Top Tips for Motorhome Security & Keeping Valuables Safe
Your motorhome isn’t just a vehicle – it’s your home-from-home, your adventure base and for many owners, one of the most valuable assets they own. Keeping it secure is essential, whether you’re touring Europe, parked up on a campsite, or storing it over winter.
At RS, we build motorhomes designed for confidence and comfort and protecting that investment should always be a priority. Below, we break down the top motorhome security measures every owner should consider, combining expert advice with real-world practicality.
Why Motorhome Security Matters
Motorhomes are attractive to thieves for two reasons:
- The vehicle itself is valuable, and
- Many owners leave expensive belongings inside.
The good news? A layered approach to security massively reduces the risk of theft or break-ins. The harder you make it, the quicker a thief will move on.
Let’s dive into the essential motorhome security tips.
1. Start with Basics: Lock Everything, Every Time
It sounds simple because it is. Yet countless thefts happen due to unlocked cab doors, rooflights left open, or exterior lockers unsecured.
Before leaving your motorhome, always do a quick walk-round and check:
- Cab doors
- Habitation door
- Locker doors
- Windows and rooflights
- Garage compartments
This 30-second habit is the cheapest and most effective security measure you’ll ever adopt.
2. Upgrade Your Physical Security Devices
Visible deterrents are extremely effective. Thieves want quick wins, not a fight.
Consider adding:
- Steering Wheel Locks – a strong, brightly coloured lock shows your vehicle won’t be moved easily.
- Wheel Clamps – great for storage situations and long periods of parking
- Additional Deadlocks – aftermarket habitation and cab locks make forced entry far harder.
- Security Door Bars – these reinforce the habitation door from the inside.
For many insurers, devices like wheel clamps and deadlocks aren’t just recommended – they’re required for certain motorhomes. It’s always worth checking your policy.
3. Fit an Alarm & Tracker System
Electronic systems add a crucial second layer of defence.
Motorhome Alarm System
Look for features such as:
- Perimeter protection
- Motion sensors
- Tilt sensors (to detect jacking or towing)
- Habitation area coverage
Some systems allow you to move inside at night without triggering interior sensors – ideal for touring.
GPS Tracker
If your motorhome is ever moved without your knowledge, a tracker gives you the best chance of getting it back quickly. Many high-end models offer:
- Real-time tracking
- Geofencing alerts
- 24/7 monitoring
This has become a standard requirement for most insurance providers.
4. Keep your Motorhome Secure in Storage
Where you store your motorhome matters just as much as how you secure it.
At Home:
- Add motion-activated lighting
- Use CCTV or video doorbells
- Fit a lockable driveway bollard
- Position the motorhome tightly against a wall or hedge to block access to doors
At a Storage Site:
Choose somewhere with:
- High fencing
- Gated access
- CCTV
- Staff or regular security patrols
CASSOA-approved sites are a strong choice for peace of mind.
5. Protect your Belongings Inside the Motorhome
Even if someone gains access, you can reduce losses.
- Install a safe – a bolted-down safe keeps passports, cash, jewellery and small electronics secure.
- Hide high-value items – avoid leaving laptops, drones or cameras out on display. Thieves are opportunists.
- Close blinds when away – don’t advertise what’s inside, limit visibility from outside.
- Mark or register your valuables – use property marking kits or record serial numbers for easier recovery.
6. Be security-smart on campsites
Campsites feel safe and usually are, but theft can still happen.
- Lock up outdoor gear – bikes, e-bikes, BBQs, scooters and chairs should always be locked with solid D-locks or heavy-duty chains.
- Keep the area tidy – the more you leave out, the more attention your pitch draws.
- Think before posting online – sharing your exact location in real-time can advertise that your home (or motorhome) is unattended.
Just a little caution goes a long way.
7. Check your insurance requirements
Many insurance policies specify security requirements depending on the motorhome’s value. These may include:
- Wheel clamps
- Category 1 alarms
- Thatcham-approved trackers
- Storage conditions
If you don’t meet these requirements, it could affect a future claim, so always read the fine print.
8. Build layered security system
The best approach? Multiple layers of protection.
Security is far more effective when built as a combination of:
- Common-sense habits
- Physical deterrents
- Electronic systems
- Responsible storage
- Good insurance compliance
Each layer adds valuable protection, and together they make your motorhome a significantly harder target.
RS Insight: Protecting What Matters
At RS, we design and build motorhomes crafted around quality, comfort and real-world usability. Security is a big part of that commitment. While we build our vehicles with robustness in mind, the steps you take as an owner add crucial protection.
Whether you’re storing your RS Motorhome or heading off on your next adventure, a strong security setup ensures you can focus on what matters most – enjoying the journey.