Tips: Theft Protection for RVs

Even though statistics show that break-ins in camper vans decrease year after year, you should consider what good theft protection means before every departure. What can I do to prevent a break-in or even theft?

In this article, I will reveal how I secure my cargo van (Peugeot Boxer). What upgrades I have made and what I use as an alarm system. I am always trying out new things, so this article will be updated regularly.

However, a note: There is no 100% security against break-ins and theft. Even the best protection can eventually be breached. But you can try to make it difficult for thieves. The more complicated it is to break into your camper van, the less likely a break-in will happen. Because potential thieves lack one thing above all: time.

Do you like being in nature, far away from people? Or do you prefer socializing and parking in a parking lot or a designated parking area?

Check upon arrival (in daylight) if you feel comfortable. If you feel uneasy, drive on.

Are you one of those wild campers that enjoys staying off the beaten path? According to statistics, you are especially at risk of petty crime. But even in camping areas, there have been reports of break-ins into individual vehicles. In many big cities, cargo vans and RVs are stolen right from people's driveways (fortunately, my hometown isn't one of those; my car is always parked securely).

If I feel uncomfortable, I drive on and look for another sleeping spot. This has already happened at (free) RV parking spots. It doesn't always need to be a bad feeling; sometimes, just noise is enough.

Trust your instincts and drive on if you don't feel comfortable. This is the first step toward a pleasant night and the correct action for your safety.

The best and safest option for me in the cargo van was the Pandora Alarm System.

For installation, I highly recommend ProVerda in Erfurt. The city is a perfect place to explore while they do the installation. The team is very experienced and available on WhatsApp for questions (and they will come).

When I am on the road, I usually get a pretty good night's sleep. I don't wake up at the slightest sound or feel unsafe. Still, I made a few small security precautions right when I bought the vehicle, and had them installed by the dealer.

Installation doesn't cost much, and the effort is very low.

Do you know about chain locks?

The break-in protection for the driver and passenger doors can be imagined similarly to a chain on a front door. A sturdy loop is attached to an existing screw on the respective door. A small chain is then hooked into this loop with a carabiner.

At the other end, there is a sturdy hook that simply goes over the lower attachment of the seat belt. This is a simple solution that effectively prevents the doors from being opened. By the way, the hooked chain can stay in place; only the hook needs to be removed from its position at the seat belt attachment. The chain simply disappears into the door pocket.

By installing a bolt on the upper rear doors, it is completely impossible to open them from the outside. No drilling is necessary. You only need to ensure that the product is suitable for your vehicle.

Buy for Fiat / Peugeot and Citroën here on Amazon

By mounting a screw with a loop, a chain can be installed. This is hooked onto the seatbelt to prevent the doors from being fully opened from the outside. Both ends have carabiners and hooks that can withstand a pulling force of 230 kg.

You can buy the chain, for example, here or here

There are various expensive locks for the side sliding door available in camping shops. However, it can be simpler: drill a hole (see picture) and install a normal Abus Disus padlock. Done.

I have never considered this option. However, I know that friends swear by it. Due to point 2, I don't need this. If you don't want to install hooks, you can tightly stretch a strap between the inner door handles. This should not break and should not be elastic, so that the intruder cannot open the door even a millimeter to cut through the strap.

This involves a stainless steel plate that is attached to the driver and passenger doors. This prevents the door locking mechanisms from being punctured and unlocked. The plate is mounted on the inside of the door. You will need to remove the door panel and secure the protective plate with the nuts of the door handle. Instructions for installation are included. Stickers, which you can place outside as a warning, are also included. This is intended to deter potential thieves further.

Buy Prick Stop Break-In Protection here

In the worst-case scenario, if your cargo van gets stolen, the panic is huge. A GPS tracking system via SIM card can help find the thieves. This device sends the current position of your van to your mobile phone.

Ensure that the battery or power supply is guaranteed. Without power, there is no tracking.

Not wanting to rely solely on the spexor, I got acquainted with a tracking system after purchasing the cargo van: Prothelis meinthal GPS Tracker. The small box measures only 12 x 5.7 x 2.1 cm and can be hidden somewhere in the vehicle.

Cost: 129 Euros

Integrated SIM card (3.79 Euros per month)

Battery lasts 30 days in active mode, up to 500 days in standby

24/7 Notification Service: Via push notifications or calls.

GPS & GLONASS, GSM location: Mobile phone tracking and satellite locating ensure very high accuracy.

You can choose between 9 tracking intervals (between 10 seconds & 24 hours)

Water & dust resistant

Setting of 'virtual fences' (Geofence): Notification as soon as your vehicle leaves this designated area.

Temperature and speed warnings: Automatic alarms in case of temperature or speed violations

You can buy the Prothelis meintal GPS Tracker here

This theft prevention measure is relatively inexpensive and very functional. A steering wheel lock or a visibly attached wheel lock definitely provides theft protection and deters car thieves. Get advice, as there are suitable products for every vehicle.

Personally, I don't own either product yet. However, I constantly think about buying a steering wheel lock.

You can view immobilization devices here

Unfortunately, you can take all the precautions you want. When it happens, you've forgotten to secure your locks or inner barriers, or the alarm system is inactive. In the worst case, the GPS tracker is also dead.

That's why I recommend definitely getting suitable insurance (partial and comprehensive). In case of emergency, this can cover the loss due to theft. I also have contents insurance (for personal belongings and travel luggage) with my insurance provider (Kravag). I advise you to obtain multiple offers. I personally have an independent broker who has shown me various options. Since I travel full time, my situation is obviously different from regular vacation trips.

The only thing I still need is securing the frames of the skylight windows. These are likely the easiest to pry open. This will be my next project.

Then write me your ideas and useful tips in the comments at the end of the article! Thank you; I am looking forward to your response.

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