The Caravan Owners Club

[johnbradbury]

Or the other one that I saw on another post but not on this thread - your postcode on the roof - get a signwriter to do this for you for £20 or so...[/quote]

A good idea on the surface, but I remember a few years ago when postcodes were being etched on car windows it was reported that some enterprising tea-leaves were going toi the ports, taking the postcodes from cars parked to go abroad - they then knew that they probably had an empty house to vist for the next few weeks!

Better the car registration number on the car roof (I believe that Doc has done that)

[Doc]

A good idea on the surface, but I remember a few years ago when postcodes were being etched on car windows it was reported that some enterprising tea-leaves were going toi the ports, taking the postcodes from cars parked to go abroad - they then knew that they probably had an empty house to vist for the next few weeks!

Better the car registration number on the car roof (I believe that Doc has done that)

I sure have!! Notice says "If NOT towed by Blue Skoda Octavia Estate, reg. No. Phone Police"; see 'roof notice' in http://community.webshots.com/album/67010113HgzPle/1 although I've changed the car since I took the photo.

Cost of the original notice was ~£40 and to change the colour and reg. no. for the new car was ~£17. Police have said it's a better idea than postcode, BUT they do not guarantee to act on information given by the public as to it's 'illegal' towing!! However it would be very obvious on a ferry boat (to Eire??) where the Captain would have time to act on information given. At least that's MY HOPE!!

[richb]

hi i also try to make it as hard as possible to steal my van (635 uk special) i have 2 wheel clamps + chains & padlocks to lock wheels together , locking nuts , leg locks an hitch lock , i also completely removed my a frame for winter storage ( did check with hobby first and is ok to do so as long as you brace the floor before doing so , still keep my fingers crossed though

[miniand]

Hi
As we are new to caravaning and we were unsure of the security devices on the market, having googled wheelclamp tests it would seem that they don't last very long to attacks, about 5 and a half minutes maximum. I came across the hublock and was impressed, I am a mechanical engineer and have experience of some heavy duty tools and of oxy acetelyne burning.
Whilst not really a wheel clamp more of a locking stand requiring the van to be jacked up and wheel removed, so not very convenient for quick stops.
It does however withstand the gas axe for about 35 minutes.
The brake hub and bearings will not withstand 35 minutes of 3200+ degrees c making movement of the van difficult.

Basically a large lump of steel bolted with four locking wheel bolts and a stand. They have a website with more info on it, someone damaged their locking bolt key and it took 3.5 days to remove without damaging hub!
Couple of leg locks for the rear legs. I have SAS ones, The locking mechanism is held onto the original hexagon drive heads with two grub screws, to prevent them being levered off I have drilled a small vee where the grub screws bottom out. they now sit into the original hex head as opposed to clamping onto them and relying on friction.
Can't do much about a crane.

2003 hobby prestige 560uf

[Hobbynut]

My thoughts on so called security devices based on what I have seen over the last few years and normally involving the the theft of Hobby's is as follows
These people are professional thieves and go equipped and nothing will stop them..it may slow them down a bit but they WILL steal it

Trackers may well get you your van back after it has been pinched..Judging by the state of the type of people who pinch them, I DON'T want mine back after they have had their grubby paws all over it...They can keep it..

Yes I do have security devices on my Hobby because the Insurance company have made that a condition..It's a sad old world when you are a Hobby owner
Cheers
Hobbynut

PS when they broke into mine they stole the top half of the entry door..now that makes life difficult

[fishman]

Hi i am new to forum but just to add some Free simple tips, Heavy Fuse wire wrapped randomly round plug pins ------ If plugged into tow car with this fitted in plug, Fire/Blown Fuses and chaos, (but remember to remove it for yourself) When stood remove all wheel bolts apart from top one on each wheel, Slacken top ones slightly, Caravan will remain stable/safe, If anyone should attempt to tow away all wheels will collapse, Remove any easy sidelight bulb stuff with silver paper, This will blow fuses in car/caravan if used, Remember to remove it yourself! Do not bother with fancy door locks ! thief will simply fold door open top or bottom, Less damage if they use poor lock i am afraid, using thick grease stick a 10mm nut up into top of tow hitch! it will never drop on to ball unless somebody knows to remove it, There are more easy tips but it would not be fair to post them, Not knowing who may read.!