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Topic: Caravan security

bardo

04/6/2018 at 9:41am
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Hi, new to caravanning and recently purchased 2004 Lunar Chateau caravan with Al-ko long A frame.

Looking for recommendations for (i) how to best secure caravan when in transit (for example we leave connected to car in car park) (ii) when the caravan is onsite uncoupled from tow car.

Also, one person told us to take off brake when the caravan is parked longer term and use wedges instead. Is this a good idea?

Cheers!

664DaveS

04/6/2018 at 10:38am
Location: Shropshire
Outfit: Bailey Phoenix GT 75

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A hitch lock such as Al Ko own or others can be used when you park up,also when not connected.

A good quality wheel lock also recommended. Some insurers will insist on them and may give a discount.

A good quality hitchlock and wheel lock is minimum security.

There are a range of makes. Milenco is one.
Al ko do their own wheel lock which fits their alloy wheels,various models !
Some people chock the wheels to prevent brake sticking in storage.Never had that issue myself.

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bardo

04/6/2018 at 10:46am
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Quote: Originally posted by 664DaveS on 04/6/2018
A hitch lock such as Al Ko own or others can be used when you park up,also when not connected.

A good quality wheel lock also recommended. Some insurers will insist on them and may give a discount.

A good quality hitchlock and wheel lock is minimum security.

There are a range of makes. Milenco is one.
Al ko do their own wheel lock which fits their alloy wheels,various models !
Some people chock the wheels to prevent brake sticking in storage.Never had that issue myself.

Thank you!

shaggy2000

04/6/2018 at 1:05pm
Location: County Durham
Outfit: Explore 304

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Totally agree on the hitchlock for when your traveling.

Its basically a small metal cage device that locks over the hitch, which stops people getting to the handle so they cant unhitch it from your car.

If you want to be extra secure you could go for a small wheel lock as well.

As for when your on site, if you have an awning attached that's pretty much all you need. Can you really imagine a thief going to all the trouble of taking your awning down to tow your caravan away?

If you don't have an awning attached, its pretty much the same as if your traveling, an Alko hitchlock and perhaps a wheel lock.

At the end of the day though, these devices are purely there to deter the "have a go" thief, if someone really does want your van you cant do anything to stop it They will have all the require tools to remove pretty much anything you use to tow your caravan away.

Baileyjake

04/6/2018 at 1:36pm
Location: West Midlands
Outfit: Coachman Amara 570 6 + Shogun SG4

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i use 2 wheel locks and the ALKO hitch lock when the caravan is in storage.

whan on my drive i literally chain the caravan wheels down and fit a special home made hitch clock which encases the hitch head, it must weigh 20kg, i made it from 5mm thick steel plate and it locks with a van lock (the chrome cylindical type) they would need a big grinder or oxy acetelene kit to get it off. once they have removed that the ALKO lock is still fitted inside.

the ALKO hitch lock is pathetic though and i recon it could be removed with a big screwdriver.

i do this because my insurance only covers my caravan, on my drive, for 24h before and after a trip.

when stopping at services my insurance insists i must fit the hitch lock and a wheel lock. although i carry these i never leave the caravan unattended.

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First van bailey ranger 550/6
Now the proud owner of a coachman amara

Colin21

04/6/2018 at 1:52pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

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I use a hitch lock and wheel lock when on site or outside my house, and I never leave the caravan unattended on the journey, simply because I don't need to. Mind you, our caravan is old and probably not as "desirable" as a newer one would be.

Having said that though, I did once have a very old caravan nicked from outside where I was living at the time, but it wasn't a great area, and the caravan was probably taken for scrap.

Regarding the parking brake, we leave it on when on a site, but off when stored at home. Always leave the corner steadies down and chock the wheels at home.

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Best Regards,
Colin

bardo

04/6/2018 at 1:56pm
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Thanks all, very helpful. I've just ordered the Purpleline Nemesis wheel lock and Saracen wheel clamp. They both had good reviews.

blueexpo97

04/6/2018 at 2:05pm
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Can you fill in your outfit and location in your profile. Thanks.

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Hairywol

04/6/2018 at 6:03pm
Location: Teesside
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A word on hitchlocks - just put them on while parked because it's illegal to tow with them in situ.

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Camping Gear expands so as to fill the space available for its transportation.

Colin21

04/6/2018 at 7:00pm
Location: East Herts
Outfit: 1992 Elddis Wisp 450CT + X Trail

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Quote: Originally posted by Hairywol on 04/6/2018
A word on hitchlocks - just put them on while parked because it's illegal to tow with them in situ.

Is that even possible? I suppose there are many different types, but mine would be impossible to fit with the caravan coupled to the car.

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Best Regards,
Colin

John4703

04/6/2018 at 9:02pm
Location: Glasgow
Outfit: Elddis Avante 454

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Quote: Originally posted by Hairywol on 04/6/2018
A word on hitchlocks - just put them on while parked because it's illegal to tow with them in situ.

Can you explain where that is stated?
I am not doubting you but have towed with a trailer locked to my car and wonder what the law is, or what the logic is. I don't want to get a fine for something so obvious.

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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.

hurlingfrootmig

04/6/2018 at 9:08pm
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Quote: Originally posted by shaggy2000 on 04/6/2018
As for when your on site, if you have an awning attached that's pretty much all you need. Can you really imagine a thief going to all the trouble of taking your awning down to tow your caravan away?

Unfortunately there are plenty of stories of thieves just cutting off the awning with a carpet fitter’s knife in a few seconds.

If you have or are getting caravan insurance, check what security devices they require. Hitch lock and wheel clamp are pretty common requirements,

shaggy2000

05/6/2018 at 1:06pm
Location: County Durham
Outfit: Explore 304

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Quote: Originally posted by John4703 on 04/6/2018

Quote: Originally posted by Hairywol on 04/6/2018
A word on hitchlocks - just put them on while parked because it's illegal to tow with them in situ.

Can you explain where that is stated?
I am not doubting you but have towed with a trailer locked to my car and wonder what the law is, or what the logic is. I don't want to get a fine for something so obvious.

I don't believe its law, but it is very undesirable.

Think about this, you have an accident and are unconscious, the fire brigade try to uncouple the trailer/van but find they cant because its locked to your car.

See the problem?

Kelper

05/6/2018 at 6:53pm
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This has come up several times in the past.

1. Alko are quite happy to recommend permanent fitting of the hitchcock whilst towing.
2. A fire brigade would take about ten seconds to remove an Alko hitch lock.
3. It certainly is not illegal to tow with a hitchlock fitted
4. I always have mine fitted ... saves putting it on and taking it off every time we stop.

Hairywol

06/6/2018 at 9:58am
Location: Teesside
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Apologies, apparently not illegal - but highly discouraged by emergency services.

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Camping Gear expands so as to fill the space available for its transportation.

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