There are only a handful of manufacturers of them and quite frankly they all look the same but different colours.
So it’s probably a case of how much you want to pay.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
I got a purpleline torpedo lock for mine a couple of years ago, attached it and it stayed on a few weeks until it came off, they have little grub screws that you tighten up but they don't tend to stay very tight, I think they're a great idea but if you want them to do their job properly, you should probably drill small holes or grind a groove so that when you tighten the grub screws, the lock can't be pulled off.
The alternative way of looking at it though is that it probably makes your caravan look that little bit harder to steal than the one next to it, which is probably the same for all caravan locks.
My Swift caravan has holes drilled out of the two rear steady tubes so I would probably just put a padlock through them if I was that bothered.
I've mixed views on them really. I'm in favour of anything that hinders theft, but not at all sure of their effectiveness, and not aware of insurers giving discount for fitting or insisting on fitting (as is the case with many wheel and hitch locks).
Seem to recall not so long ago, a tale of thieves stealing a caravan off a dealer forecourt, they overcame the wheel/hitch locks, but just dragged it away with the steadies still down! I'm sure it was noisy and sparks galore, but fact is, the steadies are little hinderance to actually moving the van, they will likely collapse under strain as not terribly robust, and easily and relatively cheaply replaced!
As one of the catalogue of forgotten/wrong order errors of caravanning that many of us suffer over the years (as mitigation, it was in the dark!), I've moved my van on the Motor Mover with the steadies down, the noise alerted me to my error, but TBH they proved no hindrance to even the MM moving the van, let alone a powerful tow vehicle! - BTW, the steadies suffered no damage in the inches they were dragging before I realised and stopped.
Their security rating (as is the case with any security device it seems!) is determined by how long it takes to remove the device by either overcoming the lock or by brute force removal, NOT by effectiveness of preventing the caravan being 'stolen', which is the critical objective IMHO.
Can't quite get out of my mind that they are more of a time consuming hindrance to the van owner than an effective theft prevention, and maybe money spent on them would be better aimed at a second or better quality wheel lock(s).
Personal view and all that, everyone to their own.
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: Locks for corner steadies
via mobile 31/8/2025 at 12:13pm
