How To Secure the RV When You Leave Camp

A few months ago, the Missus and I watched a YouTube video of a young couple who lost their RV. Someone stole it from their campsite inside an RV park while they were away. So, whether you go boondocking or have a nice setup at a campground, never take RV security for granted.

Unfortunately, many people don't think about this until it's too late. By then, their RVs have either been broken into or stolen. There is no foolproof way to prevent this, but there are ways to make your home on wheels look less appealing.

1. Install RV Security

We have SimpliSafe inside the RV. It works off WiFi and a built-in sim card, so it almost always has service. Missus pays for emergency monitoring and updates the address whenever we move the RV. She even has a unique panic distress password that summons emergency services without setting off the alarm.

We have stickers and a sign from SimpliSafe. Additionally, we have a sticker warning about surveillance, and we have the cameras to boot. But, Missus doesn't always put them up. We also have alarms on the truck. All of these things likely help to deter thieves.

2. Install GPS Trackers

If someone did happen to make off with our tiny home on wheels, Missus would likely know exactly where it is. Our travel trailer has—not one, but—two trackers hidden on the inside. The truck also has two trackers hidden inside. Additionally, our most valuable possessions have trackers on them—which includes me!

Note that GPS trackers usually require monthly or annual plans, but we think it's worth it. We pair these with Bluetooth trackers that you can replace annually. They worked even in Mexico!

3. Rethink Open Windows

Missus has left me in Mexico at least twice or thrice and then returned to the United States. She had to weigh the pros and cons of leaving the windows open in both cases. For her shorter trips, she left them open. She had to think carefully about which ones to leave open for her longer trips.

Any window big enough for someone to stick their head inside is too big a window to leave open, especially facing a street. This usually rules out the big dinette windows and the emergency escape windows. If you have rain-proof skylights or vents, those are your best options.

4. Clamp the RV Wheels

Have you ever seen an RV with clamps on the wheels? You probably thought the cops did this because they parked in the wrong spot. But, RV owners clamp their wheels to prevent thieves from driving or towing their tiny homes away. They usually do this when leaving the RV unattended for a long time.

You can buy RV wheel clamps at most RV stores or online. We have seen some good ones on Amazon and will likely get one if we need to leave the trailer anywhere for an extended time. So far, that hasn't happened!

5. Lock Your Travel Trailer Coupler

Missus keeps a padlock on the RV's coupler. She unlocks it only when hitching or unhitching the trailer. She then uses the padlock to lock the ball in place for towing. She also uses the lock to prevent a ball hitch from sliding in when parked.

Additionally, she has a separate coupler lock ball that slides into the coupler and blocks the hole. Can determined thieves cut through it? Probably so! But, it would take them a while and makes our home an unattractive option.

6. Get a Dog

Mister Whiskers might not like the idea of a big dog sharing the tiny space, but Fido helps keep him safe. Thieves are less likely to break into any home with a ferocious dog inside—even a home on wheels!

The big downside to this is that a dog barking incessantly in an RV is likely to pose a problem. In fact, most parks have rules against leaving dogs alone inside RVs. Even when they don't, you can't leave a dog alone for very long.

RV security is a top priority: even more so when your pets are inside! Take a multi-faceted approach to ensure you cover as many bases as possible. If you invest at least $200 in purchasing security items at the start of your RV journey, you'll likely have everything you need to keep your home and Mister Whiskers safe.