Caravans act as a home away from home and in most cases can be a significant financial investment, so waking up to find you caravan has been broken into or missing can be both devastating and extremely costly. 

In this Cruisemasterclass we will be going through the best ways to protect your caravan along with the different caravan security products available on the market.

Cruisemasterclass Episode 21: Caravan Security

Coupling Locks

When your caravan is detached from a tow vehicle, either in storage or at a camp site, coupling locks are one of the best ways to protect and deter theft. 

All coupling locks work on the same premise by securing against the coupling acting as a physical barrier to prevent it from being hitched to another vehicle. Below we will go through some different brands and types of coupling locks and how they work. 

Cruisemaster Coupling Locks

Our Cruisemaster coupling locks come in 2 different sizes, DO35 & DO45, and are specifically designed to work with our range of Cruisemaster couplings. These coupling locks are designed to be slimline whilst allowing for functionality with the couplings features such as the dust cover to keep the locking mechanism protected against dust and grit.

With the Cruisemaster coupling locks having minimal exposure, access is limited making it increasingly difficult to be ground off using power tools. 

Using a DO35 Coupling Lock

When ordering a Cruisemaster coupling lock, it is important to identify which model coupling you have with the latest DO35 lock suitable for all generations of the DO35 coupling and the DO45 V1. 

For later versions of the DO45, the Gen. 2 DO45 Plus Lock features a larger dummy pin specifically designed for this model. For help identifying which model Cruisemaster coupling you have make sure to see our DO35 Identifier Guide.

Kovix Alarmed Trailer Lock

For those who prefer a more visual deterrent, a Kovix alarmed trailer lock is a bigger lock that is easily seen from a distance. These trailer locks are multifunctional with a removeable ball allowing them to be used on both ball type and pin-type hitches. 

Constructed of heavy duty stainless steel with an anti-cutting sleeve and inbuilt alarm system. When tampered with, the inbuilt motion sensor alarm system will sound at 120db, meaning you'll certainly know if someone is trying to access your trailer. 

Kovix KTR-18 fitted to Cruisemaster Coupling

With the added complexity and versatility to this locking system comes with a larger price tag with the Kovix KTR-18 Alarmed trailer lock currently retailing at $219.95 through their online store.

Hayman Reece Heavy Duty Coupling Lock

For 50mm ball style hitches, there are specifically designed coupling locks, like the ones manufactured by Hayman Reece. These are simple and easy to use, featuring a solid steel locking bar and pick proof design. They are also highly visible and brightly coloured, acting as an additional deterrent feature.

Hayman Reese Ball Coupling Lock (Source: Hayman Reese)

Wheel Locks & Clamps

Wheel locks are another tool that can be used to protect and deter thieves from your caravan. A lot of wheel locks and clamps work in a similar matter with them preventing the vans wheels from physically moving. Like anything, these are susceptible to being ground off so when choosing a wheel lock make sure to choose one made of heavy duty material. 

Brands like 'Klamp It' are a popular choice amongst caravan enthusiasts, which utilizes a circular steel plate, protecting wheel nuts from being accessed and clamp tightly gripping the tire to prevent movement. They are also visual deterrents with a highly visible gloss powder coat finish. 

Wheel clamp on Caravan Wheel

Safety Chains

When your caravan is still attached to a tow vehicle, coupling locks are no longer a viable option as the coupling is in use. Securing your van to the tow vehicle can be done using the safety chains and a simple padlock which may deter some thieves, however bolt cutters can be used to cut the safety chain. 

Padlock used to secure caravan to tow vehicle

Kovix offer another audible solution with a padlock using the same 120db alarm system to that of the coupling lock. This alarm will sound based on movement notifying you as soon as someone tries to tamper with your vans safety chain or tries to unhitch. 

Anti-Theft Systems

One of the most advanced caravan security options are anti-theft systems. Similar to that of car anti-theft systems, these work on caravans with electric brakes fitted and are set off in the event of someone trying to steal the van or trailer. Most systems will set off audible alarms, external lights of the vehicle flashing and brakes will be applied. 

The biggest name in caravan anti-theft systems is WiTi. This particular system can be upgraded with GPS integration giving you tracking and mobile phone alerts for your van's location. 

They also have intrusion detection, with magnetic door switches and PIR sensors to trigger the alarm system when a door is opened or movement is detected. 

These systems are a substantial investment and have additional installation requirements, however they are the only system that can totally immobilize your caravan or trailer if stolen.

For more caravan and towing tips, make sure to keep an eye out for the latest episodes of our Cruisemasterclass series by subscribing to the Cruisemaster YouTube channel and following us on Facebook & Instagram