Hi Guys, I'd like to quiz you on some questions about security of caravans that are kept on driveways (to assist a UK manufacturer regarding a security product they are developing). If anyone could answer these, it would be really appreciated.
1 - What advice would you offer to caravan owners who wish to keep their caravan safe on their driveway?
2 - What impact would having a driveway bollard installed have upon insurance premiums? Are there any other actions caravan owners can take to reduce premiums, other than wheel clamps and hitchlocks?
3 - What are the biggest concerns you have regarding caravan security? (ie relating to theft of the van itself and/or break in)
If you are able to answer in the same format 1 to 3, that would be great
1 Get a hitchlock and a wheelclamp and good inurance, with the emphasis on good not cheap.
2 bollards have no effect, the only one that has an effect as far as I kne is th Alko wheel lock
3 none at all, if it happens then reort it o the polce nd claim on the insurance.
------------- Bill
For a licence dated 1997 or later you must add together the plated max weight of the caravan and trailer, if the total is 3500 or less you can tow it. You may even tow a caravan with a MAM greater than the cars unladen mass the restriction was removed in 2013
1 - I keep mine where my garage was, (got no real drive as such) and it's great, we can load & unload very easily plus we can keep an eye on it. I think security measures vary greatly with the risk of theft, we live in a quite cul-de-sac with little crime locally but if someone REALLY wants anything, it will eventually go IMHO.
2 - My insurance however insisted on a driveway bollard so I fitted one. I have an Alko wheel lock & Sold Secure hitch lock, I get reductions on my premium for them.
3 - I don't really have any security concerns except on motorway services, one person always stays with the van. All my locks etc are fitted whatever site I am on. (once again my insurrance company insist on this.)
Dave
------------- Never argue with an idiot, they will drag you down to their level and beat you on experience.
Mark Twain.
1. Using a motormover, put the 'van in "the wrong way" ie hitch opposite way to entrance (Even if this means that access to the 'van is more difficult for you). That way there is a built in additional time factor in removing it.
2.With my Insurance Co. the bollard, which is of the 'Drop into the ground' type is accepted by my Insurance Co. as a anti theft device when I'm at home (They require two devices to be fitted.)
3. I have no concerns because I believe I take adequate precautions to prevent theft of and from our 'van.
------------- How come when some people visit the fountain of knowledge, they only gargle!!!
1. I to put the van in with mover with hitch facing inwards I have 2 wheel clamps,Hitchcock ,corner steady lock and alarm. 2 insurance company say I should have one wheel clamp and Hitchcock and alarm switched on. 3 no real concerns about security I think I have done as much as I can but just incase I have a large heavy wooden baseball bat if needed
1, My van isnt kept on a driveway, stays on site, But the insurrance company insisted that i have a tracker fitted,2 wheels locks,(twin axle) and hitchlock, which are the same as Alko.This brings my insurrance down
2.All vans should have factory alarms fitted,Leg sensors,and tilt.
3 The only biggest concern i have regarding break in, Is the damage they do trying to enter your van,No matter what is fitted and a deterrent , you cant stop damage.
------------- Roughing it in style at Calloose caravan and camping holiday park nr St Ives.(seasonal pitch)
Its not a hangover, its wine flu!
1. Van on driveway with very large chain and ground anchor, two Alko wheel locks, Alko Hitch lock and two Bulldog wheel clamps, plus alarm and corner steady alarm. The only thing that stops the thieves from dragging it off and on to a low loader is the ground anchor and now a couple of big security posts. Security cameras on house angled towards caravan and car parked tight against the nearside (prevents access to door and wheel locks). Weakest points are the Alko hitch lock and the alarm.
2. Good posts or even double posts with connecting bar are great as they are obvious and prevent dragging of the caravan (easy to slide 'dollies' under wheels even with wheel locks and clamps fitted). A good idea is to have a freely rotating bar inside the post box section as it slows down anyone attacking it with an angle grinder as it simply spins without cutting. Nosey neighbours are also of benefit if they act on what they see.
3. I always max out on discounts so I doubt that any insurer will give extra discount for posts or bollards on top of what they already offer.
------------- 'A sure cure for sea-sickness is to sit under a tree'
1. Our driveway is quite narrow, making it relatively difficult for us to gt the van in BUT I feel this would deter a thief too. Use hitch lock, Alko wheel lock and alarm too.
2. Never investigated having a bollard installed!
3. No issues personally just take appropriate care and have a good insurance policy.
------------- 2020 Volvo XC60 B5 R Design Geartronic / 2018 Swift Elegance 580
2. use wheel clamp, hitch lock, our drive is always locked, car either parked in front of drive or in front of drive gates (always blocked in over night by at least one car)
3. none at all if hey want it they can have it it is insured for more than its worth so carry on if you can
2) Bollards have been around for a long time so they come
prepared. I don't think there is a discount on
premiums for a bollard.
3) Damage done to caravan and theft of contents as who
can remember what they have stashed in the caravan.
Another concern is that the caravan is on the drive for weeks at a time and then removed which sends a clear message to any one observing the home for their own gain.
Quote: Originally posted by Jack+Jon on 05/9/20131 - Own a 1980s(crappy old)caravan, nobody will want to steal it.
2 - The only impact a driveway bollard would make would be on the caravan if I hit it, my caravan ain't worth insuring.
3- That some tealeaf might nick it for a chicken shed/tea hut. Hence hitchlock(£5 off fleabay)....
Sorry Ian...gets coat....
Same here.
1. I park mine to the side behind the hedge, then park my car next to it, so any thief would have to move the car first to get the caravan out.
2. Same as above.
3. Not even a hitchlock on mine. But I live in a low crime area. I do worry about someone breaking in and stealing stuff ( better door lock would be good), and I worry about the place looking empty when I go off somewhere. I usually get a neighbour to park on my drive so the place doesn't look quite so unlived in.
I have a 1989 Swift Corvette on my drive. Well, it is actually to the side of my drive so I can get the car in too.
It has no security other than the door is locked.
Occasionally a dodgy looking geezer in a scruffy white Transit van will spot me in the garden as he is passing by (in a cul-de-sac!!!!!) and ask if it is for sale.
I just tell them it's riddled with damp and I'm in the middle of repairing it.
No-one has stolen it for years. LOL.
1. Hitch post, hitch lock to lock the van to the hitch post, wheel clamp, corner steady locks. A pain to unlock but gives me peace of mind
2. the damage caused by someone braking in or someone decides to throw something heavy from off the street
3. make sure all valuables i.e. TVs etc. are removed. I let the local yobbery see me taking this stuff indoors.
My main van is on a seasonal pitch but I have a little 1990 Avondale Wren which I keep in my garden for touring.
1. Hitch lock and Wheel clamp - not that I can imagine anyone wanting to steal it but insurance company insist!!
2. Not been asked to fit a bollard so won't (see 1 above!!)
3. It's behind a high hedge and blocked in by the car, when the car is on the drive. I worry more about someone stealing the motor mover as it's probably worth more than the caravan!! It's insured so we can only do what we can and hope for the best.
My situation may be (probably is) unusual in that I have a relatively small caravan - 1995 Sprite Alpine) and have had a garage built large enough to accomodate it. Additionally, it is positioned with the hitch opposite to the doors. Therefore...
1. If you can't have a garage, is it possible to install gates (or similar) to hide the van from view from the road?
2. Benefits of driveway bollard, wheel clamps and hitch lock - and also "winter wheels" - depend on strength/vulnerability and insurance company - while all can be overcome, they all are an additional hindrance that may persuade the thief to look for an easier target.
3. Biggest concern is loss of the van itself, as no items of major value are left in the van even though ours is out of sight in a garage.
An additional thought - instal a (very) loud alarm that is triggered by motion or movement ....
Gram
------------- What's the difference between a chicken?
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Topic: Caravan Security on Driveways - Questions
