Whether you spent a pretty penny on your RV or not, you want to do as much as possible to protect it and your gear from thieves. While you can only do so much, you don’t want to make yourself an easy target.
Luckily, there are several things you can do to make it harder for thieves to get into your RV and take your stuff.
Today, we’re sharing some of the best tips for beefing up the security of your RV. You’ll sleep better and worry less when you’re away from your rig. Let’s dive in!
Are RVs Easy to Break Into?
Unfortunately, RVs can be straightforward for thieves to break into in many cases. Some thieves won’t bother breaking in; they’ll drive off with them. Once the RV is in a safe location, they can take their time getting into it and sorting through any valuables.
The typical locks on an RV offer minimal protection even if the thieves don’t haul the RV away.
The locks aren’t very robust, and you can easily break them with a little force. However, we’ll share some tips to help make it more challenging for thieves to break into your RV and steal your valuables.
Do RVs Get Broken Into Often?
One of the biggest fears of many first-time RVers, especially when boondocking, is that someone will steal their gear. For as many RVers as there are in the community, thieves rarely break into RVs when they’re actively in use.
Thieves often target lots where RVs sit in storage far away from their owners. Depending on the security of the storage location, thieves may not have to work that hard to access an RV. This is why you must choose where you store your RV wisely. You don’t want just anybody to have access to your rig.
Are RV Keys Universal?
Would you be comfortable knowing that several neighbors and others in your area had a key to your house? Likely not. So why are so many RVers okay with the fact that there are only a handful of RV keys, and there’s a good chance that someone in the campground has a key that will unlock their door? Sadly, it’s the unfortunate truth regarding RV keys.
Because RV manufacturers like to keep things simple, they only use a handful of door lock combinations. This may be helpful if you lock yourself out of your RV. However, it’s not so comforting to know that nearly anybody can get into your RV whenever they want.
Luckily, there are some things you can do about it.
Installing an RVLock is essential (and easy to do) if you want real protection.
How to Make It Harder to Break Into An RV
While you may not eliminate every possibility of an RV break-in, you want to make it as challenging as possible. Let’s look at ways to make it harder for thieves to break into your RV.
Replace Your Locks
One of the first things we recommend to anyone buying a new RV is to upgrade the locks. The generic locks on RVs are typically fragile and easy to break. However, RV Lock and Latch It are the go-to options many RVers choose when upgrading. Not only are these beefier locks, but they also provide a host of other benefits.
These locks include excellent features like keyless entry and come with a key fob to wirelessly lock or unlock your doors and storage compartments. In addition, these companies typically use upward of a million possible combinations for their keys, so there’s practically zero chance that someone in the campground has the same key as you.
Use Your Locks
Even if you upgrade your RV to the latest and greatest security technologies, it’s useless if you don’t use it. Sometimes all you need is to lock your stuff to keep it safe. Those up to no good typically look for the easiest target. Cutting through locks or trying to break into an RV will take time and make noise, which could attract attention from anyone nearby. So ensure you use your locks to keep your RV and other gear safe.
Install Motion Lights
Many RVers add motion lights outside their RV. Thieves like to work in the cover of the night. A motion light switching on may be enough to send someone running.
These are beneficial for many scenarios, especially when boondocking in remote locations. You’ll know that someone or something is wandering outside your RV if you see the light shining. This can help you avoid running into a dangerous wild animal or someone up to no good.
Consider a Security System
Just like a home security system, you can get an RV security system. You can find some basic security systems that will set off an alarm when a door is open at the wrong time. These systems can ensure that no one is in your RV while you’re away or sleeping.
Here’s the easiest to use and install – its wireless and can be easily repositioned.
Avoid Sketchy Camping Spots
It would be best if you did your research when picking camping spots. You should use resources like Campendium, iOverlander, and Google to read reviews on campsites and campgrounds. No two campsites or campgrounds are equal. Some are safer than others.
You should never risk your safety when selecting a camping spot. Even if it means you’ll lose money, you should leave any sketchy camping sites. Safety is something you should always take seriously, and it’s better to be safe than sorry regarding a camping location.
Beef Up the Security of Your RV
You want to relax while RVing, so you need to beef up your security. It doesn’t matter whether you boondock 100% of the time or spend most of your adventures in fancy RV parks.
Security is something you shouldn’t take lightly. You should always take some proper safety precautions no matter where you stay. There are some upgrades to your RV worth making that will help keep you safe.
Have you changed the locks on your RV?
Discover the Best Free Camping Across the USA
To be honest with you, we hate paying for camping. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy).
You should give it a try!
As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Every time you pay federal taxes, you’re contributing to these lands.
Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers who love to score the best site!
We’ll send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). Access the list by submitting your email below: