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Topic: Camping trailer security

alecspoons

18/5/2019 at 2:05pm
Location: None Entered
Outfit: EUROHIKE Buckingham Elite 8

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Hello all

We're getting a new camping trailer soon, and I'm looking for advice as we have never had one before. I fear these might like silly questions to anyone with experience, but anyway...

What would your advice be about stopping at a service station on our journey to and from the campsite?

First, where do you park?

And then is there anything we should do about keeping the trailer and its contents secure? We are hoping to afford a trailer with a hard, lockable top, but should we also do something to secure the whole trailer? Wheel clamp? Something else? Or is it best if someone just stays with the trailer while the rest of the family make themselves comfortable?

It's only going to be a small trailer, but it will be our first, so it would be good to get some experienced views.

Thanks.

Francais

via mobile 18/5/2019 at 4:21pm
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Yep never leave the vehicle with a trailer attached unattended at the services.

We do three over night budget hotel stops on the way to the main campsite (1,115miles) trailer is chained and padlocked to the car tow bar, also additional motion sensor alarm padlocks used, and alarm motion sensor in the trailer.

If you have VS electrics unplugging the trailer will activate the cars alarm system.

At the campsite we chain the trailer to a tree using 2m 20mm hardened galvanised chain (ships anchor stuff) also additional box hitch lock used along with the embedded lock.

As for parking at the services, take up two spaces so you can drive straight out, or go where the caravans go.

You can't remove the threat of your trailer being stolen, but you can reduce it.

Post last edited on 18/05/2019 17:04:19

John4703

18/5/2019 at 7:26pm
Location: Glasgow
Outfit: Elddis Avante 454

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We used to leave out trailer hitched to the car in the services. The hitch had a small lock so it could not easily be removed from the car. I think there are more valuable things in most service stations that a trailer of camping kit. Think what many of the HGVs contain.

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We camped for years. In 2019 we bought an Elddis Avante 454. We like it as it is short (6.9m) and fits in our driveway and has a fixed bed.
We had 127 nights away in the caravan in 2023.

madasaman

18/5/2019 at 8:28pm
Location: Wales
Outfit: Volvo XC60 R Design

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Take as many precautions that you can. I saw a caravan taken from the services, all done and dusted in 5 mins. They were away before I could even tell the police where it was going down.

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73 going on 25
Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder

Decto

18/5/2019 at 11:16pm
Location: Cheshire
Outfit: Kampa Croyde 6 Air Classic

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I also don't leave the trailer unattended at services, we take turns to use facilities and buy refreshments etc.

Often we park on caravan or HGV areas when it's busy as there aren't many drive though car spaces. These areas are usually a little isolated.

The hitch locks, hitch and ABS lid locks really aren't that secure with easily carried modest, silent tools so I prefer to avoid any issues and potential disruption to my holiday by not leaving it unattended.

On site a towball hitch lock and chain, and even a wheel clamp are ideal as a deterent to oppertunists. If there is nothing to chain to then a dog lead corkscrew placed under the axle with a short chain and lock will stop someone quietly rolling it away.

Thankfully I think campsite theft like this is pretty rare on comercial sites, I've yet to see a case pop up on here but a few simple precautions never hurt.

Definitly make sure you buy one that's big enough to start with though, especially if you're buying new as replacing later is far more expensive.

Frazzle-

20/5/2019 at 9:08pm
Location: Hampshire
Outfit: Outwell Montana 6P tent

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Not left alone at the services. We tag-team to the toilets!!

We have a hitchlock which we can use at the campsite. Also 2 x wheelclamps - both different varieties which we bought when we bought various trailers. Best thing we do at campsite is put the trailer at the back of the pitch. We often tie a washing line between it and the tent (pole) and sometimes a second line between trailer and tree. We usually put washing on it of flannels, towels (depending on the weather), tea towels etc. This will deter and slow down possible thieves. We also use the trailer as storage on site. Keep balls and toys when not in use, inflatables (when flat), boule, extension if not being used, covers for chairs, tables and other things.

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