How to fit a safe in a motorhome

Everyone wants their stuff to be kept safe and secure. This is especially true on holidays, when we’re likely to be in possession of more money and/or debit and credit cards than usual, plus highly valuable items like passports or jewellery. For motorhomes, keeping all these things hidden from potential thieves is most easily done via installing a safe, which also means you can support the safety and security of holidaymakers’ valued belongings in your motorhome. Not sure what to do? We cover all you need to know about how to fit a safe in a motorhome.

Why fit a safe in a motorhome?

A secure lockable space to prevent items being stolen is an excellent idea formotorhome security. Cash, cards, jewellery, ID documents, passports and even vehicle documentation can all be stored securely in a motorhome safe, as can other items like tablets and laptops depending on the safe’s size. A decent safe gives a strong level of extra security even from a determined thief.

If you’rehiring out a motorhome, a safe is also a great addition to give your hirers complete peace of mind that their valuables won’t be stolen. No one likes to lose their stuff, and a motorhome with a safe will have the edge over competitors.

Where should I fit a safe in my motorhome?

When it comes to how to fit a safe in a motorhome, you need to decide where it can sit first. A permanently-installed safe (as opposed to a small portable one) can be fitted almost anywhere in your motorhome. Motorhome manufacturerHymer has its safes in passenger doors or seat consoles, while other options include under the rear seat, attached to the chassis, mounted to the wall or fitted to the floor. There’s also the option of installing a safe in a cupboard or drawer to help keep it out of sight.

Of course, you could also buy a “cabinet” safe and put it in a locker or under seating, but this runs the risk of being easy to find and take away from the vehicle. We recommend fitting and installing a safe rather than having one that can be lifted easily. You should also consider fitting your safe to something sturdy like the motorhome floor or chassis so it can’t be ripped out.

How to fit a safe in a motorhome: 3 steps

What you’ll need

• Metal/steel safe

• Angle brackets

• Bolts

• Lag bolts

• Lock nuts

• Wrench/spanner

(Or buy a safe with the fixings included, such as thisYale YEC/200/DB1 Electronic Combination Alarmed Safe 8.6ltr [£50.99].)

1. Buy your kit

If the safe you opt for doesn’t come with its own fixings, carefully check the item’s online listing (or ask in store) to see what else you’ll need. Any shop selling safes should also have the nuts, bolts etc to install it, and be able to advise on angle bracket size so that the bracket holes line up with the safe holes.

Yale Value Mini Safe, £34.99 (fixings included)

Phoenix Cupboard Safe, £45.98 (fixings included)

Chubbsafes Air 9L Security Safe, £93 (fixings included)

70 Pcs Hexagon Head Coach Screw DIN 571 Zinc Plated Hex Head Lag Bolts, £15.99

Angle brackets, £6.95

2. Line the bracket holes with the pre-drilled holes in the safe

As above, make sure the angle brackets you buy will line up with the holes already drilled in the safe. It doesn’t have to be a 100% flush fit, just enough to thread the lag bolt through.

3. Screw the safe into place

Look for an unobtrusive and discreet space to fix the safe to your motorhome, for example under a rear seat.

How to fit a safe to a motorhome floor: 4 steps

A motorhome floor (or the chassis) is the sturdiest and most foolproof option when it comes to how to fit a safe in a motorhome. But it takes more skill as it means drilling holes into the motorhome floor, so see if your motorhome dealer or a local car workshop will do it if you’re not confident. Here are the steps if you want to do it yourself:

1. Buy your kit

As above. For the easiest installation, look for a floor safe with fixings included and with already-drilled holes. You’ll also need a square of metal or aluminium checker plate to fit the safe to.

Aluminium checker plate, from £93

2. Find the floor spot you want the safe to be placed in

All parts of your motorhome floor should be sturdy enough to drill into, but for extra peace of mind opt for a space that will cover one of the motorhome’s struts.

3. Measure the checker plate and drill four holes in the floor to fit

The rectangle shape you’re drilling in the floor should fit the safe bottom too. Also, make sure at least two of the holes that you drill are into a strut.

Laser Universal Drill Guide Kit, £102.99

4. Place the checker plate on the motorhome floor and put the safe on top

Set the checker plate over the rectangular shape made by the four corner holes you’ve just drilled. Then place the safe on top of the checker plate, making sure that all the holes line up.

5. Drill into place

As the safe is over the checker plate and all holes line up (safe, plate and the drilled ones in the floor), all you have to do now is thread lag bolts or nuts and bolts through the four holes.

Ready to fit a safe in your motorhome?

Now you know how to fit a safe in a motorhome – and it’s hopefully easier than you thought! It’s relatively inexpensive too, even if you get a garage or workshop to fit the safe for you.

Overall, it’s well worth adding a safe to your motorhome, as hirers will love knowing that their valuables can stay safe throughout their holiday. And remember, any outlay you make on your motorhome safe costs can be easily recouped with just a couple of nights’ hire.

Earn a return on your motorhome

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If you still have questions, want to discuss your income potential with an expert or get more information on how to list your motorhome, call us on ☎ 0330 808 1811 or visit www.camplify.co.uk. We’ll be happy to help you with anything you need!