Motorhome security

One of the most discussed topics on motorhome owners’ social media sites is that of vehicle security.

Having invested life savings into your motorhome it is challenging to contemplate that it might be stolen, or perhaps worse, that someone will break in whilst you are sleeping.

The fear of theft is greater than the reality. Since 2002 all new motorhomes have been factory fitted with Thatcham-approved electronic immobilisers. As with other vehicles, this has led to a reduction in vehicle vulnerability. That said, Comfort Insurance has reported a spikes in thefts of motorhomes, especially in the CM, CO, RM, SS, SO and BH postal districts with the summer months of June, July and August apparently being most at risk. The target base vehicles tend to be Ford and Fiat as over-the-counter technology has made it possible to override manufacturers’ standard security.

Recognising that no single security measure will defeat the determined thief, the question is how to handle the risk proportionately?

The first, yet sometimes neglected, is insurance. Third party insurance is compulsory, but policies differ widely, some with significantly high excess charges. Whilst not within the remit of this blog, the art is to buy your insurance through a specialist motorhome insurer, getting a standard policy tailor-made for your leisure vehicle.

Second is storage. Although detailed statistics are not published, vehicles seem to be at particular risk when unattended, in out-of-season unsecured commercial storage, or in-season forecourt parking. The principal risk appears to be from steal-to-order professional teams with lists of vehicles and their known location. They arrive with the technology to overcome locks and manufacturer’s standard security, together with some lever and bolt cutting equipment.

Here the answer is to risk-assess your options for storage. If you are parking at your home, can you form an environmentally secure compound with the use of electric gates, security posts or other barriers? Bear in mind that speed is a priority for commercial thieves and anything that may delay them will act as a deterrent. For this reason a simple wheel clamp can be an effective measure. Contributors to this blog suggest that you also consider visible outside technology, such as floodlight camera motion sensors, especially those that link remotely to via an app to your smartphone. Such devices give forewarning of attempted interference, some even providing a two-way voice connection allowing you to communicate with the suspect.

Supposing that the thief has circumnavigated your outside security measures, the third line of defence is from within the vehicle. Here the obvious steps are steering wheel and pedal locks, door-strapping (a locked chain or cable between the cab door armrests), swivel cab seat locks, and the obvious addition of extra cab and habitation external and internal door locks.

Depending on location, additional features such as internal sounding alarms and visible remote video connection may dissuade the thief. Other systems may be sophisticated, for example mains wiring disconnection alarm, or a simple baby monitor connected to a phone. These measures provide a chance of detection, rather than an evident prevention precaution. Bear in mind that the commercial thief will note measures such as Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) window etching as a deterrent factor when selecting a vehicle to steal.

The final line of defence is of course the vehicle tracker. As well as reducing your insurance premium, a Thatcham approved tracker may offer the best chance of recovery in the few hours between theft and export. One contributor suggested that you add a fake tracker too, so that the thief may believe that by disabling this following entry, the vehicle could no longer be traced.

Turning to occupational security, some of the features mentioned above offer distinct advantages when your motorhome is in use. Correspondents consider that improved door and window locks to be the most favoured precautions, offering security both when occupying the motorhome or away from it. Visual deterrents such as door strapping and steering and pedal locks are next. Clearly, leaving valuables on show is inviting theft. One correspondent said that a simple passenger side cab window sign indicating that there were no valuables in the vehicle had de-prioritised his motorhome when parked with others that had been entered. Another stated that the presence of their pet dogs had saved them from intruders whilst wild-camping abroad.

From all of the contributors, the security steps that were most pertinent were those that delayed the intruder, and therefore deterred theft. It seems that by delay, and advertising that fact that you have employed security measures, you are more likely to protect your investment.

Finally, don’t forget to photograph your motorhome, both inside and out. Should it be stolen, photos on social media platforms could provide your best chance of recovering your vehicle.

Choosing a motorhome

Like Stephen Towell, you may be switching from a caravan, or upgrading from a smaller van; but what are the points that you should consider before making your choice of motorhome?

Here is a personal list of factors and features, intended to create a conversation rather than act as a definitive guide. If you have additional ideas, add your experience and preferences by making a comment below.

‘I have been towing for a few years, but want the flexibility of a motorhome’.

Many on retirement are advised to take a cash sum, opening the door for a more expensive purchase. But how should we approach this big spend when buying a motorhome?

I know few motorhomers who bought their ideal van first time round. You would think that moving from a caravan would give you a head start, but this transition can be as fraught as very first time touring. Motorhomes, especially new ones, are expensive beasts and a mistake can be disastrous. Pete Jones makes an excellent suggestion - consider hiring before you buy. At the very least, on your next campsite introduce yourself to motorhomers with vans that you admire. Unlike the dealers, they will tell you what they like and what they dislike about their van. Go back to your caravan and make notes. You will quickly determine your blueprint for your perfect van.

First considerations

Your first consideration should not be the make and model - but the size of the van.

The larger the van, the more versatile the living space. But with size come downsides, one being a 3,500 kg payload. Phil Cockell rightly mentions the licence restrictions - are you authorised to drive a private goods vehicle? And does the payload gives you sufficient flexibility to carry what you need? To help with this topic, take a look at my earlier blog here.

Size affects the price you will pay. Is it worth paying for extra living space in a leisure vehicle? If you have a hoard of grandchildren all vying to be with you on every trip, the choice is out of your hands. But should just two of you be touring, consider why you wanted to switch from a caravan. For most making the transition, a ‘pitch, pack-up and go’ flexibility is key. Bigger vans (especially twin-axles) will be more difficult to pitch, and definitely more troublesome to park. Smaller vehicles will be easy in supermarket car parks, and a joy when wild camping in the Highlands.

Glenda Benger makes the next important point - take time in determining your ideal interior layout. The main reason that motorhomers change their van in the first two years is that their chosen layout turns out to be wrong for them. Of your time in the van, most will probably be spent in bed. Fixed beds take space, but offer lots of pluses, including the opportunity to use both bed and living space simultaneously. Check accessibility, and think of those dark nights when you need to extract yourself from the bed to visit the loo.

For many, the next priority is the kitchen. You may not be a cordon bleu cook, but the probability is that you will serve more than beans. Here, Glenda’s advice on layout is pivotal. Can others use the van whilst I cook? Will I use an oven? Do I want an electric plate with my hob? Is a microwave a must-have piece of kit? How much work surface do I really need?

Manufacturer, base vehicle and build quality

As with caravans, you ‘pay your money and take your chance’. For each motorhome converter you will find some buyers that criticise and others that eulogise. Even with the latest fabrication techniques, you get rogue vans on dealer’s forecourts. Overall, quality comes at a price, and you should be prepared to pay that bit more for a reliable option. Autotrail has a long history of quality. Many other manufacturers have come and gone. Do a Companies House search on the manufacturer (and the dealer) before you buy, for this will indicate if there are any problems in the wind (as currently with the Hymer Group).

Dealers

My advice is to find a local dealer holding the franchise for your particular choice of motorhome. Then check their trading history. Ask to speak to their after-sales staff, including a member of the handover staff. Visit on a busy weekend and chat with current customers. Check online. Bear in mind that manufacturers will only be responsive to their dealers - the ones that sell their vehicles.

With new motorhomes, remember that you will need an annual service and habitation check to engage the warranty. Well managed, this should require just one annual visit, but repairs and new fittings may result in more frequent trips to your dealer. This is why it is advisable to buy locally from a dealer that you can trust. We were lucky in our most recent choice of Tyne Valley Motorhomes (neither sponsoring nor indeed knowing of this blog entry).