Installing a wireless alarm on your touring caravan is an easy way to improve your caravan security. In fact, it might even be a requirement for your insurance policy or at the very least get you some kind of discount.
This will not only protect the caravan or motorhome itself but also deter thieves from stealing the contents as well.
Before writing this article I had a good chat with my friend Steve who is an experienced caravanner. He said “Having an alarm gives me that extra peace of mind to prevent a break in.. My caravan is stored on the drive at home and as well as the alarm, I have a hitch lock and a sticker on each window to say there is a tracker fitted. There isn’t a tracker, but I think the sticker helps put people off”
Table of Contents
Best Caravan and Motorhome Alarms
We’ve put together a list of the best low-budget wireless alarms that are quick to install. Though these alarm system options are not a complete caravan security system, they will give you some peace of mind the next time your caravan is left unattended on the campsite or driveway.
The Bositools wireless PIR motion sensor alarm system is the cheapest on this list but still has similar features to the other products mentioned. Like the other alarms mentioned on this list, the Bositools product has a loud alarm triggered by its infra-red motion sensor. The package includes a mounting bracket and two remote control keyrings.
The PIR motion sensor has a scanning area of 110° which is quite a large area for such an affordable and simple caravan alarm system. You can disable the alarm using the given remote controls from a distance as far as five meters from the alarm. Attach the remote control to the rest of your keys with the provided key ring. This way you will always have the remote control handy with less risk of losing it.
When the caravan alarm system is set off, it will produce a very loud sound at 105db. This is more than enough to catch the attention of anyone nearby.
Since it is a wireless system, you will only need batteries (not included) for power. However, Bositools has designed the alarm that it can be connected to a 6V adapter (not included), if you prefer.
If you are looking for a good deal then opt for the WER 2-pack. This alarm system has basically the same specs as the Bositools product but is even more affordable considering you get two separate alarms. Each alarm includes two key ring remote controls.
Like the Bositools product, the WER version has a 110° scanning area and produces a sound at 105db. When it detects movement within five meters, the LED light will give off a warning light at first. If the alarm has not been deactivated after 10 -15 seconds then the alarm will sound its noise for 40 – 50 seconds. This should be long enough to alert the neighbours that something is wrong.
This caravan alarm system can only be installed indoors because it is not waterproof nor weatherproof. You place it on the inside of your caravan door, instead.
You can be assured of quality because WER offers buyers a 24-month guarantee and cashback if the alarm is found to be faulty within 45 days.
A more robust option for a caravan alarm is the Defender PIR motion sensor alarm. Instead of keyring remote controls, this caravan alarm system comes with an RF key fob.
Once it is activated, this Defender alarm gives you 30 seconds to exit and enter the area.
One of the plus points of this alarm system is that it will release a warning beep when motion is detected in its scanning area. This is also a reminder for you to disarm the alarm. If the alarm is not disarmed on time then it releases a powerfully loud 130db noise. Far louder than the other motion sensor alarms on this list.
Adequate security for your caravan is very important. Although this list has given you several easy to install wireless alarm system options, you should consider other effective caravan security measures, as well. Think of products such as advanced locks for doors and windows, wheel clamps or caravan hitch locks. If you do have constant access to electricity, then you might want to invest in a more dependable electrical alarm system.
When you don’t want much hassle in installing a security system, consider sticking these window stickers. These windows stickers are a dummy warning stating that the vehicle is equipped with a tracker and alarm system monitored by the police. Platinum Place makes these stickers look authentic by printing on your registration number. Each pack comes with a set of four waterproof stickers that do not fade.
A tracker is a very effective security measure for your caravan. Alarms are less deterring to experienced thieves because they can be disabled on site. A tracker, on the other hand, is much more difficult to disable. If there isn’t an actual tracker on your caravan, you can still use these dummy window stickers to make intruders believe that you do. Combine these stickers with one of the wireless motion sensor alarms for a hassle-free and quick to install security measure to deter thieves from entering your caravan.
Buyers Guide
An alarm is something you should definitely consider buying. Touring caravans are an expensive piece of kit and some of them are not the most well built and can be quite easy to break into (when compared to your house). No one wants their holiday home to go missing.
Different Types Of Alarm
Door Contact Alarms
These are ones where half of it fits on the inside of your door and the other half on the door frame. If the alarms set and the sensors detect that they doors moved then the alarm goes off.
PIR and Tilt
PIR stands for passive infrared detector. These are a type of burglar alarm that is in most house alarms. As a child, I would always try and move around the room without setting the alarm off but I could never do it now matter how slow I moved.
The tilt sensor will detect if the caravan has moved. If a thief tries to hook it up and moves the caravan then the alarm should sound.
Contact systems
These are not as popular as they do cost a bit more and require you to purchase a sim card to go inside it. Basically, if your caravan detects movement it will either call or text to your mobile phone and alert you that your caravan has moved.
We recommend picking one that calls rather than texts as its a bit more reliable.
Tracking Systems
Tracking devices are the best method. Even if your caravan is stolen there is a greater chance you will get it back. It works through GPS and enables the tracking system company to track down the movements of the caravan. Look for ones with battery back-up as people often forget to charge their batteries on these.
Immobiliser
This isn’t for caravans. This is something to consider for motorhome security.
Other Security Devices
We would recommend not just buying an alarm but also looking at other caravan security options as well. Take a look hitch locks, wheel clamps and trackers.
If you are worried about the area you live in then have a look at what local caravan storage options there are. Your caravan will be in a secure lock-up.
Cheaper Caravan Insurance
The simple fact is that having an alarm or tracker installed will help with your insurance premium.
FAQ
If you had to pick between an alarm and a tracker which one would you pick?
I would 100% pick a tracker. Thieves can take quite a risk and could quickly disconnect the alarm. A tracker will be a lot harder to find and there’s a greater chance you will get your caravan back.
How loud are these alarms?
Our one concern is that some of them are not loud enough. Also, a lot of people tend to ignore alarms nowadays.
Are these alarms easy to fit?
If you consider yourself pretty handy with DIY then yeah, give it a go. If not you might want to give your local dealer a ring and find out how much it would cost.
Can thieves jam the alarms?
Yes, it is always possible they could use a jammer if the alarm is wireless. If you want to be extra secure, look at wired alarms.
How long do batteries last in these alarms?
Change them regularly. I recommend changing them every 6 months. Batteries are cheap compared to your caravan and its contents.
Will I get a discount on my insurance if I have one fitted?
Yes, most insurance companies will offer a 5% or more discount if you do. This will vary from company to company.