MH Security ideas

Sheba · Guru

MH Security ideas

Hoboe · Member

I have a Ford Trader ( diesel ) former tipper with a caravan efectively bolted on the back. I have 3 security issues and am looking for ideas to tackle them. I've got a few ideas but I'm sure there must be better ones out there.

1) - What is a good way to stop someone starting the motor without they key ? In my old holden I used to remove the rotor button from the dizzie - is there a comparable method for a diesel ?

2) - The cab and the van are separate so I am worried about being locked in while someone drives off with me in the back, unable to get out. ( One door and small windows) Whats a good method to lock the door but ensure I cant be locked in ?

3) Also worried about van being moved by handbrake release and being taken out of gear while I'm sleeping. Is an alarm all there is to stop this ?

thanks

Hoboe

GaryKelly · Guru

I use a steering wheel lock... the bar type that locks on. Turn the wheels to full lock before you put the lock in place, so the car goes around in circles if anyone plays a prank while you're in the back, or away somewhere.

Legendts · Senior Member

Could fit a valve in the fuel line, maybe a solenoid valve switched via a hidden switch in the cab or even a second one in the MH?

Keith19837 · Senior Member

The hidden switch idea is great. Ask any U/40 year old to start a '50's to early 60's car equipped with the old 'starter button' and they'll turn the key and figure that the battery must be flat. On minis (and many others) the starter button was under the seat and some cars had them in plain view on the dash, as Plods we noticed the 'youngies' couldn't get their heads around it. For the living quarters, dead bolts with one way screws work well (for both inside or outside). Just don't lock yourself in without being able to locate the key (best left in the lock) in case of fire, shark attack, etc.

For what it's worth.

GypsyBob · Veteran Member

twiggs wrote:
I have an older van and I have a coplock which has worked very well, have a look at his site. cop_lock.com.au

The web site is http://coplock.com.au/ :)

-- Edited by GypsyBob on Saturday 10th of August 2013 12:58:06 PM

twiggs · Member

I have an older van and I have a coplock which has worked very well, have a look at his site. cop_lock.com.au

smile mike

spida · Guru

I have an isolator switch for the battery - which I have never bothered to use. As I pointed out to someone they only have to get in to the ute, pop the bonnet and flick the switch - to which the reply was that the people who would break in probably dont have enought brains to think of that! Not sure where you are planning to be staying. I have had 15 months alone on the road all around Aus and have not felt the slightest bit nervous camping anywhere.

Sheba · Guru

http://coplock.com.au/

GypsyBob, the :) stopped it from being "Clickable".

Cheers,

Sheba.

-- Edited by Sheba on Saturday 10th of August 2013 08:03:47 PM

Hoboe · Member

Thanks everyone for those ideas. I suppose its obvious I havent started out yet ! So many things to worry about.

hako · Guru

An obvious one is to run a heavy chain through one of the wheels and over the chassis - use a high tensile chain that cannot be cut with boltcutters and have it so it is obvious.
But really I don't think an old Trader would be a favourite theft item. What I'd lock is the fuel filler - with an electric pump you can pump 100 litres of diesel in a few minutes silently. I'd think about a 2nd exit...even a larger window just in case of fire.
No matter what, the chances of you having an 'event' would be less likely than you winning $1000 on a scratchie (providing you buy tickets!)
Good Luck.

mr glassies · Guru

carpet snake in the cab wile your asleep

dibs

allinone · Senior Member

Welcome Hoboe
Too much of thinking like this is not good karma in life.
Anyway I sleep with the ignition key in place while I sleep in the back, just in case I need to make a quick getaway.
Who would want to steal an old slow truck anyway, much faster mehtods are always very closeby anyway.
Maybe get a dog and let it sleep in the truck while you're in the rear.
Travel happy and be safe

freehazzas · Senior Member

If your in the back you will be able to unlock your door from the inside to let yourself out, so sleep with a spare set of keys and ifmyour taken in your truck just wait till they stop then let yourself out and drive it home. Lol most things stolen are good vans that are easy to change the plates and move on.
If i was really worried i would just go with a stearing lock. Its enough deterant to stop them bothering.

Hoboe · Member

I reckon a dog is a good idea. To those who think I'm a bit batty you wouldn't think that if you knew what it was like to be home while someone is trying to break down your front door in a drug crazed frenzy and having the cops haul him away. Strange and unexpected things do sometimes happen.

freehazzas · Senior Member

Hoboe, if that was me i would have snuck out the back door, went round to the front and hit him oiver the head HARD with a base ball bat.