RV Security

Most car owners take car theft very seriously, and take some basic steps to prevent it. We highly recommend taking RV security just as seriously. Preventing RV theft–whether it’s breaking in to steal items or taking the entire rig–can be generally quite simple, so it’s easy to change a few habits to protect yourself and your RV. We’ve provided a few tips to help you get started, but stop by RV Four Seasons to ask some of our experienced staff about some of their personal tips and tricks. We’re in Virden, Manitoba, near Brandon and Winnipeg, as well as Regina, Saskatchewan.

Parking your RV

This is especially important for those of us that spend a great deal of time in subfreezing temperatures. Frozen water expands which puts your water system at risk for serious damage. You’ll want to drain your plumbing system completely by opening all faucets (including toilets and showers) and use a blow out plug to get the last few drops out of the water system. Don’t forget you have appliances that use water, like an ice maker or dishwasher. Winterization for these appliances tends to vary from model to model so you’ll want to consult your owner’s manual.

Something as simple as parking your RV with theft prevention in mind can cover a lot of bases. If you’re out on the road, see if you can find a site that’s both out of the way and around other campers. The longer a thief has to search for your RV, the less likely they are to take it and while some people prefer peace and solitude, suspicious activity is more likely to be noticed in a high traffic area. At the very least, try to stay where there are other campers.

If you’re at home and need to store your RV somewhere, the best place is in a large, covered area, like a big shed or barn. Some people even build their own RV shelter to keep their rig away from prying eyes and protected from the elements. We know this isn’t practical for everyone though, so you can also consider renting out a storage unit or pulling it into a larger backyard if it’s available. The most important thing is to not leave it on the street. Firstly, a thief is less likely to come onto your property, as there’s a bigger risk of getting caught. Secondly, it can be illegal to leave a vehicle parked on the street for an extended period of time.

Securing your RV

There are other easy ways to secure your RV. Just like you would when leaving your stationary house, lock all doors and windows. But there’s more you can do when it comes to an RV. If you have a towable RV, consider getting a wheel jockey, which will allow you to maneuver your rig without the assistance of a tow vehicle. In other words, you can park your RV so the hitch is facing away from the road, which will prevent thieves from hooking up their own tow vehicle and driving off with your rig. You can also get a hitch lock as another preventative measure. If you have a motorhome, you can get a wheel lock, and for all kinds of RVs, you can get a tire boot.

Reducing Temptations

One way many car owners protect themselves from theft is to make their vehicle less appealing to thieves. This is just as important when it comes to protecting your RV. Hide all valuables so they’re not visible from the outside, including electronics, ownership documents, and firearms. You can even get a safe to protect certain items that are particularly valuable.

Other Tips

There are other ways you can protect your vehicle that go beyond working with what you have. One of the most effective prevention methods is a security systems. It’s also one of the more expensive methods, although for many the extra dollar is well worth it. You can also ask your local law enforcement about tracking devices and tags. This won’t necessarily stop theft, but it can help you prove that a stolen rig belongs to you, which can be just as important.

There are lots of other ways to protect your RV so feel free to test out ideas and ask around your local RV community to get other ideas. If you still need an RV to protect, then stop by RV Four Seasons in Virden, Manitoba to see what we have in stock right now. We proudly serve Brandon and Winnipeg, as well as Regina, Saskatchewan.