How to Secure Travel Trailer at Campsite?

The first line of "defense" is to use a trailer coupler lock. Two types: Those that insert inside the coupler from underneith with some kind bar over the top of the coupler, or a pin that goes through the lift handle.

Click here for samples.

The second line of defense (but I've not seen anyone actually do this) is to put a chain and padlock through one of the wheels.

The third line of protection is to have your stabilizer jacks down, which you will do anyway.

And the 4th line of protection is to deploy the slide-outs.

Each of these things make it difficult for someone to just back-up, hitch and go. A thief want's convenience.

But, trailer theft is so rare, I doubt you'll have anything to worry about. If anything will get stolen, it will be the electric cord you plug into shore power with, or it will be the propane tanks.

If you simply park a trailer in a parking lot, all buttoned up, just sitting there, it's very easy for anyone to just back up, hitch, and go. But, in an established campground??? I've never heard of something like this happening.

If you are renting a trailer, then you want a renters insurance on it in the event of damage or theft. The rental company often provides this and it will cost you. It's a scam in my opinion, but if something did happen to the trailer, it would be well worth it. That's why is called gambling ... oops, sorry ... I mean "insurance."

Unless you are leaving the camper in remote areas, standing all alone somewhere, you'll have no problem most likely. Campgrounds are a different breed of people! But, things do sometimes happen.

I wouldn't worry about it. Get the lottery ticket ... oops, I did it again, I mean the insurance, and you'll be fine!

Avoid campgrounds in places with high theft rates. In over 30 years RVing the worst issues I have seen are a few ice chests full of beer go missing. Theft in most established camp grounds is largely not a problem. Bike left umlocked occasionally, ice chests, maybe a fishing pole or two. Trailers gone missing? No.

Truthfully there is nothing you can do. You can only slow someone down a little. I teach Firefighters for a living, and forcible entry is one of the courses. So far there has not been a lock that we can not defeat quickly. Slides out jacks down slow down the person is really all you can do. Now saying that the only thing we have ever had stolen so far is a laundry bag at the campground laundry.

I suppose it has happened, but rare. Just the same, have insurance.

I have a ball with the shank cut off then use a padlock through the coupler locking device (I padlock the coupler even when it is attacked to the TV)

With a trailer all set up at a camp site, it would be a major time consuming job to steal it.
I've just never worried about it.

We almost never lock the coupler, except when the trailer is parked by itself in an urban area. (Like at a suburban Walmart, when we need to take the truck somewhere where the trailer isn't welcome, like a parking garage in a downtown area.)

But our best defense is a good thick coat of dirt and bugs. Nobody wants to touch that trailer. ;)

Just make sure your not in the trailer if it gets stolen. lol

Meet/greet camping neighbors.
Let them know you are concerned

Camping neighbors have a GREAT tendency to look out for each other

I stick the ball back in the coupler and lock it. That way both the trailer and ball mount are secured from theft and from accidental dropping if someone lifts the latch. It also provides a place for storage and keeps the greased ball out of the way and clean. If theft is a worry, the most likely parts are the heavy electrical cord, the battery and propane bottles. You can padlock some pedestals to prevent unplugging and turning off the power. Maybe they will still cut the cord, but a well deserved jolt is a good thing. Batteries and propane tanks can be padlocked in various ways.