Before embarking on a trip in a camper van or motorhome, it is normal that the first thing you think about is which motorhome safety elements are essential to make your trip safer. And it is that, practically, all the experiences of other travelers that we find on the internet tell us, at some point, about dangerous situations that they have had to face. Therefore, it is not surprising that any of us feels the need to find out all those tips that could save our lives.
Luckily, right now the camper world has advanced a lot, not only in terms of technology but also in terms of the thousands or millions of experiences from other travelers that we can find on the internet and where they tell us their best tips to travel safer. That is why, in this article, we would like to summarize the most important tips that we have collected from other travelers, discussion forums, experience videos and other sources so that you can get a general idea of the security elements in essential motorhome so that your trip is completely safe.
Two types of motorhome safety elements that interest you
Regarding motorhome safety, we can find two types of elements. On the one hand, there are the anti-theft elements , which are those specific when it comes to preventing or curing a case of theft, such as a conventional alarm system, a motorhome security lock or a GPS locator for vehicles . And on the other hand, we have road and external safety elements which are those that can help us in case of danger other than theft, such as a carbon monoxide detector, smoke detector, fire extinguisher, etc. .
For this reason, although the theft issue is the one that worries travelers the most, we encourage you to also take a look at the rest of the security elements in a motorhome because if you have them, they can save you from a good trouble on the road.
Anti-theft elements to be safe in a motorhome
Let's go directly with a list of the safety elements in a motorhome that you can have. It is not necessary to make a check list and have them all, simply reviewing and thinking about which ones could be most useful to you is enough. In fact, the most important thing is that you choose those elements that give you more peace of mind when traveling and spending the night in a camper van.
● Anti-theft pedal lock
One of the ways to prevent the theft of your camper van or motorhome is by locking the pedals. In this way, even if the thief manages to enter our vehicle, it will be completely impossible for him to mobilize it. In this case, there are two types of pedal locks, one that is an adjustable lock that is placed on the clutch completely blocking it. And there is also the pedal-steering wheel lock , which is a long bar that joins these two devices so that they cannot move.
● Safety lock on exterior motorhome
Having an exterior motorhome security system is essential. And it is that, really, the first thing we must try is that the thief does not manage to enter our camper vehicle. Therefore, these exterior security locks are very common among the motorhome community. It consists of some closures that reinforce the interior lock of your van. In this case, you can opt for the kits that come with two, three or four security locks, depending on the number of doors you have in your motorhome.
● Safety lock on interior motorhome
The exterior closures that we have just seen are ideal for when we go for a walk and leave the motorhome parked. On the other hand, interior security locks are usually to secure the doors well when we go to sleep. That is, reinforce the closure from inside the camper van. From what many travelers have, they are external and internal closures. Although there are also automatic interior motorhome security locks (with remote control) which you can activate when you are outside the van and, of course, when you are inside. These are more expensive but do two things in one product.
● GPS tracker safety locator in motorhome
This device can be very useful so that in the worst case, if your van or motorhome is stolen, you can make GPS tracking and always know where your vehicle is. These devices usually use GPS, GSM and GPRS technology that include a SIM card with which to always keep your van located.
● Anti-theft alarm system
We cannot forget the classic anti-theft alarm systems that can be a good deterrent method for the thief. Currently we can find a large number of models that include an engine blocking system, volumetric sensors and a host of accessories that improve security to the maximum so that the alarm is not simply 'making noise'.
● Narcotic gas warning device
This last anti-theft system is highly recommended because, lately, thefts based on narcotic gases have been seen in the camper community. That is, gases that make you enter a deep lethargy and are unaware of what is happening around you. These are usually used at night, while you sleep and, worst of all, when there are animals in the car, it also affects them so it becomes completely impossible for someone to stop the thief. For this reason, these narcotic gas detectors can set off alarms in time and give us the opportunity to react to cover ourselves, open the windows and activate the alarms that we deem appropriate.
Motorhome safety and protection elements
In this second block, as we already mentioned, we will deal with elements that have to do with adverse situations that we cannot control, such as a fire, carbon dioxide leaks, a puncture, etc. And it is that when we travel and live in a motorhome many things can happen that, if we have the right element, we can cope and save our lives and our trip.
● Portable carbon monoxide detector
If in your van you have a stationary heating, stove, water heater or any device that works by burning gas, gasoline or kerosene this device cannot be missing from your vehicle. And it is that carbon monoxide is popularly known as the 'invisible killer' because it is an odorless, colorless and highly toxic gas. These types of gases are those in which you cannot skimp on protection because monoxide poisoning can be fatal. And the truth is that it is a product that does not exceed €30, so due to the function it does and the price it has, it would be essential.
● Fire extinguisher
Carrying a fire extinguisher in your van is also one of the essential basics that a motorhome or camper van should have. Almost all the camperizations are made with wooden slats. So, it doesn't hurt, to have this item that can literally save us and our house on wheels. A fire can be caused by a short circuit, by the kitchen, by some engine failure, etc... In short, there are a large number of variables that can cause a fire to start and nothing better than a fire extinguisher to control it.
● First aid kit
Surely when you go on a trip for several days, you include a small first-aid kit in your suitcase that can get you out of trouble. In this case, motorhome trips that are usually several days or even several weeks in a row, it is essential that you have a first-aid kit. You can find very basic travel first-aid kits, but since we are going in a vehicle, the ideal would be to opt for a complete first-aid kit.
● Rescue plates
Regardless of the type of route you want to do in your motorhome or camper van, these rescue plates can be those typical elements that you don't use for a long time but when you have to use them they can save you from a good problem
Final practical tips for your motorhome safety
Apart from these security elements that can protect you from a robbery or a dangerous situation, it is also important to take into account certain practical tips that you must take into account in order to prevent these events from happening.
● APP Alertcops, an application of the Ministry of the Interior
With this App you can quickly and safely alert the Police and/or the Civil Guard. Thanks to this service, the application detects your geopositioning and refers you to the nearest guard unit that can help you. It also has a practical chat with which you can alert agents with videos or photos. In short, it is a very useful App in emergencies.
● Before staying overnight, take a good look at the reviews
Surely to choose a destination to spend the night you usually look at applications like Park4night, iOverlander or Furgoperfectos. The good thing about these applications is that people who have already spent the night in that place can leave recommendations about noise, lights, security, etc. Therefore, it is important that before spending the night in a specific place, you take a look at the opinions that other campers have left.
