Helpful RV Gadgets to Prevent Theft and More

This article originally appeared on RVshare.com.

Just like your car, your personal RV is an investment that you want to take the necessary precautions to protect. Whether it’s while your unit is being rented out by a customer, in your possession for personal use, or sitting stationary at the location where you store it, you’ll want to be prepared for unexpected scenarios. We're sharing a list of different gadgets and tools you can install, and preventive measures you can take to make sure that your RV is always safe and secure.

Related: 22 Important Things to Consider Before Buying an RV

This one may seem like a given, but a tracking device that you can install on your RV will always give you the peace of mind of knowing the exact location of your unit, as well as how fast the unit is moving.

There are tons of different options you can choose from online, all with varying degrees of effectiveness and price. Some will report the location of your unit every few hours, while others will be able to give you live updates and speedometer readings in real time. That way, if you’re concerned that a renter may be speeding, or taking the unit to a different location then they previously stated, you can have the evidence in the palm of your hand.

A typical price range of one of these trackers can be anywhere from $30 to $200 and can be purchased right from Amazon. Here are three of our picks, ranked from most expensive, mid-range and least expensive. One other thing to note, however, is that some of these devices do require a subscription to use.

Related: Our Master List of 20 RV Accessories We Can’t Live Without

If you rent out your RV but only deal in stationary rentals, you may want to invest in a hitch lock or wheel clamp for your unit. If you’re ever concerned that a renter may take your unit somewhere without your permission, installing one of these hitch locks or clamps can act as a great deterrent for potential theft or unauthorized use. Wheel clamps are incredibly effective and easy to install. There are plenty of brands out there that offer maximum protection without breaking the bank. Hitch locks are a good idea as well, but aren’t quite as effective as the wheel clamps. Depending on your budget, these items can run you anywhere from $50 – $500. If your unit is worth protecting, it may be a good investment.

Related: Read This Before Buying an RV Bumper Hitch

DashCams are another important piece of tech that you can use to deter unauthorized renter use or potential theft. Some cameras are equipped with 360° capabilities so that they can swivel around to record the entire cabin. They can also come with sensors that detect crimes like break-ins or vehicle theft. With a dashcam, you’ll have video evidence of exactly what occurred in the event of theft, a vehicle accident, or any other scenario that isn’t the norm. 

With varying prices and tons of different options, this dashcam is a good middle ground cam if you’re looking for something that is highly rated, gets the job done and isn’t too expensive.

Related: Why You Should Get a Dashboard Camera for Your RV

If you have a renter who may be newer to driving a sizable vehicle such as a class A or class C motorhome, you may want to invest in a back-up camera. This will make it quite a bit easier for renters to back up into a camping spot, fill up for gas, or just help with general situational awareness. Aside from helping renters know where they’re going, it can also serve as a means of convenience and accessibility for you or any potential renter.

Related: RV Backup Camera – Read This Before Buying One

Mostly for anti-theft protection, a steering wheel lock can make it all but impossible for someone to take your unit without permission. If they’re unable to steer the vehicle, then chances are it’s going to stay put. These are relatively inexpensive pieces of equipment that can give you the confidence of knowing that your vehicle isn’t going anywhere unless you’re the one behind the wheel.

Related: 18 RV Accessories to Buy at Costco

These RV-specific gadgets are going to be the most common deterrents to any sort of vehicle theft or unauthorized use of your unit and will guarantee that when you wake up in the morning, your vehicle will be in the same place that you left it. While any sort of RV theft is rare, it's always a potential possibility you'll want to make an effort to prevent. It's a great idea to be prepared and protect your assets as much as possible. Almost all of these items are interchangeable with your car or SUV as well, so even if you don’t have an RV or travel trailer, you can still use these tips and tools to make sure your vehicle is secure. Stay safe out there!

Related: 18 Reasons You Really Don't Want to Buy an RV