Video: How to fit caravan security locks in minutes

After investing thousands of pounds in your caravan you’ll want to make sure your pride and joy is secure and protected from theft, whether in storage or on-site.

In this video, we go through how to fit a hitchlock, axle wheel lock, corner steady locks, extra window and door locks, as well as activating the alarm. We also time how long it takes to fit these devices – proving that securing your caravan can literally take seconds.

We start with the caravan hitchlock, which most caravan insurance companies will ask you to fit as a minimum.

Most caravan hitchlocks work in the same way, they work by preventing a tow ball from being inserted into the hitch and also stopping the handle from lifting – making it difficult for thieves to hitch up and tow away your caravan.

Caravan hitchlock

To add a hitchlock like this Maypole Stronghold, takes less than 30 seconds.

First, insert the dummy tow ball into the hitch head. Do this by lifting the handle and inserting the ball until the handle closes. Then, once inserted, add the shroud over the hitch handle and finally add the lock to the shroud to prevent the hitch lock from being removed.

There, the hitch is now secured and as you can see it only took 20 seconds to complete.

Fitting an axle wheel lock

An axle wheel lock locks the wheel against the caravan chassis to prevent rotation. This is achieved by the caravan having a receiver behind the wheel. A bolt is inserted through a blanking plate and into this receiver, then finally adding a lock to prevent the axle lock from being removed.

To fit, move the caravan back or forward until the receiver is perfectly spaced halfway between the alloy wheel spokes. This can be tricky and sometimes only needs a few millimeters of movement each way.

First, remove the yellow dust cover, if present, then insert the blanking plate into the alloy wheel, then push the bolt through. Tighten using the supplied socket and begin by tightening with your hands. If it doesn’t fit, then adjust the position of the caravan until it’s perfectly aligned.

Once installed, add the lock to prevent the bolt from being removed. It took just 23 seconds to secure the wheels on our caravan, although aligning the caravan can take a few minutes to get right.

This might be more difficult for twin axle caravans when two axle locks are being fitted. Products such as the Lock and Level, are really handy for making installation much easier.

Fitting a caravan wheel clamp

For caravans that cannot accept axle wheel locks, a wheel clamp is another great way to prevent unauthorised movement of your caravan. These can work in different ways, depending on the design.

Some use a wheel bolt and bar to hook through the wheel to prevent it from fully turning and others cover the wheel face and lock against each side of the tyre.

We add the Milenco Wheel clamp to a caravan.

To begin, add the plate over the tyre, then insert one half of the clamp from the right. Finally add the second half of the clamp and insert that into the locking plate.

The lock might need some adjustment and jiggling to get it aligned correctly.

It took just 40 seconds to install the caravan wheel clamp – even with some alignment adjustments.

Corner steady locks

Adding corner steady locks prevent the corner steadies from being lifted. They’re inexpensive and add another layer of security to the caravan.

Place the lock over the corner steady winding bolt, then insert the locking pin from behind. This squeezes onto the chassis and is firmly held in place in the lock.

In only seven seconds, we have prevented anyone from trying to wind the corner steadies up at the back of the caravan.

Caravan window locks

Window locks are super easy to fit and effective in preventing the window handles from being moved and stopping the window from being opened.

Simply place these Lock M Out window locks over the handle. With just two seconds per window, these locks now prevent anyone from lifting the handle from the outside and secure the windows in place.

Caravan door lock

An extra door lock adds an extra barrier to any potential intruder. Once installed these locks can offer extra protection in as much time as it takes to lock a door.

Some of these locks can also be used for those with limited mobility as the mechanism also doubles up as a grab handle for ease of access.

Simply slide the lock into place and then lock with a key.

Activating the alarm

Caravan alarms can monitor different aspects of a caravan. From motion detection to monitoring the brakes, corner steady movement and even tilt sensors.

By simply pressing one button or turning one key the caravan will have an audible alarm that attracts attention to anyone nearby. Some remote caravan alarm fobs will also switch on a tracking device system.

These caravan security locks don’t take much time to fit either when setting up your caravan or when putting it into storage or storing at home.

Some security locks might be a bit fiddly to fit but they will give your pride and joy an extra layer of protection from theft.

And remember when choosing caravan security locks, look for the Sold Secure labelling as this confirms the device has undergone testing to show that it can withstand attack for a period of time.

Some of these caravan security locks and the alarm will also attract a small caravan insurance discount with Caravan Guard.

Don’t forget to always fit your hitchlock and axle wheel lock or wheel clamp when leaving your caravan unattended and unhitched from your tow vehicle.