Improving security on the garage doors (3 Viewers)

[DaveS]

We’re heading to Europe in September and we’re complete newbies to motorhoming abroad. The horror stories we keep reading of motorhomes being broken in to whilst nearby Calais, just even filling with fuel, or in a queue for a ferry or tunnel, makes me very cautious and I’m looking to improve the security. Of course we’ll be sensible by not stopping nearby unless we have to and stopping at our first site a good hour or so away.

We had a garage door pop open whilst travelling last year, and after emptying the garage and having a good look the locks are poor, have minimal adjustment and only just catch when giving the doors a good slam. I’ve done what I can with adjustment. It strikes me that someone could easily break in with a little force, so I’m looking at alternative options to beef up security.
I can see Milenco and Fiamma do extra locks, has anyone fitted these? Is it straightforward? Any other suggestions or comments?

Milenco Door Lock Singles

Milenco Caravan and Motorhome Security Door Lock Single Milenco Door Locks enhance the security of your recreational vehicle with their robust and high-quality design. It offers good mechanical protection combined with a lock that has countermeasures to p

www.milenco-outlet.co.uk

Fiamma Safe Door Security Lock

Fiamma Safe Door Lock The Fiamma Safe door lock is the perfect solution for greater security on your motorhome and caravan This Safe Door lock has a revised lock barrel & key: The design complements perfectly with the lines of modern vehicles, the str

www.leisuredepot.co.uk

Thanks

 

[ontheroadagain]

I am not a big fan of addition locks on doors.
It gives the impression that it is worth breaking into and if they do, they will do a lot of damage to the surrounding bodywork.
It looks like you already have an alarm fitted so at least you have some protection.

 

[JRT]

Any comments.......

I was surprised (when looking at used MHs) at how after just a few years those Fiamma types lost their coating and the exposed metal rusted leaving a very unsightly appearance.

Newer ones may be better.

 

[suavecarve]

We bought the 3 pack off of Ebay or Amazon so all 3 (habitation and 2 garage doors) all have the same key.

Once I got them I realised my mistake as there are 2 different styles of lock even though they look the same.

One requires you to drill a hole to attach it and the other requires 3 self tappers. I wanted the 3 self tappers.

Respecting the previous opinion of putting them on there may attract thieves, I would suggest that having them on there will deter a thief to try another van.

 

[DaveS]

I am not a big fan of addition locks on doors.
It gives the impression that it is worth breaking into and if they do, they will do a lot of damage to the surrounding bodywork.
It looks like you already have an alarm fitted so at least you have some protection.

I do have an alarm, but I’m of a mind that a potential migrant won’t try to enter a door that looks very obviously securely locked.

Any comments.......

I was surprised (when looking at used MHs) at how after just a few years those Fiamma types lost their coating and the exposed metal rusted leaving a very unsightly appearance.

Newer ones may be better.

Very good point!

We bought the 3 pack off of Ebay or Amazon so all 3 (habitation and 2 garage doors) all have the same key.

Once I got them I realised my mistake as there are 2 different styles of lock even though they look the same.

One requires you to drill a hole to attach it and the other requires 3 self tappers. I wanted the 3 self tappers.

Respecting the previous opinion of putting them on there may attract thieves, I would suggest that having them on there will deter a thief to try another van.

Excellent point. I had no idea there were different types. I too would want the self tappers I think.

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[suavecarve]

Excellent point. I had no idea there were different types. I too would want the self tappers I think.

The difference between a 5 minute job and a 20 minute job with a hole in your motorhome !

 

[JRT]

It would be interesting to know what fitting these does to a MH water ingress warranty?

 

[Dandm]

We’re heading to Europe in September and we’re complete newbies to motorhoming abroad. The horror stories we keep reading of motorhomes being broken in to whilst nearby Calais, just even filling with fuel, or in a queue for a ferry or tunnel, makes me very cautious and I’m looking to improve the security. Of course we’ll be sensible by not stopping nearby unless we have to and stopping at our first site a good hour or so away.

We had a garage door pop open whilst travelling last year, and after emptying the garage and having a good look the locks are poor, have minimal adjustment and only just catch when giving the doors a good slam. I’ve done what I can with adjustment. It strikes me that someone could easily break in with a little force, so I’m looking at alternative options to beef up security.
I can see Milenco and Fiamma do extra locks, has anyone fitted these? Is it straightforward? Any other suggestions or comments?

Milenco Door Lock Singles

Milenco Caravan and Motorhome Security Door Lock Single Milenco Door Locks enhance the security of your recreational vehicle with their robust and high-quality design. It offers good mechanical protection combined with a lock that has countermeasures to p

www.milenco-outlet.co.uk

Fiamma Safe Door Security Lock

Fiamma Safe Door Lock The Fiamma Safe door lock is the perfect solution for greater security on your motorhome and caravan This Safe Door lock has a revised lock barrel & key: The design complements perfectly with the lines of modern vehicles, the str

www.leisuredepot.co.uk

Thanks



View attachment 886102

I have 3 keyed alike on classifieds - see the ad (search for Dandm)

 

[suavecarve]

It would be interesting to know what fitting these does to a MH water ingress warranty?

Dependant upon how well the silicon has been put on.

In our case with the 3 self tappers they go into the recess which isnt likely to receive much water in order to cause any damage and if there were some water it has to make it past the silicon

 

[suavecarve]

I have 3 keyed alike on classifieds - see the ad (search for Dandm)



View attachment 886170

Bargain.

Fairly certain ours were 115 a couple of years ago

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[AJM2]

As you’re a newbie I think it’s worth pointing out that many of us have travelled to Europe and never had any issues at petrol stations, ferry terminals (or anywhere else).

 

[daventess]

One requires you to drill a hole to attach it and the other requires 3 self tappers. I wanted the 3 self tappers.
...
The difference between a 5 minute job and a 20 minute job with a hole in your motorhome !

What does the "self tapper" install entail? Does it avoid drilling holes? I though that was a hole just like any other.

 

[Fulham Dave]

We were newbies 3.5 years ago and, like you, had read various stories of break ins, stowaways and tales of woe too.

However, we just trained ourselves to lock all doors before we set off on a journey. Whilst travelling if we need to stop at the services, petrol station or car park we just unlock one door and exit the vehicle, using the key to lock it after we've exited. We never use the cental locking to open the doors. If we need to access a locker or the garage we use the key to access it, then lock it after, never leaving it unlocked and unattended. We also alarm the vehicles every night.

TBH, we've never encountered anyone trying to break in, stow away or generally lurking by the vehicle, but understand your concerns.

 

[poppycamper]

We had a garage door pop open whilst travelling last year,

All the replys seem to emphasis stopping illegal entry..
However I would be more concerned, as is the OP, with their above statement....

 

[Reallyretired]

I fitted one of the sliding millenco locks to my garage doors
Specifically to deter any potential migrants. If I'm hundreds of miles from the channel ports I don't usually bother to lock it , there's nothing very tempting in there and we don't have bikes.

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[suavecarve]

What does the "self tapper" install entail? Does it avoid drilling holes? I though that was a hole just like any other.

I used a braddle to start it off then the immense power of my right wrist to turn the screwdriver. You can use a drill but you only need a bite off the self tapper.

 

[GMLS]

I am not a big fan of addition locks on doors.
It gives the impression that it is worth breaking into and if they do, they will do a lot of damage to the surrounding bodywork.
It looks like you already have an alarm fitted so at least you have some protection.

Totally agree.

 

[gilbaro]

I too have thought about security for impending Europe trip.
I will probably be shot down here but as I can access garage from under bed is there any reason why I couldn't just use shed or gate type bolts.
it would certainly give a bit of peace of mind as the standard locks are useless.

 

[gilbaro]

I perhaps should have made it clear - fitting them internally

 

[poppycamper]

I too have thought about security for impending Europe trip.
I will probably be shot down here but as I can access garage from under bed is there any reason why I couldn't just use shed or gate type bolts.
it would certainly give a bit of peace of mind as the standard locks are useless.

Would not dream of shooting anyone down, seems like a sound idea...
However, I have seen the state of some moho garages, do you think you will be able to access doors from inside with all that crap ( essential equipment) that could be piled up in garage,,,

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[DaveS]

I have 3 keyed alike on classifieds - see the ad (search for Dandm)



View attachment 886170

Ahh interesting. I was intending on grey though, but I will have a think.

As you’re a newbie I think it’s worth pointing out that many of us have travelled to Europe and never had any issues at petrol stations, ferry terminals (or anywhere else).

Excellent point.

We were newbies 3.5 years ago and, like you, had read various stories of break ins, stowaways and tales of woe too.

However, we just trained ourselves to lock all doors before we set off on a journey. Whilst travelling if we need to stop at the services, petrol station or car park we just unlock one door and exit the vehicle, using the key to lock it after we've exited. We never use the cental locking to open the doors. If we need to access a locker or the garage we use the key to access it, then lock it after, never leaving it unlocked and unattended. We also alarm the vehicles every night.

TBH, we've never encountered anyone trying to break in, stow away or generally lurking by the vehicle, but understand your concerns.

Again excellent points, thank you.

All the replys seem to emphasis stopping illegal entry..
However I would be more concerned, as is the OP, with their above statement....

Yep we’ve taken care of that as far as I’m able. We think a box got dislodged and pushed a not properly shut door open. So I guess what I’m looking for is a solution that covers both angles which an extra door lock should do.

 

[denisejoe]

I’ve never felt threatened or had a break in abroad if I don’t like the look of an aire I move on .
Ps I take all 4 of my Rolex watches and have £20000 cash in the van just in case we are robbed.i wouldn’t over night near Calais but still shop in cite europe

 

[VXman]

We’re heading to Europe in September and we’re complete newbies to motorhoming abroad. The horror stories we keep reading of motorhomes being broken in to whilst nearby Calais, just even filling with fuel, or in a queue for a ferry or tunnel, makes me very cautious and I’m looking to improve the security. Of course we’ll be sensible by not stopping nearby unless we have to and stopping at our first site a good hour or so away.

We have travelled through Calais 12 times in the last 3 years. We have shopped at Cite Europe, stayed overnight in nearly Gravelines, queued at ports, filled with fuel and never even seen anything looking suspicious. Looking forward to 6 trips through Calais this year. I wouldn't worry about exaggerated claims and gossip.

 

[daventess]

I used a braddle to start it off then the immense power of my right wrist to turn the screwdriver. You can use a drill but you only need a bite off the self tapper.

Just watched a video of someone installing this :



I have to say, it looks like even I could do that. Does make me wonder if its "secure enough", whatever that really means.

 

[Lenny HB]

Don’t like those Melenco/Fiamma locks, look ugly and gives the scrotes something to leaver on & if they break in they will do far more damage.

If you are going to fit something fit a deadlock or yalelock more decreate and will do a better job.

In 16 years of travelling all over mainland Europe twice sometimes 3 times a year never had a problem or met anyone who has. Most of the places we stop at are Aires or wild spots far safer than the UK. The only place I worry about leaving my van is when in the UK.

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[daventess]

Don’t like those Melenco/Fiamma locks, look ugly and gives the scrotes something to leaver on & if they break in they will do far more damage.

That thought has been the main source of doubt for me. Sometimes I get swayed by the "make your van look less attractive than the next one" argument, but I'm terribly undecided on this.

 

[dunnah01]

I'm far more concerned about the security of our house when I'm away

 

[headlight]

I fitted one of the Fiama door frame locks to my hab door just over a year ago.
It is already going rusty and will have to be removed soon before I start getting rust streaks on the van from it.

 

[HugoBNB]

We put additional locks on our first MH. I am still of the opinion that anything visually making entry more difficult will encourage an opportunistic thief to look elsewhere. In four years we had no issues. Is that proving my point above? I don't think so. On the road, I now think it is more about where you park it.
We have not put them on our new MH. We have, after a lot of teething issues, a good alarm system, and have decided with signage near the locks, that is enough. Make sure you are 100% certain you want them in, as you cannot take them off afterwards!
Your door springing open on the road is something your dealer should be looking at IMHO.
Safe and happy travels.

 

[DaveS]

Thanks for all the continued replies I’m minded to leave as is for the moment. Especially as we have the garage alarmed.
I’ll talk to the dealer about the existing locks to see whether they can be improved to lock / engage more securely.

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