If you store an RV or trailer, most problems come from simple things people forget. Theft is usually quick and opportunistic. These tips focus on removing the easy targets and making the rest look like work.
Remove propane tanks and batteries for winter storage
When your RV is winterized, take the propane tanks and the battery home. Propane theft has been rising statewide in Colorado according to CSPD, and tanks sitting unlocked on the front of a trailer are the easiest thing to steal. Batteries disappear for a different reason. Thieves return them to auto parts stores for the core charge. Removing both items eliminates two of the most common loss points.
Use locks that slow people down
A few basic locks make your RV look like it will take time to mess with.
- Tank lock
- Tongue lock on the trailer
- Battery box lock
Thieves who want a fast in-and-out tend to skip anything with even a little resistance.
Clear out valuables and anything that can spoil
Do not leave tools, weapons, electronics, or cash inside. Also remove food, drinks, and anything that can melt, mold, or attract animals. An empty interior prevents everything from pests to strange smells, and it avoids the “I forgot that was in there” cleanup later.
Do a slow walk-around before you leave
Look at your RV the way a thief would. If something looks removable or exposed, take it off or secure it. Simple adjustments help, like:
- Covering the propane area
- Making sure nothing loose is left on the ground
- Latching doors and compartments fully
Small details matter more than most owners realize.
Make the RV look like effort
You do not need expensive security systems. A visible hitch lock, wheel chocks set properly, and closed windows send a clear message that your RV is not an easy target. Quick thieves move on to the next unit.
Use a simple walk-away routine
Before locking up for the season or even just for a week, run through the same quick checklist:
- Tanks removed or locked
- Battery removed or locked
- Valuables cleared out
- Food and perishables removed
- Doors and windows secured
- Hitch locked
A two-minute routine avoids most avoidable problems. And if you store with Garden of the Gods Self Storage in Colorado Springs, it also helps us keep the entire property safer for everyone who parks here. We see patterns across hundreds of stored units every year, and the people who follow a simple checklist almost never deal with missing tanks, batteries, or damaged interiors.