Prickstop vs. Heosafe: How to properly upgrade your Fiat Ducato (from 2006 onwards)
Camper security is a matter of trust. Anyone looking to improve the break-in protection of their Fiat Ducato will quickly come across two well-known names: Prickstop and Heosafe®. Many people search for a direct comparison – hoping to find the “better” solution.
But this is exactly where a misunderstanding lies: Prickstop and Heosafe are not competitors, but two different layers of protection that complement each other perfectly.
Below, we explain the different principles of how they work and show how you can specifically eliminate the biggest security weakness of the Ducato range from 2006 onwards.
1. The biggest weak point: the stabbing method on the Ducato
The Fiat Ducato (as well as Citroën Jumper, Peugeot Boxer and Opel Movano) has had a well-known structural weakness since the X250/X290 series (model year 2006 onwards): the so-called stabbing method.
This involves:
- piercing the thin door panel below the driver’s door handle
- manipulating the linkage of the central locking system
- silently triggering the entire central locking system
The result: not only the driver’s door, but also sliding doors, rear doors and sometimes even body doors are unlocked.
This method is fast, discreet and low-risk – making it one of the most common causes of break-ins on Ducato-based vehicles.
2. The essential base protection: Prickstop
Prickstop was developed specifically for this weak point. Its goal is to reliably prevent the central locking system from being triggered by stabbing.
How it works and its benefits:
- Invisible solution: A solid stainless-steel plate is installed on the inside, reinforcing the door panel at the critical point.
- Passive protection: Prickstop works permanently – no locking, no thinking required.
- Basic protection for all models from 2006 onwards: Low cost, big impact.
Prickstop protects exactly where the break-in begins and is especially suitable for:
- short stops (refuelling, shopping)
- situations where additional locks are not actively engaged
3. Model check: does this also apply to newer Ducato generations?
Despite several model updates (Series 8, 9 and 10), the basic door construction has not been changed.
This means:
- The position of the locking linkage remains unchanged
- The weak point still exists
- Prickstop is compatible with all models from 2006 onwards
This applies equally to Fiat Ducato, Citroën Jumper, Peugeot Boxer and Opel Movano.
4. The upgrade: Heosafe® additional locks
Heosafe® takes a different approach. Instead of blocking the weak point, additional locks mechanically secure the door to the frame.
How it works and key differences:
- Mechanical locking of the door to the frame
- Independent of the central locking system and cylinder lock
- Highly effective against prying, brute force and lock manipulation
- Must always be actively locked
Can Heosafe® prevent the stabbing method?
Yes – but only as an active safeguard of the entire chain.
The stabbing method always triggers the complete central locking system. However, if all affected doors are equipped with Heosafe® locks and actively locked, they remain mechanically blocked.
Important: this requires that all relevant doors are equipped and that the locks are consistently engaged. Prickstop provides passive, reliable protection against this entire chain right from the start.
5. Retrofitting camper security: the combination is key
The question is not Prickstop or Heosafe®, but which layer of protection you want to secure.
| Protection layer | Prickstop | Heosafe® |
|---|---|---|
| Base & quick protection | Always protects against the most common attack (stabbing). | Must be actively locked (often forgotten). |
| Extended protection (brute force) | Does not protect against prying or smashing. | Physically protects against prying and lock forcing. |
| Cost-benefit | Low cost for essential base protection. | Higher cost for maximum mechanical protection. |
The ideal strategy
- Install Prickstop: secure the driver’s door (and optionally the rear door with a lock) as permanent, immediate protection. This eliminates the main risk of silent central-locking manipulation, even if you forget to engage additional locks.
- Add Heosafe®: additionally secure cab, sliding and body doors with locking systems. Always use these locks when the vehicle is left unattended for longer periods or when you are sleeping inside.
Conclusion
Prickstop is the small, cost-effective investment for permanent, passive base protection. Heosafe® provides the necessary active reinforcement against all further break-in attempts. Together, both systems make your camper an unattractive target.