RV Security

filthy beast wrote:

TucsonJim wrote:
If you don't lock the doors, don't be surprised it the insurance company denies the claim. Of course, they'd have to prove it wasn't locked.

I'm guessing the police report would point to the fact that there was no damage from a forced entry.

There are just a few keys that are used on RV's. Mine works on our friends Montana, our nephew's Keystone fifth wheel and our Forest River fifth wheel. I know most all the storage is keyed the same for any trailer unless they have been changed by the owners. I'm sure it's easy enough to get the keys that will unlock 75% of all the campers in a campground at any one time.

Again, we just close the doors if we aren't going to be right there, but if we leave for any significant we do lock it.

Pry marks really won't make any difference if someone uses a key.

The only time we have had anything taken from our camper was when it was stored over the winter beside our house.

TucsonJim wrote:
If you don't lock the doors, don't be surprised it the insurance company denies the claim. Of course, they'd have to prove it wasn't locked.

I'm guessing the police report would point to the fact that there was no damage from a forced entry.

I too lock up but I also have an on-board security system the key of which is the flashing blue LED on the dash. A blue LED can be seen even in the sunlight. I activate the alarm/light when 'docking somewhere too. I am quite certain that the light provides a very real deterrent.


Gary Haupt

DW has a saying, "locks keep honest people honest." Other than that I don't worry too much about it.

"So, aside from being careful, you really can't worry about it...it is what it is!"

I believe that one statement covers it all. Traveling and camping will be more enjoyable without endless worrying about our material things. Not to say just throw caution to the wind but there is only so much you can do and that's it.

The Class A that I had was broken into while in storage along with lots of other vehicles and boats. I've never had an issue while under use or traveling.

We've been camping since '88 and have never had a problem, but it can happen to anyone. So, all you can do is lock the camper when you aren't there, and use common sense as to staying in safer areas. Back in the popup days, I would keep valuables (computer, camera) in the locked vehicle and/or take them with us in the vehicle when leaving the campground. So, aside from being careful, you really can't worry about it...it is what it is!

Personal aggressive reaction seems to be frowned on by the mods here,(my opinion) but I think it's a popular idea. Before I smartened up I got hit three times in my yard. Only once they scored in the t/h. The snapped padlocks on another trailer netted them nothing and trying to force a cable across the driveway to the shop with their truck didn't yield. Being padlocks are useless I leave the ramp down so sunlight can keep the vinyl from "staining". (Other post). I have various motion detectors from china freight stationed so if one alarms in the house, I check. I think if the culprits are confronted by some sleepy eyed agitated old fart in his undershorts with a 12 ga. 7 round, 00 Buck LED lighted and laser sighted Winchester they will consider their predicament. The outcome of their evening is their decision. I truly hope it would end peacefully with a minimum of paperwork. AZ. is a pretty no-nonsense State when it comes to citizens protecting themselves. I don't believe in the attitude of "that's what insurance is for". The no consequence actions only encourage more theft. Cops are only after the fact and do next to nothing to defer crime. If citizens don't stand up for themselves crime will continue to escalate. Taking the "law into our own hands" is liberal rhetoric.
IMO.
Sorry, I didn't mean to preach...It must be the wine.. :)

We have a PUP but do lock the door, for what it's worth. Never had anything stolen
while camping,even tent camping, If they do break in while I am there, the undertaker can pick them up. Just my opinion that I worked for what I have and someone else need not try to take in away. We have ins. coverage too.

In the long run, the only thing you can do is make your RV less attractive to thieves than someone else's. When I pull into a rest area, I get out to stretch my legs - by locking my rig and walking around it. I don't walk into the bathrooms there or anyplace else. I use the one in my rig.
If I need to shop, I do so in my Jeep toad after I'm parked in a FHU RV Park for the day. Generally, they aren't as attractive to thieves because there are people out and about and there's generally only one road in and out of the park.
Wally World OTOH, has people going in and out all day and night. Another car driving around the lot doesn't draw anyone's attention. Same deal with any large retail commercial building.