RV security is an often-overlooked part of being an RV owner. But once you’ve done the hard work of tracking down the perfect rig for you and your family (and fallen in love with the RV on a personal trip or two), you’re going to want to do what it takes to protect it from thieves and other criminals.
Fortunately, investing in the right anti-theft gadgets can go a long way toward increasing your overall safety — and since you’re an RV owner (or a prospective one), chances are you already love a good gadget. Below, find our favorite, most up-to-date tools for keeping your rig safe and sound, as well as best practices for layering up your protective devices, installation, and more.
Table of contents
- 1. GPS Trackers
- 2. Hitch Locks, Wheel Clamps and Steering Wheel Locks
- 3. Dash Cams
- 4. Security Cameras
- 5. Kill Switches and Electronic Disabling Devices
- Why These Devices Matter: Layered RV Security
- Best Practices for Installing and Using Security Gadgets
- Common RV Theft Scenarios
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. GPS Trackers
The latest and greatest in RV theft technology is GPS tracking systems, which allow you to keep a real-time view of your RV at all times. While these trackers may not deter thieves in the way an alarm system would, if someone does make off with your rig, they won’t get very far at all since you’ll know exactly where it is.
Keep in mind that a GPS tracker is not the same as your GPS navigational system. These trackers don’t help you get around — they tell you the exact location of your RV at all times so that you’ll know if a thief makes away with it. Many of them have setups so that you can get a ping to your phone if the RV leaves a certain pre-programmed area.
Another important note: Many of these tracking systems do require a monthly subscription service, so there is an ongoing cost (though it’s usually only on the order of about $10 to $45 per month). Some many wire directly into your RV’s battery, but options that include a battery backup help increase peace-of-mind since they’re still operable even if something happens with your RV’s onboard battery.
Our Top Picks
Our top picks for RV GPS trackers in 2025 include:
Bouncie GPS Tracker for Vehicles
We love this one because it also offers driving history and location data that’s extremely useful for those who rent their RV on platforms like RVshare. If your renters drive your rig erratically, you’ll instantly know with this GPS tracker onboard. One reviewer says: “I am a Turo host and this is my go to for tracking my cars that have been rented. I have purchased at least 15 of these.”
Spytec Atlas GPS Tracker for Vehicles & Kids
With an onboard battery that lasts up to 14 days, a waterproof and magnetic case, and easy-to-use history review feature, Spytec is our pick for a low-cost option that still packs a big punch. The unit itself costs less than $20, and monthly subscriptions start around only $15 per month.
2. Hitch Locks, Wheel Clamps and Steering Wheel Locks
Whether you’re concerned about a renter taking your unit somewhere without your permission or out on your own boondocking adventure and afraid of coming home to camp only to find that camp itself has disappeared, hitch locks and wheel clamps are a reliable, low-cost way to secure your travel trailer.
These days, many trailers do come with an onboard, factory-installed hitch lock, but many RV enthusiasts consider them unreliable. Fitted coupler locks should be fully enclosed around the hitch without any points of leverage for thieves to pry them off.
Wheel clamps, otherwise known as tire boots, provide a foolproof, physical barrier to moving your RV, and are particularly useful for owners putting their RVs into long-term storage. Along with serving as a (usually brightly colored) visual deterrent, they also make it nearly impossible to move an RV without utterly destroying the wheel (which most thieves won’t want to do).
Finally, steering wheel locks are another easy-to-use, physical object that can make moving your RV without your permission downright impossible. They’re also affordable and commonly available.
Our Top Picks
Proven Industries Model 2516 Trailer Lock
The Model 2516 hits all the high notes, completely enclosing your trailer coupler. It’s constructed out of the toughest materials in the game to keep thieves from having any success with crowbars, hammers, or even power tools. Although it does come at a significant upfront investment, a few hundred dollars isn’t too much to pay for something that protects a trailer that cost tens of thousands.
As one trailer owner puts it, “As soon as I picked up the box at the Post Office I was impressed… these trailer tongue locks are built SOLID! No cheap imported imitation. Made in USA quality.”
ARTAGO ART872 High-End Wheel Clamp Lock
You can definitely get decent results with a regular, run-of-the-mill wheel clamp, But this ARTAGO model has the added bonus of a built-in alarm, just to add that extra layer of security. (Good RV security is all about layers — more on that in just a little bit.)
At only about $30 and highly rated, the Tevlaphee Steering Wheel Lock is an easy win. It’s made of top-grade steel, making it all but impervious to even the most devoted thief and their tools, and it’s adjustable for a wide range of different steering wheels.
3. Dash Cams
By this point, you’ve almost certainly seen dash cam footage in some capacity, and they’re useful for more than catching the craziest driving you’ve ever seen on the road. In fact, a dash cam can actually help you prove your case in the instance that you’re wrongfully found at-fault in an accident or even a victim of insurance fraud.
And, of course, they are also a helpful layer to add to your overall anti-theft RV security setup. A dash cam can feed you a live view of where a thief is taking your car and provide valuable footage of everything that happened along the way when it comes time for a lawsuit later. These days, many include upgraded features such as a back cam, super night vision, and more.
Our Top Pick
Considered by many to be industry standard, the ROVE DUAL dash cam includes both a front- and rear-facing camera, 128 GB of free storage, and 5G WiFi, not to mention its super-high-quality 4K recording capabilities. And at a price tag of just $100, it’s an affordable, high-tech investment. As one reviewer puts it, “Great quality video with the front and the rear camera. The Rove app is user friendly and you do not need a university degree to be able to navigate and set up all the parameters via your phone.”
4. Security Cameras
Not to be confused with a dash cam, RV security cameras can be placed around your RV to detect any suspicious activity, including some that have built-in motion detection alerts that will let you know if someone is sneaking around where they shouldn’t be.
Many of the best security cameras are the same ones you’d install at home. These up-to-date systems often connect to an app that allows you to monitor multiple feeds in real time, and you can choose how many cameras you want and in what arrangement. These are a great addition especially for full-time RVers, for whom RV security is about more than protecting their rig — it’s about protecting themselves.
Our Top Picks
A well-known player in the security camera game, Blink allows you to customize your security setup with as many (or as few) cameras as you’d like, and each camera is weatherproof and sturdy. Along with 2K video resolution, you’ll also get color night vision and audio, which can offer you a lot more information. It also seamlessly integrates with Alexa+.
REOLINK 4G LTE Cellular Security Camera
For RVers who don’t necessarily want to rely on a WiFi connection to get the security information they need, the REOLINK 4G LTE cellular security camera makes it easy to stay connected anywhere you have cell signal. You can purchase the unit with or without a SIM card, which means you’re free to install your own if you like, and are commonly used on RVs and trailers.
5. Kill Switches and Electronic Disabling Devices
What if you could instantly stop thieves in their tracks? That’s exactly what a kill switch, or electronic disabling device, does. You’d be able to remotely kill the ignition if you notice your RV has been taken somewhere without your knowledge or permission. These technologies are amongst the most advanced in RV security, and offer the highest peace of mind for RV owners whether they’re renting out their RVs or simply storing them for long periods of time. And while they often require a subscription service (much like GPS tracking, which many of them implement), it can be a worthy investment for any RV owner who truly wants to protect their investment.
Our Top Pick
Spy Spot GV53MG GPS Vehicle Tracker with 4G Hard Wire Kill Switch
This hard-wired kill switch also includes GPS tracking, giving you the best of both worlds, and customers say it’s easy to install and that their customer service team is on point. One important thing to understand is that the kill switch doesn’t work by instantly shutting off the car ignition (which could be dangerous for its occupants and the vehicle itself in a traffic scenario). Rather, as soon as the thief shuts down the vehicle, they will realize they can’t start it back up again, and you will also know exactly where the vehicle is.
Why These Devices Matter: Layered RV Security
While the above list might sound like a lot of gadgets (or just enough, depending on what kind of camper you are and what your relationship to technology is like), the truth is, good RV security is all about layering up different types of security measures on top of one another. For example, a GPS tracking system works best with an audible alarm system that will deter thieves from stealing the RV in the first place. A dash cam on its own isn’t as useful as a dash cam that also comes with (or is coupled with) GPS tracking.
Another important safety feature not listed here isn’t so much a gadget as an upgrade, and that’s improved RV door locks. Many RVs come off the factory floor with so-so front door locks, which are obviously an important device in the fight against thieves (and break-ins, for that matter). Fortunately, upgrading your RV’s onboard door lock can be quick and easy, and there are many options on the market to choose from.
Best Practices for Installing and Using Security Gadgets
Here are our top tips for installing and using the above-mentioned security gadgets.
- Identify vulnerable points (doors, storage bays, hitch, wheels) before installing anything
- Choose devices with reliable power options (12V, battery backup, or solar)
- Hide GPS trackers well and test real-time alerts and app access before relying on them
- Mount cameras high, protect them from weather and vibration, and enable night vision and motion alerts
- Use visible wheel clamps and position the lock side inward to reduce tampering
- Fit hitch/coupler locks correctly and use heavy, solid construction
- Test alarms, sensors, and camera feeds after driving or relocating
- Keep firmware, apps, and passwords updated and secure
- Store keys, codes, and serial numbers in a safe, documented place
- Check connectivity (WiFi/cellular) at campsites or storage locations
- Avoid advertising travel plans or showing valuables through windows
- Review insurance requirements and potential discounts for security hardware
Common RV Theft Scenarios
So what are the RV theft scenarios the above gadgets help you avoid in the first place?
Storage Lots
Many RV owners have to store their rigs away from their own homes — and thieves know those storage lots are packed full of valuable vehicles (and sometimes even valuables left inside vehicles). That’s why storage lots are a common target for RV thieves.
During Transit
If your RV needs to be moved cross-country by a transit company, that’s another instance where RV thieves may be able to take advantage of the fact that your vehicle is unoccupied, unattended, and out of your sight.
While Rented Out
While any sort of RV theft is incredibly rare on rental sites like RVshare because of our two-factor facial recognition system and photo ID requirements, it’s still a possibility. (And that’s not to mention the fact that some RV owners rent their rigs without the help of a platform, which opens the door for more problems and less security.) Whenever someone who isn’t you is driving your RV, you’re at some level of risk.
While You’re Traveling
Obviously, when you’re traveling in your RV yourself, particularly if you’re camping in remote boondocking areas that are out of sight (and out of mind) for many others, you are vulnerable to both RV theft scenarios and potential RV break-ins.
Frequently Asked Questions
While it’s possible for a GPS tracker to drain your RV battery, most that plug into your system are specifically designed to draw a small enough amount of power that a health battery shouldn’t be affected. Additionally, many GPS trackers include their own onboard battery backup in the scenario that your RV battery goes offline.
Because most RV GPS trackers include real-time tracking, yes, you will likely need to pay for a monthly subscription plan to keep it active. These tend to range from about $10 to $45 per month.
While there are ways around a wheel clamp, such as lock-picking or attempting to cut the lock apart, thieves would have to spend a lot of time doing so, which is why other types of security measures, like dash cams and security cameras, are so important.
Trackers can often be placed in hidden areas like under the vehicles undercarriage, behind the dashboard, or inside wheel wells to keep them from being detected by thieves or renters.
We hope this post has left you with some peace of mind, because there truly are so many wonderful ways to keep yourself and your assets protected. Remember: Layering multiple different security features can exponentially increase the level of protection you’re getting, and it doesn’t have to be an expensive or complicated project!
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