12 safety tips and accessories for Motorhomes
Feeling at home when travelling in a motorhome means much more than being comfortable and decorating it to your liking, it also means having the confidence that you, your family and all your belongings will be safe both while driving and during an overnight stay.
Stay tuned to this blog if you want to discover 12 tips to make your motorhome trip safer.
1. Motorhome insurance cover
As with any vehicle, it is mandatory to take out insurance to be able to drive your motorhome (Access the following link if you want to learn more about this subject: different insurances for motorhomes and camper vans) In addition, in the case of motorhomes, there are specific policies that cover accidents such as fire, theft of belongings, window breakage, etc.
We advise you to contact different insurance agents so that they can inform you and, in this way, help you choose the insurance policy for your motorhome that best suits your needs and travel style.
2. Anti-theft alarm system for doors and windows.
One of the most important elements to increase the security of your motorhome is the installation of an anti-theft alarm system for doors and windows.
There are many anti-theft alarm systems for motorhomes on the market, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs and budget. You will find alarm systems for doors and windows from €100 to the most sophisticated that can cost up to €500 (or more).
Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
- Basic feature that the anti-theft system for motorhomes must have: acoustic warning and magnetic sensors when opening all the doors and windows of the motorhome.
- Most burglaries occur through windows, so paying extra attention to your security is important.
- There are alarm systems that, in addition to the magnetic sensor, have volumetric sensors that detect movement inside the motorhome. If you choose this option, you must take into account that both systems can be activated and deactivated independently, since if you are inside the motorhome or if you travel with your pet and it stays inside, you will have to deactivate the volumetric system and keep only the magnetic system on.
- A very interesting extra in the security systems for motorhomes is the GSM call or sending a message to the mobile phone in case the alarm sounds.
3. GPS locator.
There are already many anti-theft alarm systems with GPS tracking. If you want to include an extra security feature to your motorhome trips, the GPS locator is a great option.
It is a device that allows the timely location and real-time tracking of your motorhome through any device: mobile phone, tablet, laptop, etc.
4. Surveillance cameras.
Installing surveillance cameras connected to your mobile phone will allow you to observe what is happening inside your motorhome at all times and in real time.
It is also very useful if you travel with pets and at some point they have be left alone in the vehicle. However, be careful in these situations! If they stay, you must make sure that the temperature is optimal and that they have water and food.
5. Security lock for doors.
Benimar motorhomes are equipped with strong, durable locks. Even so, if you want to take extra precautions, there are additional locks on the market that you can install on your motorhome if you want to increase its security.
What should you consider when choosing an additional security lock for your motorhome doors?
It must be a lock that can be opened and closed from the outside as well as from the inside.
The most recommended material is aluminium.
Install the complementary lock, not only on the main access door to your motorhome, but also on the chest and garage doors.
6. Fire extinguishers
Is it mandatory to carry a fire extinguisher in your motorhome? No. Is it recommendable? Yes.
It should be placed in a visible place so that, in the event of a small fire, sparks, short circuit or overheating of any element, it is easy to locate and use.
What type of fire extinguisher is the most advisable to carry in a motorhome?
A 1kg powder extinguisher. It is small and has 8A, 34B and C ground resistance.
7. Gas detector and smoke detector.
In addition to having a fire extinguisher in your motorhome, you can install a gas and smoke detection system.
Its operation is simple and wireless models are available for easy installation.
8. Safe-deposit box
Do you want to carry a valuable item with you that you need to protect more carefully? You can purchase a safe for these items and hide it wherever you see fit.
There are safes of different sizes and locking systems. Choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
9. Anti-theft wheel clamp.
The anti-theft wheel locks prevent your motorhome being moved, the simplest method but at the same time one that best deters any thief.
They are usually made of reinforced steel, so they are very resistant to corrosion, temperature changes and scratches.
10. AlertCops App.
Very useful and free of charge.
AlertCops is an application from the Ministry of the Interior that, in the event of an alert situation, sends your location to the nearest emergency centre, so that the National Police, local or Civil Guard can help you by going where you are and even contacting you through a chat.
11. Safe places to spend the night.
The places where most thefts occur are the motorway rest areas, so try to avoid them if possible.
Instead, plan your trip ahead of time and always look for places that are suitable for overnight stays. Most areas and camping sites that have a motorhome area have good security and the chances of theft are very low.
12. Common sense.
Most of these unpleasant situations can be avoided if common sense is used. If you have any questions or are interested in acquiring safety accessories for your Benimar motorhome, please contact one of our distributors. They will inform you about everything you need to know.