How to Secure Your RV SEP 16 Written by: Anna Sibal 09/16/2012 9:00 AM

September Outdoor Living Newsletter

Keep your RV safe and secure with a few easy steps.

Your RV is a very nifty vehicle. That's because it allows you the freedom to travel wherever you want to go and still enjoy as much of the comforts of home as you possibly could. Your RV is your house on wheels. However, one thing you may not be aware of is that RVs are not as secure as houses built on the ground - RV factories tend to standardize their locks to cut back on production costs. This, therefore, makes RVs more attractive and vulnerable to thieves, and no one would really notice if your RV gets stolen or broken into because thieves typically mimic the behavior of RV owners when they do their business.

It would definitely be a tragedy to return to your campsite after a great day of exploring and having fun only to find your RV broken into or, worse, taken by thieves. But you can prevent that if you follow these tips that'll help secure your RV :

1. Be careful where you park your RV - If you have to park your RV at a big venue, such as the parking lot of a big department store like Wal-Mart or at an amusement park, make sure you leave your RV in a well-lit place visible to security personnel. In this way, someone will always have eyes on your RV while you're away.
2. Avoid parking in thief-friendly places near ATMs, convenience stores, and gas stations - If you do, you're only giving thieves the temptation to hit your RV. If you do have to park near such places for a while to do a quick pit stop or withdraw money, lock your RV nice and tight.
3. Never leave your RV unlocked - Obvious right? But how many times have you run out on a quick errand and left it unlocked? Don't do it no matter where you are parked. A securely locked RV will discourage thieves from messing with your vehicle.
4. Invest in deadbolt locks that thieves can't pick - Many RVs leave their factory floors with standardized locks. It's a way for manufacturers to cut back on the costs of building RVs. Unfortunately, this also makes it easy for thieves to break into RVs. All they need to do is to call RV manufacturers for replacement keys or buy standardized keys like CH751 keys from Amazon.com. Don't make it easy for thieves to burglarize your RV by installing nonstandard deadbolt locks.
5. Invest in a trailer hitch lock or cable lock system if have a trailer or fifth wheel. If your trailer or fifth wheel is securely hitched at your campsite, thieves will not be able to leave your campsite with them in tow.
6. Install an RV security system - It will create an invisible fence around your RV. A good RV security system will emit a loud noise and alert you wirelessly or via SMS if someone tries to break into your vehicle. You can also consider putting up motion-sensitive lights on your RV to alert you in case someone prowls around your RV.
7. Choose campgrounds and RV parks wisely. - Read reviews about these places before you make your reservations. Check to see if they have a security gate with controlled access and make sure they are not located in an undesirable neighborhood.
8. Don't leave your personal information lying around - Don't leave any personal information such as addresses, credit card numbers, or bank account numbers just lying around your RV. Identity theft is just as serious as getting your RV stolen or broken into.
9. Use a debit or credit card for your expenses as much as possible - Only travel with a small amount of cash to minimize what can be stolen. Credit and debit cards can be replaced and the banks will typically credit your account providing you report the theft quickly and following their procedures.
10. Don't leave lawn chairs, coolers and grills, outside your RV - If you have to leave your RV or retire for the night, you may not find them where you left them when you wake up the next morning. Also, keep your blinds closed when you're away from your RV or sleeping so burglars will not get a peek at what you've got inside your RV.
11. Always be alert - Pay attention when you're camping or traveling with your RV. This way you'll be able to spot any suspicious persons lurking around you and take the necessary action as quickly as possible.

RVs are typically vulnerable and attractive to thieves. But it doesn't have to be that way. With a few extra measures, you can keep your RV safe and sound even from the cleverest of burglars.

What do you do to keep your RV safe? Do you have any stories about RV security to share? We'd love to hear 'em and hope you'll post 'em below.

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