There’s an old saying: “Locks only keep honest people out.” And while that might be true to a point, when it comes to campervan security, the aim isn’t to build Fort Knox on wheels – it’s to make your ’van look like too much hassle to bother with. I always say that visible and physical is best.
Thieves are looking for the easiest target. After spending out on the best camper van or the best motorhome, it’s understandable you’re going to want to do everything you can to protect it. The good news is that if your ‘van has obvious deterrents, they’ll likely move on to the next one.
A steering-wheel lock, wheel clamp, security post, or even a flashing alarm LED can make all the difference between your pride and joy staying put or disappearing into the night.
The good news is that campervan and motorhome security has improved massively over the years. The bad news is that the criminals have become more sophisticated, too. Key cloning, relay theft, and electronic bypass devices are now common enough that relying solely on the factory-fitted immobiliser simply isn’t enough anymore. So where should you start?
Steering locks still matter
Despite all the modern technology available, a decent steering wheel lock remains one of the best investments you can make. Why? Because it’s obvious. A thief can see it before they even try the door handle.
Heavy-duty locks such as Diskloks or full steering wheel covers are very effective because they’re difficult to cut off quickly and awkward to work around. They also send a message: this ’van won’t be an easy steal.
Yes, they’re bulky and awkward to store. But they work. The same goes for pedal locks and gearstick locks. Anything that physically prevents the vehicle from being driven away adds another layer of frustration for thieves.
The first layer: perimeter protection
One of the smartest developments in recent years is the perimeter security system VanGuardian. Rather than waiting for someone to break in, these systems create an invisible perimeter around the campervan and alert you if someone gets too close.
When sleeping in the ’van or staying in unfamiliar locations, an early warning system is very effective at scaring a potential thief away. It’s an effective first layer of defence, giving you time to react before someone even enters the ’van. For me, that added peace of mind is worth its weight in gold.
Wheel clamps and ground anchors
Wheel clamps aren’t just for caravans sitting in storage. If your campervan spends long periods parked at home or on a driveway, the best wheel clamp for a motorhome or campervan is a brilliant visible deterrent.
Also consider a ground anchor or security post. Thieves often scout locations in advance. If they see a ’van that’s clearly protected and thus difficult to steal, they’ll usually look elsewhere.
At home, think about lighting as well. Motion sensor lights can be surprisingly effective. Criminals hate anything that may draw attention.
And don’t underestimate the value of a noisy gravel driveway either. Sometimes the simplest things are the best early warning systems.
Alarms, trackers and immobilisation
A good alarm system still has a place, particularly one with habitation door sensors and internal movement detection. Many modern systems can also send alerts directly to your mobile phone.
Trackers are becoming increasingly popular, too, especially on more expensive, luxurious campervans. Some insurance companies even insist on them. The important thing with trackers is understanding the difference between the available types.
Basic GPS trackers simply show where the vehicle is. More advanced monitored trackers actively alert a control centre if the vehicle moves without authorisation, giving you a much better chance of recovery. Some of the latest S5+ monitored systems can even remotely immobilise the starter motor if the vehicle is stolen, preventing thieves from restarting it after it is switched off. That’s a huge advantage when every minute counts.
That said, a tracker alone won’t stop the theft in the first place. Ideally, security should work in layers: physical deterrents to prevent theft; electronic systems to alert you if something happens; trackers to recover – and potentially immobilise – the vehicle if the worst occurs.
Don’t forget the cab doors
Cab doors are often the weakest point. Factory locks on some base vehicles aren’t particularly robust, and thieves know it.
Additional deadlocks or security plates that prevent a screwdriver from tampering with the lock can significantly improve protection. Internal cab door braces are another popular option when parked overnight. Habitation doors deserve attention, too. Many owners fit additional security, such as locking handles for peace of mind.
Windows can also be vulnerable. Security film won’t stop a determined attack, but it can slow someone down and make smashing glass noisier.
Campsite security habits
Security isn’t only about gadgets and locks – good habits matter just as much. One of the most common motorhoming mistakes people make is leaving expensive items visible through windows. Laptops, cameras, handbags, sat navs – don’t advertise what’s inside.
And if you’re wild camping or stopping overnight in unfamiliar places, trust your instincts. If somewhere doesn’t feel right, move on.
Interestingly, some of the oldest tricks in the book still work brilliantly. A pair of muddy size 10 boots outside the ’van – a dog bowl by the step. Even a simple camping chair left out can make a vehicle look occupied and therefore less appealing.
For solo travellers, particularly women travelling alone, these small visual cues can offer an extra sense of reassurance and discourage unwanted attention.
What do I use?
People often ask what security set-up we use ourselves. Our ‘van has a layered approach: VanGuardian perimeter protection; an alarm; an S5+ monitored tracker with starter immobilisation; a steering wheel lock, and a pedal lock.
Is it overkill? Maybe. But security is all about making your ’van look like too much effort compared to the next one.
That said, there’s an important insurance point worth bearing in mind. If you tell your insurer you always use specific security devices, they may expect those devices to be fitted whenever the campervan is left unattended – including at campsites or during overnight stops.
So a word to the wise: before declaring every lock and gadget you own, check exactly their expectation on how and when they will be used. Otherwise, forgetting to fit a pedal lock or wheel clamp could potentially create complications if you ever need to make a claim.
Park more smartly
When parking up, particularly at home or in storage, a couple of simple habits can make life much harder for thieves. If possible, park nose-in against a wall, hedge, fence or another vehicle to restrict easy access to the engine bay and make towing more difficult. And always leave the steering on full lock.
It’s such a simple thing, but it immediately makes the vehicle more awkward to manoeuvre or recover onto a trailer quickly. Sometimes, the old-school habits are still some of the best!
The best security is layers
No single product guarantees your ’van won’t be targeted – but good security is all about layers.
- A visible steering lock
- A wheel clamp
- An alarm
- A tracker
- Perimeter protection
- Good parking habits
Each layer adds time, noise, difficulty and risk for the thief – and that’s usually enough to send them elsewhere. Ultimately, most criminals aren’t looking for a challenge: they’re looking for an easy target. And with a little security sense, there’s no reason your pride and joy should ever be one of them.
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