Campervan security tips you need to know: Real-world advice from the Orange Campers Workshop

Owning a campervan is something special. It’s not just a vehicle – it’s freedom, comfort, memories in the making, and something most people have worked incredibly hard for.

So it’s only natural that campervan security is something many owners worry about.

The good news? Keeping your campervan safer doesn’t have to mean one expensive, complicated solution. In reality, the most effective approach is about layers, sensible choices, and a few simple habits that make your 'van far less attractive to thieves.

In this guide, Richard from Orange Campers shares practical, real-world campervan security advice – the same advice we give our own customers, based on years of building, owning and using campervans ourselves.

Before you read on, take a few minutes to watch Richard talk through campervan security. He shares some practical advice on how to protect your campervan and make it far less appealing to thieves.

Campervan security starts with the right mindset

First things first: no campervan is completely theft-proof.

Anyone who promises otherwise isn’t being honest.

What is possible, though, is making your campervan harder to steal, slower to break into, and much more likely to be left alone.

Good campervan security is about:

• slowing thieves down

• increasing noise, effort and risk

• making your 'van look like too much hassle

And when that happens, most will simply move on.

Trackers: the backbone of campervan security

Every Orange Campers 'van comes with a Thatcham-approved tracker fitted as standard.

A tracker won’t physically stop a theft, but it dramatically improves your chances of getting your campervan back.

In many cases, stolen 'vans are parked up nearby while thieves wait to see if tracking kicks in. When it does, recovery is often quick – with minimal damage.

This is why we see trackers as essential, not optional. They’re a core part of sensible campervan security and one of the biggest sources of peace of mind for owners.

Upgrading campervan security with an immobiliser tracker

For added protection, you can choose to upgrade to an immobiliser tracker system.

These use a separate card or tag that works alongside your key. If the tag isn’t present, the campervan simply won’t start – even if someone has managed to get hold of the key.

The key thing to remember, though: never store your key and immobiliser tag together!

Keep them in different pockets or places, so even if one is taken, the system still does its job.

If there’s an attempted start, the system alerts you immediately, which is another strong deterrent and an extra layer of security.

Deadlocks: physical campervan security that adds real resistance

Deadlocks are a popular campervan security upgrade because they physically secure the doors to the body of the 'van.

Modern deadlocks are discreet, neat, and far removed from the bulky work-van locks people often imagine. Once locked, doors cannot be opened – even if the central locking is triggered – until the deadlock itself is unlocked.

They’re particularly effective when you’re away from the vehicle and can be fitted to multiple doors for added protection.

Steering locks and pedal locks: still worth it

They might feel old-school, but steering locks remain one of the most effective visual campervan security deterrents available.

If someone looks through the window and sees a solid steering lock in place, they know they’re facing noise, effort and time – all things thieves want to avoid.

Pedal locks work in a similar way, physically preventing the use of the brake or clutch.

Yes, they’re a bit bulky. Yes, they take a moment to fit. But they work – and that’s what matters!

Small habits that strengthen your campervan security

Some of the most effective campervan security measures are surprisingly simple.

Turning your front seats around when parked, chaining the steering wheel to a seat frame, or even looping a seatbelt around the steering wheel all add delay.

They force someone to stop, think, and work things out – which is often enough to make them walk away.

Wheel clamps: highly visible campervan security

External wheel clamps are one of the most obvious campervan security measures you can use.

They’re particularly effective when your campervan is parked at home, as they’re impossible to miss and very difficult to remove quietly.

The only downside is storage space when travelling – something every campervan owner is familiar with – but for home use when parked on the drive, they’re a strong deterrent.

Window protection and clever innovations

Campervan windows can be a weak point, especially plastic windows that can be prised open.

One clever solution we like is Lock M Out – a British-designed device that slides over the internal window handle and prevents it from being levered open.

It’s quick to fit, easy to remove, and a great example of simple innovation improving campervan security without complexity.

Safes: protecting what matters most

Campervan security isn’t just about the vehicle itself - it’s also about what’s inside.

We often fit safes into our 'vans, bolted securely through the floor and placed in discreet locations.

They’re ideal for passports, important documents, money or personal items, especially if you’re travelling abroad.

It’s one of those additions you hope you’ll never need, but you’ll be glad it’s there.

Alarms and ghost immobilisers

There are many alarm options available, from simple window alarms to advanced ghost immobiliser systems.

Ghost systems require a specific sequence of actions (such as indicator or control movements) before the campervan will start. It’s another effective layer of campervan security that ensures only you can drive away.

Why trackers remain the most important layer

Richard has experienced vehicle theft first-hand, and it’s not something anyone forgets. The moment you realise your 'van isn’t where you left it is deeply unsettling.

In his case, a tracker meant the vehicle was located quickly, recovered safely, and returned with minimal damage.

That’s why, when it comes to campervan security, we always come back to the same point: tracking makes recovery possible.

The golden rule of campervan security: layers matter

There is no single solution that guarantees safety.

The strongest campervan security comes from combining:

• electronic protection

• physical locks

• visible deterrents

• good everyday habits

Together, they make your campervan look like far too much work to bother with.

Want advice tailored to how you travel?

Every Orange Campers 'van is designed with innovation, quality and real-world use in mind – and that includes campervan security and aftercare long after you drive away.

If you’d like to see how our campervans are built, talk through security options, or get honest advice based on how you plan to use your 'van, the best place to start is a Workshop Tour.

Book a workshop tour