RVing with Valuables

RVing with Valuables is a not often talked about aspect of full-time life. If you travel in your RV full-time, or even if you just want to travel for an extended period of time, you’re bound to end up traveling with some valuables. It’s no secret that travel trailers and motorhomes aren’t nearly as secure as a traditional house might be, and this can make it difficult to ensure those valuables are secure.

Luckily, there are things you can do to protect those valuable items. While this will take a bit of extra effort and will involve a bit of a financial investment, we think taking the extra steps to protect your items is a worthwhile endeavor.

In this article we will discuss our top tips for protecting your valuables while traveling in your RV.

Change Your Locks

The first thing you will want to do is change the locks on your RV. The locks installed at the factory are incredibly easy to pick. On top of that, sometimes RVs that are made by the same manufacturer will actually have identical locks, meaning that the key for one will work for the other. This is why changing the locks on your door and all of your storage bays is so very important.

Some people like a traditional lock for their RV door, while others prefer a lock with a keyless entry option.

Utilize a Hitch Lock

Obviously, even the greatest door lock is of no use to you if someone can hitch up your whole travel trailer and pull it away. For this reason, you will want to be sure to use a high quality hitch lock each and every time you park your camper.

Additionally, you will want to make sure your trailer is locked onto your truck hitch if you’ll be parking the entire rig and heading into a store or restaurant.

We really like this hitch lock for keeping travel trailers safe while parked.

Park Smart

Speaking of parking, you will want to pay close attention to where you park your rig. When parking in a lot, always choose a high traffic area with plenty of lighting.

When it comes to campgrounds, read reviews before choosing a park, and always listen to your gut instinct. If a place doesn’t feel safe, seek out a location that you’re more comfortable with.

When it comes to keeping yourself and your stuff safe, where you’re parked can make all the difference in the world.

Put Things Away

Clearly, things are much less likely to be stolen if they are put away out of sight or locked up tight. Keep grills and other outdoor gear inside the storage bays at night. Additionally, you’ll want to make a point of locking bikes to a rack or to the picnic table on your campsite.

When it comes to indoor items, try not to flaunt any valuables you may have, and don’t leave the rig with the blinds open for anyone to see inside.

Use Lights, Alarms, and Dogs

Thieves are less inclined to approach a place if you have an outdoor light on. This is because they’ll be much easier to spot on a well-lit doorstep. A light on a motion sensor is an especially good option, as it will alert you to movement outside, giving the imposter even more reason to skip over your home.

Another great idea is to install an alarm on the door. A full-fledged home security system may not be feasible in an RV, but something that loudly sounds off when the door is opened can still be effective. Not only will this warn you of a break-in attempt, it’ll also call the attention of neighbors and passersby.

Considering that most thieves aren’t looking to get caught, this loud sound alone might be enough to scare them away.

Finally, there is the option of a dog. Like an alarm, a barking dog will warn you of someone coming, and the barking alone may be enough to scare them away. If that’s not the case, some dogs may even attack an intruder, making this a more effective—if a bit more needy—solution.

Install a Safe

Have small items you want to keep protected? A fireproof safe in your RV is a wonderful idea. This will keep a burglar from easily snatching up your precious items. It will also keep these items safe in case of a fire, or potentially even in a flood or road accident.

Safes come in all shapes and sizes, meaning you should be able to find one to install in a cabinet in your RV fairly easily. Be sure to bolt it into the wall, floor, or bottom of a cabinet in order to make it as effective as possible.

Not sure which safe to buy? We really like this one. It’s especially strong and temperature-resistant, plus it has some nifty features such as keyless entry and an interior compartment.

Invest in Locking Bags

Of course, you won't always be in your RV, and sometimes some of your valuable items might need to go out and about with you. If this is the case, and especially if you’ll be headed somewhere crowded, we highly recommend investing in a locking bag of some sort.

A good locking bag will use a high quality lock and be made using fabric that cannot be cut. The fabric may also be waterproof for extra measure. It should be possible to connect the bag to yourself or to a piece of furniture should you feel the need, meaning it can’t be picked up and carried away.

These bags are ideal for carrying large amounts of money, passports, expensive electronics, and more in locations such as airports, the beach, amusement parks, and other bustling places. Considering how travelers tend to find themselves in such places, this is definitely an accessory you’ll want to invest in to keep your valuables safe.

While traveling in an RV with your valuable items is a bit of a hassle, it is totally possible to do so safely. Use these tips and you can travel in confidence, knowing you’ve done everything you can to keep your items safe from thieving hands.

This article contains affiliate links. Purchasing through these links helps support the author.