Secure the caravan against theft
Coupling prohibited!
To ensure that the caravan can still be used next season, you should secure your little treasure against thieves. After all, a caravan is a trailer that anyone can easily hitch up.
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During the camping season, the vehicle deserves a lot of attention, but in the winter months, many caravans stand around unnoticed. Around 60 percent of stolen caravans are on private property. However, this is not to say that thefts only occur in the low season. Thieves or even gangs of thieves take every opportunity for a quick, successful haul. So if you want to sleep soundly and still find your home on the hook in the driveway the next morning, you should definitely take security measures.
Important Facts at a Glance
- Parking the caravan safely
Even parking your trailer for a short time can attract thieves. For this reason, it is better to park the caravan at the campsite or in a closed, supervised area. - Check on your caravan in the low season
If your caravan is parked in a safe area during the holiday breaks, you should check on it from time to time at certain intervals. - Choose a combination of several security measures
There is no 100% security against theft. Even the best protection can be broken at some point. That's why you shouldn't make it easy for thieves. The more effort it takes to move the caravan, the less likely a theft will occur. Thieves have many tools, but no time. - Make sure you have adequate insurance cover
If your caravan is stolen, you should have suitable insurance that covers part or all of the loss. For new vehicles, a fully comprehensive insurance is recommended. For items and luggage in the vehicle, there is the so-called "contents insurance". If your caravan has been stolen, you must immediately contact the insurance company or insurance broker, the police and, where applicable, the financing or leasing bank. Find out more about useful insurances for campers here.
Do not leave any valuables in the trailer, otherwise the theft will be even more painful than it already is. Here you can find all products on the topic of "Safe on the road" in the Berger online shop.
What Anti-Theft Devices Are There?
In the following, we will show you which tools are available that have a mechanical, visual or electronic function.
An immobiliser for the caravan:
The wheel clamp
The wheel clamp, also called a parking clamp, is a metallic object that you attach either around or to the tyre of your vehicle and secure with a lock. This prevents the caravan from being moved, and it also has a very strong visual deterrent effect. Depending on the tyre size and type of rim, there are corresponding models. Here you can find wheel clamps in the Berger online shop.
Often the wheel clamps can also be used flexibly, i.e. not only for the caravan, but also for the car or motorhome. The more robust the design, the more difficult it is for the thief to crack it. It is not impossible to break open the wheel clamp, but with good models made of robust materials it takes several steps to remove it, and drilling it out is also made more difficult. The handling of the top models is slightly more complicated, but when you consider that many caravans have a value in the five-figure range, it is worth weighing up the effort you put into securing them.
In rare cases of theft, the wheel of the caravan was simply dismantled, including the wheel lock. So make sure the effort required is high and consider positioning a second wheel clamp on a different tyre.
The same applies here: multiple variants provide greater security.
Preventing unauthorised coupling with the drawbar lock. The drawbar lock is a common and simple security measure to prevent a caravan from being towed away.
The drawbar lock is attached to the caravan drawbar and encloses the hitching point on the drawbar. It is also fitted with a lock.
Here you can find the theft protection in the Berger online shop.
There are various versions available: box locks, shackle locks, pin locks and security balls.
Depending on the model, there are security locks that also work while driving. They can thus prevent criminal uncoupling at rest stops and provide security even during short stops. In some systems, the locking lever of the coupling is encased so that it cannot be operated. In addition, depending on the model, there are versions made of hard materials that make drilling more difficult.
Always look for durable and rust-free materials.
The box locks are universal systems made of robust materials and fit many common trailer couplings. Not only suitable for the caravan drawbar, they also fit horse trailers or transport trailers and are equipped with a disc lock.
The shackle lock consists of a solid aluminium ball that is fitted under the coupling opening of the trailer coupling and locked with a shackle.
However, this variant is not suitable for anti-snaking couplings.
Pin locks are inserted through the coupling and also locked with a lock and key. You should make sure that this security device is compatible with your drawbar.
The security ball is usually used in addition to a drawbar lock. The security ball, also known as the "Egg of Columbus" or "Safety Ball", is a plastic ball that is positioned in the coupling opening.
This security device is intended for the uncoupled caravan and completely fills the coupling opening, making coupling impossible. The coupling ball is also fitted with a lock.
Make sure which drawbar lock fits your caravan. It also makes sense to choose a lock that can be used while driving. Drawbar locks are practical and easy to use, and can also be stowed away very easily. You can find trailer technology and safety accessories here.
Securing Caravan Supports
Your caravan has four stabilising supports. When these are extended, they not only act as a visual deterrent but also create additional mechanical effort for caravan thieves. Additional security is provided by a support lock. This cover for the crank insertion opening prevents the support crank from being attached and is fitted with a lock. With such a steel system attached to each support, it costs the thief time to make the trailer ready to drive away.
Electronic Security Systems: Alarm System and GPS Tracker
Another way to protect your caravan from unauthorised removal is to install an alarm system. The system emits acoustic and visual signals. Flashing lights and a siren deter thieves and are triggered by motion detectors. This is of course unfavourable if the system goes off every time an animal scurries past.
Here you can find the alarm system in the Berger online shop.
Whether the caravan is being moved without authorisation or unwanted persons are tampering with the vehicle, high-end products can detect this and send a notification to your own mobile phone via a GSM unit. Even surveillance cameras are conceivable. Windows and doors can also be linked to these systems to prevent break-ins.
Should the caravan be stolen despite various security measures, a built-in GPS transmitter can provide information about the location of the vehicle. A GPS transmitter is installed in the caravan together with a SIM card and sends the receiver — usually your own smartphone — a message with the current location at regular intervals. These small devices can be installed discreetly in the caravan.
With all systems, you should ensure a power supply independent of mains electricity and check the battery regularly. Here you can read more about how alarm systems in motorhomes and caravans work.
Dummy cameras or warning signs indicating that security measures have been put in place also have a deterrent effect.
Conclusion: It Is Difficult to Guarantee the Security of a Mobile Object
We therefore recommend using at least three to four combinations of anti-theft devices on your caravan. At best, criminals will abandon their plans, fail due to your extensive security measures, or be caught in the act.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is anti-theft protection for caravans important? +
A caravan can easily be hitched up and stolen. The risk is particularly high in the low season.
What mechanical security devices are available? +
Mechanical security devices such as wheel clamps, drawbar locks and support locks prevent unauthorised movement of the caravan.
How does a wheel clamp work? +
A wheel clamp is a mechanical locking system that is attached to a vehicle's wheel to prevent it from rotating. Once activated, it firmly encloses the wheel so that the vehicle can no longer be moved. Modern wheel clamps are often designed to be used safely and reliably.
What does a drawbar lock do? +
A drawbar lock secures the towing hitch of your caravan, preventing unauthorised uncoupling. This keeps your vehicle safely connected at all times!
How can I secure the supports of my caravan? +
By using non-slip pads, sturdy chocks and robust straps, you can secure the supports of your caravan optimally! These measures ensure that your mobile home remains firmly anchored even in windy conditions — so you are always ready for the next adventure!
Are electronic security systems worthwhile? +
Electronic security systems are worthwhile as they respond quickly and reliably to unauthorised access! They often offer features such as remote monitoring and integration with smart home systems, which further increases protection. It is important that the system is tailored to individual needs and regularly maintained.
How does an alarm system for the caravan work? +
An alarm system detects movements or unauthorised access and emits acoustic or visual warning signals depending on the model. High-quality systems are connected to your smartphone and send notifications directly to your phone, so you can react even from a distance.
In this blog you can find out more about how alarm systems for caravans work.
How does a GPS tracker help in the event of theft? +
A GPS tracker sends the location of the caravan to your mobile phone and can assist the police in locating it.
How can I further deter thieves from targeting my caravan? +
Warning stickers, dummy cameras and visible alarm systems can deter thieves.
Which combination of security devices is most effective? +
A combination of a wheel clamp, drawbar lock, alarm system and GPS tracker considerably increases security!
