RV theft prevention
 

Looking for some good methods for preventing theft of an RV. If it is in a more remote location, and not always "manned", what are some good ways to prevent theft?

Hoping someone might have some other ideas besides a hitch lock, wheel boots, etc.

Thanks in advance.

Here is my thoughts,

Do what you can to make it difficult or time consuming to steal. Make sure your insurance coverage is tight and up to date. Remove the wheels if that is not too much of a pain in the butt.

Have you considered a GPS tracking system? I think there was a recent discussion on this. I've also started removing my safety chains completely off my trailer when parked for extended time periods. I have seen videos where thieves just wrap the safety chains around the truck hitch a few times and off they go.

I have a wheel boot and hitch lock on my cargo trailer, but at the end of the day it can be stolen if they really want it.

Hopefully somebody can give you some better tips.

Thanks Rusty, the safety chains one is something I didn't know. Good call.

A good lock that covers the entire hitch/coupler is a good starting point. The cheap ones that have a ball and bar over the top are made of zinc and can be broken with a hammer or picked easily.

I would personally recommend one of these with a Medeco puck lock instead of the included lock. Yes, it will cost a couple hundred bucks, but your trailer cost tens of thousands so it is a relatively small cost in comparison. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVtHiX12TVw

Just using a normal padlock on top without something to cover the bottom hole for the ball leaves room for a modified pintle hook to hook up to.

These locks are pretty slick, buddy has one on his cargo trailer very well built, kinda pricey, I have one on order for my boat trailer.

https://www.provenlocks.com/

Put a sign up saying Covid 19 testing unit.lol.

Is RV theft a big concern?
I worry about theft from my RV more. Especially the damage done to get into it.

Seems to be if you follow the news.

Grizz

First off.
No amount of locks are going to stop a determined thief. The best you can hope for is that they move on to a easier target. (Sad but true)

Security in depth and high visibility are your best bets. Tongue lock, disabled or removed safety chains, chain or cable through the tire rims, or a rim lock, maybe removed tires too. Your best bet is leave your trailer where it’s far more visible to others.

I use a heavy duty lock and heavy grade chain around front wheel, shock and bumper bar.

Pull the wheels off until you need to move the trailer lol.

Buy a 200 dollar beater that starts and drives, park it, pull the battery, take the keys and lock it in front of your rig when not there. My friend uses this method in front of his containers and his garage door at his acreage. When he is out of town working he has some peace of mind.


The problem with out of the way and not manned often, gives the scum a lot of time to deal with the security measures.


Make it a pain in the butt and hope they move on to easier pickings. Sucks that in today's world we have to do this but scum are scoping out stuff to steal 24/7

Friends went to pack their 5th wheel at a secure storage lot near High River and it was gone.
Looks like someone who also had reason/access to be in that lot decided to upgrade to their trailer.
Don't assume anything is secure

This happens a lot. Done a few Ins claims over the years.

Trailer was new to them as they had just retired and they were excited to head to Arizona for the winter the following week.

Needless to say that did not happen

I cut off the hitch, bought a 24 inch receiver, welded it in to where the hitch was and made hitch that slides into the receiver thats mounted in the trailer, 2- 3/4 inch pins hold it in place, when its parked pull the pins and take the hitch with you, my insurance went from 130 a year to 27 after i sent them a picture.

I REALLY like the look of these. Anyone have real world experience with them?

After watching the demo videos I think a battery powered zip disc might make quick work of the lock. Nonetheless it’s definitely one of, if the THE best hitch lock I’ve seen.

Think again!

https://youtu.be/CUmLf-Wsr0o

A lock will only keep a honest person out....

Some good suggestions. The more inconvenient it is to steal the better.

If they can't steal it they will destroy it. Jealousy makes morons do moronic things.

If you dont want it anymore, insure it and have pictures or video of everything you have in it and done to it and leave it at the remote location.

If you want to keep it for a while, park it at home.

Really only 2 choices beyond paying someone to guard it.

Get a set of crappy tires that are flat and put them on the trailer. Make sure the spare is missing or flat as well. I never thought about someone stealing my trailer. I figure if it happens it happens. Guess that's why I have insurance as much as it sucks. Too bad people can't respect others belongings and leave stuff that ain't theirs alone.

Exactly what I was thinking. Block it and take a couple tires off if not worried about looks.

That is why I suggested upgrading to a Medeco lock instead in my post. A bit pricey but much more secure.

Seen this a couple times. No way to pull the trailer unless you have the hitch.

I think if I had an RV, I’d have it as close to home as possible and keep the bare necessities in it. I wouldn't consider leaving it in a remote location unless I had a reliable surveillance system and a dependable GPS tracker.

if there no gas or wheels or battery, its pretty hard to start it ..

Here's a more proactive way of dealing with RV thieves. Make a couple of spike strips like police use and when you park your trailer hide the spike strips in front of the hitch area. As soon as a thieves back in to take the RV they get 4 flat tires. Instead of losing a trailer you get a truck. Probably a stolen truck but someone will be glad to get their truck back. :)

That would be humorous, except for the part if somebody steps on it and gets hurt while trying to steal your trailer. It could be considered a man trap or booby trap, and there are some pretty serious consequences involved. Nothing like being sued by someone trying to steal your stuff, but it could happen.

In addition to a good hitch lock remove the breakway switch pin if the thieves don't have one the brakes will be locked.

Simple yet effective!!! Like!!!

And your battery empty and your brakes hot. Not a good idea and the breakaway switch can be disabled by just cutting one cable.

They stole my batteries two years ago, the RV was parked beside of my garage. I made the battery case lockable now.

Lock the trailer hitch and get a good insurance. I locked it with a heavy padlock and one of these cheaper ball locks.

If you have an electric jack, a hidden disconnect switch for the jack, or a hidden disconnect for the batteries would make using the jack pretty difficult.

Again, not gonna stop some determined enough, but may help.