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RV Information: RV Travel Safety

For a minute, try to think like a criminal would. If he was at a rest stop looking for his next target or victim, what would he look for? Let’s assume for a moment that you’re going to target a vehicle. What would be more attractive, a car whose owner stopped for a quick bathroom break or an expensive-looking Class A motorhome whose owners are walking their dogs? I don’t have the mind of a criminal, but this is an easy choice. That expensive-looking RV probably has expensive content inside, 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.

Do not 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. Lock up 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 looks suspicious. Keep your cell phone handy in case you need it and don’t answer the door for anyone unless you know who it is.

Rest stops aren’t the only place you need to be concerned. Every time you stop to refuel there are certain precautions you should take. 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 RV. The door is unlocked and your partner is taking the time to walk the dogs. That’s how fast it can happen. Get in the habit of locking the doors when 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 the day, and each time you stop, be aware of your surroundings. If something doesn’t look right, walk away.

Wal-Mart or other parking lots where you might stop to sleep for a few hours can also present security concerns. You should always park in a well-lit area and the RV’s front 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. He closes the curtains or blinds so no one can see inside. Don’t open the door for anyone unless you know who they are. If you are a security guard, ask for identification before opening the door.

As much as we would like to believe that camping is 100% safe and secure, don’t let your guard down. You don’t need to be paranoid, just use some common sense. Don’t leave expensive equipment lying around unsecured. Vehicle tow bars, hitches, bikes, and other items must be locked up.

Keep all valuables inside the RV secured and out of sight. It’s a good idea to buy a small fireproof safe to store valuables and important documents. The safe can protect your valuables from the dangers of a fire, but it should still be stored in a safe place and out of the way inside the RV.

Always lock the RV when you are not physically at camp. Don’t store valuable equipment in outside storage compartments. Believe it or not, the vast majority of RVs use the exact same key as yours for exterior storage compartments. If you keep valuables such as golf clubs, fishing gear, or tools in the exterior compartments, you may want to change the locks.

Before you leave on a trip, make sure your Emergency Roadside Service Plan is up to date. In the unfortunate event that you break down on the road, try to stop in as safe a place as possible and call for help immediately. Stay with the RV until help arrives.

It’s unfortunate that we live in a time where we need to take these extra steps to protect ourselves. I don’t want you to feel like everyone you meet on your travels is a crook or has bad intentions. Just use common sense and be aware of what is going on around you.

Plan your trip, travel safely and enjoy your VR experiences. Remember, getting there is half the fun!

Happy camping!

Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV Education 101

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