RV Information: RV Travel Safety
For a minute, try to think how a criminal would think. If you were at a rest stop looking for your next target or victim, what would you look for? Suppose for a moment that you are going to target a vehicle. What would be more attractive, a car whose owner stopped to go to the bathroom or an expensive-looking Class A caravan whose owners are walking their dogs? I don’t have the mind of a criminal, but this is an easy choice. That expensive-looking caravan probably has expensive contents inside it, like jewelry, cameras, and a laptop.
Well, we have come to the conclusion that we RVers are the main target of the criminal mind, so what can we do to protect ourselves? That’s what this RV Safety Checklist is for. To give you some ideas on how to protect yourself and your personal belongings when traveling in your RV.
Don’t spend the night at a rest stop. Rest stops attract criminals. If you stop at a rest stop, it should be only for a short break and then get back on the road. Close the RV and take turns using the facilities, always leaving someone in or near the RV. Always be on the lookout for anything or anyone that seems suspicious. Keep your cell phone handy in case you need it, and don’t open the door for anyone unless you know who it is.
Rest stops aren’t the only place you need to worry about. Every time you stop to refuel, you have to take certain precautions. It’s easy to be vulnerable to a thief at a gas station or truck stop. I have a bad habit of leaving my wallet on the console of our Class C motorhome. The door is not locked and your spouse is taking the time to walk the dogs. This is how fast it can happen. Get into the habit of locking the doors whenever you or someone else is not physically in the RV.
Most robberies occur at night, and most travel-related robberies occur at rest stops, gas stations, convenience stores, and ATMs. Try to schedule most of your stops during daylight hours, and whenever you stop, be aware of your surroundings. If something doesn’t look right, go away.
Wal-Mart or other parking lots where you might stop for a few hours sleep can also present safety concerns. You should always park in a well-lit area and the motorhome entrance door should face where most of the activity is. A thief prefers to work where it is dark and where he is least likely to attract attention. Close curtains or blinds so that someone cannot look inside. Don’t open the door for anyone unless you know who it is. If you are a security guard, ask for identification before opening the door.
As much as we would like to believe that the campgrounds are 100% safe and secure, don’t let your guard down. You don’t need to be paranoid, just use a little common sense. Don’t leave expensive equipment lying around unsecured. Tow bars, hitches, bicycles and other elements of the vehicle must be locked.
Keep all valuables inside the RV insured and out of sight. It is a good idea to purchase a small fireproof safe for storing valuables and important documentation. The safe can protect your valuables from the dangers of a fire, but it should still be stored in a safe and secluded place inside the motorhome.
Always lock up the motorhome when you are not physically at camp. Do not store valuable equipment in outdoor storage compartments. Believe it or not, the vast majority of RVs use the exact same key as yours for exterior storage compartments. If you store valuables such as golf clubs, fishing gear, or tools in the outer compartments, you may want to change the locks.
Before you go on a trip, make sure your Emergency Road Service Plan is up to date. In the unfortunate event of a breakdown on the road, try to start as safe as possible and call for help immediately. Stay with the RV until help arrives.
It is unfortunate that we live in a time when we need to take these additional measures to protect ourselves. I don’t want you to feel that everyone you meet during your travels is a thief or has bad intentions. Just use common sense and be aware of what is going on around you.
Plan your trip, travel safe, and enjoy your RV experiences. Remember, getting there is half the fun!
Happy Camping!
Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk Owner of RV Education 101