My wife is concerned about personal security

[HOM]

Hi Guys,

My wife and I were talking the other day about our motorhome plans and she very much likes the idea of a 45’ diesel pusher. The room and roadability mean a lot to her but her concern is about safety?

Is a motorhome safe from the personal safety standpoint? I have read that RV parks are safe and secure and doesn’t seem to have too many crazy people. And I’ve also read that some of yoo have had problems at rest areas and truck stops.

What would you tell her about personal security.
• Is a motorhome safe and as difficult to break into as a stick home?
• Do people mess with you on and off the road because you’re driving a big motorhome?
• Do you have to be on your guard any more than if you were in a car?

What should I tell my best girl, I have my own thoughts but would sure like to hear yours so I can share them with her?

HJ

[RayChez]

I would have to say it depends where you stay. That is why I belong to private RV parks where they have security and gated resorts. I have been camping for many years and I always carry a weapon within the states. Never take my coach to Mexico or Canada and if I did I would not take a weapon because the laws are very strict. So I stay within the states. I have never had any problems with the two coaches I have had.

I would not stay at a Wal-Mart or a truck stop unless there was nothing else. To me that is not camping anyways.

But just because I have not had problems, it does not mean nobody else could. There are a lot of crazy people out there and you have to be cautious and I believe you should have something to protect yourself.

[mc_cc]

Well, with that large DP there should be ample room to mount a pump action shot gun on the wall in the bedroom. That should be enough security if, in the unlikely event someone does break in. Seriously, we do keep a shot gun on board. Better to be safe than sorry. If your wife is anxious about security, a condo in a gated community may be a better choice.

[holstein13]

I've travelled over 29,000 miles in the past three years in a motorhome and have never even seen a violent act, let alone been a part of one.

[Crespro]

We stay in private RV parks with good ratings and always refuel during the day. These are simple steps that will give protection 99% of the time. In 24 years of RVing, we have not had problems. The RV parks always have staff in the area.

As I think about this, the incidents were on the road -- rare, but one or two drivers who did not follow the traffic rules and caused a potential problem. Fortunately, no accidents.

[msmith1199]

Obviously different parts of town may have different crime rates, but that doesn't mean you immune from crime just because you're in a nice part of town. I tend to get a little paranoid myself when out camping, but that's because I spent a career in law enforcement and have seen what can happen out there in the big bad world. A little paranoia and caution is good, too much is bad. The odds are in your favor. Most people do not become victims of crimes on a regular basis. But that doesn't mean you should let your guard down.

[HOM]

I didn't know that Walmarts, Low's and Home Depot's can be trouble. I guess it all comes down to the part of town you're in right?

Even in our car we travel through large cities during the day with no intention of overnighting there. Its not about fear its about smart! Trouble can start anywhere, just stay away from those places with a higher possibility of it.

Like most of you I've heard about trouble but have not witnessed it personally. But will never live my life as a victim. If you're coming after me bring your lunch, you'll be at it awhile. If nothing else I'll cry all over you and shrink your shirt! 🙂

You guys are great,

HJ

[down_home]

The Motorhome itself is secure. It has heavier doors and double locks and an alarm system, of if it doesn't one can be installed.
If she is capable or can learn to handle a firearm go for it. Get a CCW or whatever and just observe the laws, of the location, you may be at at any one time. If the surroundings don't seem safe just leave. Wal Marts etc pull offs and rest stops depending on area of the Country may have some unsavory elements.
If you witness them then just leave. They aren't going to get into the Motorhome, unless you let them in. They try you have two big air horns that will wake the dead.Hit them in once twice once or SOS again and again.
Most RV Parks are safe. RV resorts usually more so with gates and frequently guards.

[stugpanzer]

I have only read about issues but have never been witness to any nor have I been a victim. With that said, I do conduct myself as I do every where with practical caution. The one thing I do is I use locking pins for my tow dolly and the hitch. I read about people messing with that stuff while people were stopped. It is part of my routine after every stop to check the usual stuff plus those things that people might mess with.

[J-Rooster]

We travel mostly to Arizona and most RV Resorts that we go to have security. I've never had any security problems RVing and I've been RVing since 1976.

[HOM]

My wife is not fearful, she knows I ask you guys questions and thought it a reasonable question to ask. Your responses took care of any concerns and recognized as you said. You must be aware of your surroundings and be smart about what you do.

This is true if your in a motorhome, a car or sitting in your home. Pay attention and be smart in what you do!

I appreciate your posts, thank you.

HJ

[rgatijnet1]

Yep, there is no doubt that a lot of people have never had a problem. I guess the same could be said about the Canadian couple from Alberta that never made it to Walmart, a truck stop, or a nice RV park to stop. Somewhere between where they stopped for gas and their burned out RV was found, they were murdered. Their remains have never been found. They just released the only person they thought may have killed them. That means that at least one killer is still out there, that does not care about what you did in the past, and knows how to overpower a couple in an RV.
A nice RV park in So Cal was just the scene of another killing.
If you feel that the past has anything to do with what you may face tomorrow, you are too complacent. You have to treat each day differently unless you only travel to the same place all of the time and never go on any new roads. If you do travel to new areas, and if you ever break down at the side of the road, your past experiences mean nothing. I'm sure that the Canadian couple felt perfectly safe since they had been RVing for years.

[prstlk]

Never had a problem in any RV park gated or not, or felt unsafe even in some "rough" areas
Have done several Wally world's, truck stops, rest areas, and other spots of opportunity.
In these locations ....

use common sense
never out of arms reach of your phone
don,t exit the rig (especially after dark) without checking your surroundings
don't leave your steps down (bad guys can't see in or get a good grip on handles or locks.
If you get a knock after your in bed you can do several things. Ignore it 911 or in the 2 times this has happened to me I turn on my lights keep inside lights off, open a side window and tell them to step into the lights and will talk (You can also at say mostly out the window Honey hand me the shotgun)He/she ran
Never open the door ever.

On the second time the response from outside was "State Police" My response was again step into the light. Full uniform dude, again out the side window "calling 911 your name and badge please sorry just need to verify" All good, turned the interior lights opened the door and found out I was wrong to park there.
Apologized an the tropper who said "OK to be careful"

Life is meant to be lived and is never without some risk!

[doxiemom11]

No more unsafe than taking a trip in your car. Seriously, we are in our 4th year on the road and have only felt uncomfortable one time. We were wanting to stop for a break in an area with a large parking lot, but the people standing around didn't look welcoming. We kept moving.

[OH48Lt]

The only recent problem of this nature that I've had was last year in Kayenta Arizona. We were traveling from Durango to the Grand Canyon, and stopped at the McD's on Route 160. I let the DW off at the door to get a carryout, and I pulled around back to park. I was checking out the rig as I always do when stopped, and what I assumed to be a Native American approached me begging for money. He appeared drunk or high, and I dug out the change I had in my pocket and gave it to him, and he walked off. About a minute later, here comes another one. He also was either drunk or high, said he wanted some money. I told him I didn't have any, he got persistent, and I again told him I didn't have any money. He then attempted to shove me with one hand, and I side-stepped it and shoved him back -hard- with both hands. He said a few words I didn't understand, then walked off. Wise move on his part.

If that's the worst it ever gets, no problem.