Protect the folding caravan from theft – simple & effective
One shortcoming of a folding caravan is its anti-theft protection. Unlike motorhomes and trailers, the valuables inside the tent trailer are not secured against access by thieves. The lockable door is missing. With the help of which measures and equipment you can make your butterfly safer, we show you in the blog post.
Theft on camping vacation – unfortunately not to be excluded
Nothing is more annoying than becoming a victim of theft during the most beautiful time of the year. Not only that there is a financial damage. Also, important equipment is suddenly missing, which must first be procured again. Generally, thieves have it easier at campgrounds than at permanent housing units. Mostly camping areas are accessible from the outside 24 hours a day, the locks of the mobile dwellings are relatively easy to break or to lock. a thief disappears into the undergrowth very quickly after the deed is done. Folding caravans are a relatively easy prey for criminals. On the one hand the trailer can easily be moved away, on the other hand the tent is only protected by zippers in its basic state. But how to secure both trailer and the valuables of the interior easily and effectively?
Secure the trailer against thieves
As always: avoid unsafe areas with the folding caravan. These no-go areas are usually highlighted thickly in guidebooks. A locked tent trailer should be parked at well visible and busy places. A thief would be noticed, so he tampered with the trailer. In addition, you can protect the trailer with a drawbar lock (also called a hitch lock) in combination with a so called "lock". AL-KO Safty-Ball secure against unauthorized removal. The Safty-Ball blocks the coupling head against foreign towing vehicles, a coupling is physically not possible.
Locked drawbar lock with AL-KO Safety Ball prevents unauthorized coupling of the trailer
Another measure is the delegation of the theft risk: You simply insure your trailer with a partial coverage. Of course, in case of theft, the annoyance of the loss remains. But the insurance company will at least reimburse the (prorated) cost of the hanger, depending on your choice of plan.
An AL-KO Safety Ball blocks the trailer hitch
Protect valuables in the tent from thieves
Generally, you should not present potential stolen goods in view of the entrance door of the tent like in a store window. Smarter is to store it in less prominent places. In our Camp-let folding caravan this would be z.B. in the area between the two beds or in the storage compartment directly under the left trailer flap. The items can be additionally included in a travel safe. So you prevent at least an occasional theft.
On some tents, the zippers can be locked with a small cable lock. The thief must then force his way into the interior. Disadvantage of this solution: a security lock also sends a signal that there is something valuable in the tent. If you have a drawbar box, you can also store your valuables there. Unfortunately, the integrated lock resp. Padlock usually no obstacle for a finger-wielding criminal. Therefore, the rule: tiller box only if the lock is strong and the goods are less valuable.
Storage of valuables in the locked tiller box
Alternatively, at some campsites you can deposit your valuables in external storage lockers in an access-secure manner. Of course, there is (almost) always the option to stow your stuff in the towing vehicle. It should be noted here that usually the concluded motor vehicle partial cover does not cover the items. A propos insurance – your own belongings can also be covered by travel (luggage) insurance. This should include explicit clauses about camping. Finally, especially for longer stays, you can also include the tent neighbors. Mostly never all at the same time on the way. A short request, "times an eye on the Falti" to throw surely only few campers beat out.
Useful equipment*
In summary, useful tools to put a stop to thieves or at least hinder their work:Conclusion
When it comes to security, folding caravans are no different from tent campers: their camping dwelling and valuables contained therein are only partially protected against theft. With a little care and the right equipment, a butterfly can be secured against thieves in no time at all.