Traveling by RV satisfies a primal desire for movement and exploration. For me, nothing is more natural than the ever-changing scenery that defines life on the road. But something else is true with travel. As our surroundings change, so does our ultimate sense of safety. Which at times will have you wondering about RV security.
When you live a sedentary life, you have a general knowledge of how safe your car, house, and personal belongings may be on any given day. But when you travel daily, weekly, or even monthly, you are entering into a new community, demographic, and socioeconomic structure every time the backdrop of your life changes. Even if the chances of theft are low, do you really want to be up at night wondering about that sketchy-looking place you drove past on the way to the KOA? Or if you’re a little too isolated in grizzly country.
You can research an RV Park all day, but you never know how safe and secure it will feel. Not until you pull into the lot. Part of this nomadic life is discovery. And if you discover that your prebooked RV park wasn’t as described (entirely possible), you at least want your RV itself to feel secure.
These five products to help ensure you and your family’s safety and RV security.
Motion-Sensing Lights
RV motion-sensing lights are an easy and effective way to deter any malicious intruders lurking around. A motion-sensing light will startle a would be offender, and will alert you of any detected movement around your site. (If you’re close enough to see the light turn on, that is.)
It’s also a great way to keep an eye on big wildlife that might be passing through. We have had countless bear encounters over the years. And we saw them all thanks to our motion light. An RV motion-sensing light is a godsend when you hear that big rustle in the woods come lurking your way. Of the thousands of motion sensing lights on the market today, I would consider choosing a solar powered led light. The Cree-1000 Outdoor Motion-Sensing Solar Light is compact, easy-to-install, and solar-charged. It comes with two different shades of brightness. Depending on your RV set up and location (and proximity to your neighbor) you may find that option to be quite useful.
RV Security Cameras
When shopping for an RV security camera, you will want to keep in mind features like: motion detection, night vision, two-way audio and remote monitoring. Today, the best option for an RV security camera will be a wireless, Wi-Fi, or cellular-enabled system.
The Arlo Pro is versatile, providing 24/7 security, and doesn’t require electrical hookup or Wi-Fi. The security system is weather-resistant, easy to set up, and specializes in a wide range of angle and flexibility for ideal viewing arrangements. You can add a solar panel charger to the unit, so you don’t have to worry about your battery running out. The motion-activated detection will save on battery life and storage space. As an added bonus, there is a GPS Tracking Device function available as a part of the system.
GPS Tracking Devices
As mentioned above, some security cameras come with an option for GPS tracking devices, but not many. For a dedicated RV GPS tracking system, you will want to have reliable location tracking, real-time updates, a long battery life, or the ability to integrate with the RV’s power system. A simple and reliable GPS tracking unit suitable for RVers with off grid capabilities is Spot Trace. Real-time tracking updates are provided with satellite technology, meaning it will work virtually anywhere, regardless of Wi-Fi or cellular network. The AAA lithium batteries have a low power consumption, and will last several months. Or you can hardwire the unit for continuous power. This device hits the mark on simplicity, reliability, and functionality, and is a great option for going off-grid.
Wheel Chock Locks
A wheel lock doesn’t just protect your asset against theft, it deters thieves from entering the scene. The Trimax TCL65 Wheel Chock Lock is made with heavy duty steel construction, is easy to use, and is adjustable, making it compatible with most RV tire sizes.
The highly visible design lets intruders know that you’re not giving anything away for free. And the assumption will probably be made that your asset is protected in more ways than one. (Deterrence is a good RV security concept.) In addition to locking the wheel, wheel chock locks act as a wheel chock, securing the RV from rolling or moving.
RV Alarm Systems
When browsing for an RV alarm system, some things to look for are motion detection, entry sensors, and remote monitoring. And if you are going for the full package, some systems offer an option to integrate with cameras and GPS tracking, like the Arlo listed above. The SimpliSafe RV Security System seems to be the gold standard in RV security.
This system also comes with options for camera integration. My favorite function of this device is the water detection alarm. I don’t know anyone that has had their RV stolen or even broken into, but I do know quite a few RVers who have had their unit fill up with water for various reasons. With this set up, you will be informed when water has been detected, saving you time, damages, and repair costs. In the case that an intruder does break into your unit, SimpliSafe will not only contact you, they will dispatch authorities if you opt into their professional monitoring subscription. And if you are traveling with pets, rest assured they won’t trigger the alarms thanks to individual size and weight pre programming options.
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