How to look after the spare wheel on your caravan
Owning a caravan is obviously a big investment in terms of money and time, and a very worthwhile one at that. Unfortunately, caravans can be attractive targets for thieves, as they can be towed away easily if the thieves have a vehicle handy. So, to safeguard your pride and joy, you do need to take a proactive approach to its security. On average, around 2,800 caravans are reported as stolen every year, so we’re talking about quite a lot of incidents here.
In this article, we’ll look at some practical and effective ways to protect your caravan; to help prevent it getting stolen in the first place, and to help you and the police get it back if it does sadly go missing. If you can implement a number of these precautions together, then even better!
1. Install a GPS tracker
A GPS tracker is one of the most effective tools to help you recover your stolen caravan. These devices allow you to monitor your caravan’s location in real-time, often via an app on your phone. Many modern trackers come with geofencing features, sending you alerts if your caravan moves outside a designated area. There’s a lot out there, but those with Thatcham certification will have passed rigorous testing and are deemed to be of a high standard.
When choosing a GPS tracker, look for a device with a long battery life, discreet installation and reliable coverage. They do need to be hard to find when installed as otherwise they could be quickly disabled and removed.
Subscribing to a monitoring service can also ensure your caravan’s quick recovery in the event of theft.
2. Use a high-quality hitch lock
A hitch lock prevents thieves from attaching your caravan to their vehicle. Choose a lock that is durable, tamper-resistant and approved for use with your caravan. Hitch locks are a simple yet highly effective deterrent, especially when combined with other physical security measures.
Remember to fit the lock correctly, ensuring it cannot be bypassed with basic tools, and use a hitch ball with it. It’s also worth investing in a cover to make the lock less visible and harder to access.
3. Fit a wheel clamp
Wheel clamps are another excellent physical deterrent, making it nearly impossible for thieves to tow your caravan. Like hitch locks, clamps should be robust and certified by a trusted security organisation.
Look for a model that fits securely to your caravan’s wheels and resists cutting or drilling. Choose one that’s easy (for you!) to fit and remove, but still offers maximum protection.
4. Install an alarm system
A loud alarm system can scare off potential thieves and alert you or people nearby to any suspicious activity. Caravan alarms are designed to detect unauthorised entry, movement or tampering. Some of the more advanced models can also integrate with the GPS trackers we mentioned above, and send alerts directly to your phone.
Consider placing visible alarm stickers on your caravan windows to act as an additional deterrent - thieves are less likely to target a caravan that clearly has decent security measures in place.
5. Secure your doors and windows
Don’t make it easy for them! Make sure to shut your caravan up properly when you aren’t in it.
While modern caravans generally come with sturdy locks, upgrading to higher-security versions can provide extra peace of mind for you. Keyed-alike systems are also a decent option to consider, allowing you to use one key for all locks so you could upgrade everything in one go. (We also know how easy it is to lose all the different keys needed for caravanning!)
For windows, consider fitting locking mechanisms or secondary locks to hopefully prevent forced entry.
6. Use a hitch post
When storing your caravan at home, or in a storage facility, securing it to an immovable object can make theft much more difficult. Hitch posts or ground anchors are heavy-duty solutions that provide that additional layer of protection.
Ensure the anchor or post is properly installed and use a strong chain, padlock or cable lock to secure your caravan.
7. Choose a secure storage location
If you’re not using your caravan for extended periods, consider storing it in a reputable caravan storage facility. Look for sites with facilities that have robust security measures, including CCTV, gated access and regular walkarounds.
8. Mark your caravan and belongings
Marking your caravan with its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) as part of VIN CHIP deters theft and certainly aids recovery. Some owners also use window etching to display these markings visibly.
Inside, you could also use a UV pen to discreetly mark valuable items with your contact details. This makes it harder for thieves to sell stolen goods and increases the chance of recovery if they’re found.
9. Consider using a caravan cover
A high-quality caravan cover not only protects against the elements but also helps hide your caravan from opportunistic thieves. Using one with locking straps or cables will prevent it being easily removed, and make it generally a bit of a time-consuming faff for thieves to find out what’s underneath.
10. Take some common-sense precautions
This might include always parking your caravan in well-lit areas when travelling, using a CCTV camera at home to monitor your driveway, and avoiding leaving valuables visible inside your caravan, especially when it’s parked or unattended.
Be sure to keep a record of your caravan’s details, including its serial numbers, unique features, and some photos, in case the worst does ever happen.
So, there’s a decent amount of options for you to consider when it comes to your caravan’s security. Having a caravan stolen is a distressing experience, but by implementing as many of these security measures as possible, you can significantly reduce the risk of it happening to you.
Do let us know in the comments of any other security measures that owners could take!
