This is the daily reality for many who like to travel with their RV. Sure, these travelers may protect their vehicles with solid RV insurance. But the truth is that you need more than good insurance coverage if you want to stay safe out on the road. 

Are you gearing up for your next trip? Time to make sure you, your family, and your ride are safe. Keep reading to discover the best ways to protect your RV when traveling! 

1. Change the Locks Before You Travel 

Sometimes, the most effective security tips are also the simplest. Case in point: changing out the locks of your RV as soon as possible, especially before you hit the road. Consider this an easy supplement to your insurance coverage. 

Why is this so important? Many recreational vehicle owners don’t realize that the keys to one RV can often unlock others from the same manufacturer. That means that other RV drivers might be able to steal from you. Or even worse, someone simply buying some manufacturer’s keys off eBay could just unlock the door and steal everything when you’re not looking. 

Changing the locks is quick and easy. Plus, it provides peace of mind that’s completely worth it! 

2. Research Campground Security Ahead of Time 

Most serious travelers park their RVs at campgrounds in different areas when they travel. These campgrounds are a great way to enjoy some of the amenities from home while you’re on the road. And if you’re feeling social, these campgrounds also give you a chance to meet and greet some of your fellow travelers. 

However, a simple truth is that some campgrounds are safer than others. We strongly recommend that you review what security features a campground has to offer before you make a reservation. In some cases, it just takes a bit of research for you to find a much safer place to park overnight, helping you to protect your vacation. 

3. Invest In a Safe 

As a general rule, you shouldn’t travel with too many valuables if you can avoid it. Nonetheless, you can’t really travel without things like cash, credit/debit cards, and other important items. 

To keep these items safe, we recommend you invest in a good safe. In a perfect world, nobody would ever be able to break into your RV to steal anything from you. However, with the right safe, you can have that extra layer of protection for your most valuable possessions as you travel around the country (especially around the holidays). 

4. Make Your RV Look Crazy (No, Really) 

In more ways than you might think, RV theft works a lot like car theft. For example, someone who would steal your entire ride is hoping that they can get your stolen vehicle to blend in so they don’t get caught. Therefore, making sure your RV can’t easily blend in is one of the easier ways to protect your vehicle. 

Adding a bunch of colorful decals or even adding a custom paint job to your RV helps it stand out, all while giving you a chance to express your personality. And would-be thieves are likely to leave your ride alone simply because it now has so many features that are really easy to identify. And this is just a really fun way to stay safe on your vacation. 

5. Install GPS Tracking 

With any luck, your RV will never get stolen. Still, it’s important to take measures now so that you have a backup plan if that happens. And the ultimate backup plan is to install GPS tracking in your vehicle. 

This works the same as installing a GPS into your car, and it helps catch RV thieves the same way it helps catch car thieves. If someone drives away with your ride, the GPS will lead you (and the local police) directly to the thieves who stole from you. 

6. Electronic Security Measures 

Growing up, you probably heard the old expression that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. With that in mind, it’s best to install certain electronic security measures to minimize the odds of your recreational vehicle getting stolen. 

At the bare minimum, we recommend that your vehicle security system include three components. You’ll want cameras and motion detectors that help alert you to people creeping around outside (and if you have footage of suspicious people, it may help you in the event of future theft). And, of course, you’ll want alarms on your doors and windows that instantly alert you that someone is trying to break in. 

Keep in mind that installing more safety features can help you get a discount on your RV insurance. 

7. Lock It Down When Not In Use 

By now, you’ve probably noticed that the scariest thing that can happen to your RV is that someone steals it right out from under you. Therefore, one of the most effective ways to protect the vehicle when you’re traveling is to lock it down when not in use. 

To begin with, we recommend you use ball and pin hitch locks. A ball lock can keep someone from attaching your unhitched trailer to their truck, and a pin lock can keep someone from unhitching your trailer from your truck. Round things out with a tire boot lock that keeps would-be thieves from going anywhere in the stolen vehicle. 

Give Your RV the Best Insurance Today! 

Now you know the best ways to protect your RV when you travel. But do you know who else is ready to give your vehicle the protection it deserves? 

InsureOne specializes in giving recreational vehicles and those who drive them the protection they deserve and is always ready for you to get a quote online. Alternatively, you can call 800-836-2240 or feel free to come into any nearby offices at your earliest convenience! 

RV Travel Tips

Are you brand new to the RV travel trailer lifestyle? Owning a recreational vehicle is a dream come true for many. However, as a beginner, you may be a little intimidated by your RV and everything motorhome travel involves. It’s not like driving around in a sports car, nor is RV camping anything like tent camping, that’s for sure!

Before you take your RV out on a road trip, there are some things you should know. Below are RV travel tips for beginners and new owners of a camper.

Choose the right RV

One of the first steps to traveling safely and enjoyably is to choose the right RV for you. It all depends on the type of experience you want – you can get anything from a little pop-up camper to a diesel pusher RV. For most beginners, a mid-sized RV is the way to go because they are fairly easy to drive and offer many features.

Most common places for RV traveling and RV travel ideas

People travel in their RV to national parks and other attractions in the US:

• Grand Canyon National Park
• Yellowstone National Park
• Moab
• The Florida Keys
• Big Sur Coastal Highway
• Route 66

There are many great events to enjoy in an RV:

• Coachella
• Daytona 500
• Spring training
• Mardi Gras
• Music festivals

RV traveling tips

Create a checklist. Make a list of precautions and steps to take – including doing a test run before leaving for your trip. 

Consider renting an RV. Don’t want to buy an RV, but are willing to rent one? You can rent an RV to travel across the country. Plan your adventure well in advance to get the best RV rental deals.

Get all the essentials. Make sure you have all of the items you need to operate the RV, as well as accessories and tools to make your trip safer and more enjoyable.

Get a Wi-Fi booster. This will improve the reception, whether you stay in a campground or elsewhere. 

Put aside an RV travel budget. This is the best way to afford the RV lifestyle, especially if you’re on a fixed income. Calculate fixed expenses and take shorter trips to lesser-desired places.

Get RV travel trailer insurance. An RV is a big investment, and you want to protect it. The last thing you want is for something to happen to your RV, and unexpectedly find out it’s not fully covered. 

The price for RV insurance varies by state. Other factors that affect the price are the age and condition of your RV, your RV driving experience, and how often you drive the camper.

To get the best RV insurance price, call InsureOne today at (800) 836-2240 to get your free insurance quote. We know you are busy, so we do all of the hard work for you. We compare RV insurance rates from the top insurance companies in the country to get you the best rates on RV insurance. It’s free and only takes a few minutes. Call us now at (800) 836-2240 to speak to an experienced representative.

Being stuck with an RV that doesn’t work is disappointing, but you can avoid this situation. Below are five things to know when buying a used camper, including what to look for when buying a camper trailer.

The Best Time of Year to Buy a Travel Trailer

Generally, the best times of year to buy a used camper are the fall and early winter. This is when you will find the best deals. Also, it is easier to negotiate with dealers if you go to the showroom in the middle of winter. You can also get a deal on new units during RV and camper shows. Make your purchasing move on the final day when the dealers are likely to offer incentives and reduce prices. 

What to Look for When Buying a Camper

Do a thorough inspection of the used camper—mechanical, electrical, plumbing, interior, and exterior—before purchasing. Look for floor damage, check the tires, and inspect for leaks around the roof, windows, and doors. Make sure the awnings work correctly and inspect for mold and odors from water sources or appliances. Check the engine and look for any signs of rust on the inside or outside of the RV. Also, take it for a test drive to get a feel for how it runs.

If there are items that need repair, make sure the dealer is aware and has a plan in place to help you resolve any issues.

Do Your Research

When you find an RV that you are interested in, do some research on its history. Ask the dealership’s sales associate about any known history of the camper. There are also sites online where you can get a complete history of your RV for a fee. 

To find out if you’re getting a reasonable price, check out a used camper’s value using independent pricing guides or an RV price checker. The NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) Guide is a great tool for determining a fair price. Get the costs of similar models to get a feel for the market.

Be Sure to Get Insurance for Your Used Camper

Having proper insurance coverage for your camper is essential. Not only will your investment be protected, but your agent can also answer other related questions such as, “Can I drive a motor home with a car license?”

Is a Used Camper Worth It?

Simply put, buying a new RV or travel trailer will cost you a lot more than buying used. The key is to shop wisely and know what you’re buying. Whether you’re shopping for a lightweight camper for yourself or an RV motorhome for the family, buying a used unit can help keep your love of the great outdoors affordable.

Once you find a great deal on a used camper, protect your investment with an RV insurance policy from InsureOne. Let us help you get the coverage you need. Start your free RV insurance quote online or over the phone today.