MOTORHOME SECURITY

Regular columnist Motorhome Matt Sims reveals simple tips to help keep your 'van – and its contents – more safe and secure

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Security isn't the most glamorous part of motorhoming, but it’s one of the most important. We spend ages choosing the layout, the upholstery, even the size of the fridge - but how much time do we spend thinking about keeping our pride and joy safe? After all, your motorhome is not only your holiday home, it’s also a tempting target.

Whether it’s opportunistic thieves looking for valuables or organised gangs after the motorhome itself, a few sensible steps can make life much harder for them and far more reassuring for you.

Start with the basics

It sounds obvious, but you’d be amazed at how many thefts happen because someone has left a window ajar or the door unlocked “just for a moment”. Treat your motorhome as you would your home - lock up every time you leave it, even if you’re just nipping to the site shop for milk. And don’t forget that awning doors, garage or locker doors and cab windows can be weak points.

A good habit is to do a quick ‘lockup walkaround’ before you leave the ’van. Just as pilots check their planes before takeoff, you should check the doors, windows and lockers. It takes 30 seconds and could save you from an awful experience later.

Extra layers of protection

Most motorhomes come with some sort of builtin immobiliser, but adding extra visible and physical deterrents makes thieves think twice. Think steering wheel locks, pedal locks or a wheel clamp. Yes, they’re a bit old-fashioned, but that’s precisely why they work - they’re a visible deterrent for any would-be thief.