When getting our new van we are going to have the tracker fitted for security. Also we will use wheel clamps. My husband was worried that the wheel clamps will be added extra weight in the van when we go on holiday. I suggested that we only use the clamps whilst the van is on our drive then leave them here so hence no extra weight. He seems to think that you need them on your van whilst on caravan sites as anyone can come along and just tow your caravan away if you go out for the day. I am trying to tell him that I cant see that happening....Does anyone know if this does occur?
Are caravans safe when you them them for a day on a camp site
- Thread starter Hilda_374371251
- Start date
Take it with you and fit it. Firstly you will not be insured without soem sort of device. Secondly vans are taken from every where. We know soemone who left theirs on site to go to a funeral. the owner phoned them and told them their van had gone. Thieves has cut the awning off with a bread knife and left it standing there. A lighter option is a hitchlock. The Alco one is only ounces.
Hilda,
Although unlikely it is possible for someone to steal your van from a site. I have heard of it happening at least once, think it was from Sandy Balls site in Hampshire but not 100% on that.
Also check with your caravan insurance, some insist on a wheelclamp being used at all times when van is left unattended.
As for the extra weight in the van, I store mine in the boot of the car when travelling.
Robert
Although unlikely it is possible for someone to steal your van from a site. I have heard of it happening at least once, think it was from Sandy Balls site in Hampshire but not 100% on that.
Also check with your caravan insurance, some insist on a wheelclamp being used at all times when van is left unattended.
As for the extra weight in the van, I store mine in the boot of the car when travelling.
Robert
Hilda,
Although unlikely it is possible for someone to steal your van from a site. I have heard of it happening at least once, think it was from Sandy Balls site in Hampshire but not 100% on that.
Also check with your caravan insurance, some insist on a wheelclamp being used at all times when van is left unattended.
As for the extra weight in the van, I store mine in the boot of the car when travelling.
Robert
Although unlikely it is possible for someone to steal your van from a site. I have heard of it happening at least once, think it was from Sandy Balls site in Hampshire but not 100% on that.
Also check with your caravan insurance, some insist on a wheelclamp being used at all times when van is left unattended.
As for the extra weight in the van, I store mine in the boot of the car when travelling.
Robert
Hilda,
You will probably not be covered by your insurance company if you do not put your wheel clamp and hitch lock on when you get to a site.
Aquarolls, waste containers, bikes, chairs etc., have often been stolen from sites, so always bear this in mind.
You will probably not be covered by your insurance company if you do not put your wheel clamp and hitch lock on when you get to a site.
Aquarolls, waste containers, bikes, chairs etc., have often been stolen from sites, so always bear this in mind.
We carry our hitchlock in the car. It's handy to get out when you have to stop at service stations for a break etc.
I've not heard , other than 3rd party rumours , of this happening but other may have witnessed it and have first hand experiences.
Your insurers and traker supplier may well stipulate it to maintain cover and in fact may stipulate that anytime you leave the van unattended they are to be fitted.
I think if you are already concearned about leaving your van (irrespective of the likelyhood of it being stolen) the minimal extra weight of security devices should form part of your overall touring equipement and weight allowance.
Afterall its a small price to pay to firstly give you piece of mind when you go out for the day and secondly to safeguard your expensive van.
I always fit my wheel clamp even when on motorway service stations and I'm just walking the dogs a few hundred yards away.
put the devices in the car that way it will lessen the load in the van , also to keep weight down dont take the plastic cases some devices come in.
Your insurers and traker supplier may well stipulate it to maintain cover and in fact may stipulate that anytime you leave the van unattended they are to be fitted.
I think if you are already concearned about leaving your van (irrespective of the likelyhood of it being stolen) the minimal extra weight of security devices should form part of your overall touring equipement and weight allowance.
Afterall its a small price to pay to firstly give you piece of mind when you go out for the day and secondly to safeguard your expensive van.
I always fit my wheel clamp even when on motorway service stations and I'm just walking the dogs a few hundred yards away.
put the devices in the car that way it will lessen the load in the van , also to keep weight down dont take the plastic cases some devices come in.
First check whet your insurer requires-some specify both a hitchlock and wheelclamp, others are ok with one or the other. After that, its what gives you peace of mind. Although I used to carry the wheel clamp, this is a bulky, heavy and awkward item to lug about even if in the boot of the car. I have'reduced' our security to hitchlock, rear steady locks and the caravans own alarm, with its tilt activation.
Don't know about others, but I have been on the occasional site where I have definitely felt more at risk than others.
Don't know about others, but I have been on the occasional site where I have definitely felt more at risk than others.
Hilda, if you are going for the Pagent Limosin, then you can use the alko secure type wheel locks (smaller than a standard wheel clamp). Also the type of caravan you are after (twin axle) is very desirable to the wrong sort of people.
If I have the wrong person, I am very sorry, but I would always put a wheel clamp on!!!
If I have the wrong person, I am very sorry, but I would always put a wheel clamp on!!!
I think most insurance companies would at least try to avoid paying out if you left the van unattended anywhere without a wheel lock or clamp. I agree with Civical, the Alko type wheel locks are the answer because they are accepted by insurance companies as an alternative to a clamp, and are light in weight. I have the Bulldog type which is cheaper and, from reports on this forum, easier to fit, and I use it every time I leave the van, as well as the hitch lock, which is not secure enough on its own.
Keith
Keith
if you are with the cc the recommend you have at least one maybe two devises this could be hitch lock and alarm. tracker and alarm. it depends who you are insured with.
if they want your van they will take it by any way or means.
check with your insurance.
jo-anne
if they want your van they will take it by any way or means.
check with your insurance.
jo-anne
Hi Hilda,
You should really use a wheel clamp on site, and a hitch-lock.
You will see, when you arrive on any site, that virtually everyone has a wheel clamp and hitch-lock fitted, it is normal practice.
As has been mentioned, it will probably be a requirement of your insurance company that you protect your 'van in this way.
In fact, a surprising number of insurers insist that you put on the clamp and hitch-lock when you atop at the services for a few minutes!
We are insured with the Caravan Club, and they allow two hours between arriving on site and clamping - which is about the most reasonable we came across.
So, in short, if you don't take your wheel clamp with you you will be in a distince minority.
Hope this helps.
You should really use a wheel clamp on site, and a hitch-lock.
You will see, when you arrive on any site, that virtually everyone has a wheel clamp and hitch-lock fitted, it is normal practice.
As has been mentioned, it will probably be a requirement of your insurance company that you protect your 'van in this way.
In fact, a surprising number of insurers insist that you put on the clamp and hitch-lock when you atop at the services for a few minutes!
We are insured with the Caravan Club, and they allow two hours between arriving on site and clamping - which is about the most reasonable we came across.
So, in short, if you don't take your wheel clamp with you you will be in a distince minority.
Hope this helps.
Hilda,
When stopping at Motorway Service Stations we NEVER leave our car and caravan unattended. They are hotspots for caravan theft. One of us always stays with the outfit, while the other goes across to the shop etc.
We pack a flask and something to eat before we leave home and have it at the outfit. At least you get your favourite coffee/tea! We often meet caravanners doing the same thing and if it's dry and you're outside, it's nice to have a chat with your 'neighbours'.
When stopping at Motorway Service Stations we NEVER leave our car and caravan unattended. They are hotspots for caravan theft. One of us always stays with the outfit, while the other goes across to the shop etc.
We pack a flask and something to eat before we leave home and have it at the outfit. At least you get your favourite coffee/tea! We often meet caravanners doing the same thing and if it's dry and you're outside, it's nice to have a chat with your 'neighbours'.
Hi Hilda
If you are worried about the extra weight of a wheel clamp, travel it in your car. They're not too heavy.
When on a site, we use a wheel clamp and hitch lock.
I've been caravanning a few years and whilst on sites, have never heard of anyone stealing a caravan. However, I once sold a porch awning and when the people came to collect it, they said they were having to start up again because they were on a site and their caravan was stolen. It wasn't insured.
Regards
Lisa
If you are worried about the extra weight of a wheel clamp, travel it in your car. They're not too heavy.
When on a site, we use a wheel clamp and hitch lock.
I've been caravanning a few years and whilst on sites, have never heard of anyone stealing a caravan. However, I once sold a porch awning and when the people came to collect it, they said they were having to start up again because they were on a site and their caravan was stolen. It wasn't insured.
Regards
Lisa
Putting a wheel clamp in the boot of the car is indeed probably the best place for it.However, it is worth remembering that the car, like the caravan has to be loaded within the limits specified by the manufacturer. So a rear axle weight limit might well be in your handbook, and maybe a luggage weight limit. The caravan nosewight already conributes to the axle load, as do any rear seat passengers, and the wheel clamp. You might well find that you can't put quite as much luggage in the boot as you thought....
Parksy
Moderator
We tour regulary with a t/a caravan and our insurers stipulate that when the caravan is left unattended two wheelclamps and the hitchlock must be fitted to comply with the terms of our insurance policy.
To save lugging heavyweight wheelclamps around I use lightweight clamps when touring
http://www.milenco.com/wheelclamp-lightweight.html
These clamps wouldn't stop a determined five year old but because my insurers don't specify a brand or secutity level such as sold secure as long as I adhere to the terms I'm covered.
When the caravan returns to storage I apply much more stringent (heavyweight) security measures.
To save lugging heavyweight wheelclamps around I use lightweight clamps when touring
http://www.milenco.com/wheelclamp-lightweight.html
These clamps wouldn't stop a determined five year old but because my insurers don't specify a brand or secutity level such as sold secure as long as I adhere to the terms I'm covered.
When the caravan returns to storage I apply much more stringent (heavyweight) security measures.
Parksy, we do similar. We have a heavyweight Sold Secure clamp for over winter, and a Milenco Lightweight for during the 'touring season'. I think my Purple Line Sold Secure would take up all the MTPLM all on its own!
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