A family practicing RV security by keeping the outside of their RV well-lit.

RV Security Tips: Stay Safe on the Road & At the Campgrounds

The open road and the great outdoors are two of the best reasons for camping. One thing to keep in mind when planning your getaways is RV security. Food, clothing and other gear may make your packing list, but safety measures may not always be on your radar.  While camping and RV travel is generally a safe endeavor, being prepared can help avoid unfortunate situations.

RV Security Tips for Travel & Camping

Lock Up When You Stop

While any vehicle may contain some valuables, RVs are an easy target because people know they’re likely full of electronics and other expensive items. After all, your RV is your home away from home. So the first RV security tip is to keep your RV locked. It may seem obvious, but it is your best defense.

Whenever you stop, whether for gas, shopping or anything else, keep your RV locked. Treat it just like you would your car or your house. In many cases, it’s both! This includes making sure windows or any other entrances like pass-throughs or storage areas are locked as well.

Don’t Advertise to Thieves

Locking up is helpful; however nothing can stop a smash and grab. Therefore, the easiest way to avoid such an incident is to minimize visibility to the interior. A person walking past an open RV window who sees a laptop or jewelry on the table in plain sight is much more tempted than if they walked by a closed RV window with closed curtains and couldn’t see inside.

Closing windows, closing the curtains, and putting curtains on doors if they have windows are the next things to do to increase your RV security. You may also want to consider a sun shade for the front window if you have a motor home unit. It will reduce visibility inside and protect your RV from harsh sun rays, too!

Motion Sensors to Keep You Alert

There are several options for inexpensive window and/or door alarms on the market which can further enhance your RV security. These alarms will alert you when entryways are being opened. Many of these devices can be easily turned off to avoid repetitive noises when you are going in and out.

Just because you won’t be able to install a complete security system, doesn’t mean you can’t invest in motion lights as well. These types of lights give you a heads-up when someone approaches your RV. As with all types of outdoor lights, remember to keep them reasonable. You want to improve your RV security but you don’t want to annoy other campers.

Don’t Forget About the Tow Vehicle

When you are towing an RV, the tow vehicle’s security is just as important as your RV security. It is also directly related to the security of your RV. So be sure to treat your tow vehicle with the same caution and preparedness.

Be sure to avoid leaving the keys to access your RV in the tow vehicle – especially if the tow vehicle isn’t secured! Likewise, don’t leave the tow vehicle vulnerable to carjacking. It doesn’t matter how good your security is if thieves can simply drive your RV away! A tire boot can help deter theft and some boots even cover the lug nuts for added security. When the lugs are covered, a thief would have a difficult time attempting to remove the tire.

Buy or Install a Safe

Another precaution you can take, especially if you travel a lot and need to carry cash and other valuables with you, is to invest in a safe.  Your expensive jewelry, electronics and other small valuables are all easy for someone to grab and run.

Safes can be portable or they can be built into your RV. Others can be bolted in place in cabinet storage.  Either way, a safe can give you some peace of mind on the road and in the campgrounds. With your valuables locked away, you can enjoy your surroundings with less worry about what is or isn’t going on back at your RV.

Familiarize Yourself with the Campground

It is always a good idea to get to know the lay of the land and familiarize yourself with the campground. Knowing the safe places to travel or park – especially during the night – will always give you a better chance of staying safe both on the road and at the campground.

It’s also a good idea to know where other campers typically stay. Camping near other campers generally improves your security and safety. Just remember to mind their space! It is important to be a good neighbor to those around you.

These tips should help you maximize your RV security. Think and plan ahead to minimize unexpected issues. Remember, be prepared; it’s a good motto even if you were never a boy scout.

 

Contact RV Wholesale Superstore

The professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help you find the perfect RV for you and your family. Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at (419) 786-1126

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