Keeping your Caravan Safe

In recent years the level of reported thefts of touring caravans has reduced substantially, however that is of little consequence to those who become a victim of this type of crime. As a caravan owner it is important to make sure that you do all that you can to protect the security of your caravan, which after all for many is a substantial investment. Tim Booth, from the Caravan Safety & Security Group has some useful advice.

A number of touring caravans have recently been reported as having been stolen in the Derbyshire area. Many of these were from storage that was being provided at farm locations.

The most important consideration when seeking to protect your caravan is to make sure that you meet the standards required by your insurer – you do not have to insure a caravan but of course if you decide to then there will always be policy conditions. Most insurers require you to fit a hitch lock and wheel clamp – but you have to consider whether this is enough.

A caravan stored at an ‘informal’ farm location is often vulnerable as any offender can spend time defeating security devices that you have fitted. So, you need to consider the storage site security. 

• How easy is it for you to collect your caravan? 
• Is there security in place?
• Is the storage area a fenced and gated area? 
• How often have you been ‘challenged’ when collecting your own caravan – or do you have to arrange collection with the storage provider?

If it is very straightforward for you to drive in and collect your caravan, if it is then the same applies to someone seeking to steal your caravan.

How often do you check your caravan? Many operators provide storage, but there is no check of your property once it is parked there – does the storage agreement include checks by the operator? – If not then you need to make regular visits (some of the caravans stolen have not been seen by their owners for a number of months).

If your caravan has an alarm system then make sure that it works – alarms will serve to both deter offenders and attract attention – but if the caravan is in the middle of nowhere then it is unlikely that there would be any response to such an activation.

If your caravan has an after theft recovery device fitted then make sure that you have paid the subscription for the monitoring (many insurers provide a benefit for using these devices – but failure to pay the subscription may leave your insurance invalid).

Some systems can only be activated once the caravan has been stolen – so this may be some considerable time after the event – so the value of such a product may not be as good as you may want to see. There are pro-active devices available – again these offer a benefit with many insurers – the real benefit here is that, if the alarm is linked to a monitoring device, then the alarm activation will be reported to you, and then action can be taken to investigate what is wrong – these systems can also provide live updates of the caravan’s location, enabling an early recovery in the event of a theft (these recoveries on some occasions have been within the hour – so your caravan and the contents are still together).

If you leave ‘caravan’ equipment in your caravan when it is stored then it is a good idea to mark this with your postcode. Not only does this protect your property when you are using the caravan on a site, but it also provides permanent identification of this property should any offender seek to sell, or dispose of the contents of the caravan, after the theft.

A permanent marker pen is ideal for this – one that leaves a mark that you can see, not the ‘hidden’ UV marker. You may also mark the inside of your caravan with the last six numbers of its VIN – its unique identification mark found on the windows. Repeating this mark inside cupboards / lockers within the caravan can help to identify it if the offender works to remove the identification provided by the manufacturer.

Registering your caravan with the CRiS scheme (the UK Central Registration Identification Scheme) can also help the Police to identify your caravan. This is a register of keepers and in the event of a theft then previous keepers can provide information to officers about unique features of the caravan that you previously owned. Introduced back in 1992 the scheme can now provide you with covert identification tags that can be hidden around the caravan. These electronic tags can be read by a special reader that is available to Police officers – so even if the manufacturer’s identification marks have been removed the caravan can still be identified.

To locate secure storage site for your caravan or motorhome, click here.

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Caravan Service Checklist

Whilst MOT style testing for caravans and is not mandatory, it’s always worthwhile taking a few minutes to carry out some simple checks on your caravan to make sure it’s safe and road worthy, and ready for your next trip away.

Taking good care of your caravan throughout the year will help to reduce the likelihood of potential problems – have a look at our blog post about preparing your caravan for winter.

Regular maintenance of electrics, water systems, body work and the interior can ensure that your caravan stays in the best possible condition for as long as possible.

Some quick checks that you can perform yourself include:

• Tyre pressure & condition
• Wheel rims & wheel nut tightness
• Breakaway cable & clip condition
• Coupling head greasing or if stabiliser hitch head is fitted, check the friction pad wear.
• Condition of gas hoses and connections
• Ventilation & gas vents 
• Battery
• Road lights & connections
• 12N, 12S (7-pin) or 13-pin connection cables, plugs & sockets
• RCD cut-out test switch
• Water hoses and connections

Prior to any maintenance work remember to check your caravan handbook for any specific advice, and it may also be worth checking manufacturer advice for any additional equipment you may have had fitted.

It is highly recommended that a comprehensive caravan service is carried out on a yearly basis. This will not only ensure your safety, but could potentially expose problems which if left, could be dangerous and could result in costly repairs in the long run.

A service, which should be carried out by a qualified engineer, should cover the following:

• Hitch head coupling
• Chassis
• Bodywork
• Damp test
• Tyres
• Brakes 
• Suspension
• Handbrake
• Road electrics & Appliance electrics
• Gas system & appliances
• Water system & Toilet

If you store your caravan at an accredited storage site, there may be a regular service engineer who visits. Alternatively, visit www.approvedworkshops.co.uk to find an Approved Workshop in your area.

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Protect your Caravan with CRiS

CRiS (the Central Registration and Identification Scheme) is the National Register for caravan owners in the UK working towards preventing and detecting caravan related crime.

Established in 1992 by the The National Caravan Council, CRiS provides registration documents similar to the DVLA for motor vehicles and maintains information relating to the history of the caravan.

A CRiS check will:

• show if a caravan has ever been written off by an insurance company,
• show if a caravan is subject to any outstanding finance,
• provide details of the current registered keeper, and detail how many owners there have been in the past,
• confirm the make, model and age of a caravan.

All new caravans will be given a unique 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), which is recorded onto an electronic tag and embedded into the bodywork of the caravan, and etched onto the windows. It will also be recorded in the Touring Caravan Registration Document which is kept by the registered keeper of the caravan.

If you are buying a new caravan, the dealer will register the van and you will receive a CRiS certificate shortly after. If you already own, or are considering buying a caravan which was manufactured prior to 1992 when CRiS was established, and therefore does not have a VIN, you can apply for it to be CRiS registered.

If you are looking to buy a used caravan, the CRiS number is really useful in preventing you from purchasing a stolen caravan, or one which has finance outstanding on it. Simply call CRiS with the number which has been etched onto the windows (or stamped on the chassis), and for a small fee they will make sure that the number matches the caravan make and model on their register. It is also advisable to ask the seller for their CRiS registration documents.
Whilst it is highly recommended that you do carry out a full check, you can decode the CRiS number yourself.

Here’s a quick guide:

Say your CRiS number is SGET000EX9AVA5009: 

• The first two characters represent the country of manufacture. SG = United Kingdom
• Second character is the make of the caravan. E = Elddis
• Third character represents the number of axles. T = twin axel (s=single)
• The next three digits are for optional manufacturers data, like the caravan model.
• The eighth & ninth digits show the make of the caravan. EX = Explorer (known as Elddis)
• The tenth digit is the year of manufacture. 9 = 2009
• The final digits are the caravan’s serial number = AVA5009

Please note that the caravan build seasons runs from 1st September to 31st August. This means that a caravan which was built between 1st September 2010 and 31st August 2011 will have a manufacture year code as B for 2011.

For reference, here is complete list of VIN codes: 

Manufacturer codes:

AB = ABI 

AD = Adria 

AV = Avondale

BE = Bessacarr (later built by Swift so will use the SW code)

BU = Buccaneer (later built by Explorer Group so will have code EX)

BY = Bailey 

CL = Carlight 

CM = Coachman 

CP = Compass (could have EX code as were built by Explorer Group) 

CS = Cosalt (later Abbey’s were built by Swift and so will use SW code) 

CU = Sprite (later Sprite’s were built by Swift and so will use SW code) 

EL = Elddis (may carry the EX code, as Explorer Group re-branded to Elidds)

EX = Explorer Group (now known as Elddis) 

FL = Fleetwood 

LU = Lunar 

SW = Swift Group 

Build year codes:

N = 1992 P = 1993 R = 1994 S = 1995 T = 1996 V = 1997 W = 1998 X = 1999 Y = 2000 

1 = 2001 2 = 2002 3 = 2003 4 = 2004 5 = 2005 6 = 2006 7 = 2007 8 = 2008 9 = 2009 

A = 2010 B = 2011 C = 2012 D = 2013 E = 2014

If you’re struggling to decode your CRiS number, here’s a tool that will automatically do it for you:http://www.caravanvindecoder.com/

For more information about CRiS, visit https://www.cris.co.uk/secure

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How to Choose a Storage Site for your Caravan

As the summer season is now drawing to a close you may want to start thinking about where you are going to store your caravan or motorhome over the winter. Whilst your driveway is an option, a secure, accredited storage site has many benefits. If you are looking to place your caravan or motorhome on a secure storage site, here are a few points you may want to consider before making a decision:

First Impressions

Never commit to a self-storage facility without seeing the premises first. It could be much different to how it has been described over the phone or on the website. You’ll also be able to take note of whether the site’s location is convenient for you, if the staff are friendly, and if security features are as advertised. You may want to visit a few different storage sites before you make your final decision.

Security

Concerns about security is often the biggest worry for storage site users. When you visit a storage facility it would be prudent to look out for and ask about the following:

CCTV – most storage sites will have cameras, but it is important to know whether they are in operation 24 hours a day and if they’re monitored. It is also important that CCTV cover more than just the entrance.

Access – Take a note of how easy is it to gain access to the facility? Some facilities will have electric gates which require a pin code for access, whilst for others you may be given a key. Alternatively, some storage sites have a manned reception or office which will grant you access.

Pricing

The cheapest storage option may not necessarily be the best option. Saving money may come at the expense of other factors like location or security. It is always worthwhile making sure what the cost includes.

Opening Hours

If you think you may need access to your caravan or motorhome outside normal business hours, you will need to ask whether the site opening times meet your needs. Whilst some storage sites offer 24 hour access, others may only operate during business hours and with reduced hours at weekends.

Site Facilities & Services

You may want to consider whether additional site amenities like vehicle cleaning and repair facilities are available. Some sites are able to offer both indoor and outdoor storage facilities, and pitches can vary from concrete and tarmac to hard standing.

Other points to consider:

• Will you be issued with a contract?
• How flexible is it?
• Do you require insurance to store your caravan/motorhome on the site?
  
• What happens in case of emergency?
• Is there a phone number to call?
• Will you be contacted?

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Preparing your Caravan for Winter

As summer is coming to an end you may be thinking about preparing your caravan for the winter, so that when you’re ready to get back out on the road again next year its ready to go and in full working order.

Whether you’re going to store your caravan in a secure storage facility or on your driveway, there are a number of things you can do to ready your tourer for hibernation.
Body Work

Whether you are plan to use a cover, overwintering wax coating or store you unit indoors, a thorough cleaning of your caravan is vital to help protect your van and also give you the opportunity to inspect the bodywork for any damage that may have occurred.

Make sure that you use ‘caravan friendly’ products which have been specially formulated for use on caravans, and whilst power washers are great for getting rid of tough dirt, be careful that their strength doesn’t damage bodywork and seals. Always ensure that any signs of green or black mould are removed, as leaving over the winter period may result in permanent marking.

DON’T OVERREACH ON LADDERS & TAKE CARE WHEN CLEANING THE ROOF – WHICH MAY NOT APPRECIATE YOUR WEIGHT ON IT!

Tyres

Ideally, tyres shouldn’t be left standing on the same piece of tread for long periods. Think about turning the wheels every two months and make sure tyre pressures are correct at the same time. To shield tyres from sunlight consider using ‘winter wheels’ – clamps that prevent degradation of the rubber, but be aware that these may not meet required criteria for some caravan insurance policies.

Exterior Fittings

• Check any car to caravan connectors (12N, 12S, 13pin) for signs of damage or wear, and wipe electrical contacts with petroleum jelly or water dispersant such as WD-40.
• Any moving mechanical linkages or parts (corner steadies’, rotating screws, etc) will benefit from an application of grease.
• Check and clean any exterior light fittings – remove and wipe the lens and seals before checking any electrical connections and replace if necessary.
• Interiors
• Keep fridge door ajar using latches to prevent mildew build-up.
• Leave spring loaded blinds in the open position – leaving closed for a prolonged length of time may stretch the springs.
• Remove cushions from the caravan and store somewhere dry and well ventilated – or in an upright position, away from caravan walls if leaving in situ. This will help air to circulate and prevent mildew occurring.
• Leave fixed beds in the open position to aid air circulation.
• Wash and vacuum throughout the interior of the caravan. As well as getting everywhere thoroughly clean, you can check to make sure nothing’s been forgotten and left in the back of a cupboard or seat base.
• Use cleaning products designed for caravans as domestic cleaning fluids may cause damage to the materials used in caravans.
• Leave locker and wardrobe doors open, and make sure roof lights and windows are closed.
• Use a water dispersant such as WD-40 or thin oil to coat hinges and protect against rust.

Toilets

• Cassette toilets should be drained and cleaned, and flush as much water as possible through the system and into the cassette waste tank.
• Remove the waste tank, empty and clean it out.
• The valve blade which seals the toilet from the waste tank should be cleaned with a seal lubricant (not petroleum jelly or vegetable oil), before leaving partially open to prevent it sticking shut.

Water Systems

• Fully drain down the water system to protect against frost damage. Even a small amount of water trapped in a tap head can cause expensive damage.
• Open all the taps and remove the shower head
• Open all drain valves and remove drainage plugs (including any external plugs)
• Remove any filters and store in a safe place for sterilising next season
• Run the on-board pump (if you have one) to clear if of water. It is best to check your handbook for more details on this. The external pump can be shaken free of water.
• Drain any portable water containers and allow it to dry out to prevent mould growth.

Electrics

• If you are leaving a battery unit in your caravan make sure that it is isolated from all 12V equipment using its isolation switch or disconnect it. Alternatively, leave all interior electrical items in the ‘off’ position and disconnect any plugs.
• Unfortunately, even when a battery has been disconnected, it will still discharge over time. If possible, remove the battery unit and take it home to charge periodically.
• If your caravan has a security system or tracker, it will need a source of power which will mean leaving your battery in situ. If this is the case, you will need to charge it onsite or have a replacement to swap over.
• Ideally, you should try to periodically power up your heating system – by hooking your caravan up to a 230V electricity source -throughout the winter. This will not only keep your battery in good condition, but may help to prevent mildew build-up and damp.

Gas

Valves on top of gas cylinders should be closed, or the regulators disconnected from the cylinders. Caps should be fitted over the ends of any open pipework.

If you are putting your caravan into storage you will need to check their gas cylinder policy, as some prohibit the storage of cylinders with your unit.

Ideally, cylinders should be stored in the open air rather than in a shed or garage, as in the event of fire, the fire service will be unaware of their presence. Whether you store the cylinder in the dedicated gas locker of your unit or in the open air, they should be at least two metres from open drains, away from cellar openings and buildings. They should be kept away from heat and ignitable, corrosive, toxic or oxidant materials.

Covering your Caravan
There are two options when it comes to protecting the exterior of your caravan over the winter; a breathable cover or an exterior protector fluid which creates a defensive coating.

Covers should be breathable and soft enough not to damage your bodywork, but tough enough to provide robust protection. When purchasing, look for reinforcements where sharp ends of roof join strips and awning rails will protrude.

Protective waxy coatings are less expensive and will wash off easily after winter, in part due to natural degradation.

In essence, you will get what you pay for with cover protection. From low cost protector fluids to custom made, premium covers, look at your cover as a sacrificial item – covers are cheaper to replace than caravan bodywork.

Top Tips

• Consider getting your caravan serviced prior to hibernation by an industry-recognised service centre, as they are usually less busy during the winter.

• Whether you’re storing your caravan at home or at a storage site, it is well worth returning periodically to let some air circulate by opening windows and roof lights.

• For additional security, even if only to act as a visual deterrent, you may want to fit hitchlocks or wheelclamps. These may also be required by your insurer.

• Prior to any winter preparation work remember to check your caravan handbook for any specific advice, and it may also be worth checking manufacturer advice for any additional equipment you may have had fitted.

It is well worth considering storing your caravan at a secure storage facility. CaSSOA (Caravan Storage Site Owners’ Association) represent over 500 accredited storage sites across the UK, all of which are independently assessed for a range of security features including CCTV, perimeter fencing, access control and on-site facilities.

For more information about secure caravan storage please visit www.cassoa.co.uk.

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