Security and door locks

[smokeylew]

Wondering what some of our seasoned campers are doing to secure their rigs against break-ins while out hiking or exploring areas away from the campsite. Standard RV door locks don't seem too secure to me. Especially if your out camping in the boonies.

Thanks for your response

[Dutch_12078]

The majority of RV break-ins occur at storage facilities, not while the RV is actively in use. Changing locks and keys does nothing to stop the "master key" that comes disguised as a tire tool in most cars and trucks, or even a large screwdriver. An experienced thief can be inside your RV in seconds. The storage bins take even less time to pop open.

[nineoaks2004]

memtb wrote:
I wish that I could give you some sort of "ground-breaking" advice, buuuut! I'm going to assume that you have the conventional door lock plus a dead bolt. If that describes your system, that's about all you can do. On most units, you have relatively thin,lightweight door and frame materials. Even if you could "seriously" reinforce the door system, a "determined" thief would simply knock out a window and enter. Until there is a season with no bag limits on thieves, it will be something we must deal with! You can however consider the system used on bears and wolves in the the mountain states..SSS (shoot, shovel,shut-up)!

That is to my way of thinking and I do not have to be camping either

[ctilsie242]

In CGs, or festivals, security is good enough, and thieves tend to go elsewhere.

Storage yards are where the break-ins happen. There, it really doesn't matter what lock you use, a "master key" (long screwdriver) will get in. Doors, there are many ways to get in, be it lifting or smashing a window, or whatnot.

My recommendations:

1: Replace the CH751 locks with triangular cam locks. The "key" is uncommon enough so that not people will have it, and will provide good enough security, and not get fouled with road grime. If one wants a real lock, Check Amazon for some that have a shutter.

2: Rekey the doors. FIC sells the cylinders, but to get the tool that allows you to pull them, you may have to hit eBay.

3: Insure and store valuables out of sight. Keeping a database with pictures, serial numbers, and other things will be a great help if there is a theft.

[dons2346]

A locked door would not keep me out if I really wanted in your rig

[CavemanCharlie]

fj12ryder wrote:
I don't worry about it. Thefts are very rare in campgrounds, otherwise tenters would never leave their tents unlocked. Personally I think that if you feel unsafe enough to replace door locks, then you should find another place to stay.

AFATG if someone really wants into your camper there is nothing you can do to stop them, the door jambs are all aluminum. A large screwdriver and they're in, while doing major damage to your trailer.

Seems to me that most thefts happen while the trailer is in storage, not the campground.

I agree.

The only time I lock the door at a campground is if I go somewhere for a few minutes and leave the dog inside. Then I lock it just so none of my friends that stop by accidentally let the dog out.

[time2roll]

Security is just an illusion.

[Bobbo]

Until Max passed away, a black German Shepherd took care of the problem. :B Now, we deadbolt the door.

As flimsy as these things are built, the flimsy door locks are the least of your worries.

[ReadyToGo]

All locks are just to keep the honest people out. Learned that in the military when we put locks on seabags.

[seaeagle2]

Keeping in mind the gauge of the aluminum or fiberglass siding, a cordless sawsall gets easy access. Having said that, I keyed my door lock/deadbolt and my storage compartments all the same to eliminate 1 key.

[downtheroad]

30 years, 5 trailers later, ZERO break-ins.

[Community Alumni]

We're seasonal in the NY Adirondacks; have been for 10 years this year.

Never lock anything. Only lock the entry door lock when we go home for a few days. No one has ever tried to break in to my knowledge.

[Trackrig]

We usually lock ours, but just the main lock, not the deadbolt. For the 20 years my brother had an RV he never locked his at all after seeing the damaged caused by someone trying to break into a Class A.

Bill

[BB_TX]

Standard locks here also. Some RVs were broken into in the storage facility several years ago where I keep mine. Got in my basement by simply prying open the doors. No damage. Just bent the locking tabs slightly. Did not get inside mine. But a 5er on one side of me and a motor home 3 spaces to the other side, they just broke the door window, reached inside, and unlocked the door. Even deadbolts didn't help.

[fj12ryder]

I don't worry about it. Thefts are very rare in campgrounds, otherwise tenters would never leave their tents unlocked. Personally I think that if you feel unsafe enough to replace door locks, then you should find another place to stay.

AFATG if someone really wants into your camper there is nothing you can do to stop them, the door jambs are all aluminum. A large screwdriver and they're in, while doing major damage to your trailer.

Seems to me that most thefts happen while the trailer is in storage, not the campground.