For many people, their RV is more than just a means of transportation. It’s a home away from home, filled with personal belongings that can be a big target for thieves and vandals.
Fortunately, you can take several security measures to keep your RV safe when it’s in storage.
Video Surveillance
Being an RV owner might be a dream come true, but when it’s not in use, it needs to be stored properly. Doing so can prevent environmental damage, theft, and vandalism.
When searching for a storage facility, ask about their video surveillance system. Many facilities, such as GoHome Port offer this feature and can help you monitor your vehicle when you aren’t around. Additionally, if you are storing your RV at home, consider installing a security system that works via WiFi and can alert you of any activity. It can be a significant deterrent to intruders who want to break into your RV. This method can make your RV less of a target and save you money on costly repairs.
Barbed-Wire Fencing
A high fence is the first line of defense for a storage facility. It keeps criminals from climbing or cutting into your customers’ valuable RVs.
The most common style of barbed-wire fencing features a traditional twist, where barbed cables are twisted around the strand wires.
The premium prices that specialty storage units like boat and RV storage command create high customer expectations for facility security. Operators can meet customer demand by investing in upgraded door security and other facility improvements while increasing revenue.
Unique Gate Access Codes
Many people use their RVs for only part of the year, and it’s vital to have an effective method for keeping them safe when they aren’t being used. A secure RV storage facility is one option.
Antiquated solutions like gate access codes are not foolproof because they require residents to share their code with someone else, and this gives unauthorized individuals the ability to gain access without management knowing it.
Instead, having unique devices assigned to each resident that cannot be shared will prevent this access. It includes RFID transponders and mobile credentials used by tenants to enter the property, which also captures time- and date-stamped photos.
Nighttime Lighting
When someone stores an RV, they must ensure all external openings are blocked or screened. Familiar places for bugs and other pests to set up shop include rooftop plumbing vents, the exterior refrigerator panel and vent, and furnace exhaust and air intake piping. Many RV parts outlets sell made-to-fit screening for these areas.
Also, solar-powered outdoor lights can deter theft by creating a well-lit environment around RVs at night. Look for lamps with motion sensors, adjustable settings, and long battery life. This type of lighting can be an excellent investment for RV owners. It will protect their RVs from damage and theft and keep them safe while in storage.
Secure Locks
RV owners can upgrade their doors, windows, and storage compartments with locks that deter thieves. They also make it more convenient to secure the vehicle when they are away.
Unlike traditional locksets that use keyed handles to open the door, these new RV locks engage around the kingpin like a deadbolt in a home. Some models even feature a combination lock that prevents the handle from opening if someone has the master key.
RV owners can also increase security by parking their trailers near a wall or other barrier limiting access. They can also use wheel locks to block the hitch from being connected to a towing vehicle.
An Alarm System
A security alarm system is necessary if your operation offers covered outdoor vehicle storage spaces. These systems can trigger audible alarms, strobe lights, or triggering relays to communicate with the facility manager or security monitoring company.
Providing specialty storage facilities to customers with expensive cars, trucks, and RVs is a high priority for many operations. To inspire confidence in your customers, ensure you have the appropriate levels of security.
Thorough preparation is essential, Whether for a few weeks of storage before the next road trip or a long-term stay in a winter parking lot. Draining water tanks and adding fuel stabilizers are key preventative maintenance steps, as is plugging open holes to keep small animals from the residence in an RV during a long-term storage period.