Firstly i have asked Ian who has given me permission to post this.
I am a design student and i would like to display my proposed project. Which as it is part of a University project is not yet commercially available. I am more interested in the opinions and feedback from caravaners.
Through my research I found a vunerability in hitch locks as they could be overcome with either a figure of 8 rope technique or a dropbox, and that most other systems that used locks could be defeated quickly with a cordless angle grinder or acetaline torch.
The anchorbox is inteneded to add another layer of protection above an anchor post. Essentially it still has the anchor post inside it but with sliding doors which clamp around the hitch preventing access to unlock the hitch, it is also possible to lock the hitch in place with a hitch lock and still close the doors.
A security system inside the anchorbox equipped with magnetic switches to detect if someone tries to open the doors, heat and vibration sensors if a cutting attack is attempted. If the alarm does go off it will call the owner of the caravan or a designated number to warn them that the caravan or trailer is being attacked and hopefully buy some time to intercept the thieves. Also through the size of the anchorbox it would be hoped that it would put off opportunisitic thieves who would previously have tried to overcome a hitchlock, due to the size of the anchorbox the methods of the drop box or rope would not work, although for added security it can be bolted to the ground.
Below are some pictures from a presentation i used recently at university for the Anchorbox, the fictional company i have created is "Safetrail" hence the large graphic.
However if its more comfortable to comment on it in the thread let me know what you think, any comments, suggestions for improvements, potential problems or ideas on what sort of price it would be worth are welcome and would be greatly appreciated.
Re Question 10. Would you feel safer parking your caravan at a campsite with anchor boxes to attach your caravan to?
Probably impractical at many sites because a) there is often a requirement by the site operator to park with the hitch facing to roadway to make evacuation from flood, fire etc easier, and b) the lounge in many 'vans is at the front end and most users would prefer a view of the site rather than a fence, hedge etc, and c)'van would have to be "motor-movered" or manhandled into position. It might be possible at some sites to provide an anchorbox at the front of the pitch but I don't know how acceptable this would be to the caravanner who again would have the inconvenience of moving the unhitched 'van.
However, the anchorbox might be an advantage at a storage site, or on the owners driveway?
As an operator of commercial trailers we would never install your system as its impractical to push trailers in and out of the anchorbox. Have you ever tried to maneuver a loaded trailer with multiple axles? In fact once loaded (we often leave trailers loaded up) I have replaced the jockey wheels, which just bend of the threads go, with drop stands from Farm plant.
So cant see it working on caravan sites and also for the like of our works trailers.
------------- if your not living life on the edge your taking up tooo much room
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Anchorbox; design project for caravan sec
