I received a small safe for Christmas for installation in the fifth wheel. This will be used for storing valuables like the I-pad and such while we are out. In forty plus years of camping I have never even come close to needing a firearm but will be keeping one in the safe as I have grown older and it will bolster my comfort level. My questions are where to install the safe.In full view, hidden or severely hidden?Super easy access, moderate or hard to get to?In the bedroom or by the door?I worry the safe will be a collection point for a thief and he will just have to steal one item. This safe would be easy to get into at a later time. Should I anchor it so that it would inflict major damage to the trailer to remove? Are most RV robberies just in-and-outs and they pick up the easy items and would avoid an anchored safe?Any comments would be appreciated.

If you plan on using it for a gun to be used as protection, it doesn’t do any good if you make it inaccessible when you need it.

My preference is semi hidden but accessible with strong mounting bolts through steel backing plates. I would rather have damage than lose the contents. My safe is not going anywhere unless you bring a saw and a torch. Gun either stays on me, near me, or in the safe if I choose to leave it behind.

mich800 wrote:If you plan on using it for a gun to be used as protection, it doesn’t do any good if you make it inaccessible when you need it.I agree. We have one that was installed at the factory. It's in the back wall of the closet wouldn't want to store defense weapon in it. I have to remove an armload of clothes to access it.

Are most RV robberies just in-and-outs and they pick up the easy items and would avoid an anchored safe?Yes would be my answer. It appears what thieves wants are electronics, A/C, etc. Items that are quickly removed. Soft targets.My RV dealer was hit often until he fenced his property, the thieves would remove TVs, electronics, A/Cs, and be gone.

First now every body knows you have a safe, next they know you have a firearm and an iPad. Just saying ???To answer your question if I had one I would not have it in the open but easy to get to and be able to see to open and yes have it secured.JimR

Installing a safe? | Good Sam Community

Bob_Olallawa
Explorer
Dec 27, 2020
Bolt it into a semi hidden spot and have a smaller fingerprint open type pistol safe near the bed to use when you want it close by.
navigator2346
Explorer
Dec 27, 2020
If you can't bolt it down to something substantial like the frame, don't worry about it. Having one sitting around makes it easy for me to walk out with one package.
Yeti_plus
Explorer
Dec 27, 2020
Where ever you put it, do a trial mount first. Make sure you can see the key or dial or keypad clearly, and that the safe will open once bolted in.
We carry a small safe as well to store extra cash and passports and other stuff with us. I had the perfect location for it, but I started out by putting it in this "perfect" place and discovered that I couldn't access the key slot to open it and then discovered that even if I could turn the key, I wouldn't be able to open it wide enough to put anything in or get anything out!:S
Now on plan D, I think it is. Still not bolted in, just keeps moving around.:?
Community Alumni
Dec 27, 2020
First now every body knows you have a safe, next they know you have a firearm and an iPad. Just saying ???

To answer your question if I had one I would not have it in the open but easy to get to and be able to see to open and yes have it secured.

JimR
PastorCharlie
Explorer
Dec 27, 2020
Are most RV robberies just in-and-outs and they pick up the easy items and would avoid an anchored safe?

Yes would be my answer. It appears what thieves wants are electronics, A/C, etc. Items that are quickly removed. Soft targets.

My RV dealer was hit often until he fenced his property, the thieves would remove TVs, electronics, A/Cs, and be gone.
stickdog
Explorer
Dec 27, 2020
mich800 wrote:
If you plan on using it for a gun to be used as protection, it doesn’t do any good if you make it inaccessible when you need it.

I agree. We have one that was installed at the factory. It's in the back wall of the closet wouldn't want to store defense weapon in it. I have to remove an armload of clothes to access it.
bdpreece
Explorer II
Dec 27, 2020
My preference is semi hidden but accessible with strong mounting bolts through steel backing plates. I would rather have damage than lose the contents. My safe is not going anywhere unless you bring a saw and a torch. Gun either stays on me, near me, or in the safe if I choose to leave it behind.
mich800
Explorer
Dec 27, 2020
If you plan on using it for a gun to be used as protection, it doesn’t do any good if you make it inaccessible when you need it.

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