How Many Of You Have Exterior Door Locks Fitted? (1 Viewer)

[Gin Palace]

Buying our first motorhome and wondered if extra locks to the doors were necessary and could anyone recommend a good lock?

 

[teensvan99]

Got external locks fitted to the caravan door and wire strop around the drivers passenger doorand locks over the steering wheel.

steve & ann. ---------- teensvan

 

[GJH]

I fitted a Milenco Frame Lock (external) to the habitation door and internal Frame Guards to the can doors. See Here and Here.
I wouldn't tie the cab doors together because of potential difficulty exiting in an emergency.

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[pappajohn]

I wouldn't tie the cab doors together because of potential difficulty exiting in an emergency.

Plastic window.....size 10 boot.

No contest Graham.

If you need to get out that quick i wouldnt be concerned about a bit of damage.

 

[GJH]

Plastic window.....size 10 boot.

No contest Graham.

If you need to get out that quick i wouldnt be concerned about a bit of damage.

True John but why put an extra obstacle in the way? Besides I only take size 8

 

[oldmanriver]

We consider these after a break in, but as the repairers said they have seen these ripped out as well causing more damage

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[jonandshell]

The fabric of the average motorhome is very fragile.
Those heavy duty locks will just cause more damage to your pride and joy when forced.
Pointless in my opinion.

I would rather I had a few low cost items nicked than having my van off the road for months whilst we wait for an insurance company to sort out a big claim and await a new bodyside from the manufacturer.

Besides, a screwdriver behind a plastic window presents an easier way in for a thief deterred by extra locks.
Motorhomes will never be secure due to their lightweight flimsy components. If you can't afford to loose it, don't leave it in your van!

 

[Shrimp]

We have extra locks on drivers & hab door, were already fitted. Think they work as a viz deterrent too!

 

[GJH]

Granted that the build of motorhomes doesn't make them safe but much of the point of security (in houses as well) is in saying "I'm not quite as easy to get into as next door so go there".

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[Barclaybasher]

..


My van is 24 years old, no central locking, no alarm, no special locks........... no signs of any doors ever being tampered with

My son has just bought a van for work.....came fitted with extra 'proper' heavy duty security locks... 2 of the doors look like they have been 'crowbarred' at some time.........

Do whatever makes you feel happy........... but if someone really wants to break in they will


..

 

[travelbunyip]

We have installed the Fiamma safe door lock to the side door. We have many of these used.
http://www.fiammastore.com/Fiamma-S...ravans-and-motorhomes/?sortmethod=name&page=1
The locks on the old motorhomes are sometimes just cheap plastic ones, this is what was on ours. The problem with the newer locks is not the mechanism but the barrel where the keys go in, they are often wafer cylinders which can be picked easily or forced with a screw driver. I am no expert but have operated a locksmith business for over 25 years.
On the inside of the front doors we have chains that can wrap around the door handles and clip into the seat mounts. We have them but have only used them a few times.
A safe securely fixed in the motorhome is also a good idea.
Hope this helps

 

[SMB]

I don't have the external door locks fitted, I was considering it but a friend of mine who has them fitted says he wishes he didn't as when they are locked it indicates that the occupants are out of the vehicle. I'm still considering having them fitted to the storage lockers as a small person could theoretically climb through into the living area (rear lounge in mine). But, as previously pointed out, more damage could be caused if they want to force entry regardless of any security.

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[Terry]

Locks only keep honest people out

 

[Popeye]

I don't have additional external locks fitted, though I do have a safe bolted inside. Every locker on my van with the exception of the two Thetford cassette lockers (Spare and Loo) is alarmed. Not just any alarm either, van-bitz Growler. If any locker is opened the alarm sounds, and has been pointed out by Graham, security is more about a visual (or Audible) deterrent.

Perhaps I should put a sign on the side......."My van is tougher to get into than others please feel free to try theirs instead."

 

[parknride]

We chain the front cab doors and steering wheel, chain is slotted through a rubber sleeve to prevent scratching the door handles. Sits in door pocket so quick to secure. Its fastened with a strong number code padlock so easy to release too. Its more a vis deterrent and for my peace of mind. They can and will get in if they want.

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[StitchesnFluff]

D handLe and an alarm that isolates outside only if we are sleeping inside

 

[Scattycat]

Like many, we have an external additional door lock and we also have an alarm wire between the cab doors.
But when it comes down to it if some scrote wants to break in he will.
The above precautions plus the door and internal movement sensor alarms are only a deterrent and are there to make it appear more difficult to break into our van and may be they'll move on to another one less protected.

 

[gibbon]

I think a visual deterrent is all you can do really.
I read someone say on here a long time ago that your average Moho is like a plastic shopping bag, you can tie the handles together but they'll just tear a hole somewhere else.

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[StitchesnFluff]

Prevention always first priority

 

[ivorantony]

Like many, we have an external additional door lock and we also have an alarm wire between the cab doors.
But when it comes down to it if some scrote wants to break in he will.
The above precautions plus the door and internal movement sensor alarms are only a deterrent and are there to make it appear more difficult to break into our van and may be they'll move on to another one less protected.

I agree wholeheartedly with the above comments,
I use external door locks on both Hab doors and both garage doors,

we feel more secure with them, and too my mind that what counts!

 

[Larby]

We leave a cheap bowl outside the hab door. Also the chain we use for our little boy.
Even if we are not there that can help (I believe) to cause doubt.
My preferred method of entry to your MH, is up the conveniently placed ladder and through the flimsy HEKI roof light! Eeezy peezy.
However, if you try it on mine, you could be looking down on this view!

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[ivorantony]

SURE. but you have to contend with Wet dog smells/ hairs/slobber/food/vets bills especially going abroad/walking dog in all weathers and IF----- you are a respobable dog owner putting his Sh-t in a plastic bag and disposal of it,
There is also the massive drop in Motor home Value if you have pets!
In my mind their is no contest, I am also a animal lover just in case you think that's the reason for my opinion,

 

[Gin Palace]

Great comments thank you!

 

[ivorantony]

We leave a cheap bowl outside the hab door. Also the chain we use for our little boy.
Even if we are not there that can help (I believe) to cause doubt.
My preferred method of entry to your MH, is up the conveniently placed ladder and through the flimsy HEKI roof light! Eeezy peezy.
However, if you try it on mine, you could be looking down on this view!
View attachment 66406

All so relevant to the above post is a link to a home burglary that the thief feeds the two dogs before checking for valuables, quite funny!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-31157992
Even a canine friend can be bought for a little treat!

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[Gizmouk]

We have dogs
Good luck

 

[Gromett]

I have fitted proper deadlocks to my doors. I think it beats any alarm system.

 

[Larby]

SURE. but you have to contend with Wet dog smells/ hairs/slobber/food/vets bills especially going abroad/walking dog in all weathers and IF----- you are a respobable dog owner putting his Sh-t in a plastic bag and disposal of it,
There is also the massive drop in Motor home Value if you have pets!
In my mind their is no contest, I am also a animal lover just in case you think that's the reason for my opinion,

You make fair points although I am prepared to accept the drawbacks for the unquestionable love and company he gives in return. PRICELESS

All so relevant to the above post is a link to a home burglary that the thief feeds the two dogs before checking for valuables, quite funny!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-31157992
Even a canine friend can be bought for a little treat!

Also fair point. I accept all means are only a deterrent but most of the scroats we are likely to encounter would be opportunists.

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[Don Quixote]

Have a good alarm fitted professionally to all doors and one which allows "hab" area to be lived in whilst on and then........... get used to making sure it's switched on. So many MH owners pay 100's of pounds on an alarm and NEVER use it................ You could on the other hand, put door locks on, cables across doors and windows bolted closed etc - Oh............ thats a prison is it not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[G7UXG]

It's like having expensive, high security locks installed on your house doors and then going out and leaving the windows open.

Why bother putting extra locks on a motorhome? You still can't realistically secure the plastic windows.

 

[berni109]

We have a PVC that has deadlocks on cab and rear doors and a bolt on the bottom of the sliding door. All the hab Windows have have ‘lock em out‘ and an internal motion senceing alarm in the living area when we are in bed.
None of this will stop a determined attempt to get in but Wife refused to wild camp in Spain and Portugal without precautions.

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