Over fifteen years ago, the tool trailer for RVLock’s Founder, Cade Harris, was broken into. Thousands of dollars of equipment were gone in an instant. Annoyed, he realized two things about rig door locks at that time. First, just how easily the standard locks on trailers could be forced open with a quick pry. Second, most trailers arrive installed with common key codes, meaning any given RV key could have a shot of unlocking your rig. 

In response, he spent years developing a strong, convenient, and stylish upgrade to the standard trailer door lock. Now the leading keyless handle in the nation, RVLock has helped thousands of expert and novice travelers better secure their trailer. 

Safety and security is something that crosses every traveler's mind, especially when your home is on wheels. Aside from just upgrading your lock, there are other ways you can decrease your risk of theft or break ins. 

If you follow these tips you will become more aware of your surroundings and potentially less of a target.

FAMILIARIZE YOURSELF WITH THE AREA

First, research the areas you are visiting. Try to get a basic idea of where things are before you even arrive. Familiarity in a location makes you seem confident and therefore less of a target. Look at previous reviews and tips past visitors have posted online at Campground Reviews. Oftentimes, previous campers will leave valuable information regarding the campsite and the surrounding area. You are less of a target when you’re more assertive when navigating the surrounding area.

LOCK YOUR DOORS

No one can deny the safety of locking your doors. This is a simple precaution that can save your RV from getting broken into. Get into the habit of locking your doors both when leaving and staying inside. Breaking a window and doing damage to a rig looks much more suspicious than simply opening the door to walk in. 

CLOSE BLINDS AND SHADES SO PEOPLE CAN’T SEE IN

‘Out of sight, out of mind’. If a thief can’t see what you have inside your rig they are less likely to break in. By closing your shades and blinds others are unable to discern if you are inside or not. This decreases the risk of theft by adding an extra uncertainty to your rig as a potential break in.

KEEP INTERIOR LIGHTS ON

Keeping your interior lights on when you go out combined with closed blinds and shades makes it appear that you are home. This makes the theft process more of a hassle because the robber doesn’t have the luxury of knowing that your RV is empty. 

KEEP EXTERIOR LIGHTS ON

It is also beneficial to keep your exterior lights on. A rig is less of a target when it is well lit. In addition, parking in a well lit area is a great way to increase your security. A thief doesn’t want to be seen and is more likely to be caught when stealing in a bright area. 

BE FRIENDLY WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS

Chat with your neighbors and become friends with them. Talk with them about watching for suspicious activity around your rig and that you in turn will do the same for them. It never hurts to have an extra set of eyes, especially if you go out. 

UPGRADE YOUR SECURITY

Upgrading your standard handle to a Keyless RVLock Handle immensely increases your security. Many RVs have keys with little to no variation in the keycode. RVLock products are the highest quality trailer security products on the market and offer thousands of unique key codes. We provide our customers the comfort and security that are so desired when traveling. 

At RVLock we highly encourage our customers to take these tips and apply them in your travels. Take extra time to be aware of your surroundings and apply necessary precautions. Practicing these simple tips can greatly reduce your chance of break in and keep you and your RV safe. 

At RVLock our goal is for you to feel secure and safe. Our idea of “safe” has changed in the last couple months and has now become focused on health instead of hardware because of COVID-19. We want you to feel informed and aware of how to safely travel in your RV during this time so we’ve dedicated this blog post to exactly that. 

Obtain Information From Credible Sources

We recommend educating yourself with sources that are current and trustworthy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website is updated often and is a great place to find accurate information about the Coronavirus.

How to Safely Clean Your RVLock Product:

One of the most commonly used surfaces on your rig is your RVLock Handle. Each time you go out and come back inside you are likely bringing in foreign germs. We recommend cleaning your RVLock Handle at least once a day to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Listed below is how we recommend cleaning your lock.

• Clean with soap and warm water. Use a washcloth to gently cleanse and avoid hard pressure and fast scrubbing.
• Disinfect using a product that does not contain harsh chemicals but that can still kill germs. Harsh chemicals can cause deterioration and discoloration of your RVLock.
• Never power wash or use high-pressure tools on your lock, these can cause the paint to chip and peel away.

How to Clean Your RV

Using CDC Guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 here are some tips for disinfecting and cleaning your RV:

Hard Surfaces (sink, toilet, countertops, etc.)

• Clean with soap and water before disinfecting.
• Use alcohol-based products with 70% alcohol, diluted bleach solutions, or other EPA Approved household disinfectants. 

Porous Surfaces (furniture, drapes, carpet, etc.)

• Remove visible debris and clean with appropriate cleaners for the given surface.
• If possible launder items using the warmest water setting appropriate for the item and then let dry completely.
• Use EPA Approved products for porous surfaces.

Electronics (keyboards, touch screens, remote controls, etc.)

• Use alcohol-based wipes and sprays with 70% alcohol to disinfect screens and electronic surfaces that will not be damaged by alcohol usage.
• Dry surface thoroughly.

Laundered Items (clothing, linens, etc.)

• Do not shake dirty laundry.
• Wash items with the warmest water setting possible and completely dry items.
• Disinfect baskets or hampers used for laundry transport with methods mentioned above to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

How Often Should You Clean?

Surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected frequently, especially surfaces that are touched daily. Handles, countertops, phones, faucets, sinks, toilets, doorknobs and light switches are all surfaces that are touched consistently. We also recommend disinfecting dash controls and the steering wheel or other surfaces that are touched during transportation because there is a possibility of contact with new germs.

Protect Yourself

It is important to keep the items you use daily clean but it is also necessary to put personal practices in place to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.

Personal Precautions

Frequently and thoroughly wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Carry hand sanitizer in case you don’t have access to soap and water immediately.

Avoid touching your face, especially with unwashed hands.

When coughing or sneezing, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or if a tissue is not available use the inside of your elbow. Immediately wash hands or use hand sanitizer.

At RVLock we want our customers to be safe and healthy, especially during this time. Please do all you can to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you have additional questions visit the CDC Website.