RV Security

[AbdRahim]

What do you folks find most effective in beefing up security on your coaches; alarms, locks, cameras, etc.? I don't have a lot of internet data, so I can't use anything that needs to be connected to the internet to work. I do have a Wi-Fi Ranger. most of the electronic combination locks don't seem like they add any more security than having the stock entry door re-keyed. A separated residential type deadbolt lock might be useful, but I have not found a high quality one made for Motorhomes.

Has anyone had success with any particular items or systems?

 

[lostinfla]

Irma is on board.

 

[Jim]

Mostly everything we have is a form of deterrent.

When at home, ours is locked behind the main gate. When on the road we have Rex, Ryker and the normal self-defense tools . At night when everyone is asleep, we lock the door and activate the outside motion lights. They aren't obnoxiously bright, but they will stay on as long as there is movement around the coach.

 

[FL-JOE]

I'm guessing from your ideas/suggestions you are asking about security when stationary and/or overnight.

I would say first off know exactly where you are. It may sound silly or basic but if you wake up in the middle of the night and need immediate 911 assistance can you blurt out your exact location. If pulled over in a rest area do you know the exact mile marker? If in a camp ground do you have the address at your fingertips to provide to emergency responders in a matter of seconds?

Lighting, especially motion lighting is a great deterrent to have outside your coach. I found some $5.00 solar operated small ones at Dollar General last year. I use them next to picnic tables, on the ground by my steps, and sometimes back on my dolly.

I trust the two door locks on my coach for a confidence level of about 80%. If I am in an area where I want a little added door security I raise the interior step cover before going to bed and attach my safety chain around the inside door handle. My safety chain consists of a loop of chain that goes around the chrome hand bar next to the door and over the actual door handle. Even if someone has keys to open my door they had been have bolt cutters because it will take them a few minutes to defeat my safety chain.

As far as firearms, everyone has a different opinion on those. Personally since I am a retired LEO it is second nature to me to carry 90% of the time and I do so.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

For those with coded electronic door locks, it is important to change the default combination. Too many people don't.

A safety chain is a good, low-tech security measure. Just be sure that it is set up in such a way that you can remove it quickly in case you need an emergency exit.

I like the motion-sensing light idea and I'll have to look into it. On our coach, we can activate the external security lights with the touch-panel above the head of the bed.

Then, of course, we do have the "security tools" mentioned in a previous post.

TJ

 

[AbdRahim]

Mostly everything we have is a form of deterrent.

When at home, ours is locked behind the main gate. When on the road we have Rex, Ryker and the normal self-defense tools . At night when everyone is asleep, we lock the door and activate the outside motion lights. They aren't obnoxiously bright, but they will stay on as long as there is movement around the coach.

Are the motion sensor lights permanently install in the coach? If so how are they attached and controlled? Where can I get them and get them installed?

 

[lostinfla]

Another issue is: everyone with a Newmar (and possibly other coaches) has a key to your front door passage lock. The dead bolt is keyed differently from coach to coach, but the lower key locks are all the same. +1 on the motion light. I have one installed in the original porch light position and keep it on all the time. It doesn't come on during the day, but works great at night. on Amazon here

 

[redbaron]

I have a DVR recording the 4 camera's that are part of the 360 camera install. This is viewable remotely, and records to a local hard drive. In addition I have the Blackvuew 900 dashcam that records from the front, and my toad has the 2 ch version recording from the back. Both of those are also viewable remotely.

Beyond that, I have my German shepard who could care less who comes around unless my kids get scared..then he will change personalities quickly. I have seen it many times, and am amazed at how well dogs can read humans emotions and feed off of it. I have a friend who the kids know very well, that came to visit us. The dog had never met him before, but couldn't even bother to stand up to greet him when he arrived. Other times, a stranger to the kids has arraived, and the dog quickly moved between the kids and the person and made it clear that he wasn't going to let the kids be approached.

If the dog doesn't stop them, then my last line of defense is my DW

 

[Jim]

Are the motion sensor lights permanently install in the coach? If so how are they attached and controlled? Where can I get them and get them installed?

Hi AbdRahim. Go to the thread below, and then read post #7.

My 40' Tiffin Phaeton QTH

 

[AbdRahim]

Thanks, Jim and lostinfla. That looks great for the porch light. I hope it will fit a Baystar. As far as lighting, I am looking for a way to get such a light on the driver side of the coach. Currently there is no road light on that side. I hate the thought of drilling holes into a brand new coach. I wonder if I can get Newmar to install one. They now seem reluctant to add anything that is not a normal option for that coach model.

 

[AbdRahim]

Redbaron: I would be interested in knowing more about that camera system. Did you install it? If so, how difficult was it to install. Are the cameras self poered? Are the wireless? It sounds like it needs constant Wi-Fi for remote viewing, but recording is good. Can you share more details?

 

[VTPete]

I use a logicircle camera recording 24 hrs to the cloud. Not a deterrent,but at least a record to be had if something goes wrong.

is this confirmed true that all newmar bottom door locks are keyed the same? I’d never heard. Seems unthinkable.

 

[redbaron]

The cameras are the ones newmar installed with the omni360. I ordered a dvr that hooked into the cameras, between the camera and the omnivue controller. The cameras are powered with the dash radio, and I have put a timer delay that is triggered with the ignition to kill power to all. I also have a toggle switch to kill power.

The DVR was around $1200, and I installed it myself.

2019 DSDP 4369 * Active Air * NHSO

 

[AbdRahim]

is this confirmed true that all newmar bottom door locks are keyed the same? I’d never heard. Seems unthinkable.
[/QUOTE]

This is true of RV's in general. The dealer s have a master key that opens all of the handle locks. Only the deadbolt is unique to each unit.