Park Your RV in a Safe Location
Insure Against RV and Campground Theft
Eliminate the Temptation
RV SECURITY
An even better idea is to leave expensive belongings at home( You don’ t need that laptop on a camping trip anyway!). You’ ll feel more at ease if you have less to lose in the first place. However, if you have valuable items in your RV, such as jewelry or money, put them out of sight.
3) Keep lights on and pull the shades at night when you’ re away. Interior lights left on inside the RV will keep criminals guessing if someone is home and no one can see that laptop when the shads are pulled. Exterior motion detectors are great deterrents as well.
4) Get to know the neighborhood. Even if you’ re only in a park for a short stay, getting to know campers in neighboring sites will send a message that you care enough to say“ Hi” and look out for their best interest – hopefully they will reciprocate!
You’ ve paid a significant amount of money for your home on wheels. It’ s important to do the right things to protect that investment. The good news is that there are some things you can do to ensure that you and your items stay safe when you go RVing. Check out these RV security tips to help keep yourself and your belongings safe and sound.
Park Your RV in a Safe Location
Finding a safe and secure spot is one of the simplest ways to keep you and your RV protected.
1) Read RV park and campground reviews. If you’ re concerned about the safety of a neighborhood surrounding a RV park, visit websites like www. RVParkReviews. com to find out what others say. If there’ s a consistent stream of negative reviews about the RV Park’ s location, move on and find another place to settle in.
Choose well-lit areas for overnight parking. If you choose to camp overnight in a parking lot or truck stop( boondocking), remember there’ s safety in numbers. Stick by other RVers- only park in areas with sufficient lighting. Make sure you have cell service or another way to make contact in case of an emergency.
Insure Against RV and Campground Theft
Sometimes crime happens despite your best efforts. If you are that unfortunate person, having adequate RV property theft insurance goes a long way toward easing the sting of being violated by criminals.
Before you hit the road and put yourself in the potential situation of being a crime victim, call your RV insurance agent for an estimate on property theft coverage that will adequately compensate you in the event of property loss. Also remember to upgrade your insurance coverage whenever you add more valuable items to your RV.
If you decide you want additional peace of mind, you might consider installing a Wi-Fi enabled camera system. On a budget? Buy standard bicycle locks for your outdoor equipment.
Storing your RV for the winter? Check for a well-lit facility with 24 hour security including alarm systems and cameras. Many facilities offer indoor storage complete with water tight units, electric hookups and heat.
Eliminate the Temptation
Eliminate these easy opportunities around your campsite by taking the following precautions:
1) Change your RV locks. Most RV storage compartments share the same locks and keys. Protect your belongings by changing the factory default locks and installing different after-market ones for every compartment.
2) Don’ t leave expensive items in plain sight. While you don’ t have to padlock everything you own, it’ s wise to stow or lock items of higher value when not in use. For an added measure of safety, invest in a safe for your smaller items of value.
12. | EXPLORE PA 2017
Photo courtesy of GO RVing