Fitting an alarm typically ensures that opportunist thieves leave your caravan alone. However, given adequate time, a thief can remove or disable almost any alarm. Most security devices aim to persuade the thief to abandon the attempt and find other targets.
Alarms
Many different types of caravan alarms are on the market, with prices and reliability varying greatly. Issues such as the power they use during periods of storage and ease of disablement are difficult for purchasers to assess. The Sold Secure Standard for caravan alarms addresses these and other key issues.
There is currently one combined alarm and tracking system that meets this standard. However, sadly, no other manufacturer has applied/re-applied for Sold Secure status. Any product found showing the Sold Secure logo may be old stock. If you are looking for a Sold Secure alarm, check the Sold Secure website for the current position.
Although the base vehicles on which motorhomes are built are showing improvements in security devices, such as better door locks, the habitation area has a long way to go and generally provides no greater security than a trailer-type caravan.
To protect not just the motorhome, but the contents as well, a good quality alarm should be considered.
Connection an alarm to your caravan
If you are towing, ensure you tell your installer that power will be drawn from the tow vehicle’s 12-volt system. This could affect the operation of some types of alarms which rely on detecting a voltage change in the car wiring. After fitting, make sure everything works properly.
Immobilisers
Manufacturers of all common base vehicles for motorhomes now fit an engine immobiliser as standard. Whilst these will not protect your motorhome contents, they should stop the vehicle from being driven away.
Tracking/registration systems
Tracking systems enable a vehicle to be located after it has been stolen. There are various types of systems available for both caravans and motorhomes.
In terms of power consumption, systems designed primarily for caravan use also tend to suit motorhomes.
Look for systems that have passed the requirements of the Sold Secure standard.
These are the only systems that we consider to have a proven level of performance for vehicles that spend significant periods in storage.
There is also a fundamental difference between ‘Monitored’ systems, where any alarm is directed to a monitoring centre, which can then contact the owner and/or the police and ‘Unmonitored’ systems, which usually alert the owner directly, often by mobile phone text messages.
In all cases, the equipment is relatively expensive, and monitored systems additionally incur an annual fee for the monitoring service.
Tracking systems are building a reputation for themselves as being an effective way of recovering stolen vehicles. Often recovery is very rapid, and before any significant harm has been done to the vehicle. Do not assume that all insurers will recognise a tracking system as justifying a discount – check before buying.
So, for all your caravan security and accessories why not get in touch with our team at 01782 590 700 or email enquiries@bowersautoparts.net