security.
Have a look at www.practicalcaravan.com as a starting point. (Other online magazines are of course available)Man with no D3 anymore, but cant leave the forum....how sad.
10th Feb 2012 10:16 am
Gareth Site Moderator
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26779
Jack it up and remove the wheels.
10th Feb 2012 10:59 am
npinks
Member Since: 30 Jan 2008
Location: Leeds
Posts: 1943
I have these items on my van, and when they tried to steel it when i first bought it and stored it on a locked farmers field
alko hitch lock (was off the van when they tried to steel it)
SAS Wheel Clamp (was nearly off the van when they tried to steel it)
Alarm (was not sounding as it hadn't moved)
Farmers field perimeter alarm was broken when they cut his gate chain and thats really the only thing that made them drive off ( i think they were that close to getting the wheel lock off) when his claxon sounded.
I replaced the alko hitch lock like for like, and upgraded the wheel lock to the alko wheel lock that goes through in to the chassis.
I also moved the caravan to a CASSOA Gold site and that was actually cheaper than the farmer was charging and i got a discount for that and the wheel lock via the caravan club.
10th Feb 2012 11:19 am
d3_col
Member Since: 15 Jul 2011
Location: Hants
Posts: 47
thanks everyone for the good feedback.
I'll get myself a decent clamp or two and will find out what the recommended hitch lock is.
I hadn't thought about a tracker - need to do some more research
10th Feb 2012 11:26 am
d3_col
Member Since: 15 Jul 2011
Location: Hants
Posts: 47
close call Npinks. It seems a determined thief will get past most devices given enough uninterrupted time.
I have the van stored on a secure site so 'hopefully' the security I'm putting on would only be tested when the van is in use
10th Feb 2012 11:30 am
npinks
Member Since: 30 Jan 2008
Location: Leeds
Posts: 1943
It was a close call, made worst that the farmer didn't bother ringing me till 5pm the following evening
I found out which alko Secure wheel lock i needed and searched ebay, as there is alot of twin axle owners who don't put both locks on their wheels as they need to jack it up to line up the second wheel for the slot
There is after market wheel locks that use the same threaded mounting point on the alko chassis, but i believe these have a bung in them to prevent third part locks been used and the bung needs removing (somehow)
obviously might not be relevant to you but thought i would let you know anyway
get a BFD TLO has left the building.......
I no longer work for a Landrover Dealer
My little chilli sauce business http://www.thechillees.co.uk
if you would like to order anything just give me a shout
Last edited by The Large One on 10th Feb 2012 11:51 am. Edited 1 time in total
10th Feb 2012 11:43 am
highbayrack
Member Since: 09 Jul 2008
Location: Northamptonshire
Posts: 2776
I've got 2 wheel clamps, a hitch lock and a 1" dia steel cable lifting strop that came off the Ark Royal that's wrapped around a 12" oak post, oh and a tilt alarm on mine. In my garage (never got around yet to fitting it on the van) I have a device called a 'SnakeBite' which basically means when armed, anyone plugging the van in thier vehicle electrics and starting it, the device sends a massive voltage power serge that is supposed to blow out all the electrics on the offending vehicle stopping it dead and causing untold damage . It does of course have a fail safe system that fits to your vehicle so you cant blow your own (so to speak) Maybe you can guess why I'm a bit reluctant to fit it On a mission to find the perfect Pork Pie. Just Found it (I think)..(Yes I have)
Official product sponsor for "Bloodhound SSC" 1000+ mph world land speed record
10th Feb 2012 11:48 am
d3_col
Member Since: 15 Jul 2011
Location: Hants
Posts: 47
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, they get round those with a bit of
I mean it could be in a complete mess and need loads of work 
