All caravanners will use a wheel lock or clamp to protect their pride and joy from theft, but which type is the most popular?
In our recent poll, we asked owners what type of caravan wheel lock they used.
Like us here at Caravan Guard, many caravan insurers will ask for a wheel lock to be fitted as a part of their minimum caravan insurance policy security requirements.
After almost 500 votes the results are in and top of the locks is an axle wheel lock with almost half of the votes.
Wheel lock results…
We were pleased to see that 45 percent of voters told us they fitted an axle wheel lock to their tourer – which will attract a discount on your caravan insurance.
Ten percent of voters even used two axle wheel locks – a highly effective theft deterrent for a twin axle tourer.
A caravan wheel clamp took third place with 19 percent of the votes, with both a wheel clamp and axle wheel lock very closely behind with 18 percent.
Only five percent of voters fitted two wheel clamps, which could be very bulky to carry around.
Your wheel lock comments
Thanks to everyone who voted and commented. We enjoyed reading about some of the extra security caravanners use on top of their wheel locks.
Paul Harrison told us he uses the PurpleLine Excalibur as an axle wheel lock and also removes the handle on the jockey wheel and replaces the clamp with a security bolt.
Andrew recommended owners invest in a couple of kevlar-covered motorcycle chains.
“These can be used to go through an alloy wheel and are normally long enough to then pass through the chassis and back to lock that wheel,” Andrew commented. “I also recommend having an anchor bolt under the caravan to use one of these chains over the axle as another deterrent…”
He also suggested locking corner steadies and putting a hitch post in front of the caravan.
Mr R Davie told us he uses an axle wheel lock, four corner steady locks, an Al-Ko hitch lock, plus his caravan is fitted with an alarm and a tracker.
John Widdop was right to point out that wheel locks won’t stop determined and organised thieves who have been known to target storage sites with cutting gear to remove locks.
But the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service’s Leisure Vehicles Officer, Tim Booth, stressed the importance of fitting as many caravan security devices as possible to deter and slow down thieves, as theft from storage sites was on the increase.
“Any security device is a deterrent so the more deterrents fitted to your caravan the less the risk of theft,” said Tim. “The key thing is to make sure locks are always fitted, alarms are always set and tracking devices are activated and subscriptions paid for.”
If you fit an axle wheel lock to your tourer, don’t forget to let your insurance provider know, as it could attract a small discount. For a caravan insurance quote or to find out more about our discounts visit our caravan insurance page.
Excellent article which reminds the seasoned caravanner and also informs the new caravanner of the importance of attempting to protect your valuable investment.
What happens if the remote control malfunctions? (They can do as I know from experience!) Do you have a manual over-ride?
I use a Milenco wheel lock, but I also have an E & P Hydraulics automatic levelling system on my caravan which locks the corner steadies, the steadies cannot be raised without the remote control.