Avoiding Theft While RVing

Avoiding Theft while RVing can keep your dream come true from quickly turning into your worst nightmare. In this article we will discuss how to avoid theft while on the road. Arming yourself with knowledge and accepting the fact that theft can happen are the first steps in staying safe while on the road.

Avoiding theft, on the road, can be done. You really don’t hear much about theft in campgrounds, but it does happen. There are things you can do to prevent thievery. In this article we will discuss steps to take and products you can use.

Step One
Acknowledge that theft occurs. According to Alarms.org there is one burglary every thirteen seconds. Criminals strike often and steal everything from a piece of jewelry to your RV. Let’s face it- crime occurs no matter whether you live in a sticks and bricks home or in an RV. The Outdoor Industry Association points out that in 2017 approximately forty million people went camping. With forty million people camping each year there is bound to be theft, so why not be prepared?

Step Two
Be aware of your surroundings. Plan; if you know your destination do your research. Learn the route and research the crime at your upcoming destination. I take time to look at online reviews. RVers are friendly people for the most part and if things are being stolen, vandalized or criminal activity is occurring it will be shared in an online review. It is wise to avoid those types of areas.

Step Three
Get to know your neighbors. We have met a lot of people in our travels and we tend to travel in packs, like wolves. There is safety in numbers. There are some wonderful online resources for meeting fellow RVers, such as The RV Bunch Facebook group.

Related Read: Make Friends On The Road

Step Four
Invest in anti-theft products; if a thief wants to steal something they will. However, there are products on the market that help deter crime from happening.

Anti-Theft Gear

Wheel clamps are considered a physical deterrent and a great option for all types of recreational vehicles. A would-be thief can physically see this device and it will make him/her think twice about stealing your RV. They lock in place quickly and are heavy-duty. Your RV wheels are not the only thing to lock up. You can use a steering wheel lock too. The more devices you use the more serious a thief will know you are.

A receiver hitch lock is used to keep your receiver and ball from being stolen. They are inexpensive and easy to use. This device is a time saver because you won’t have to remove the receiver every time you unhitch.

Here is one crime stopping suggestion you might not have thought about; a dog. A dog will stop a robber in his tracks. Even an ankle biter is better than no dog at all. However, if you do not have the capabilities of having a dog you do have the option of buying a barking dog alarm. A barking dog alarm works by placing it near your front door. It can be used in homes, boats, recreational vehicles and cabins. Here is a short video on how effective this device can be.

The newest trend in the RV world is backward parking. That is right, instead of parking your RV the correct way, in your camping spot, you park it backwards. With that said some campgrounds like State Parks frown upon you parking or driving through the grass. Obviously, this method does not work in pull-thru sites. However, in a standard back-in site it does work. I did see this method used at A State Park recently. A thief would have to drive through the grass and make a difficult attempt to steal your RV. This method works best for travel trailers, pop-ups and 5^th wheels.

A GPS Tracking system is of great value to you and if your vehicle is stolen GPS can help local law enforcement return your stolen RV faster. There is another option besides GPS, and it is called LoJack. LoJack works directly with law enforcement. Therefore, the recovery rate is at ninety percent. You can get more details on their website. Please note not all locations are covered so be sure to check their website for exact service locations.

Door/Window warning stickers and alarms are easy to stick on or install. They are an inexpensive way to discourage a would-be robber.

Obtaining insurance is advisable. So, who offers RV insurance? You have several options and Consumer Affairs offers an in-depth look at who offers it and advice on what is covered. They also discuss RV insurance for full-timers, permanent sites and storage.

Related Read: Choosing RV Insurance for Full-Time RVers

Protecting Your Accessories from Theft
If it can be picked up and toted off – secure it! Gas grill, propane tank, bicycle, scooter, even your golf cart. Of course, you can’t chain down everything. It would be a bit ridiculous to chain down your lawn chair, towels and bathing suits you have hung out to dry, but those are susceptible to theft too! My husband had his tropical swim trunks five-finger lifted right off our picnic table. People will steal anything, and they do not have to have a reason; some think it’s a funny prank, or want to show off for their friends, while others steal for value. Swimsuits are easily replaced but a golf cart or bicycle, not so much.
So, what else can you do to protect your belongings at camp? Installing security cameras can help catch those crooks.
One last option is arming yourself. You can use pepper spray, a gun or even taking a self-defense class. Learn the laws for each State. If you plan to carry a gun here is some helpful information www.usacarry.com. Pepper spray is legal in all fifty states. However, there are some restrictions.

Related Read: RV Security: Keeping You and Your Possessions Safe

Conclusion

Theft may occur every day, but life goes on and camping is so rewarding. Do not let the what if’s in life keep you from doing what you love. By remembering the four steps mentioned above and purchasing the right anti-theft devices you can increase your chances of staying theft free.