Last weekend we viewed and put a deposit on our very first caravan - a 2007 Bailey Pagent Vendee. Next weekend we pick it up, and are very excited.
We have been searching out the numerous accessories required from eBay etc, and are in pretty good shape. We just need to sort out 2 things. Insurance and security.
I am a bit confused by the variety of security devices. Should I put on an Alko hitch lock to complement the Alko Aks 3004 hitch? if so which one? What is the best wheel clamp to get? I don't have a motor mover fitted.
If anyone can suggest a solution, or provide details of a website that offers good advice, please could you help?
Regarding caravan insurance, if you look at the top just on the right of UK Campsite.co.uk you will see a box for an insurance quote from 'Caravan Guard'. I have insured with this company this year as they were up to £40 cheaper then the other 4 quotes I obtained plus if you mention that you are a member of UK Campsite you will get a further discount too. Their underwriters are Royal & Sun Alliance who are a reputable company that insures all motabilty vehicles on the 3 year hire lease so they are a well established company. Regarding security, if your caravan has alloy wheels then the wheel bolts will be recessed (the older steel rimmed wheels are not) so if you buy a clamp that fits over one of the wheel bolts at all, make sure that the clamp is designed to fit the alloy type wheel. Other types of clamp such as the Bulldog will cover the whole wheel so you don't have to worry about the recessed wheel bolts. The hitchlock made by 'Alko' for the 3004 model is designed to fit securely but there are cheaper alternatives on the market that are just as good but whatever brand you buy, make sure that it covers the two bolts that lock the stabiliser hitch onto the drawbar as some cheaper ones will only cover the ball socket and not the bolts which means that a thief could undo the two bolts and steal the complete hitch which will cost well over £200 to replace. The hitchlock shown in the link is an ideal lock which I also use myself and better than the Alko too because the locking pin is much bigger in diameter.
Try looking at either of the club websites. We found them very useful. We decided to buy the best quality hitch lock and wheel lock we could afford. If it's very cheap it probably isn't very secure. Enjoy your caravan.
we have a bailey 500/5 with the al-ko hitch fitted,i use the al-ko lock.because it is made to fit easy.it depends on what level of security you want for yourself.most insurance companies insist on a wheel lock or clamp and a hitch lock.the other thing is where are you keeping the van.ie.home or storage?
ours parked at home and over the top maybe it takes me 15 minutes to remove all the locks but do not mind as it would take another person a bit longer.two wheel clamps / hitch lock / two heavy chains through the back legs fixed to the wall / ground anchor at the front with chain over chassis / alarm IDLM 4.
we are with CClub for insurance and breakdown green flag.
top tip..insure it before you pick it up i have read of them being stolen on the first day of ownership.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
Buy the also hitch lock, it is easy to fit and very effective, but you also need a wheel clamp, if therevis an Alko Secure wheel lock then that is a good as they come. However, the best security for you is good insurance of the sort that will not make a drama out of a crisis should the worst come to the worst. The CC insurance is not the cheapest but they have a really good reputation for not being picky with claims. You can put whatever security you want on the van but the simple truth is that if some toe rag decides to permanently borrow it then it will happen, no security device on a carvan is fool proof.
------------- Bill
For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013