Say you’re just taking the dog on a quick loop around the campground and you’ll only be gone for 10 or so minutes. Before you start walking, do you turn around and lock your RV’s door? If so, do you always lock it or just some of the time?
Do you feel safe if your RV’s door is unlocked while you’re away for a few minutes or not? After you vote, please leave a comment and tell us why or why not. Thanks!
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A lock is not protection. All it does is keep an honest person honest. I believe 99.9% of the people camping are basically good, and would actually come help if they saw something suspicious. However, there’s also the “kids will be kids” mentality out there, and this is cheap protection, not only for myself, but maybe whoever is “curious”. you see, I might be carrying stuff that could hurt you….
Exactly what he said.
I voted NO. I’m glad that I’ve found campgrounds where I don’t feel the necessity to lock up when simply taking a walk around the loop. Of course, I may be the next victim of a casual thief but there’s likely more easily pilfered items outside the trailer.
If I need to lock up for a ten minute walk, I probably need to secure everything outside as well. It would be best for me to move along to a safer place.
My wife always insists on locking up. For a 10 minute walk, I would never do it.
Lock it up and keep it yours!
Steal the cheap outside chairs.
Lock everything, a thief will take any opportunity and the lock may cause them to move on to the next camper
I have firearms in my RV. It would be unthinkable for me to leave them unattended and unlocked.
Same with a bunch of us.
Agree
Rarely. Depends on the neighbors.
Three dogs,usually at least 1 is in RV at any time if I’m not in it and it doesn’t recognize u good luck
If I needed to lock up for a ten minute walk, I wouldn’t camp there.
I keep a firearm in our RV. Just because someone has an RV doesn’t mean that they are “wonderful” folks.
True. But I would be concerned staying in a campground next to you. I am not anti-gun – my step-dad was an champion trap-shooter and owned over 150 guns – but he never kept a firearm anywhere but a locked gun safe.
Perhaps you remember 2 escaped convicts in New England several years ago. Some of the local neighbors to the prison bragged on national TV about not being worried because they had guns and were ready. The convicts broke into one of those houses and stole a couple hand guns and ammunition. Now, instead of just being escaped convicts, they were armed escaped convicts. Their recapture ended up in a shoot out with the police, because one of those bragging homeowners didn’t have his guns properly stored.
Several years ago my husband and I were camping with our 2 kids. I was at the far side of the campground taking a walk in the road when our dog, which was properly tied up, slipped his collar and ran after me. A man a few spots away from me started screaming and waiving his gun around in front of a group of terrified campers – including kids – threatening to shoot the “loose” dog and its owner. Another camper then pulled out his gun to “protect his family” from the crazy man.
They were both crazy, and a whole bunch of people in the campground called the cops and packed up an left.
Just having a gun does not make you – or anyone else – safer. The US has more privately owned guns per capita than any other nation, so if having a gun makes us safer, why is our violent crime rate so much higher than countries that have strict gun laws? Why are we the nation where people are more likely to be killed or injured by a gun than any other country?
It is true that guns don’t kill people; it is people with guns who think they need them that do.
It’s a proven fact that states with the most restrictive gun laws have the highest instances of shootings. The criminals know they have impunity because no one is armed.
As for your gun safe comment most of my guns are indeed in a safe. But, if a criminal breaks into your house or RV in the middle of the night, by the time you can open a safe, you’re dead.
“Most” of your guns are in a safe? Why bother at all?
Yes – Never used to but experience has minimized prior trust level.
Always Lock it.. Naivete’ leads to Tragedy..
Keeps an honest person honest!
There is no such thing as an honest person if they go up your stairs to open YOUR doors and go in…..
What he meant is locks only keep honest people out. If a crook wants in your rig that lock won’t stop him.
I lock my RV when I am going to be gone for a quick walk because I never know when those turn into a 45 minute walk. There could be some shiny objects to catch my attention or I meet a new friend.
Ditto!
No. There is always one of the dogs in the coach. If you open the door you are in for a big surprise.
Not at all at our nearby state park. I might if we are at a new campground. We have dogs that would bark. The vehicle makes it appear someone could be inside as well.
If I have to lock my trailer for a 10 minute walk then I’m not where I should be
It really depends a bit on where we are. In rural Montana, in a mostly empty USFS campground we might not. In an urban or big campground, yes, unless we remain within direct view of it.
Since I avoid going into “sketchy” areas, I only lock it when I leave the area for a while.
Avoiding sketchy areas is no guarantee you won’t be robbed. Recently a camper here in a provincial park, a place widely believed to be safe, came back to her site and found everything gone, including her tents. My guess is the thief knew she left the campground and at this time of year there aren’t as many people camping. Any other campers may not have recognized it wasn’t his campsite and would not be suspicious if he just packed up everything instead of grabbing things from her tent.
Never Lock… Never leave anything that’s not replaceable… Never a problem…🥳
Always! There are strange and dangerous people everywhere. I hate to have to feel that way but I’ve seen too much. And I’m sorry but there are people today that feel like everything belongs to them!
Over the years our home, cars and business have been broken into and robbed numerous times. It’s not a good feeling and one time it was very difficult to recover from. Sadly, we feel we need to lock up everything if we leave our campsite, even if only for a few minutes.
With a digital keypad lock it is so easy to lock. I am not worried much when gone for ten minutes, but I am worried that unless I lock every time I will forget when leaving unit longer.
I even lock the doors on our stick-n-bricks if we’re outside doing yard work. Several years ago, we had a rash of houses being robbed in a very affluent neighborhood while the owners were out working in their flower beds or doing yard work. The thief knew that they were busy and not paying attention to their “back door” that was unlocked. He got caught because someone had installed a ring doorbell on their back door as well. Teenage boy.
I hate to say it, but I don’t trust many people any more, especially since we started full timing. Every worldly possession we own is in our 5er, and I’m not going to leave it unlocked at anytime and take a chance.
Don’t know what y’all got in your rig that is worth so much. Our most valuable items are the wife’s jewelry and our tablets, and they’re insured. Wanna steal our pots and pans or clothes? Have at it.
Well, Ozzie, we have our cats in our trailer. If someone opened our door, whether to rob us or to say “Hi”, one or both of our cats may get out. There is no insurance that would replace them. If someone took them home, we would never get them back.
So, your snarky comment failed to consider that there are things more valuable and irreplaceable than jewelry. We don’t all live in your situation.
Correct, this man should not be entitled to his opinion because your opinion is different. Your opinion is more important than his opinion and he should not be allowed to say his opinion because it contradicts your opinion which is much more important than his. This is your world we’re just trying to live in it and we’re terribly sorry.
Yes always. There are people everywhere that always want what you have worked for.
Thats so true and plus why should anyone be feeling violated by someone coming inside your RV at all? I dont want to be feeling violated by anyone and plus the person dont want to be feeling the bullet holes being shot in their asses and be drop dead by me and my gun do they? That would be really stupid of them
With dogs and cats in the rig, always.
Things can be replaced. Someone could be inside waiting for you! I also wouldn’t trust the dog to protect my home. If he was let loose or stolen it would be heartbreaking.
It only takes 30 seconds for someone to take something. They are gone before you realize that you have been victimized.
SO true!
Not always. Depends on the park. Usually lock each time depart RV early in stay at a campground. Later in our stay we may or may not lock the RV, depending on our impressions of the campground and our neighbors.
If we leave for more than 10 minutes, we do lock it. I’m more worried about stuff outside my rv. If it’s an area known for theft, I’ll stay away.
Not just yes. HELL YES!
Then you’re probably staying at the wrong place.
Yes, I always lock it. It doesn’t take long to steal a dog or anything else. I don’t know if insurance would pay for stuff if left unlocked. My dog is with me except for trips to restroom, and he is locked in then. No one messes with my dog, not ever! I’ve read numerous reports of thievery in state parks as well as others. Many pooh-pooh the idea of thievery in a campground, but my car and RV are no different from my house. If you carry a gun, I doubt it’s a good thing to have someone running around with that. My billfold with credit cards and driver license, I don’t need to lose.
Many people think the people in campgrounds are ok, and they may be. But these days, there are people cruising through that are not staying there to see what they can steal. Some come back at night to lift anything left out. It’s been worse the last couple years. It’s another reason people should not cut through your space.
I’m seasonal and do not lock mine. Someone wants in, they will get in regardless
The question indicated “your park”. I take that to mean the park that I either own or own a lot at the park (which I do). Based on that, we never lock our motorhome as other owners are like family and will look out for our rig in case a stranger (renter) approaches my unit or lot.
I camp on a marine base. It’s safe. Leave everything out. Kids run around without adults. On the Pacific Ocean. Beautiful.
I have never seen no RVs camping on bases at anytime at all
Many military bases have RV/camping areas available. Some have annexes at state/federal parks/areas. There is even a book that list all the locations across the country.
Interesting! I am a veteran. How/where do I find that book?
They have a great one in Key West but have to book years in advance.
Alot of military bases have Famcamps. They’re on base and they’re fairly safe. You have to possess a military ID card, be retired military or a federal employee. We’ve stayed at Tyndall AFB FL, Kirtland AFB NM, Nellis AFB, NV, ETC……
I always lock it! If you’ve ever witnessed how a thief operates, they move very fast. I always have a firearm and I always have cash. I would hate to have my weapon stolen and in the hands of an idiot.
Roger that!
We have been camping since 1972 except for over 10 years when we owned a campground. Virtually all camping is done in State Parks and we have never had theft problems in either the owned campground or State Parks. Nothing of value is in the RV, it’s locked up in the trunk of the Toad. Want our dirty clothes or dishes help yourself!
I don’t worry about it. Never have.
We travel with 3 Dalmatians and our neighbors see this? I would be pretty stupid to enter the MC with them on board. We usually take 1-2 at a time to go for walks and we leave the door wide open and screen door closed. HONEY I’M HOME !!,
Oh and we have a canary camera on board so we can see everything going on inside the MC at all times.
Even though we camp at safe appearing resorts, there is always an issue of who can you really trust and who might be roaming around who doesn’t belong there.
Always lock it up. I dont trust anyone.
Thats right and why would anyone want to leave themselfs open to get their stuffs stolen or their RV stolen at all?
I feel alot more safer always locking up our RV doors all the time when we are inside our RV and when we are not around our RV we lock up our RV 24-7
Even when we camp at a KOA CAMPGROUND WE LOCK OUR RV
Best to be safe. Not only could someone steal your personal belongings, they could enter waiting to attack you or your family when you return. Why deal with the unknown. Just lock your RV like you would your home.
We have camped for over 20 years. Never had an issue. But, I guess it’s dependent on WHERE you camp. No trailer park camping is Rule 1
We left in the MC for an hour leaving plywood jack pads, rug, and water filter there. Came back and it was all gone! Stuff was basically worthless! Always lock and have 3 dogs that bark at everything! This at a Florida state park.
I always lock up. Locks are deterants to theft. A thief wants to hit and run as quickly as possible so, they will usually bypass a locked RV/trailer.
Correct!
If someone wants to ripoff a camper, they could just order the 2 or 3 common keys for campers
The old adage of “locks are to keep honest people honest” is true. Locks, no matter how strong, will not deter a thief who is determined to get in.
We stay in State Parks a lot where there are a lot of homeless people. The Park warns you to not leave valuables around as they could get stolen. Not a good place to leave without locking up.
I usually don’t lock our RV because we have a German Shepherd security guard…
Sadly nowadays, I even worry about my camp chairs & BBQ sitting out while we go on daily excursions. Never used to. I would never, ever leave my motorhome unlocked!
A friend, had 3 coolers stolen at state parks. Over Last 2 years.
A leprechaun stole 6 chairs from my uncle’s neighbour.
I full-time and have a seasonal place during the summer. When and if I lock my door depends on how busy the campground is that I am in. Also how close together our campsites are. It’s like anywhere else, assess your surroundings and act accordingly.
I have lived in over 30 places across Canada and never even locked the house when we went away for two week vacations. Never had any problems or concerns even living in a few shady places.
Rarely do we lock our camper. Only if we go for more then 24 hours. We keep no real valuables inside. If someone wants in, the damage may cost more then they take.
I even lock it when I get fuel because the entry is on the opposite side and would be so easy for someone to enter.
I would never lock my trailer for a walk around camp. We very rarely lock our trailer unless we are taking off for hours in the truck. However, I fully research every location we camp at to ensure we will enjoy it and feel safe. My husband leaves the BBQ out most of the time but it is super old and in need of replacing. If we get a new one, we will probably try to lock it up more. We typically leave the bikes out but if I don’t feel 110% safe, I will pile them on top of each other so that it would be difficult to grab them without making noise.
Depends where we are parked and who our neighbors are. Traveling with friends who are.outside, why bother. Otherwise, yes and usually lock while we are inside, especially overnight and while on the road driving.
Most of the time unless we are with a group of friends or someone is still going to stay at the campsite.
After many years of tent camping and never feeling un-safe or worrying about having anything taken, we are now full timing. As such, everything we have is now in the camper. Not that we have high value items but just like to help honest people honest. We also lock the truck doors when we are out of it.
I always lock the camper when away from it and at night. People are shady these days so I’d rather be safe than sorry.
Nope most campers like mine use the same key and most know that. I had a camping neighbor lose his camper key and I unlocked it for him to get the spare
I have lived in my rv full time for 3 years, as of yet I have never locked it. Fortunately it is parked in a very safe place.
Everybody is pretty trustworthy on the campground
We have two cats that we always have with us when camping. We lock the door when gone to keep someone from even accidentally letting them out. Stuff can be replaced but our pets are family.
Why do houses have bars on the windows and intruder alarms but not recreational vehicles? And why are solo females announcing to the world on YouTube that they’re living in unsecured vehicles on secluded car parks?
I’m a solo female who travels full time in my van. My van is like fort Knox. I have 4 motion sensor security cameras with night vision, roof top spotlights, I bar my sliding door, strap my front doors and have a ccl and gun safe….so don’t stereotype us please.
I also am an elderly widowed woman shooting since age 8.
Conceal carry permit, and go to the range routinely
As far as I’ve seen full timing it 7 years I’m much more prepared cautious and equipped than most of the men I’ve met. Women are not mere women anymore.
I don’t think that Thomas is stereotyping women, but rather is wondering why some are putting their status on YouTube and possibly inviting trouble. Take care. 🙂 –Diane
Pretty sure it’s not only women that share there travel photos on social media, but I hate to see the judgement that this group puts on women solo travelers for being on YouTube. Just remember lots of people judge you for traveling in an RV or even worse, living in one.
Thanks for that perspective, Judy. Unfortunately, it seems like everyone is judged for everything these days. Take care. 🙂 –Diane
You do understand that YouTube videos aren’t posted in real time? Most solo women I know through traveling wait until they leave a spot before posting it on social media. And it’s usually creepy local dudes that bother us.
We just bought our first RV and are planning our first trip. Sadly, I would have to say that I would probably lock up if we were to leave the site, even for a short time.
It’s funny that I feel safe leaving items around the campsite like chairs cooking equipment that sort of thing. But When it comes to my RV, I just prefer to lock it. There’s more expensive things in there and plus it’s my personal space that I don’t want anyone Visiting without permission.
We usually go with a group of people, so I know if we’re walking our dogs that our friends will notice if someone is lurking around our RV. The times we are on the beach we usually leave our dogs in the air conditioning. Our one dog is a Great Pyrenees and there is no way she would let anyone in, that wasn’t us. No dogs? I would probably lock it
I have worked in West Oakland, CA for the last 46 years. Locking everything has become second nature.
I always lock it for our safety. Do not want to walk in and encounter an intruder.
I only secure the things I want to keep, surge protector, folding step, chairs, BBQ, and RV door.
I will now start locking my door after reading about the lady in ontario who had all her camping gear stolen. I used to feel safe now I’m not sure. Things have changed and not for the better
I am usually with camping groups or in a membership campground, so no I don’t. I also have 3 dogs to alert me if someone is around. If I leave the premises then I lock it. I lock it at night and when traveling alone.
My home was broken into because the thief put his 4 year old nephew through the dog door. I don’t trust anybody.
Hi. I HAVE A 2008 TOY HAULER.
I pray SOMEONE HAS AN ANSWER TO A 65+ year old creepy pervert who took up breaking into my home, 3yrs ago, (AFTER MY HUSBAND UNEXPECTEDLY DIED after turning 60.)
I REALIZED IT WAS HIM & HAD TECHNICIAN come pull up EVIDENCE ON MY SECURITY TAPE.
Only to discover EVERYTHING HAD BEEN ERASED AND MACHINE “TURNED OFF!”
POLICE CAME TWICE & NEEDED PROOF😞GONE.
HE WON’T STOP IF I LEAVE.
I HAD LOCKSMITH OUT TWICE TO CHANGED THE FRONT DOOR LOCK. SKATES RIGHT THRU IT!
HE DESTROYS, BREAKS, HIDES, STEALS, EVERYTHING that means something to me!
My car, in the beginning he’d break in and leave the back door open and finally killed that NEW BATTERY!
Being a 70 year old Widow and alone… The creep won’t stop! He has made me a prisoner in my home.
ANY SUGGESTIONS HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS KIND OF VINDICTIVENESS, EVIL, PERVERT? TY😣
Document everything. Call the police and file each time something happens. File a restraining order. Do that with local, county and state police.
If we are just walking around the park, then no the door is not usually locked. But it is always locked if we are leaving the park, or plan to be away from the rig for a longer time, even if in the park.
We use to camp 8 weeks or more a year. One night my husband noticed an old van pull into a camping spot right across from us just at dark. It was gone before daylight the next morning. A few weeks later, we seen that van on the news. It was Gary Hilton. He had murdered an elderly NC couple. The man’s body was found not far from the entrance to the campground a little later on. He also kidnapped and murdered Meridith Emerson, and a couple of ladies in Florida. This was a camp ground in the boonies. No cell service, and no electricity. After that, I no longer felt very safe. Western NC use to be very safe. Not now.
I say usually because we are traveling, unless I know the people around me I will lock it up if I will loose sight of it. I’m not worried about the common keys most campers have the Winibago I purchased doesn’t use those locks/ keys , I don’t know if all Winnebago keys will work in it ? But those other keys everyone has will not Open my camper. We will be getting Keypads soon as a extra precaution, I also have Blink cameras on the camper it sends me a instant alert if something moves around my rig, of course it only works if we have internet, soon that won’t be a issue either if our Starlink system ever arrives FedEx is taking there time with.
Greetings to All,
I hiked and camped In Western North Carolina and Tennessee for about a decade and never locked anything.
I then spent thirty years in the Caribbean living on my sailboat(s). Again, I’d rarely lock the companionway. There were only a few times my instincts had me lock up.
I’m now banging around in a Coachman Leprechaun, and I’ve had a slight change of thinking about securing valuables and locking the homestead.
Times have changed in the USA. The meth craze has many communities overwhelmed with addicts who’ll steal and sell rakes and shovels for drug money.
It’s a sad fact of life now.
I always do. I live full-time in an RV park with my hubby. I know that most RVs are keyed the same at the factory, so we installed a new lock. Even if I didn’t change the locks, most people don’t realize the similarities in RV locks. Plus, if they do, making them do an extra step gives me or my neighbors time to notice and call for help.
If I’m not in an urban area, I tend to not lock if I leave during the day as campers are very honest in general. However if I’m close to a city where the campground draws many for day use that may not have the same respect for fellow campers, I do lock.