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Theft should NEVER have to cross our minds when going on fun RV trips.

In fact, in such friendly and peaceful camp atmospheres, it doesn’t seem likely.

Unfortunately, theft happens…

Theft happens everywhere, but when you think about it, campgrounds can be a booming place for thieves to lurk– and we’re not talking about the raccoons.

For one, RVers haul along a LOT of things. From necessities, accessories and gear, to recreational toys and games– they bring it ALL! Yet they lack the space to conveniently store items out of sight or securely. Of course we’ve all seen those campers (or we are those campers) with things peppered around the campsite; bikes, scooters, chairs, grilling gear, and toys.

Secondly, RVs tend to have less security than the typical brick and mortar home. You’ll read in “Uh-oh! Locked Out of RV?!” that factory RV door locks are often keyed the same. In fact, there’s a good chance the entry handle lock can be opened with a master key or even a neighbor’s key.

Thirdly, a campground is full of travelers– always coming and going. Not only do guests venture outside the campground during the day, but campsites constantly turn over, similar to hotels. This can make an opportune time for unlawful crooks to steal and skedaddle in the midst of everyone’s adventures.

Keep in mind, thieves come in all forms. They can be other campers in the same campground or residents from neighboring areas. After all, a busy campground can give crooks an overturning buffet of options!

Now, things like this don’t happen every day in a campground.

Still, all it takes is one time to ruin your vacation or perhaps worse– ruin your love for adventuring. WE NEVER THOUGHT IT WOULD HAPPEN TO US! But, IT DID— and now we simply roll with a bit more caution… and safety accessories! 

Check out these tips to stay aware and proactive about keeping your RV and things safe!  

Protecting Your RV and Accessories from Theft

Consider these points to protect your things and try to avoid this situation altogether.

Lock Your RV & Cargo

Most importantly, lock your RV whenever you’re not on-site. It’s a no-brainer, but many don’t do it!

Why?

Well, for one– no one wants to carry around and risk losing the trailer keys. (That would be a big vacation blunder…) And two, because campgrounds always feel so peaceful– like a neighborly, trustworthy community. It sure doesn’t feel like anything bad would ever happen around people who are grilling out with friends, playing campsite games, and laughing around a bonfire. 

Regardless, locking your RV can be an immediate deterrent. Also, don’t forget to lock the cargo storage compartments and tow vehicle as well!

Keyless entry keypads are extremely convenient for RVers while providing security, peace of mind, and ease. Kits are available for eager travelers to install themselves, otherwise consult with your local RV technician.

Aside from a keyless entry system, a RV key box can store spare keys that you don’t want to take on excursions in fear of losing.

For example, one might want to lock their RV for security but not want to haul their only set of trailer keys to the unforgiving beach! At the same time, that good ol’ “hiding spot” in the outside compartment or wheel well could be easily breached…

Therefore, it’s time to kick the hiding spots up a notch! A magnetic key holder or a HitchSafe Key Vault can provide RVers a secure, inconspicuous compartment to store extra keys while out and about for the day.

Don’t Leave Stuff Out 

RVers love accessories and gear, especially Glampers. At the end of the night or if leaving the campsite for the day, gather belongings and stow in the RV or a storage compartment. Consider storing items like: chairs, coolers, grills, alcohol, bikes, strollers, portable speakers, and fishing gear.

Although it’s more convenient leaving toys and accessories out for the next day, it’s safest to store items rather than come out to things missing. After all, stolen items can really put a damper on vacation. Remember, out of sight is the easiest deterrent!

At the very least, stow particular items in totes and push underneath the trailer. Not broadcasting your belongings will encourage passersby to keep on moving and not think twice!

Thieves tend to look for anything EASY that can be grabbed fast. They don’t want to rummage through tubs increasing the possibility of getting caught. Aside from storage bins, deck boxes work great for seasonal or long term campers and can be locked.

Lock Up Your Bikes

If unlocked and easy to get to, bikes make a popular item of theft because they are easy to jump on and make a nonchalant get-away. Always lock them up and with a high quality, chain lock!

Out at dinner our bike was cut, yes– CUT off the back of the RV that was locked to the bike carrier. Obviously in this case, the thieves came prepared and cut the cable lock.

When it comes to bike locks, in all honesty, you get what you pay for. Don’t get me wrong, a simple cable bike lock will protect and deter criminals. In many cases, just the sight of a lock will discourage those with bad intentions… Yet, to those who come prepared, cable locks don’t stand a chance to simple cable cutters.

After our bike was stolen, we replaced our locks with Kryptonite New York Chains. These guys are HEAVY DUTY… The manufacturer even states that, “In the unlikely event the product is defeated when used property, Kryptonite will pay out up to a certain value depending on the security value of the product.” Owners can even register their keys online so if the keys are ever lost, Kryptonite will ship you new keys.

Some may find the Kryptonite locks are a bit excessive and hard to haul around. Alternatively, the Abus Steel Chain Lock is another great option. Made of special hardened steel and drill protection, the chain provides security while the fabric sleeve prevents the chain from damaging accessories. We find that this alternative lock can easily be transported around town and isn’t quite as heavy as the Kryptonite New York Chains. 

During travel, we run a lock through the bikes and around the bike rack for added security.

When the bikes are taken off the rack, they are locked directly to the motorhome at the campsite.

Although these locks can be compromised by grinders, the heavy duty elements and thickness of the chains greatly discourage thieves– or at least make it harder for them! Plus, in a public location or busy campground– the probability of someone getting away with using a grinder is slim.

Camping Tip: For costly bikes, I highly recommend looking into bike insurance. Bicycle insurance agencies are available if your home insurance agency does not cover theft away from your home. Accordingly, take a picture or write down the bike’s serial number. This greatly aids in finding your bicycle if it is stolen. The serial or VIN number is commonly referenced by law enforcement and pawn shops should it get into the wrong hands. 

Lock Up High Dollar Items

Did you know that some EMS devices run $300 dollars or more?! Accordingly, coolers can be costly. Water pressure regulators aren’t anything special– but once they start getting those shiny gauges on them— now we’re talking. A nice generator can set you back a couple thousand or so. A bike, hitch, portable fire pit, grill, stroller/wagon, speaker— you get where we are going here… THIS LIFESTYLE ISN’T CHEAP!!! 

If worried about theft, secure high dollar items with cable locks or chains (if possible). Run cable locks through your surge protector or lock it to the electric pedestal. Cable locks can also be used through grills, portable fire pits, strollers, bikes/scooters, kayaks, or paddleboards if left out in the campsite overnight. Use a Yeti Bear Proof Lock or chain the cooler to your RV, tree, or picnic table. Likewise, a hitch lock will guarantee your pricey hitch won’t go anywhere.

Unfortunately, we may not be able to lock up every RV accessory. Quite frankly, it may be impossible securing every gadget and accessory you own. However, locking up the pricey items, especially the ones highly visible to passersby, will greatly discourage those campsite crooks.

Camping Tip: Surge protectors can be easily unplugged and taken. To deter attention from the bright display at night, use a lock, black electrical tape over the display lights that may catch an eye, or make a simple cover. A cover can also protect it from the weather.

Protect Your Valuables

As said, out of sight is the easiest deterrent. Gear can be brought in for the night, stowed in cargo, or locked up. But, let’s take it a step further…

Let’s say a criminal could access your RV. Which, some of us may shrug it off and think, “Eh, joke’s on them. Have fun stealing some paper plates, stale marshmallows, and cheap body wash.” Yet to others, avid travelers, or even full-timers, a huge chunk, if not, all of their life is in that rig! Some people may bring along laptops to work remotely, jewelry, large amounts of money, or even personal information many would file and lock away in a permanent residence.

Obviously, if you can– leave important things at home. If you do have to bring precious valuables along, put costly items in a security safe. Some RV units come with safes installed. If yours does not, a lock box safe can be mounted in the motorhome or travel trailer closet cubby.

For workampers or those on the job especially, keep your money tucked away in a secure place. For important or irreplaceable paperwork, consider a locking document safe that can help discourage thieves and prevent unauthorized individuals from viewing important documents. Besides, in the event of a fire, fireproof lock boxes can also protect your valuable belongings.

At the same time, always keep your mobile devices and laptops password protected. Nowadays, our phones can store so much of our personal data within them. Same with laptops. It can be devastating if devices were stolen and even more so regarding what happens to the information accessed.

Camping Tip: RV’s come with all kinds of nooks and crannies for storage. In fact, manufacturers are very clever with storage as they work to make RV living as efficient as possible. Find the hiding spots in your rig. For example, dining tables, dining chairs, under the couch, and under the steps can have small storage compartments that many would overlook. Check out your space and even consider DIY-ing your own secret cubby!

Watch Your Wallet & Passwords

RVing often entails traveling throughout different states and making many stops. You’ll probably be pulling out your wallet frequently to pay for fuel, groceries, restaurants, shopping, and attractions. With this in mind, keep a close eye on your wallet and always double check you have it before leaving a location.

Likewise, you may make numerous out of state purchases on your travels. This can increase the chances of someone getting ahold of your wallet or credit card information. In any case, watch your banking statements closely. I highly suggest getting text alerts any time anything alters your bank account, especially during travel.

Accordingly, WiFi is a preferred amenity for many travelers in the RV camping community. Although you’ll be thrilled with super fast WiFi provided at your destination, be careful of your web-surfing! THIEVES LURK ONLINE TOO! Unfortunately, even password protected networks DOES NOT mean they’re entirely safe and secure for personal use. It’s safest not to log into any sites that require personal passwords and avoid websites that hold any sensitive information, banking credentials, or credit card information. In fact, you’re better off using your own phone provider’s encrypted data plan– rather than a campground or RV park’s WiFi when entering passwords, purchasing products, or banking online.

Camp At A Secure Campground

Again, theft can happen anywhere. However, parks or resorts with gated premises or onsite security can help curb thieveish opportunists! When researching campgrounds for future vacations, look at the amenities offered. Often locations will state if the grounds are gated or if they have 24 hour on-site security. Also, read reviews! If a handful of reviews are popping up regarding theft or lack of security– then it’s wise to take precautionary measures over your belongings– or even rethink that specific destination altogether.

Trick Those Trespassing Thieves

One of the easiest deterrents is to trick thieves into thinking your RV is occupied. After all, if it looks like people are inside, crooks are less likely to strike.

Keep a light on, turn on a radio or TV, to trick people into thinking someone is there. 

Consider adding a couple “visitors.” It may sound silly, but especially for solo travelers, faking an extra person can help deter unwanted criminals. Set the largest pair of men’s boots you can find outside right by the entry door. It gives the illusion that someone else (as a matter of fact, a very big person) is present at the camper. Another option, set out a jumbo dog bowl or ginormous rawhide outside the camper door. Someone will be less likely to try to enter thinking a “Brutus” or “Beast” lives there!

Whether you have a security system or not, a simple security sticker may help discourage criminals while only costing a few dollars! 

RV Security Systems

Not messing around? Mobile cameras and video surveillance systems are available to protect your things and give you peace of mind.

Reolink Go is ideal for campers, RVs, vacation homes, farms and more. The mobile LTE surveillance camera doesn’t require WiFi or wired connections and operates on 3G/4G-LTE connectivity. No power outlets are needed as Reolink Go can work with a long lasting battery or can be connected to a solar panel for non-stop power. Users can receive instant app push notifications, email alerts, sound alarms, or even customize voice recordable alerts when motion events are detected. 

VOSKER is a 100% wireless and portable security camera requiring LTE connectivity. Ideal for remote area photo surveillance, this system operates without access to electricity and Wifi networks while equipped with a built-in solar panel. Users can quickly set this up, view day and night photos, receive mobile alerts, and choose different plans suitable to their needs.

Arlo Go is another LTE mobile security camera option that is 100% wire-free and requires a service plan and SIM card. Cameras are certified weather-resistant, with advanced motion detection and night vision. Cameras can be mounted to property or simply taken with you anywhere and placed accordingly. Users can view live anytime and receive instant email or mobile alerts whenever motion or audio is detected. Seven days of cloud storage is included while other Arlo Smart Plans are available based on travelers needs.

Motion-sensor lights, GPS tracking systems, window/door alarms also aid in protecting your RV unit and adding security. Check out the Equipt Motion Sensor with bendable legs that allow the light to be hung anywhere – great for tent camping.

RV Unit Theft

Not only do break-ins happen, but unfortunately, ENTIRE RV UNITS ARE STOLEN TOO– out of storage lots, back yards, and driveways.

While this typically doesn’t happen at the campsite, most RV theft happens to unoccupied, parked units.

To prevent RV theft, try to park your unit in a busy, well-lit area. Pole barns, garages, gates, or fenced in areas are ideal, offering out of sight or more challenging hurdles for thieves to undertake.

Winter Storage Precautions

You will almost always find a disclaimer in every storage facility contract stating they are “NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR STOLEN PROPERTY.” While many facilities offer gated premises, security codes, or video surveillance, it’s extremely important to fully understand the terms of the rental agreement and select a reputable facility. With that in mind, consider the storing and parking tips below before parking your RV in storage.

Storing & Parking Tips

• Have a good insurance policy.
• Try to select a storage facility or campground with on-site storage that is gated/fenced/barbed wire, has good lighting, video cameras, or security.
• Remove all valuables from your unit– including the batteries, TVs, and generator (if possible).
• Lock the RV and cargo area. Make sure all windows are locked.
• If your unit does not have a ladder already installed, park away from anything that could be used to get up onto the roof of the rig (some thieves, thin bodied ones, at that— have been known to go through the skylight or fan vents.)
• Position the rig so that it is NOT easy for someone to quickly hookup and drive off.
• Use a coupler, gooseneck, or king pin lock.
• Consider lockable wheel chocks.
• Leave the jacks down, making the RV less mobile.
• Make your RV less appealing. Shut the blinds and cover the windshield (if motorhome). An RV Cover may help in discouraging thieves by hiding the unit and requiring a tad more work for them to access–perhaps causing them to move along!

Unfortunately, stuff happens… Not only can theft be devastating to a vacation but it can affect one’s eagerness to travel. The best us RVers can do is try to take precautionary measures to keep our accessories, RV and lifestyle safe!

RVING IS BEING safe and secure.