Motorhome Security: How to Protect Your Motorhome From Theft

Investing in a motorhome allows travellers the freedom to explore the country without the hassle of booking travel or accommodation. A motorhome offers a comfortable place to stay as well as a method of transport for you and your family. With the increased appeal of motorhomes, it’s easy to see why they also catch the eye of thieves. 

The large size, expensive contents and mobility of these vehicles make them an easier target than static buildings, meaning you need extra motorhome security to keep you and your vehicle safe.

In this blog, we’ll cover the top motorhome security measures to deter and prevent theft and cover any damages in the event a break-in occurs. 

Want to get on the road in your own mobile home? Check out our competitive motorhome finance and find a loan that’s right for you!

Motorhome Security Tips – How to Secure Your Motorhome

Motorhomes are huge vehicles, and with so much ground to cover it can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to motorhome security. Here we’ve given a breakdown of the most important security features you need for your vehicle. 

Window and Door Locks

The first port of call for motorhome security should be preventing an intruder from entering your motorhome. Using heavy-duty locks on your doors and windows not only deters potential criminals but also makes forced entry significantly more difficult. You can choose padlocks or bolt locks, but we’d recommend specially designed motorhome locks that are secure with a key. 

If you’re sleeping inside your motorhome, always use the interior door and window locks too.  

Dashboard and Steering Locks

Intruders can break into a motorhome for many reasons, whether that’s to steal the contents inside or steal the mobile home itself. Securing your dashboard and driving system means that if an intruder somehow makes it past your exterior security, they’ll be unable to drive away with your vehicle. 

Use a steering wheel lock to prevent the wheel from turning and a gearstick lock to stop your vehicle from shifting into different gears. Wheel clamps on your wheels will prevent movement and also make it more difficult for assailants to tow your vehicle away.

Safe or Lock Box

For many people, a motorhome is their home when on the road, and they’ll be travelling with all their valuables like electronics, ID documents, money and personal keepsakes. Losing these items will not only cause you financial hassle but can be a huge inconvenience if things like your passport and insurance information are stolen. 

Keep all of your valuables in a safe, ideally one that is fitted into your mobile home so it cannot be removed. Make sure your password, PIN or code isn’t easy to guess and that your safe is kept out of sight and hidden.

If you’re using a lock box, consider bolting or locking this to a secure structure inside your motorhome so it cannot be removed from the vehicle. 

Motorhome Security Devices

Alongside a number of tips and tricks, you can also purchase a wide range of electronic motorhome security devices that help to ensure motorhome safety. 

Alarms

A number of different interior and exterior alarms can be used as motorhome security measures. You can use motion sensor alarms on the exterior of your vehicle that make a sound when a person or animal comes into range. You can also purchase security alarms similar to the ones seen inside homes. These trigger sirens if a door or window is opened without permission or if the alarm is not disabled within a few seconds. 

An integrated alarm system is a brilliant option if you’re away from your vehicle and is one of the best motorhome gadgets that alerts you of various activities. You can link these alarms to your smartphones and they will send live alerts of motion, noise or entry in or around your vehicle. 

If your motorhome is in storage or you’re away from the vehicle for an extended period of time, it’s good practice to invest in a monitored alarm system. An Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) monitors these alarms and they can contact the police in the event of a break-in. 

Trackers

In the event that the theft of your vehicle or possessions is successful, a tracker will allow you to identify the whereabouts of your valuables and start the process of retrieving them. Place a GPS tracking chip or tile somewhere out of sight in your vehicle and also place it in your lock box or amongst any valuables you have. This will track your goods in real time and can be used by authorities to help retrieve any stolen items.  

Security Cameras

Cameras placed inside and outside of your vehicle are another powerful deterrent to thieves. Security cameras offer 24/7 surveillance that you can monitor on a smart device or through a dedicated security company. Modern cameras also have useful features like night vision and high resolution to identify any criminals. For maximum efficiency, place cameras at entry and exit points to your motorhome and at the dashboard. 

Immobiliser

An immobiliser is an essential motorhome security device that will prevent the theft of your vehicle. This is a security device that stops the engine from starting without input from a code or specific key. This means that should an intruder break into your vehicle, they’ll be unable to drive away in your motorhome. 

Some motorhomes come with this feature but you can also have them fitted and many insurance providers recommend you do so.

Why Motorhomes Are a Target for Theft?

Motorhomes are an expensive asset, costing upwards of £65,000 for a new motorhome and £35,000 for a used motorhome. This value in itself is enticing, alongside the fact that the vehicle is mobile and therefore easier to steal in comparison to a physical house. 

The equipment and parts of a motorhome are also usually expensive and many criminals steal these vehicles to strip them down and sell their parts. A luxury motorhome may also contain expensive personal items, electronics and gadgets which increases the chance of break-ins. 

Over 4,000 motorhomes are stolen each year in the UK. This means that you need to invest in an exceptional security system to keep your vehicle safe. 

How Much Does a Motorhome Security System Cost?

Motorhome security systems can differ greatly in price depending on the level of protection you choose. A more basic system with locks and alarms can cost around £200 whereas all-inclusive advanced systems featuring trackers and ARC can cost upwards of £500 to £1000. 

One of the best systems is a Thatcham Approved Alarm which includes everything you need including, GPS tracking, alarms, sensors and much more. Systems like this start at around £599.

There are also add-ons like wheel clamps and internal locks that can add money to the total cost. Wheel clamps can cost around £100 whilst internal locks can vary greatly based on the type of lock you purchase. When you’re budgeting for a motorhome it’s important to set funds aside to install a quality motorhome security system to ensure you don’t have to pay more on lost or stolen goods. 

If you want to know about the other costs that go into buying a motorhome, you can check out our complete motorhome buying guide that covers all the costs and expectations. 

Other Ways to Ensure Motorhome Safety

Physical safety measures are not the only method of motorhome security to help protect you and your contents. There are a number of other steps and methods you can take to help keep your motorhome safe.

Insurance

Motorhome insurance is a legal requirement for you to be able to drive your vehicle on the road. Alongside keeping other drivers safe, insurance is also designed to keep your motorhome and valuables secure. Many companies offer contents insurance as part of their packages. This gives you a coverage amount on your valuables that can be refunded in the event that anything is stolen. 

Contents insurance, alongside a plan that covers the theft of your vehicle, offers an extra layer of protection should anyone break through your security measures. 

We have a dedicated blog on the cost of motorhome insurance if you’d like to find out more about insurance prices and plans. 

Choose Safe Parking

Safe and affordable overnight parking is something that can have a huge impact on the security of your vehicle. Choosing somewhere well-lit with surveillance helps to deter any criminals. Areas that are secured with gates and fences like dedicated camping sites or spots with on-site security will also increase your safety.

Never park in isolated, dark or off-road areas as this can make you a target for potential theft and break-ins. If you’re out in the countryside, remember that strength comes in numbers. Enjoy one of the many benefits of joining a campervan or motorhome community by staying overnight in a secure spot designated by fellow motorhome owners. 

If you’re travelling with expensive equipment like disabled access ramps or mobility aids these can also indicate to criminals that you’ve got an expensive motorhome. In cases where you have an adapted or valuable model, take every precaution and ensure you’re parked in a private and contained area. 

Ensure Privacy

You don’t want any valuables on display in your motorhome as this can entice potential thieves. Ensure that all windows have blinds, curtains or tints, including your windscreen. For legal reasons, it’s not possible to tint your driver’s window, but you can install curtains on the inside or use a windshield cover when parked. 

Keep Your Keys Safe

Going through all the effort of installing motorhome security will fall short if you lose your motorhome keys or have them stolen. Ensure that you only have one set of keys in your possession and if you need a spare, have these in a secure location like your home. 

Consider installing a second layer of protection for entry like a key code system so that in the event your keys go missing you can still access your vehicle and any thieves cannot. 

In the event of lost or stolen keys, contact your insurance company and request a change of locks from an expert. 

What to Do If Your Motorhome Is Stolen?

In the unfortunate event of your motorhome being stolen the first thing you should do is call the police. Provide them with any relevant information such as registration details, a description of your vehicle and any GPS tracking information. Once you’ve contacted the authorities they can do their best to relocate your motorhome. The next step is to inform your insurance provider and begin the claim process against your vehicle and any items covered inside. 

Just like phones and watches, stolen vehicles and mobile homes are usually listed for sale online. Search the web for any newly listed motorhomes that match the description or registration details of your vehicle and inform the police of anything you find. 

Whilst you’re online, post about your missing vehicle on motorhome forums and social media. This heightens awareness and someone could have some information that increases the chance of recovery. 

Safe and Secure Motorhome Finance at Auto Finance

Now you know the best motorhome security measures, it’s time to secure yourself the best motorhome finance deal, and there’s no better place than Auto Finance. We’re dedicated to finding the best finance deal on your chosen vehicle and can help customers get a loan even if they’ve got bad motorhome credit or have been refused a loan before.

To see how much finance you could be entitled to, try using our budget calculator for finance to estimate your monthly repayment rates based on your credit score and loan term.

If you want to know more about our vehicle loans, rates and terms, get in touch with our experts and we’ll be happy to help!