The best caravan wheel lock can play a big role in keeping your tourer safe and secure, clamping around the wheel and making it harder for a thief to steal it. Generally coming in a bright vivid colour to make it a visual deterrent, a wheel lock on its own could be enough to make a potential thief think twice.
If the thief is more determined, a good wheel lock, just like the best caravan hitchlock, will help to slow them down, increasing the chances of them getting caught in the act of making off with your van too. It’s easy to see how a wheel lock is an important piece of caravan security, and a tourer accessory that you’re going to want to get right.
When choosing the right wheel lock for a caravan, it’s important to know what your insurance policy has down as the minimum requirement. We’d also advise seeing if it has a Sold Secure rating – this can be a helpful way of working out its performance – and be sure to check it fits your tourer’s wheel width and dimensions too. Don’t forget the weight factor either – these are solid pieces of metal and will need hefting around and locking in place, so make sure you’re comfortable manoeuvring it, as well as having the payload allowance for it.
We’d advise combining your wheel lock with other security accessories such as a hitchlock and a caravan tracker – you’ll then be well on your way to keeping your tourer as safe as you can and achieving some peace of mind.
In this guide, we’re sharing our picks for the best caravan wheel lock, featuring familiar brands such as Milenco, Bulldog and Maypole. Whether you’re looking for an option for a single-axle or a twin-axle tourer, there’s bound to be a suitable product.
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The best caravan wheel lock:
Maypole SH5438 Stronghold Atlas Caravan Wheel Clamp
Purpleline Nemesis Ultra High Security Caravan Wheel Clamp
Milenco Wraith Wheel Clamp
Maypole MP9065 Wheel clamp
Turnart Wheel Clamp
Stoplock Wheel Clamp HG 400-00
Purple Line Gemini Twin-Axle
SAS New Defender Wheel Clamp
Bulldog EM500SS Euroclamp
What is the best wheel lock for a caravan?
Maypole SH5438 Stronghold Atlas Caravan Wheel Clamp
- Weight: 5.01kg
Reasons to buy
- Light in weight, Gold Sold Secure rating
Reasons to avoid
- Fairly pricey
It may be among the pricier models featured in this guide, but the Maypole SH5438 has a Gold Sold Secure rating, so we think it will be up to the task of helping you keep your caravan safe and secure. It features a pair of arms that can be locked together and are then affixed to the wheel using bolts that can remain in place, even when you’re not using the lock.
This caravan wheel clamp is suitable for steel or alloy wheels with a diameter of up to 265mm, and we like how its PCV coating on the arms should help to prevent damage. Despite its apparent robustness, we’re also impressed by its relatively lightweight, as it comes in at just over 5kg. What we like about this is that it means it shouldn’t eat up too much of your caravan’s payload. Helpfully, it comes with three keys.
Purpleline Nemesis Ultra High Security Caravan Wheel Clamp
- Weight: 3kg
Reasons to buy
- Very light in weight, secure design
Reasons to avoid
- Potentially more tricky to fit than a more standard caravan wheel lock, fairly pricey, not Sold Secure rated
This funky-looking caravan wheel clamp will do much more than just brighten up the interior of your van and act as a good visual deterrent. Its unusual design means that it should help keep your pride and joy much more secure when pitched up in storage or on site, which, fundamentally, is what you’re going to want from the best caravan wheel lock.
Unlike more traditional options in our guide, it fits through the wheel rather than around it, meaning that the vulnerable parts of the unit are harder for potential thieves to access. The patented design prevents the wheel from being turned, too, and has a SCM European Quality Assured status. What’s more, the unit weighs in at just over 3kg, making it one of the lighter options in our guide.
One thing we will point out is that one of your caravan’s wheel bolts will need to be replaced with the supplied receiver bolt, which is a 12mm bolt (19mm socket size) with 1.5mm thread pitch, and 60 degree conical seating.
Milenco Wraith Wheel Clamp
- Weight: 4kg
Reasons to buy
- Lightweight, simple to fit and Sold Secure rated
Reasons to avoid
- One of the pricier options
We reckon you’ll be familiar with the name Milenco, a well-known brand within the industry. This wheel clamp has been designed specifically for use with caravans. It comes in Milenco’s characteristic bright yellow with red type and is made from high-grade steel. It locks with a key and is fitted by replacing a caravan wheel bolt with the Wraith’s specially engineered Low-Mass Security Wheel Bolt Receiver.
The steel leg fits around the caravan wheel and prevents rotation. It comes with a five-year lock warranty and has been built to exceed the Sold Secure Gold Standard. We like how each unit comes with three keys and a carry case too, although it’s worth noting its price.
Maypole MP9065 Wheel clamp
- Weight: 5.34kg
Reasons to buy
- Light in weight, cheap price
Reasons to avoid
- Not Sold Secure rated
If you’re looking at the budget-friendly end of the market, this could be the best caravan wheel lock to consider. We reckon that bright yellow colouring should help it act as a visual deterrent as well as a physical one. It’s claimed to be for use on 13-17-inch wheels – either steel or alloy – with a width of 175-215mm.
It’s easy to use: simply open the arms of the wheel clamp, then fit the security plate behind. Next, you insert the locking arm through the locking plate until a tight fit is achieved. The wheel clamp is then locked in place using one of the two supplied keys. The locking mechanism itself is pick-resistant and dust-, water- and corrosion proof, and the unit folds for easy storage.
Turnart Wheel Clamp
- Weight: 2.09kg
Reasons to buy
- Cheap in price, good visual deterrent
Reasons to avoid
- Not Sold Secure rated
This bright-yellow and red clamp certainly stands out, making it clear to would-be thieves that you have a caravan wheel lock fitted (a black and yellow version is also available). It features a choice of 9 locking holes, so should comfortably fit a variety of caravan wheels (of a width from 7.5 to 11.8 inches), and it’s simple to install. All you need to do is open the lock up, adjust it to fit around the wheel, then lock safely and securely; three keys are supplied.
The lock itself is made of thick steel plates, and also features a rubber coating over the arms to help prevent scratches to the wheels. The locking mechanism includes a handy plastic cap to protect the lock from dirt and moisture. One thing we will point out though – while it’s a budget-friendly option, it’s not Sold Secure rated.
Stoplock Wheel Clamp HG 400-00
- Weight: 5.4kg
Reasons to buy
- Cheap in price
Reasons to avoid
- Not Sold Secure rated
If your caravan wheels are 13-15 inches in diameter and are up to 8 inches in width, you might like to take a look at the Stoplock Caravan Wheel Clamp HG 400-00. This bright-yellow Y-shaped wheel lock fits around your tyres quickly and easily, and provides a strong visual deterrent whether your caravan is pitched up onsite, at home or at a storage site.
At around five kilos in weight it’s a sturdy piece of kit, and the central, circular steel disc helps to provide additional security and protection for your alloy or steel wheels. Unlike some of the options in our guide, it only comes with two keys, which could be a consideration. We’ll also point out that it’s not Sold Secure rated.
Purple Line Gemini Twin-Axle
- Weight: 6.5kg
Reason to buy:
- Ideal for twin-axle caravans, clear visual deterrent
Reason to avoid:
- Could be tricky to fit, with a wheel bolt needing replacing on each wheel with received wheel bolts
Caravanners with twin-axle caravans who are after some extra tourer security could find the Gemini to be the best caravan wheel lock. It comes with twin locks that can be secured into two titanium receiver bolts that are located within the alloy wheels. Made from lightweight composite metals, we like how it only weighs 6.5kg, which should make it relatively easy to get into position. We’re also fans of its bright orange colour, ensuring it should stand out from a distance to would-be thieves, which could just be enough to deter them.
It comes with a storage bag and six keys, but one thing we will point out is that like the Purple Line Nemesis that features further up in our guide, you will need to swap out two wheel bolts with the supplied receiver bolts, which have a 12mm bolt with 1.5mm thread pitch, and 60-degree conical seating. However, it’s a wheel lock which we reckon should give plenty of peace of mind, as it’s not only made to be resistant to drilling and cutting, but also gas freezing.
SAS New Defender Wheel Clamp
- Weight: 12.7kg
Reason to buy:
- Offers an anti-pick and anti-drill lock, Sold Secure Gold approved
Reason to avoid:
- Heavy weight
We reckon this heavy-duty caravan wheel clamp should help you put your tourer’s security at the back of your mind.
We like how it should stand out, thanks to its bright red colour, which could just be enough to make a thief walk on from your van. Features include an anti-drill and anti-pick lock, while it is also Sold Secure Gold Approved. We also like that it comes with a robust plastic carry case for storing it when you’re not using it.
As always when choosing a caravan wheel lock, don’t forget to ensure it will fit your tourer’s wheels. This one should be suitable for wheels with alloy or steel rims with a diameter of 12-18 inches and a width of 170-275mm.
We do have to address its weight though – at 12.7kg, it’s the heaviest option in our guide, which could make it tricky to store after factoring in the various caravan weights. However, if you’re able to work around this and reckon you can move it without a problem this could offer some hefty protection for your tourer.
Bulldog EM500SS Euroclamp
- Weight: 5.6kg
Reason to buy:
- Quick to fit
Reason to avoid:
- Other options come with a Sold Secure Gold rating
Coming with a Silver Sold Secure rating for caravans and recommended for alloy wheels, the Bulldog EM500SS Euroclamp is quick to fit, securing within a matter of seconds, according to the manufacturer. Suitable for tyres with a width of 150mm to 220mm and dimensions of 180mm, we like how it’s relatively lightweight, coming to 5.6kg. A key is required to unlock it but is not needed to lock it into place, with the two arms instead snapping securely into position.
Another feature we’re fans of is the plastic-sleeved ends that can be found on both the inner and outer arms – these should ensure the wheels stay protected from any damage.
We like the peace of mind it offers by being both drill and pick-resistant, with the security accessory locking into place with its steel arms to provide some valuable protection.
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How to choose the best wheel lock for a caravan
There are a few points to consider that can ensure you’re choosing the best caravan wheel lock for your needs.
For starters, check your caravan insurance to find out what your policy states is the minimum requirement – many insurers demand that a certain level of security is fitted. It’s also going to need to actually be suitable for your tourer’s wheel too, not just its width but its dimensions – be sure to check before buying that it is.
It goes without saying that, in general, the more expensive the caravan wheel lock, the more secure it will be – but not necessarily. Cheaper models are available which can still act as a visible deterrent, but may not offer the full security of pricier units. Check out a caravan wheel lock’s Sold Secure rating – this will help you gauge its overall performance.
You’ll also need to bear the weight in mind, so you don’t exceed your caravan’s payload, as well as ensuring you have room in your van or car to store it. That’s not all – a caravan wheel lock can be a heavy piece of kit, so be sure to factor in that you’ll have to be able to lift it out of wherever you store it to install it too. These are, in essence, heavy lumps of metal and, potentially, harder to fit if you have mobility issues or a bad back.
Do caravan wheel clamps work?
We’d advise bearing in mind that no piece of security will make your tourer untouchable to the most determined thief. However, the right accessories do play an important role in keeping your tourer safe. In the case of a caravan wheel lock, it will work effectively in a couple of ways.
Firstly, if a thief sees your tourer has a clamp placed on a wheel, it could just be enough to make them move on, leaving your van untouched, as they’ve decided it’s too much trouble to attempt to make off with it. This is why the best caravan wheel locks will be brightly coloured, to ensure they attract attention.
Should a thief be incredibly determined and still want to attempt to steal your van regardless, this is where the second function of a caravan wheel clamp comes in. It should slow them down, increasing the likelihood that they will be disturbed or caught in the act.
When you think of it like that, we think it’s easy to see the benefits of a caravan wheel clamp – we’d also advise using one in conjunction with other security tools, such as a hitchlock and a tracker.
Written with contributions from Paul Critcher and Peter Byrne.
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