Getting an RV can be exciting, especially if you’re planning on going on a lot of trips and vacations in it. And it sure is. I don’t know about you, but whenever we leave our travel trailer (a.k.a. Steady) behind on a campsite, a slightly uneasy feeling creeps up on me. Will it be safe while we are gone? Of course, there is no such thing as a 100% secure lock, but many thieves are looking for soft targets that provide them with a quick and easy grab. So any safety measure that makes you look less soft can convince these perpetrators to skip your rig and move on to the next target. So here are 5 tips on how to make your RV more secure that will help you keep it as safe as possible so you can enjoy all of your RVing adventures!
- Change out the locks
You have probably heard this tip hundreds of times already, but it honestly can’t be repeated often enough. Most RVs can be unlocked by the infamous CH751 key, which is why changing out the locks of your RV is crucial. It’s an easy and affordable way to add a layer of protection. We are using the Carmtek – RV Keyless Entry Door Lock Latch Handle and these RV Storage Locks.
- Buy a Hitch Lock
This investment really is a no brainer. It will keep your RV from being towed away by strangers – or at least delay them long enough to make them look extremely suspiscious to other campers. But do yourself a favor and invest in a high-quality hitch lock like the AMPLOCK U-BRP2516 RV/Trailer Coupler Lock:
- Add Motion Lights
Motion lights are an easy upgrade and can deter 4-legged and 2-legged predators. If a potential burglar sees these lights turn on as they approach your vehicle, they may just move along. When looking for motion-detection lights, remember that LED bulbs are best because they will last longer than incandescent light bulbs. Also, look for solar powered ones like these Outdoor Solar Lights:
- Install a safe
I’m a digital nomad and when we are traveling it always makes me extremely nervous to leave my high-end laptop back in the camper… but I don’t want to leave it in the car either. So it was really important to me to find something to store it in.
My problem with a regular safe was, that it was either too big for our small RV or it was so small that it wouldn’t fit my laptop and could be easily carried away. I finally decided on a Pelican Laptop Case that we attached to the inside of our RV with steel cables.
- Secure your propane tanks and battery box
Who is going to steal used batteries and half-empty propane tanks, you might ask… Apparently lots of people. Last year the storage place where we have our RV parked was broken into – and that’s what they took. Really a major inconvenience and extremely frustrating. A great way to reduce this risk is by investing in locking tank racks for your propane tanks and battery box.
