Tenting Resource Centre
A touring tent has a chassis with either one or two axles and
is designed for recreational living. It is traditionally built on
a wooden frame with an aluminium shell. Although tents are still
built this way, there is more use of moulded fibreglass and plastics
in addition to the aluminium panels. There are also some manufacturers
who use fibreglass and plastic panels to the exclusion of aluminium.
There are hundreds of security devices on the market and some are better than others. None will make your tent totally thief-proof, but they will make most thieves think twice about stealing your 'van. Buy the best security you can afford and make sure the thief knows the device is fitted. Stickers are usually supplied with security items - so use them!
Hitch Locks
Hitch locks provide a reasonable degree of protection from the opportunist thief. Get one that is manufactured from heavy steel to cover the tow socket fixing bolts and has a good lock.
Some hitch locks can lock the tent to the car but make sure it is unlocked when you are actually towing - use them only on site or if you leave the tent unattended. They don't generally offer sufficient security for when the tent is in storage, but they will make things much harder for a thief.
Wheel Clamps
There are many different kinds of wheel clamps on the market, but remember, generally speaking the easier they are to put on the easier they are for a thief to take off.
Buy a good clamp and check that it correctly fits your tent's wheel - if they don't fit correctly, a thief can remove the wheel and the clamp with it.
Wheel Stands
If you think that wheel stands are the only way to keep hold of your 'van, think again - a determined thief will come prepared with a set of wheels. But wheel stands can be a deterrent; if you make sure they are locked in place.
Check your handbook as some chassis manufacturers recommend axle stands for winter storage.
Make sure you check with your insurers that they are happy to let you keep your tent on wheel stands, as some insurance policies call for the van to be fitted with a wheel clamp at all times.
Security Posts
These are particularly useful for those who keep their tent on the drive at home. They are cemented into the drive and physically block movement of the tent. Some can be fitted with a towbar on top of the post so that the tent can be fixed with a hitch lock. Others are detachable or can fold down so that the tent can be manoeuvred into position.
Make Crime Pay
If you have any information concerning tent theft or disposal of stolen tents contact the confidential free phone Crimestoppers Line on 0800 555111. You can stay anonymous and you may be entitled to an reward.
Leaving your tent
Storage sites are particularly popular with thieves - there are lots of tents to choose from and often plenty of undisturbed time in which to work.
Thieves don't care if you are on holiday - they'll steal tents from lay-bys, motorway service stations and picnic sites. Even if you're just stopping for a cup of tea or to stretch your legs, make sure your tent is secured.
Parking in your driveway or garden is no guarantee against theft either, so stay alert.
Selling Your Tent
If you're selling a tent, never part with your tent until the cheque has cleared. This includes building society cheques and bank drafts - they could be stolen or forged, leaving you without a tent or money.
Buying a Tent
If you are buying a tent, always meet at the seller's house. If they insist they meet you in another location, such as a car park or your house, be suspicious. Make sure that the house they claim to live in is actually theirs - sellers have been known to use the driveway of an empty house.
If the tent is CRIS registered (see our "CRIS and Tent Security" page) call CRIS as they will have records of the owner as well as records of scrapping, theft or if it is subject to outstanding finance.
Check the tent's chassis number for signs of tampering. If it has been removed or altered, contact the police.
If the seller asks you to ring only at certain times, be wary.
They may be using a public call box to cover their tracks - dial
100 and ask the operator to check for you
Click on a region on the map for a list of counties or select a county from the box below and click Search.
