Tips for Safe RVing

While RVing we don’t think that someone will try to steal from us.   Why would they when we would happily give them anything they need from a cup of coffee, tools to repair the rig, or even cash if they needed it and were in a bind at the moment.   Although RVing engenders a healthy and welcomed attitude of trust among fellow RVers, there is always a possibility
of risky situations.  Thinking ahead, awareness of your surroundings and a bit of precaution will help you avoid most problems.   These few tips will keep you and your family and RV out of harms way.

Two Kinds of Camping

While on the RV road we reserve or take advantage of both parks and campgrounds with amenities and utilities OR we may be boondocking or just dry camping at certain spots on the way to our destination. 

• Campgrounds and Parks 

While you wouldn't want to be overly suspicious thereby ruining the fun and adventure of your journey many people prefer to travel with a firearm.  Being in Texas, we are very familiar with this custom and many parks list little or no warning in this regard. BUT many parks strongly forbid them.  Certain states even have strict rules regarding carry rules. So if you want to pack, check out the laws where you're going.  Consider some other forms of protection:  

• Bringing your dog
• Installing motion lights on your RV
• Carrying a can on wasp spray (it has a long range, is fairly easy to aim and is temporarily disabling for the eyes
• Including your lucky baseball bat by the front door
• Keeping your vehicle key fob by the bedside (a click of the alarm button can be pretty disconcerting to a would be criminal)

Some other tips for camping in a park or campground:

• Stay vigilant, not in the super paranoid way, but pay attention to your surroundings and what is happening around your RV.
• Lock your doors. Make it a habit to lock your doors when you leave or while sleeping
• Remember that storage room locks on an RV are very low security so consider buying better ones if you store anything of value in them.
RV Designer L547, Keyed Compartment Lock, Weather Resistant, 7/8 inch, Compartment Lock
• Close the blinds or shades when you leave. You may even want to close them in the evening when all of your activities inside your illuminated RV can be easily seen by your neighbors.
• Bring small items inside or lock them up, especially when you leave.
• Get to know your neighbors. People are more inclined to look after each other (and each other’s stuff) when they know them.
• A peace of mind can come from installing an RV security system.  There are programmable lights, wireless camera systems, trailer hitches and wheel locks 
Zmodo Wireless Security Camera System (2 Pack) , Smart Home HD Indoor Outdoor WiFi IP Cameras with Night Vision, 1-month Free Cloud Recording

• Boondocking

• You may find yourself boondocking when you travel from one campground to the next which means you need to be a little more careful.
• Be careful where you park. If you are catching a few zzz’s look for something a little busier like a truck stop or a parking lot.
• Stay somewhat close to civilization in case there is a problem, help is not too far away.
• If boondocking for several nights or longer make sure you have enough power for emergency things like phone charging, and enough fuel to get you to the next gas station
• Make sure family or a friend knows the general idea of where you are
• Stay vigilant and keep an eye on your surroundings (see a theme here?).

On the Road

Traveling from one camping adventure to the next means spending a fair amount of time on the road. And yes, things can happen then as well.  MobileRVing makes these suggestions:

• Try to avoid the shady parts of town. Every city has them and if you are in doubt, ask the campground manager, friendly locals, or talk to a police officer.
• Try to not look like a tourist. It automatically puts a target on your back.
• Avoid flashing valuables and cash around.
• Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
• Make sure you have a good cell phone for travel and keep it charged in case you break down.
• Roadside assistance is essential if you spend any amount of time on the road. Then again, many plans have free lockout assistance so it is pretty handy when you are in the campground as well.
• Keep your RV or towing vehicle in top working order with regular maintenance.
• Don’t let yourself get too low on fuel.
• Keep your propane tanks full.
• If you encounter drivers with road rage don’t engage them. Let them pass, don’t respond, and try to get away from them then notify the police.

At Home

If you are off RVing that often means that your home is left all alone – and vulnerable. The tried and true home protection tips are still relevant today.

• Get a house sitter or have a family member stay there while you're gone
• Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home while you are gone and ask them to pick up your newspaper, collect your mail, and get any packages that may come while you are away.
• Put your lights on a timer so they come on at certain times.
• Park your car in the driveway as opposed to the garage; it gives the appearance of someone being home.
• Lock all doors and windows.

Finally, good RV insurance that covers your rig and belongings is absolutely necessary. That way if anything does happen you are covered.  That's a topic for a whole other post.

What are your RV security tips?  Tell us in the comments or over on our Facebook post.

Teri Blaschke is the RV Park operator of family owned HiddenValley RV Park in San Antonio, TX and writer of the park blog “A Little Piece of Country in San Antonio.” Teri contributes to various other blogs with a focus on either travel or social media and how it relates to the outdoor hospitality industry but her passion is serving the RV travel community by providing a memorable RV camping experience and growing the Hidden Valley RV family.  Connect with Teri on Google+, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter@HiddenValleyRV.