Choosing a mechanical security device can be a bit vexing, as can understanding what you should expect from a particular one. Firstly, unfortunately no security device will stop a determined thief, its main aim is to slow things down or cause plenty of noise so your caravan seems too high a risk to attempt to steal.

If you store your caravan on a remote location, such as a farm with no people nearby, then thieves can take all the time they want as no one is likely to disturb them.

At the Club we generally only recommend Sold Secure mechanical security devices as these have been attack tested using the types of tools your typical thief might have in his kit. There are other testing houses around, but we find Sold Secure has the most consistent and widest leisure industry support. You could improve your chances against the thief by fitting more than one type of device as he would have to use a different method of attack for each one, increasing the time he’s likely to be spotted. I don’t just mean hitch locks and wheel locks, having different locks on different wheels can be a great deterrent.

It is common for caravanners to use the AL-KO Secure wheel lock, which prevents the wheel from rotating. It is Diamond rated by Sold Secure, however it can be difficult to fit as it needs the wheel to be well aligned with the space between the spokes and the fixed receiver on the brake back plate. However, a new kid on the block is the Milenco Wraith. This has a Sold Secure Gold rating and is easier to fit than some but still provides a good level of security.  

The Wraith uses a high-quality low-mass replacement wheel bolt and security bar that goes through the alloy wheel. Both items are connected to a high-grade steel lock body. Where the lock touches the wheel there are foam-covered areas for protection and there is a plastic outer cover on the body. <DSC_Wraith wheel lock 1 6289IH or images 2 or 3> Once the lock has been set-up, by screwing the barrel in or out and then securing with a grub screw, the fit and removal should only take seconds. The Wraith comes with three keys, a carry case and a five-year warranty.

We would recommend using this on the opposite wheel to your standard wheel lock while in storage, in addition to any specific security devices required by your insurance provider. While touring it’s easy to fit to the caravan when you stop for a break and it’s useful when pitching on a sloping pitch where alignment can be difficult for the AL-KO Secure lock.

It’s important to point out there are other products on the market that may look and function in a similar way but the quality of the Milenco product seems very good and it has an approval standard we and many insurers recognise.

Verdict: A good quality lock that is easy to fit and remove while still providing Sold Secure Gold level security