Simple Steps to Make Your RV a Less Attractive Target
Don't fall prey to opportunistic thieves, boost your RV's security with these simple steps.
Imagine returning to your campground after a day out to find your RV has been broken into. Worse still, it may have been stolen. Along with the financial loss, you could be left dealing with damaged property, stolen belongings and disrupted travel plans. That's why security should be a priority for every RV owner.
“Caravan and motorhome security is everyone's responsibility,” says CMCA Insurance claims manager Gemma Nolan. “Simple security measures such as fitting wheel clamps and hitch locks, using GPS tracking, parking in secure locations, locking all access points, and staying alert to suspicious activity can make a significant difference in preventing theft. Taking action today can help protect your vehicle and keep your travel plans on track for tomorrow.”
While no single security measure can prevent every theft, multiple layers of security can make your RV a less attractive target.
Physical Deterrents
Hitch Locks
A hitch lock is an effective security upgrade for caravans and camper trailers. The sight of a solid steel coupling lock could deter opportunistic thieves looking for easy targets. But not all hitch locks are equal. A heavy-duty receiver lock will take considerably more time for would-be thieves to break into than a lightweight unit. Look for products rated to Australian standard AS4510, and match the lock to your coupling type.
Wheel Clamps
For caravans and camper trailers, a wheel clamp makes the vehicle difficult to move regardless of whether the coupling is accessible. For motorhomes, wheel clamps can provide an additional layer of protection during storage.
Lighting
Good lighting at your home storage location removes the cover of darkness thieves often rely on. It's an inexpensive physical security measure that is often overlooked.
Alarms and Alerts
Once physical deterrents are in place, the next step is noise and notification, making it harder for thieves to go undetected.
Alarm Systems
A basic tilt alarm triggers when the vehicle is hitched, moved or changes angles unexpectedly. This form of alarm is a sensible and affordable starting point. Better systems also feature door and window sensors and interior motion detection, and send real-time alerts to your smartphone. Several brands offer systems designed specifically for RVs rather than adapting standard automotive security systems.
GPS Tracking and Recovery
A GPS tracker won't stop your vehicle being stolen. However, it will increase your chances of recovering your vehicle and provide police with useful tracking information. Several systems offer real-time location, tamper alerts and geofencing. This invisible boundary will trigger a notification the moment your RV moves outside a set area and is a useful feature when you're away from your RV. Professional installation and proper concealment are important with GPS trackers. A tracker that can be easily located could be removed within minutes.
Securing Valuables Inside Your RV
Valuables shouldn't be visible from outside your RV. Think laptops or cameras left on the bench or dining table. A quality lockbox or portable safe, bolted to a structural component inside the vehicle, is a practical solution for small valuables. It simply needs to be fixed in place and difficult to remove quickly.
Documentation
VIN Etching
VIN etching marks your vehicle's windows, frame and major components with the vehicle identification number, and can make it less attractive to anyone planning to strip or re-register your RV. Inexpensive and effective, it is one of the simplest security upgrades you can make.
Photography
Photograph your RV from every angle, along with serial numbers for appliances and any high-value items you carry inside. Store those records somewhere other than the RV, such as a cloud folder or even by emailing them to yourself. Photographic documentation is important if your caravan or motorhome is stolen and you need to file a police report and/or make an insurance claim.
Remember, the more layers of security you have in place, the harder your RV is to target. So, take a few minutes to assess your RV's security, identify any weaknesses and make the necessary improvements.
Issued by NM Insurance. Read the PDS and TMD at insurance.cmca.au before purchasing.
