Making the decision to buy a motorhome is one which comes with a large financial investment and it is only sensible that you want to protect your investment. Because they are often left unattended for long periods of time – on holiday parks for instance when you are at home – they are a target for burglars. Take a look at our Beginners Guide to Better Motorhome Security Infographic for some great tips on keeping your motorhome safe!
The value for a motorhome is not only in the financial asset it holds as a vehicle, but because thieves will know that you have probably got expensive items and equipment inside, they are going to be looking to take your possessions instead of or as well as driving your pride and joy away. It’s vital then that whether your motorhome is kept on the driveway, on land you own or on a seasonal pitch on a campsite, you look to keep it as safe and as secure as is possible.
The basic rules are to close windows when you are out or are not staying at your motorhome, always keep it locked and ensure that all your valuables are kept out of view. Whilst this may seem basic, many people don’t follow these first steps and return to find they have lost treasured possessions. If possible, ask someone to visit your motorhome regularly if you are leaving it unattended for a number of weeks of even months at a time. Thieves will be looking for targets where it is obvious that there are no regular visitors.
After you’ve made sure that you’ve done all you can to keep everything locked up, check out if you have factory installed security measures such as an alarm or an immobiliser. If you have, some insurance providers will give you a lower premium for the added protection they give. Some will specify that you need to have a device installed so it’s a good idea to check out your policy to see if it matches the features on your motorhome.
As well as factory fitted features, there are a number of other ideas which you can use to improve security on your motorhome. These include wheel clamps, a steering lock and a gear lock.
Wheel clamps are excellent deterrents to any would-be thief as they instantly immobilise the vehicle. It is worth buying as high quality as you can afford as it makes them more difficult to remove. There are a number of different steering locks available on the market including a bar or circular lock. As well as immobilising the wheel, they are a visual deterrent for any would-be thief. A gear lock makes the perfect addition to these items as it connects the gear stick to the hand brake. Combining these three security elements will make it very difficult for your motorhome to be driven away so it’s a good idea to invest as they are a small cost in comparison to the value of your vehicle.
Buying a motorhome is all about having the freedom and independence to travel wherever you want to at the same time as having all the comforts of home. Keeping it safe whilst you are not there means that you can know that every time you return to it to either begin your holiday or come back after a day out in your tow car, everything will be just as you left it and you can put the kettle on for a cup of tea and relax.
