What a plonker......! and on her way

[thebriars]

that only checks the bulbs and hazard circuit, any faults in the individual sided indicator circuits wont show

The side indicators on the mirrors work if the hazard lights are on. The orange lights on the side of the van work from the side lights switch and again work without the engine on.

 

[Minxy]

One of the reasons I hate vans with caravan style windows.

Way too easy to open from outside

The seitz windows in frames are much harder to open that way

Actually when we were in Pisa a couple of years ago next to us was another camper ... both our 'caravan style' window and their flush window were forced, so IMV they don't offer any more protection, in fact the flush ones allow better leverage force due to their tight fit whereas our windows tend to have a bit of give in them.

 

[Minxy]

Just a word of caution ref the 'lock-m-out' type slide over deterrents. They won't give a toss if they're fitted or not as they pull the window until the catches break ... or the window does!

We've seen 2 motorhomes on our travels with broken windows because the catches didn't give when they were being broken into ... if it's gonna happen I'd rather have the catches break which can be easily replaced than the whole window.

 

[busbuddy]

The side indicators on the mirrors work if the hazard lights are on. The orange lights on the side of the van work from the side lights switch and again work without the engine on.

yes, all the indicator bulbs will flash with the hazards but the circuits from the indicator stalk are not the same so your hazards could work but the stalk circuit does not and vice versa

 

[thebriars]

Crikey, if you are testing the electrics to that level you will need a full diagnostics kit and a full half day testing before setting off anywhere.

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[maison]

Just a word of caution ref the 'lock-m-out' type slide over deterrents. They won't give a toss if they're fitted or not as they pull the window until the catches break ... or the window does!

We've seen 2 motorhomes on our travels with broken windows because the catches didn't give when they were being broken into ... if it's gonna happen I'd rather have the catches break which can be easily replaced than the whole window.

Can’t disagree with what you say but that applies to all preventative measures. If someone is determined to break in, they will, and will do more damage whatever device they are trying to overcome.

 

[Minxy]

Can’t disagree with what you say but that applies to all preventative measures. If someone is determined to break in, they will, and will do more damage whatever device they are trying to overcome.

Yes ... if they want to be in, they will be in, but having to replace a catch rather than a whole window is a lot easier ... having met someone who had set off on a long tour and shortly after arriving in the EU were broken into and had their window cracked in half, it can cause a LOT of hassle and extra expense as he couldn't get the window abroad so rather than cancel his trip, return to the UK to get it sorted and then set off again, he decided to pay to have it temporary 'bodged' which I think cost him €300 or so, something which he couldn't claim back from his insurance company. It wouldn't have taken any longer for the miscreants to break the window than break the catches but the hassle/cost involved was much greater.

We did consider the Lock-m-out seriously and if we ever did decide to get any the first thing we would do is spray them luminous yellow so they can be easily seen from outside as it isn't obviously the are even fitted with them being black. The makers of these have had this mentioned to them by lots of people but still choose to only produce black ones!

 

[maison]

@Minxy Girl
Firstly, any determined thief that over-rides physical anti-theft measures will do damage. That’s no justification for not bothering to improve security.

However, secondly, your idea of spraying the Lock-em-out bright yellow, to make them show up, is inspired. I will buy a can of spray paint tomorrow!

We have a Tracker, fit a strap between the front doors, turn and lock the driver’s seat when we leave it parked, and have the Lock-em-out.

Short of not going away at all that’s all I am prepared to do. We are supposed to enjoy motorhoming, not obsess over it.

Happy motorhoming to all.

 

[Minxy]

@Minxy Girl
Firstly, any determined thief that over-rides physical anti-theft measures will do damage. That’s no justification for not bothering to improve security.

Where did I say that it was? In our camper we have an alarm and an immobiliser and I have put in window bars which would prevent someone getting in easily even if they did force the windows, they also stop the dogs 'falling' out too!

If you want to use these window things then that's your choice - all I'm trying to say is that people can add as much security stuff as they wish but few think of the 'consequences' of doing so and therefore don't always way up the additional perceived security pros against the cons of the extra damage done because of having them.

Some fit a safe but if a determined thief wants the contents but can't get it open they have been know to rip it out of the floor completely (or wherever it's secured) and do a hell of a lot of damage ... this isn't rumour, it has happened. We prefer to use good hiding places for stuff so a thief would have to spend a LOT of time trying to find it and probably wouldn't anyway even if they did.

Its all about weighting it all up rather than just buying and installing stuff because it seems a good idea ... think about it in more detail is all I'm saying.

 

[Minxy]

@Minxy Girl
However, secondly, your idea of spraying the Lock-em-out bright yellow, to make them show up, is inspired. I will buy a can of spray paint tomorrow!

If you want to be different you could go for some luminous green ... or pink!

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[maison]

If you want to be different you could go for some luminous green ... or pink!

I was serious about taking up your idea. I have a full colour range of acrylic paints in my “man cave” so may end up with a rainbow wagon!

At least you will be able to recognise us even if you can’t spot the Funster sticker!

 

[thebriars]

Frankly motorhome security is like house security. If they really want to get in or nick it they will. However, if a first assessment says this is going to be difficult, there is a good chance they will look for easier opportunities!

 

[Minxy]

Frankly motorhome security is like house security. If they really want to get in or nick it they will. However, if a first assessment says this is going to be difficult, there is a good chance they will look for easier opportunities!

In which case make some 'mock' L-M-outs ....

 

[thebriars]

I made my own brake pedal lock out of some B&Q angle iron with some welding and angle grinding. The yellow paint for it cost the same as the length of angle iron. As its an auto, it cannot even be taken out of park.

 

[AndyPK]

I've a Crooklok on mine when parked at home.... but it can't be seen 'on site' because of the Silver Screen......

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[Steve494]

Hi All,
Just thought I’d post what we do.

I have a magnetic box under the motorhome with just a habitation door in and I have the rest of the spare set of keys hidden in the motorhome.
The logic being that if someone finds the magnetic box they have still got to find the ignition key if they want to pinch the motorhome. Also, if it drops off it’s not that expensive to replace (as opposed to ignition key)
One good tip is not to trust the magnetic box 100%. They are designed to be ‘stuck’ upside down under the vehicle relying purely on the magnet to hold it in place. What I do is to find a good place (there are LOTS of good places on a coachbuilt) such as part of the metal subframe and ‘stick’ the magnet ON TOP of the metal subframe. Then with gravity on its side all the magnet needs to do is to stop the box from sliding off.
I’ve done this for years (after locking myself out of a car once!)

I once had a phone call from my brother who had locked himself out of a car he had bought from me. I said to him “it’s a long shot but get under the car at the front and check at the bottom of the radiator for a little metal box” when he checked it was still there 10 YEARS AFTER I HAD PUT IT THERE!!

 

[Clive Beeza]

get a spare set of keys,
wrap several times in clingfilm
put into a rubber kitchen glove
(stay with me )
Crawl under the van and cable tie the "Saviour"
well out of site in the chassis recesses
In future
You may loose your keys
You may lock yourself out
and although you'll need to crawl to reach your squirrelled away cache
you will be glad you planned for such an eventuality.

 

[Don Quixote]

Doh............

 

[Minxy]

get a spare set of keys,
wrap several times in clingfilm
put into a rubber kitchen glove
(stay with me )
Crawl under the van and cable tie the "Saviour"
well out of site in the chassis recesses
In future
You may loose your keys
You may lock yourself out
and although you'll need to crawl to reach your squirrelled away cache
you will be glad you planned for such an eventuality.

Some 'gentlemen' may have an alternative to the kitchen glove ... ... after all they're probably out of date anyway!

 

[Minxy]

Crawl under the van and cable tie the "Saviour" well out of site in the chassis recesses

... and swear like billy-o as you graze your knuckles and bash your head whilst trying to get the ruddy thing off!

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[AndyPK]

Are we talking about the 'gentlemens' alternative here, Minxy...... !!!

 

[Rodneyplonker]

I use a magnetic box which I attach to the metal back of the fridge - via the bottom fridge vent. I attach it slightly up from the vent so that it cannot be seen. To be honest, it is black plastic and looks like a fridge component so, not easily spotted anyway. Never moves and stays dry.
Easy access if needed.

 

[Minxy]

I use a magnetic box which I attach to the metal back of the fridge - via the bottom fridge vent. I attach it slightly up from the vent so that it cannot be seen. To be honest, it is black plastic and looks like a fridge component so, not easily spotted anyway. Never moves and stays dry.
Easy access if needed.

... you might want to find a new location for it now ....

 

[SuperMike]

Ours is a digital key safe located under the bonnet, of the same type used at peoples front doors. Popping the bonnet will set off the alarm but it gets you the keys.

 

[Rodneyplonker]

... you might want to find a new location for it now ....

Haha! Find me if you can!

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[mitzimad]

I've got a jab door key gaffer taped under the van but cat remember where

 

[Minxy]

Haha! Find me if you can!

... I'm behind you ...

 

[jezport]

I've a Crooklok on mine when parked at home.... but it can't be seen 'on site' because of the Silver Screen......

Any child over 3 could be shown how to remove a crooklock. Its more of a joke to thieves and may even attract them as they then think all your security will be as poor. I could take it off as quick without the key as you can with the key.

 

[jezport]

You can put as many locks on a plastic window as you want but they can still be torn open with no tools.
Its cheaper to replace some plastic catches than a whole window.