There are a lot of things you can do to help keep you, your possessions, and your home – whether that’s your stationary home or your RV – safe from intruders and prying eyes. In short, the less appealing you can make your home and RV, and the more hoops you make for people to jump through, the safer you’ll be.
When you’re living in your RV…
Let there be light. Install motion-activated lights on the exterior of your RV that will turn on if anything – or anyone – gets too close. This little addition can startle trespassers so that they leave your RV alone.
Locks galore. If you’ll be staying at a campground, resort, or park for an extended period of time without having to drive or move the RV, put a boot on the wheel. Also consider getting more secure locks for your doors that will be more difficult to pick.
Close the curtains or blinds. Especially when you’re away. That way, curious eyes can’t get a look at the goods you have inside. But speaking of which…
Put away valuables. Don’t leave out expensive gadgets, laptops, or jewelry. Put them away, even in a safe if you want an extra layer of security.
Park it. It may be easier to leave if you back in the RV when you arrive, but that leaves your more vulnerable. Instead, turn the camper away from standard access, which will require the use of a jockey wheel or tongue wheel to park this way.
Know your neighbors. You can look out for one another by helping to protect one another’s property and well-being. Be a trustworthy neighbor for others by befriending them and letting them know of anything strange or suspicious. They will appreciate it and return the favor. And before you book your stay at a campground, resort, or park, check the surrounding area for any questionable neighborhoods. If it doesn’t look safe, don’t stay nearby.
When you’re away from home…
Hello, neighbor. If you’ll be away, whether it’s for a weeklong vacation or the whole summer, ask a friendly, trustworthy neighbor to stop by regularly to check on the house, flick a few lights, and leave some tracks in the driveway. Basically, show that someone is around.
Don’t let it stack up. A full mailbox and a porch full of packages are signs to potential robbers that the house is vacant. Ask a neighbor to pick up your mail and bring it inside, or ask the post office to hold your mail until you return.
Light the way. Again, motion-activated lights are your friend. Have them on the front and back porches or above the garage. You can do something similar with some of the indoor lights as well by placing them on timers. Make it look like someone is home.
Vacant house list. Many police departments will drive by your residence on a regular basis if you let them know you’ll be out of town for an extended period of time. Ask your local precinct if this is an option you can request.
Don’t advertise. It’s great to be on vacation, but don’t tell the whole world via social media. If you can, wait until you get back from your trip to share the memories. They don’t need to be shared at the very moment they happen. “Bad guys” can learn of your being away and take advantage of your absence.
When the RV is in storage…
Low battery. Or no battery, for that matter. Remove the battery when you put the RV into storage. Your RV is going nowhere, plus it could help save the life of your battery since it won’t be sitting idle in cold temperatures.
Boot it. Add a tire boot to one of the wheels, and make sure to lock the trailer hitch.
Security check. If you store your RV at a storage facility, research the facility’s security measures – cameras, guards, etc. If you store your RV away from your home but not in a storage facility, such as a friend’s barn, stop by every now and then to check on things and the condition of your RV.
Of course, you can always go the security system route, too. There are plenty of options out there of various prices. Many systems give you the ability to monitor through your smart phone via an app. Do thorough research before making your purchase.