Any tips how to toddler proof a static caravan door with a thumb turn?

[Fran92]

As the title says, I have a toddler who likes to open the doors and can do it, I’m going away soon on my own so no Dad there, does anyone have any idea what I can buy to use as a deterrent. Looks like it’s a PVC door and opens outwards so the generic safety ones I’ve seen for travellers are all for inwards opening.

Amazon do door alarms. Sticky back plastic, loud chime whenever door opened.

Block access to the door some how?

Edit becsue I just realised you said static so probably not your van!

I'd agree with blocking access to the door, either a stair gate with pressure type fixings or something like a folding clothes horse that can be easily moved but can't be climbed on and isn't too heavy if pulled over.

Also consider taking something noisy to hang/balance on the door handle, in case toddler does get to the door--string of bells, metal dustpan, or similar.

Thanks all. Not sure why I didn’t think of a stair gate when I’ve got them all over the house! One has been ordered ready for pick up in a local Argos en route and I’ll order some bells or something as a back up but would give me some security over night with that!

Honestly I have no idea how you would fit a gate to a static van door

You can get little locks that fit inside the door frame and stop it from being opened even if unlocked. We use them in caravans with our kids. Search PAJWITHL Portable Door Lock, they're about a fiver and really easy to use.

It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to fit a stair gate as the doors don’t tend to have a frame and are flat to the wall iyswim, so couldn’t use a pressure gate.

If it’s a holiday in someone’s caravan then you’ll just have to put something heavy in front of it.

If it’s your van then an alarm or bolts.

Oh gosh you’re right a stair gate won’t work!
Unfortunately tbose door locks don’t work for outward opening doors and I’m fairly certain caravan doors are outward opening unlike a hotel.

hmm I don’t think anything heavy will be there but I might be able to a cheap fire guard and add some bells to it so it it moves I’ll hear it.

They’re poorly designed for children really but I’m sure it’ll be ok.

Could you cover the lock in some way?
Stick a piece of cardboard over it, or a Tupperware box or similar?

A pressure activated mat for the doorway?

Does the door also have a door handle? If yes, this works amazingly well. Have taken on many holidays and installed within minutes without needing tools, screws etc
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XJNNTMB?ref_=pe_27063361_487360311_302_E_DDE_dt_1&th=1&psc=1

All static caravans we've ever stayed in (PVC door opening outwards) have been a key lock (Yale type) so you just lock it and keep the key with you surely?

Edit: Yale type key lock alongside the thumb turn lock. A thumb turn lock isn't really secure on its own. I've never known an external door to only have a thumb turn lock.

In a static caravan right now, all the locks on the doors to outside are thumb turn internally and key locks on the outside so the OP could well be right.

Yeah I think it’s for fire safety. My last two new build homes have been thumb turn only on the inside but external locks. Just means in a fire you’ll never be searching for keys while it’s smoky and you’re panicking.

Yep all thumb turn on the inside with key for the outside lock, had another earlier this year with the same but DC2 couldn’t quite figure it out but now can and will!

@DancinOnTheCeiling - just ordered, I know it will be visible from the outside which I didn’t really want but better than DC2 opening the door and no doubt trying to jump from the top step. I just hope DC1 can’t figure it out but they’re pretty sensible despite not being much older.

Will revert back!

Good luck @Fran92I hope it works for you. Was a life saver for us..