Just wondering what you guys would advise in terms of security to minimise the chance of the bus getting stolen?
A garage is always a good start. Steering locks can help as can pedal locks. Ultimately though, if they want to take it...they'll take it
Agreed insurance is a must , I wish someone would nick mine it’s worth more stolen. A garage, a car parked in front of it or any other kind of mechanical means. I wouldn’t bother with alarms, immobilisers as they can be a nuisance and can be bypassed incredibly easily on our vans especially if you have no lock in the engine hatch.
A hungry Rottweiler might slow them down but if someone wants it they'll take it whatever you do and the more deterrents you put on the more damage they'll do taking it, an engine lid lock can be forced in seconds. Insure it and put it in a garage out of sight.
My camper won’t fit in the garage, width or height-wise, so it lives on the driveway- behind a metal security post. If I’m away for more than a night, I tend to use a wheel clamp on the wheel furthest away, so it can’t just be jacked and towed easily. Other than this, insurance. And making sure to be on the right side of any toe-rags in the area If someone wants it bad enough, they’ll probably take it…. But I like a visual deterrent or two to make them think it won’t be a piece of cake.
I remember once someone started a thread on another forum Posting pictures of their van on Google street view, Wasn’t so bad with the screenshots but some people posted the direct link Someone very soon pointed out that it was not a very good idea
Get to know your bus electrically. A simple disconnect of a wire/component or a removable breaker somewhere will probably deter anyone without a low loader
GPS tracker or apple tag as a cheap inferior alternative so you can at least check it and be alerted to it moving
It won’t work, unless they think he has a treat, in which case he might die of getting a nose shoved in his pocket or hand. Or they represent a decent trip hazard. Teddy and Indy - Not as good as a car alarm.
Don't leave it parked in the open within greater London, that's where 90% of reported buses seem to be located.
I had a really old one that was an absolute pig to put on and invariably ended up with me getting a/ slightly mashed fingers b/ a bit angry and sweary! My Dad gave me a new one for Christmas, and as the camper was away until last weekend, it has remained in the box - long past the date when it could've been returned if it doesn't fit. oops! I shall undo the afore-mentioned box and give it a try; I'll report back
Wow... very impressive monster part I hope it helps to always carry something like that with you. But here in Germany, catalytic converters are stolen from cars parked on the side of the road with battery angle grinders in seconds Even this would not withstand something like that. The lock doesn't seem safe for hits with a hammer or stone either. I only try to stand in safe areas - even when traveling. Sometimes annoying with such an eye-catcher. But I still have to much fun with it. It's easier for an inconspicuous white old van... Happy and safe travels at all times...
insure, drive enjoy. make sensible choices around where you park but if you're forever worried about theft then it'd take away the enjoyment for me. that said its easy to fit a cut off (battery terminal) or take the king lead off, full lock so it can't be easily pulled/towed, its not hard to take the steering wheel off too if you were really worried. mines normally in the garage locked up, behind a secure gate, security lighting and two dogs.. or i'm sleeping in it
