Trailer or Van theft and security

Submitted: Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 17:36
ThreadID: 132445 Views:3578 Replies:12 FollowUps:10
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Anyone got suggestions for best security for camper trailer or van while parked at camp and you are away?

Was considering wheel clamp such as this http://www.wheelclamp.com.au/supreme-wheel-clamp.php

I know a determined thief can take anything but for deterring the opportunist is this sort of clamp worth paying the money for (not cheap) or is there a simpler option?

Any thoughts on tracking systems like this one at http://caravanandcaralarms.com.au/

It obviously needs to be hidden and powered and also able to transmit effectively.

Anyone used either of these two devices?

Thanks
Andy
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Reply By: Member - Roachie - Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 18:06

Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 18:06
Exploroz is currently trialing a new device. I won't say too much as I am one of the BETA testers and not sure how much I should say.

Michelle may be along later to add more info.

I'm only mentioning it now because when I asked a similar question a couple of months ago, Michelle responded to my post (publicly), so I don't think it's any sort of secret.


Like you said...mechanical devices such as locks, clamps etc are only going to deter opportunists. The hardened/determined thief will find a way to knock stuff off no matter what we do. The best we can try to do is be able to locate it; hopefully before the thieves locate the device and remove it or block it.

Cheers,

Roachie
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Follow Up By: Member - Andy M (QLD) - Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 15:00

Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 15:00
Thanks Roachie look forward to seeing what Exploroz comes up with..
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Reply By: Member - John - Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 18:13

Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 18:13
Andy, Hi, I have fitted the alarm to my Aussie Swag, it is hidden and worked when I trialled it, so far haven't had to use it in anger, fingers crossed I don't. For tow away protection I used a Kyrptonite Chain, will resist grinders longer than normal chain. Won't keep a determined thief from taking it though......... virtually nothing will.
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Follow Up By: Member - Andy M (QLD) - Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 15:02

Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 15:02
Thanks John for the feedback. If I hide an alarm away I just need to be sure it can get it's signal out of the box or wherever it goes. Not too many hiding options.
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Reply By: TomH - Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 18:46

Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 18:46
Well that chain will keep Superman away at least LOL
AnswerID: 600212

Reply By: Gronk - Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 20:42

Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 20:42
This subject comes up often, but it's very rare for a camper to be stolen from camp ( outside your house might be different though ).

AnswerID: 600215

Reply By: Danny 1 - Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 20:44

Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at 20:44
Insurance.... And stop listening to all the horror stories..
We all (well most of us) leave our house and belonging behind with no real second thoughts..
Relax and enjoy your travel ..
Danny
AnswerID: 600216

Follow Up By: Bigfish - Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 07:34

Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 07:34
Quite often insurance premium will be lower if you take precautions like installing alarms, extra locks or wheel clamps. Insurance by itself is no good. Plenty of people thought they were insured but had trouble claiming because the fine print had a list of "outs" for the insurance company.

Extra security gives peace of mind.

cheers
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Follow Up By: Member - Andy M (QLD) - Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 15:03

Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 15:03
Certainly have insurance as well but would prefer to stop the ......'s first.
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Reply By: Baz - The Landy - Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 07:45

Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 07:45
Anything that will deter the casual thief is useful, items such as those mentioned like a Wheel Clamp-It - we use one of these at home.

Less likely to have it stolen on tour in the Outback, usually people stealing caravans and camper trailers operate in groups in larger population centres.

The would be thief's look for ease in plying their trade, the more you can do to hinder that the less likely it will be that your caravan or camper trailer will be stolen.

Cheers, Baz - The Landy

AnswerID: 600230

Follow Up By: Member - Andy M (QLD) - Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 15:08

Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 15:08
I agree Baz. Trying to find a not too expensive way of hindering that works.. Cheers
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Reply By: PeterInSa - Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 10:40

Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 10:40
Andy, we have the Klamp-IT type wheel clamps ( similar to that shown on your wheel Clamp addres) on our Tandem van when leaving it in the bush unattended. ( I clamp each side) and carry them on the 2 spare wheels/tyres on the back of the van when travelling. Purchased on ebay from an Australian seller for around $45 each including shipping from, I think Perth a year or so ago.
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We also have a tracking system with a Geo-fence, so if the van moves out of the say 100m radius it sends an SMS/phone call to my Telstra Phone. BUT the tracking system also needs a good mob phone aerial in the bush which of course could be used by your mobile phone or laptop for Internet access when back in the van.
.
Peter
AnswerID: 600234

Follow Up By: Member - Andy M (QLD) - Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 15:09

Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 15:09
Thanks Peter.. Is that the tracking system I was looking at or another?
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Follow Up By: PeterInSa - Thursday, May 19, 2016 at 10:57

Thursday, May 19, 2016 at 10:57
Not the same tracker as I purchased and installed mine around 14 years ago, cost $950, and mine ( I hope not, could be a 2G system) Mine also has a lot more functionality, ie low battery warning and and, your unit of course may have additional functions that have not been reported.
The problem I see is the mobile aerial, if no aerial, can only get a signal close to towns which will still give you protection for when the thief wants to use/sell the RV, then its a case of making sure the Box is not easily found during a casual look.
To me they give peace of mind, like a TPMS setup.
Peter
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Reply By: CSeaJay - Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 15:59

Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 15:59
A van all set up in a caravan park cannot be towed away inconspicuously. With awnings, tables and chairs around, and everything set-up, neighbours that we had drinks with nights before around and the like, I cannot foresee such a thing happening.
Has it actually happened before?
CJ
AnswerID: 600247

Follow Up By: Gronk - Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 18:47

Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 18:47
Probably happened twice in the last 2 years ???

The odds of having your van or camper pinched are probably higher than getting bitten by a shark !! More chance of getting killed in a car accident on the way to camping ??

I've been driving for 40 yrs and never had an insurance claim, but I still have it, just in case.

I tend to worry about keeping my beers cold rather than thinking of things that won't happen.
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FollowupID: 869580

Reply By: Member - Terry W4 - Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 19:11

Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 19:11
When I have my Cub Supamatic set up it takes me a least 2 hours to pack it up. If someone can knock it off in that time good on them.

Taking down the annex, cleaning up, storing stuff etc takes a lot of time. I do put a hitch lock in but the trailer is insured.

Not an issue for me.
AnswerID: 600256

Reply By: mountainman - Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 20:37

Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 20:37
Guard dog that is extremely loyal is your best friend.
Just the landmines and upkeep
dont forget the obligatory pat and the odd walk and fill the water bowl up
AnswerID: 600259

Reply By: Danna - Thursday, May 19, 2016 at 01:51

Thursday, May 19, 2016 at 01:51
Hi Andy
I know what you mean ... You finally have your "baby".....we love it too.....I think I may have seen your wheels on pallet there in back "shed" in Luck's factory when we came to pick-up our Drifta ....
But to the point; we using high tensile chain & lock on wheels. But I'm still looking for some good GPS tracker.
Hooroo Dana
AnswerID: 600265

Follow Up By: Member - Andy M (QLD) - Thursday, May 19, 2016 at 14:45

Thursday, May 19, 2016 at 14:45
Hi yep I'd certainly like to hang on to my DOT.. Hope you are enjoying yours. Six more shifts to go and I'll get more time in mine!
Cheers Andy DOT066
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Reply By: Sigmund - Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 03:59

Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 03:59
1. Hitch lock.

2. Lock the safety chains around the jockey wheel so it can't be raised and so they can't be used instead of the hitch.

3. CCA tracker. That has a sleep mode to reduce current draw and battery backup. It's proven difficult to get 100% reliable GPS reception though as it can only go in a box on the drawbar - geofence doesn't work, despite a separate aerial and alloy lid to the box. Oddly other functions work fine.
AnswerID: 600375

Follow Up By: Member - Andy M (QLD) - Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 14:24

Saturday, May 21, 2016 at 14:24
Thanks Sigmund for the feedback. Hitch lock on way and high tensile chain. Still thinking about the tracker..
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FollowupID: 869740

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