Stearing lock or wheel clamp

[Andyrpm]

Hi everybody, newbie motorhome owner here. I was thinking about security and was wondering if anybody has a preference over the wheel clamp type attachment or the big yellow bar that goes across the steering wheel type. Personally I'm thinking the steering wheel type draws less attention to the unattended van than the very visible wheel clamp type but would welcome your input and experiences. Anybody think it's unnecessary? We will mainly be using the van in Europe starting in February in France, Spain and Portugal but want to also do the Balkans and further east. Any recommendations welcome.

 

[Jim]

I own both, I've never used either when actually travelling, but then I'd never leave the van where I thought it might be nicked. That said, you often see people who wheel clamp their vans once they are on a site. I wouldn't take either on a tour but if I had to choose one I'd probably choose the steering wheel protection, it's easier to put on so more likely that I would bother. Enjoy that trip, sounds exciting

 

[Cal54]

Steering wheel clamp would be my choice. A wheel lock can get very dirty and a bit messy to handle.

 

[Masman]

Disc lock for steering wheel.

 

[Stewart J]

Own both plus a clutch claw. As Jim we never use any when touring it’s not about the van being stolen when touring abroad as being broken into and possessions taken. So we are careful where we park and tend to use sites.

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[ivorantony]

or use a quality chain and padlock around steering wheel and seat frame,
especially if the seat swivels, but if you are touring you will be spending a lot of time with the vehicle so having it stolen is remote IMO

 

[Deneb]

Disklok rather than a steering wheel bar, and/or a pedalbox.

 

[Lenny HB]

You don't say what van you have, I thought Ducato's were very hard to steal without a key, different story if it's a Transit. I would be more worried about someone breaking in to seal your belongings. A good alarm with a very loud internal sounder would be a better investment. I know a lot of people ignor alarms going off, thats why you need a loud internal sounder to make it unbearable for anyone inside the van.

 

[Euphony]

I use both.
The wheel clamp goes on as soon as I arrive at my destination (I use latex gloves as it can get dirty but I carry a box of them for emptying the loo cassette anyway). The steering bar goes on next. I think the more visible, the better the deterrent.

 

[Lenny HB]

I can't be bothered too much hassle as we rarely stay more than one or two nights anywhere.

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[Andyrpm]

Thank you Lenny HB, it is indeed a 2013 Ducato. If you're correct about them being hard to steal your advice regarding an alarm makes much more sense. Is there anybody out there who have had their Ducato stollen or have an alarm fitted they would recommend?

 

[icantremember]

have an alarm fitted they would recommend?

Has to be a Vanbitz Strikeback/Growler from @eddievanbitz and paid-up Funsters get a discount.

 

[Lenny HB]

I have had Autowatch alarms on the last 3 van and have been pleased with them.

 

[sylvester1954]

As well as the factory fitted system I put the steering wheel bar lock on no matter where I am parked as a very visible deterrent to the opportunist thief coupled with the red warning lights from Strikback. Hopefully they will move on seeking an easier target?
I also loop a steel hauser between the two front doors when parked up at home.
Beyond that there is little more one can do if faced with a very determined van thief.

 

[wizzer59]

I never go anywhere and lock my motorhome in a secure garage
That way I don’t have to have all these ancillarys

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[Dogeared]

Disklock Every time. Visible, and feels very difficult to remove.

 

[gus-lopez]

As well as the factory fitted system I put the steering wheel bar lock on no matter where I am parked as a very visible deterrent to the opportunist thief coupled with the red warning lights from Strikback. Hopefully they will move on seeking an easier target?
I also loop a steel hauser between the two front doors when parked up at home.
Beyond that there is little more one can do if faced with a very determined van thief.

I put mine on every time I stop , even to go in the bakery.+ isolation of pump & alarm. Doesn't take a second to put on /remove.

 

[Carolyn and Kev]

Both ....But also a very big dog comes in handy !

 

[SpeedyDux]

Disklok every time for me.

My trusty yellow Disklok is now on its 5th successive vehicle and so far no scrote has attacked it nor tried to steal the vehicles.

 

[Carolyn and Kev]

Disklok every time for me.

My trusty yellow Disklok is now on its 5th successive vehicle and so far no scrote has attacked it nor tried to steal the vehicles.

Hi there.. is it a fiat based truck you have and if so..how old? Looking at upgrading our steering lock?
Regards Kev

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[SpeedyDux]

Hi there.. is it a fiat based truck you have and if so..how old? Looking at upgrading our steering lock?
Regards Kev

Yes, now a 2017 Fiat X290 PVC. There are different sizes of Disklok and I think mine is the smaller one.

Just checked - I bought it in 1997 so the Disklok is more than 20 years old!

 

[Carolyn and Kev]

Yes, now a 2017 Fiat X290 PVC. There are different sizes of Disklok and I think mine is the smaller one.

Just checked - I bought it in 1997 so the Disklok is more than 20 years old!

Wicked...Thanks for that.

 

[JaveaSteve]

Andyrpm, like you a newbie to Motorhoming, in fact do not get Motorhome until January 5th, however have already bought Thule cab door locks, a Disklok, a Clutch claw, have appointment at Vanblitz in March and having exterior door locks fitted prior to collection.
Some may feel that's a bit over the top but I really do not want to come back and find a vacant space where MH was left.
What I do not understand are those that said, " Never leave MH long enough" perhaps my version of travelling to different places and then walking/cycling into town, along coast, snorkelling, seeing the sites, getting to the top of the mountain etc is different to theirs.........
My first long trek is to the UK and I will be using all these items for not only peace of mind every time I leave the MH unattended, after all they are a one off purchase that can be used over and over and are a lot cheaper than booking into a hotel, taxis and flights home........ Go for it.

 

[Astro]

Disklok for me too . Takes 10 seconds max to fit or take off, so easy there's no excuse not to use it every time the van is parked up no matter for how long.
It's a visible deterrent that will hopefully convince most scrots to go elsewhere.

 

[rosalan]

Rather than fitting either the cross bar or wheel lock I depend on Strikeback and as shown, a lock through the seat base with the seat facing backwards. (I drilled the hole myself)

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[rosalan]

Pictures failed on previous item

 

[peterc10]

or have an alarm fitted they would recommend?

Another vote here for the Vanbitz Growler.