If you’re an RV owner, you know that animals can be a big nuisance. They can break into your RV, damage your property, and even steal your belongings. So, how do you prevent animals from breaking into your RV?
Here’s how to prevent animals from breaking into an RV:
- Park in a well-lit area.
- Close all windows and doors when you’re not inside.
- Install an animal deterrent system.
- Keep food and trash stored in airtight containers.
- Clean up spills and crumbs immediately.
- Install motion sensor lights outside the RV.
- Hang wind chimes near your windows and doorways.
- Place mothballs around the exterior of your RV.
- Trim back any bushes or trees near your RV.
- Get a dog to help watch over your RV.
- Invest in a security system for your RV.
- Store away any scented items.
- Keep your RV clean and clutter-free.
- Park near other campers or in a crowded area.
- Spray your RV with an animal repellent.
This post will provide tips on preventing animals from breaking into your RV. If you follow these tips, you’ll be sure to keep those pesky critters out. Let’s get started!
1. Park in a Well-Lit Area
One of the best ways to prevent animals from breaking into your RV is to park in a well-lit area. That will deter animals from approaching your RV, as they will be easier to spot.
Additionally, it is more difficult for animals to hide near your RV. If you’re parking in a dark area, animals can easily hide in the shadows and approach your RV without being seen.
So, park in a well-lit area, such as near a streetlight or under a light at a campground. That will help to keep animals away from your RV.
2. Close All Windows and Doors When You’re Not Inside
Another way to prevent animals from breaking into your RV is to close all of the windows and doors when you’re not inside. That will make it much more difficult for animals to get inside.
If you leave windows and doors open, animals can easily climb or squeeze through the opening. So, be sure to keep them closed when you’re not around.
3. Install an Animal Deterrent System
If you’re worried about animals breaking into your RV, you may want to install an animal deterrent system (more on the types of security systems later in this article). When choosing and installing a deterrent system, be sure to follow these guidelines:
- Make sure the system is weatherproof: You don’t want the system to break down in the middle of a storm.
- Place the system near entry points, such as windows and doors: This placement makes the system more effective.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Otherwise, you may void the warranty or damage the system.
If you are interested in how the system works, here’s a video demo of a home-made animal deterrent system in action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BknTlSw71_8
4. Keep Food and Trash Stored in Airtight Containers
As most RV owners know, one of the challenges of living on the road is dealing with trash and food storage. Not only do you have to be careful about attracting pests, but you also have to be mindful that your garbage may attract animals.
One way to keep critters out of your RV is to store food and trash in airtight containers. That will help prevent odors from escaping and make it less likely for animals to break into your RV in search of a meal.
In addition, keeping your garbage can as far away from your living area as possible is a good idea. By taking these simple precautions, you can help to keep your RV free from critters and pests.
5. Clean Up Spills and Crumbs Immediately
Another way to prevent animals from breaking into your RV is to clean up spills and crumbs as they happen. If you leave food out, it’s only a matter of time before an animal smells it and comes looking for a meal.
So, be sure to wipe up any spills and sweep up any crumbs right away. That will help to keep your RV clean and free from unwanted guests.
6. Install Motion Sensor Lights Outside the RV
Another way to deter animals from breaking into your RV is to install motion sensor lights outside the RV. These lights will turn on automatically if they detect movement, scaring animals away.
Not only will that help keep animals out of your RV, but it will also make it easier for you to spot them if they approach. So, it’s a win-win!
7. Hang Wind Chimes Near Your Windows and Doorways
Wind chimes can help keep animals away from your RV in two ways. First, the sound of the chimes will scare the animals off. Second, the movement of the chimes will make it more difficult for animals to approach your RV without being detected.
So, if you’re looking for a simple and effective way to deter animals from breaking into your RV, hang some wind chimes near your windows and doorways.
8. Place Mothballs Around the Exterior of Your RV
Mothballs are another simple and effective way to keep animals away from your RV. The pungent smell of mothballs will deter animals, such as spiders, snakes, and rodents.
Additionally, mothballs can help repel insects, so they’re a great way to keep pests away from your RV. Just be sure to place them in a safe location where they won’t be dangerous to children or pets.
Caution: Mothballs can harm people and animals if ingested, so use them carefully.
9. Trim Back Any Bushes or Trees Near Your RV
If you’ve parked the RV at home, take a walk around it to see if there are any bushes or trees nearby. If there are, trim them back so that animals can’t use them as a way to climb onto your RV.
That will deter animals like squirrels and raccoons from trying to break into your RV. It’s a simple solution that can make a big difference.
10. Get a Dog To Help Watch Over Your RV
Another great way to prevent animals from breaking into your RV is to get a dog to help watch over it. Dogs are natural deterrents, and their barking will scare animals away.
In addition, dogs can provide an extra level of security for your RV. For example, they can help to deter thieves as well as animals. So, if you’re looking for a way to add an extra layer of protection to your RV, getting a dog is a great option.
11. Invest in a Security System for Your RV
When it comes to protecting your RV from animals, a security system can be a valuable investment. Here are a few different types of security systems you should consider:
- Motion-activated lights: These lights can help scare away animals approaching your RV after dark. In this case, I recommend this AMIR (Upgraded Version) Motion Sensor Light AMIR (Upgraded Version) Motion Sensor Light from Amazon.com. They feature a PIR sensor that can detect animals up to 10 feet (3 meters) away from your RV, making them an effective way to deter animals from breaking into your vehicle.
- Ultrasonic deterrents: These deterrents emit high-frequency sound waves designed to deter animals from entering your RV’s space.
- Firm perimeter: You can create a physical barrier around your RV by installing fence posts or other types of sturdier fencing. That can help keep out animals that dig or climb.
- Camera monitoring: That can give you extra protection by allowing you to keep an eye on your RV even when you’re not there.
Considering these different security systems, you can help ensure your RV is safe from animals day and night.
12. Store Away Any Scented Items
When packing up your RV for a trip, it’s essential to remember that you’re not the only one who may find the scents attractive. Food, trash, and cleaning supplies can appeal to animals, who may decide to break into your RV if they catch a whiff.
It’s best to store away any scented items before heading out on the open road to prevent this from happening. That includes perfumes and air fresheners, which can be just as tempting to animals as food. Taking this simple precaution can help ensure that your RV remains animal-free during your travels.
13. Keep Your RV Clean and Clutter-Free
Another way to prevent animals from breaking into your RV is to keep it clean and clutter-free. That includes both the interior and exterior of the RV.
An animal may be more likely to break into a dirty or cluttered RV because there are more places for them to hide. And, if an animal does manage to break into your RV, a clean space will make it easier to spot the intruder and remove them from the premises.
Here are a few tips for keeping your RV clean and clutter-free:
- Sweep and vacuum regularly: That will help remove any food crumbs or other debris that may attract animals.
- Wash the dishes promptly: Don’t leave dirty dishes in the sink for too long, as that can draw animals.
- Take out the trash regularly: A full trash can invites animals to come rummaging through your RV.
14. Park Near Other Campers or in a Crowded Area
When choosing a spot to park your RV, it’s essential to consider safety. One way to help prevent animals from breaking into your RV is to park near other campers or in a crowded area.
That way, animals have less opportunity to approach your RV undetected. And, if an animal does try to break into your RV, there’s a better chance that someone will spot it and be able to help you.
15. Spray Your RV With an Animal Repellent
Spraying your RV with a repellent can be a helpful way to keep animals away from your RV. When applying the repellent, focus on areas where animals are likely to enter, such as windows, doors, and vents. You may need to reapply the substance periodically, especially after it rains.
Caution: When choosing an animal repellent, look for one that is safe to use around humans and pets.
Key Takeaways
Preventing animals from breaking into your RV can be challenging, but taking the necessary precautions to keep it safe is essential.
To recap, the best way to protect your RV from animals is to:
- Park in crowded, well-lit areas.
- Keep your trash and scented items stored and inaccessible.
- Get a security system or watchdog.
- Spray your RV with a repellant or place mothballs around the RV.
- Keep your RV clean and secure your windows and doors.
- Opt for motion sensors or wind chimes.
Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so don’t hesitate to take extra steps to protect your RV from animals.