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RV Security Tips

Camping trips should be all carefree fun and adventure. No one wants to worry about thieves and RV security during a campground vacation. Although it’s not fun to think about, it’s important to consider your RV’s security.

This includes RV door security, making sure that no one can get into your camper when you’re not around. It also includes exterior safety features, like surveillance systems and RV security cameras. At Juniata Valley RV, we want to make sure your camping trip is fun and safe. We put together this list of RV security tips, from the basics to the high-tech methods.

Lock your doors

Sure, this one seems obvious. But sometimes there’s so much going on at the campsite it’s easy to forget. The best way to be sure you lock your RV doors is to make a habit of it. Lock your RV door as well as any exterior storage compartments when you leave the campsite. Even if the RV park you’re at seems safe and low-key, there’s no reason to risk it. Make a habit of locking your RV’s doors every time you leave, even if you only plan to be gone for a minute.

RV Security - Travel Trailer Caravaning. RV Park Camping at Night.

Close your blinds

Closing your blinds is another easy step you can take to improve your RV security. When you leave the campsite, be sure your RV’s windows, blinds and curtains are closed. Aside from security concerns, closing your blinds will block sunlight from shining into your RV and fading your furniture.

In addition to closing your blinds, it’s a good idea to hide expensive items. Anything valuable, like jewelry, tablets or cameras, should be tucked away before you leave. You can always invest in a safe, preferably one that can be bolted down, if you’re still worried about the safety of your irreplaceable items.

Leave the lights on

Another easy security precaution you can take in your RV or at home is leaving lights on – interior and exterior. Keeping your interior lights on while you’re gone, especially at night, makes it more difficult for potential thieves to determine whether or not you’re home. In addition, bright exterior lights can help deter thieves. Particularly motion-sensor RV security lights that will shine directly on anyone trying to break in.

Be neighborly

When you arrive at your campsite, whether you’re staying a few days or for the whole season, take the time to introduce yourself to your neighbors. Talk to those camping nearby and introduce them to your crew. This way you’ll have another set of eyes on your RV when you’re gone, and they’re more likely to notice if someone unfamiliar is at your campsite, trying your RV door, or messing with your camping supplies.

RV Security - Camper Travel Trailer. Travel Trailer Pop Up Style Camping in Colorado.

Put things away

Although it might seem tedious, putting your things away before leaving or going to sleep is an easy way to protect yourself from campground thieves. Clear your campsite of chairs, cooking equipment, firewood and anything else someone could steal. If you have items that won’t be easy to put away, like bikes, invest in a bike lock, for example, as an added layer of protection.

New locks

New RVs will come with standard factory locks and keys. These base-level RV locks are not very secure, only adding a minimum level of protection. We recommend investing in a new, sturdier or high-tech RV lock. You can easily install a keypad lock, requiring a code to enter your RV rather than a traditional key-entry lock that can be easily picked. Keyless entry for your RV is often safer, and you won’t have to worry about losing a key and being locked out.

RV security system

It’s a good idea to invest in an RV security system as well. This is more common with full-time RVers, but it’s a good idea for anyone wanting to ensure their camper is safe. Basic RV security systems are easy to install, using sensors that simply attach to doors and windows. These sensors will alert you when someone opens your door or window. You can also invest in RV security cameras. Security cameras are cheaper than ever, you can find them for as little as $20 on Amazon! They can live-stream to your phone or save video to a memory card. You can find RV security cameras that record constantly or activate with motion. Whatever you choose, an RV security system and camera is cheaper than ever before and an easy way to secure your camper.

RV Security - Camper camping at RV park in autumn in North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains outside of Asheville.

Get a hitch guard

It’s not very common, but RV theft isn’t unheard of. The downside of having a towable home is knowing that anyone can hitch their truck up and tow it away. While no one wants to think about this nightmare situation, there are steps you can take to prevent it. We recommend purchasing a hitch guard. You can lock a hitch guard onto your trailer hitch, making it impossible for anyone to tow your RV away without unlocking and removing the guard.

No one wants to think about the potential for theft when trying to enjoy a campground vacation, but it’s always possible. Give yourself peace of mind with our RV security tips. Whether you implement new habits of locking your RV or purchase a new RV security camera, there are plenty of ways to deter thieves.

If you’re looking for a new RV, Juniata Valley RV is here for you! We have new and used travel trailers, tiny campers and motorhomes in stock at our Pennsylvania RV dealership. Stop by to purchase a new RV or shop our inventory online. If your RV needs security installations or service, our service department might be able to help you. We even have a parts store with RV locks and other security features. Call us or contact us online to find out how we can help you protect your RV from theft.

8 Easy Campfire Dutch Oven Recipes

If you’re looking for a way to add meal options to your camping menu, there’s nothing more versatile than cooking with a campfire Dutch oven. For camping, it is best to have a Dutch oven with both the pot and lid made of cast iron. Cast iron is best for cooking because it can handle very high temperatures without damage and conducts heat evenly throughout the cooking surface.  A Dutch oven can be used as a pot over the fire or an oven when covered in hot coals, making cooking with it very popular. Dutch ovens can also be used in an oven at home or on top of a gas heater if other fuel is hard to come by, which makes these cooking devices possible all year round, in any environment.

Dutch Oven Campfire supplies - Traditional camp cooking in a pot over hot coals of a fire pit.

Campfire Dutch Oven Cooking Materials

If you haven’t used your Dutch oven at the campground, here are a few tools to help give the best experience when trying campfire Dutch oven recipes:

  • Campfire Tripod – A tripod or over-hanger can be used for cooking or keeping your dish warm above the heat.
  • Campfire Grate – A campfire grate can double as both an object to position your Dutch oven above the heat or become a cooking surface itself for other pots and pans.
  • Long Metal Tongs – Long-handled tongs are a little awkward to use but are needed to move food and position coals around hot campfires.
  • Gloves – Heat resistant gloves add another layer of protection when handling hot food and materials over the campfire.
  • Dutch Oven Lid Lifter – Lids can be both hot and heavy, so having a lid lifter is necessary. Some lid lifters can also be used to adjust food while cooking.
  • Chimney Charcoal Starter – Charcoal starters are designed to preheat briquettes quickly, which can trim down your preparation time.
  • Cooking Thermometer – A little bit of a luxury, but necessary if you want your meals cooked to perfection every time.
  • Liners & Oils – Having liners or cooking oils to separate the food from the inside surface of the pot will make it easier to remove food for serving and to clean the oven afterward.
  • Pot Holders – If you don’t have a tripod or a grate, a simple pot holder can help you safely raise your warm Dutch oven off the ground without overcooking your dish in the hot coals.

dDutch Oven Campfire Recipes - bread

Dutch Oven Bread

Total Cook Time: 45 mins

Servings: 1

Bake soft, flaky, fluffy bread with this campfire Dutch oven recipe. Requiring only a few ingredients and just 30 minutes of bake time, you’ll have your lovely loaf ready to slice and serve with your favorite spread.

Camp Dutch Oven Pot Roast

Total Cook Time: 4 hr. 10 mins

Servings: 10 people

This campfire Dutch oven recipe brings home-cooked comfort from the warmth of your campfire to your campsite. Nothing is better than the taste of tender beef laying in a bed of fresh vegetables and savory spices, all steamed and baked slowly over charcoals. This Dutch oven recipe delivers maximum taste with minimum amount of ingredients.

Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler

Total Cook Time: 1 hr. 10 mins

Servings: 6 – 8

This simple oven recipe only requires eight ingredients. In 12 easy steps, you can bake up a soft and sweet peach pastry with warm, flaky crust that is sure to top any meal or evening under the stars. Bring a taste of grandma’s cooking to your campfire with this winner for dinner!

Dutch Oven Campfire Recipes - Lasagna

Campfire Lasagna (Vegetarian)

Total Cook Time: 45 mins

Servings: 6

No meat? No problem! This vegetarian lasagna is sure to be a favorite for all pasta lovers. You can break up the boring routine of canned beans and dry trail mix with this fresh and steamy gourmet camp oven recipe.

Dutch Oven Campfire Nachos (Vegetarian)

Total Cook Time: 20 mins

Servings: 4

Hungry? Why wait? Grab your Dutch oven for this quick and hearty recipe! Crispy chips and smooth refried beans, topped with fresh chopped veggies and stringy melted cheese; this is a recipe that can please any hungry camper. Vegetarian campers can enjoy this meal as well since no meat is included.

Dutch Oven Campfire Recipes - bratwurst casserole

The Dublin Coddle (Bratwurst Casserole)

Total Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Servings: 4

The Dublin Coddle is an easy camp oven recipe to make. Taste robust potatoes, glazed onions, crunchy bacon, and succulent sausage all boiled in zesty chicken broth and beer. Enjoy an Irish classic from the comfort of your campsite. As a bonus, this recipe works in your oven at home too!

Campfire Steamed Clams

Total Cook Time: 28 mins

Servings: 2

Perfect for coastal camping, these light buttery clams are steamed in a white wine sauce. Add in a little garlic and pepper flakes for both a kick of heat and spice, and you have a meal that is both flavorful and fragrant. Don’t discard the broth, as it doubles as both a sauce for the clams and as a dip for the bread. Get acquainted with your environment and a taste of the ocean with this campfire Dutch oven recipe!

Dutch Oven Pork Chops and Potatoes 

Total Cook Time: 1 hr 15 mins

Servings: 4

Enjoy succulent porkchops covered in breadcrumbs, cooked along with hearty cubed potatoes bathed in creamy mushroom soup to blend it all together. Only requiring eight ingredients and an hour of cook time, this meal will quickly crush your hunger and keep your tank full while on the go!

When it comes to campfire cooking, there is nothing wrong with going Dutch! Now that you have some exciting new Dutch oven recipes to cook on your next camping trip, are you ready for your journey? Let us here at Juniata Valley help you with the details from parts and accessories, to new and used RVs, motorhomes, travel trailers and more! Give us a call, fill out a contact form, or stop by our lot check out inventory and have your questions answered by one of our professionals.

 

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