The Park: Camping Tips & Product News — RVing

Are you new to the world of trailer camping? If so, welcome! We’re glad to see that you’ve discovered this fabulous pastime.

Whether you’re still in the process of searching for the perfect recreational vehicle, or you’ve been camping for a number of years, you’ll find that there is a lot of specific (and somewhat confusing) terminology linked to the hobby. And if you don’t understand the basic – though sometimes subtle – difference between these technical terms, you may get a little lost while researching the best tips and products for your situation.

Even amongst our expert staff, many of whom have been towing and camping in trailers for decades, we find that these terms can get mixed up and misused. So don’t worry if it doesn’t make sense to you just yet! We’re here to help.

Hitch vs Coupler

Perhaps the most common and confusing mix-up is the use of the term “hitch” vs “coupler.” You’re probably most familiar with the word “hitch” because it tends to get thrown around a lot when talking about trailers.

The hitch refers to the connection point on your vehicle used to hook up a trailer for towing. In most cases, the hitch is a bar or frame piece that is mounted under the car/truck and has a hitch ball on a protruding arm for the trailer to connect to. (Although other hitch types may be mounted in the bed of a truck, for example: fifth wheels.)

What makes the word “hitch” so truly confusing is that many people tend to use it as a blanket term for any part of a trailer-to-tow vehicle connection, including the part on the trailer; this piece is actually known as the “coupler.”

Couplers are often welded on or connected to the trailer frame. The most common type of couplers are those that connect to a hitch ball, and all of these feature some kind of locking mechanism to keep the ball securely attached during towing.

So, to keep them straight, just remember: hitches go on your tow vehicle, and couplers come on trailers.

Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule. In some cases, trailer owners may opt to use one of a variety of specialty hitches meant to prevent sway, balance trailer weight, and provide a smoother ride. Many of these hitches are designed to stay attached to the trailer coupler, requiring only a few simple steps to connect them to the hitch bar on the back of the tow vehicle.

RV vs Trailer vs Motorhome

Another set of commonly exchanged terms are “RV” and “trailer.” These terms do have some overlap, but their meanings are distinct.

RV (short for “recreational vehicle”) is actually a broad term that refers to any trailer, camper van, or motorhome that offers a place to live, cook, and rest while traveling.

A trailer, on the other hand, is an unpowered vehicle that must be hooked up to another vehicle in order to be towed. There are many kinds of trailers for transporting and storing goods, vehicles, and animals, as well as for camping.

Camping trailers can be anything from a small pop-up tent trailer or a teardrop to a massive fifth wheel trailer. Thus, all camping trailers are recreational vehicles (RVs), but not all RVs are trailers.

Recreational vehicles that are motorized and do not require a tow vehicle might also be called “motorhomes” to distinguish them from trailers. They are simply another category of recreational vehicle.

Hookups

Depending on the type of trailer you have, you may hear about “hookups” a lot (and we don’t mean the romantic kind).

Hookups are connections to campsite services such as electricity, water, and sewer. Many trailer parks and campgrounds with trailer spots offer one or more of these services, allowing you to experience all the comforts and conveniences of your mobile home.

Always be sure to have the proper equipment for the available hookups, and know what you need to do in case there aren’t any.

Boondocking

Camping without any hookups is called “boondocking,” “dry camping,” or “wild camping.”

Boondocking means no electricity, no water hookup, and no sewage disposal. You may be able to add some comfort and convenience to your stay by pre-filling your water tank, installing an alternative energy source (for example, solar panels), and limiting your sewage usage until you can dump it properly. However, boondocking is not the kind of luxury camping experience that you’d generally find in a trailer park.

Often, this kind of camping is done on public lands where dispersed camping is allowed – as long as you do your best not to leave behind too much evidence of your stay.

Other camping areas offer designated dry camping spots, and some private landowners will even offer an official boondocking spot on their properties. You can find lots of boondocking sites for booking through companies like Boondockers Welcome and Harvest Hosts.

The best part about boondocking? It’s usually free!

BONUS term: If a friend or family member offers to let you stay on their property with this kind of setup, it is sometimes referred to as “moochdocking.”

Slide-out

Looking for more space without adding length to your trailer? Search for recreational vehicles with slide-outs.

Slide-outs are expandable sections of your living space that can be pushed out while parked so that your family has more room to sleep, eat, or watch TV on a rainy day. These can then be retracted for more convenient travel.

Most are controlled with electronic or hydraulic systems, so they add very little extra effort to your setup, but provide a whole lot more room to breathe (and move around). After all, when you’re sharing a small living space, you need as much room as you can get.

And there you have it! A beginner’s guide to common (and frequently misused) trailer terminology.

Have more questions? Learn more about towing and trailer camping by checking out the rest of our blogs.

As trailer owners, we’ve all wondered whether there is a better way to move our trailers around our properties.

Sure, the truck works for most situations. But sometimes it would be nice to have another option for maneuvering around your garage, driveway, and yard – something for those small moves and tricky spots.

What if there was a convenient tool you could keep on hand for getting trailers in and out of tight spaces? What if you didn’t need to hook your trailers up to the truck just to shuffle them around? What if you could get more precise control without a lot of extra work?

As it turns out, the trailer community has found lots of alternatives for this. A quick scan of any trailer forum (or even the comments section on our social media profiles) will reveal half a dozen – maybe more – different ways to move a trailer without the typical rear receiver hookup.

But we couldn’t help wondering: how well do they really work?

So, we’ve dug deep into discussions all across the web to hear first-hand from trailer owners just like you who have tried these other methods for themselves.

Here’s what we found:

1. Front Mount Receiver

So, technically, this method still involves using your truck (meaning tight spaces could still be challenging). But many trailer owners swear by the use of a front hitch for better control when reversing their recreational vehicles.

However, a front mount receiver eliminates several of the most common issues of backing up with a tow vehicle: difficulty steering, limited visibility, and tight maneuvers. A front hitch lets you push your trailer while looking straight at it. And, as an added bonus, this connection point provides more precise steering because the hitch is closer to the turning wheels.

Before you go out and buy a front hitch, however, there are a few things to consider.

The first is 4-wheel drive capabilities. If you’re planning to move on potentially soft, uneven, or steep terrain, you need a vehicle that can handle those conditions while pushing a trailer.

Next, think about the placement of the hitch. Can you have it mounted a little offset from the center of your vehicle? This will give you a better ability to view the side of your trailer, as well as your surroundings.

Lastly, consider the tongue weight. Front mount hitches may not have as high of a weight capacity. With all that weight resting on the front end of your vehicle, you may also find that your tires dig into the ground more and are harder to turn. Some owners of larger trailers recommend a wheeled extension for the jack to remove some of that weight.

As long as you take these three things into consideration, you should be able to make this method work for you. But, if you hope to get into a space that isn’t long enough for the truck and trailer together, then a front hitch won’t do you much good.

2. Tractor

Whether you’re looking for precision steering or a smaller vehicle to fit those tight spaces, a lawn tractor is a common choice for moving trailers.

Depending on the type of tractor you have, there are a couple of attachment options available: a receiver attached to the bucket, or a rear receiver hitch.

For a simple tow job with a small trailer, a tractor can be a good, compact alternative to your standard tow vehicle – just be sure that you have the right tires and four wheel drive.

You might be surprised to find that many trailer owners have reported that this method does not work as well as might be assumed, since the tractor needs to be heavy enough to counterbalance the trailer that it is pulling/pushing. Even if your tractor is capable of pulling the weight, you may still need to add weights onto it to maintain ballast distribution.

And, though many suggest that this method could make trickier parking spots easier to get into, you might have trouble seeing the spot properly. Your overall visibility will be reduced when driving the tractor because you are low to the ground and very close to the body of the trailer.

3. Forklift

A forklift is a piece of equipment that most people are unlikely to have lying around at home. However, in commercial and industrial contexts, this is a popular choice for moving trailers and other types of equipment. These mighty little machines are meant for hauling, and can handle quite a bit of weight. Plus, they are designed to counterbalance the front weight placed on them (as long as you don’t exceed the limit).

If you happen to have a forklift, you’ll be happy to know that there are several companies that sell trailer hitch attachments for forklifts. There are traditional receivers that can connect to the frame, as well as attachments that slide over the forks. The latter type are well-constructed metal plates or covers, often offering multiple connection points, depending on your needs.

While some would suggest that you can simply drill a hole through one fork to attach a hitch ball or pin, this is not recommended. This will damage the integrity of the fork. It could also create some unique steering challenges because the trailer will be attached to only one side of the machine.

So, if you have a fork lift, this is a great choice for moving your trailer!

Just remember, before you take your forklift out in the yard, that you need an upgrade from the standard warehouse tires, otherwise you’ll have trouble getting traction.

4. ATV

An ATV might seem like a logical option for moving your trailer – after all, there are small trailers that are specifically designed for pulling with an ATV. But, from everything we’ve seen, this is not a good idea.

An ATV is simply not designed to pull any kind of large trailer. The towing capacity on these machines is very low, and you’re more likely to end up in a permanent wheelie position than having a perfectly parked trailer.

Besides, your only brakes are the ones on the ATV itself, which makes pulling a trailer on any kind of slope inadvisable.

5. Ride-on lawn mower

Much like lawn tractors, a ride-on lawn mower might seem like a good solution for small moves, but there are few that are designed to handle the weight of a trailer. Most ride-on lawn mowers don’t have the transmission needed to supply the appropriate amount of torque. Several accounts from trailer owners state that, while a lawn mower may have helped them move their trailer, they could tell that the machine was not happy with the load.

Don’t upset your lawn mower. And don’t risk breaking it when there are other tools that can better handle the tongue weight without tipping or straining.

You may be able to get away with using your ride-on lawn mower if you only have a small pop-up trailer, but we don’t recommend that you try this at home.

6. Converted snowblower

An old snowblower is fairly easy to come by (in snowy areas), and not too costly to obtain either.

This moving method for trailers seems a bit unusual, but it may actually work. Whether you decide to attach the hitch ball on top of the auger cover (which will likely require some reinforcement), or to remove the auger attachment altogether and add a receiver to the front of your machine, you have a rather simple motorized mover to which you can attach your trailer.

It might not move very quickly or turn all that well, but it does give you a way to move your trailer by hand without having to lift all of that weight yourself.

Now, obviously, this jury-rigged machine is only as good as the base you use, the design you come up with, and the quality of the build, so the level of safety and effectiveness varies greatly from one machine to another. But, with the right modifications, you might be able to make this work.

7. Brute force

There is always the option of moving your trailers by hand. But, unless you’re going a very short distance with a very light trailer, this is probably more work than it’s worth. Most trailers do offer a handy jack wheel for these situations, but those hard little plastic wheels aren’t designed for any major moves – and they’re certainly not designed for dragging through your yard.
And don’t forget what a challenge a slope can be if you’re supporting all of the trailer’s weight yourself.

8. Trailer dolly

You know we couldn’t make a list of trailer-moving methods without discussing trailer dollies. These handy gadgets come in manual and motorized models for moving a variety of trailer types and sizes. These dollies usually go through extensive design and testing processes to ensure a safe and efficient trailer-parking experience. They are the best choice for maneuvering in tight spaces, and they don’t take up a ton of storage room.

Browse our full selection of trailer dollies to find the right one for your needs, and never worry about how you’re going to get in and out of that impossible spot with your truck again.

Airstream trailers are well known and loved because of their distinctive retro designs. They remind us of simpler times and a simple way of life: camping adventures and family road trips without the distractions of technology.

But “retro” doesn’t always mean “simple.” Sometimes there’s room to improve upon the old way of doing things. (After all, if the Airstream was the pinnacle of camping trailers, then they would never have changed the designs. Even now, they are looking for ways to make your travel experiences better than before.)

Take parking, for example. Airstreams are great for towing, but they can be somewhat challenging to park – especially in tight spots. You can try to do it the old-fashioned way, but you’ll find that an electric trailer dolly is a much simpler option. Parkit360’s electric trailer dollies are designed to make this process easier, providing Airstream owners with a convenient and efficient way to park. All you have to do is hook up the hitch, turn it on, and guide your trailer into the perfect camping spot (or parking spot). Now where was that in the “good old days”?

How to hook up an electric trailer dolly to your Airstream

Electric trailer dollies are designed to be compatible with the majority of common hitch types and will work well for any Airstream model. Most dollies (including our Force and Transformer models) will come with the appropriate 2 5/16” hitch ball and 20” high ball mount. Once connected, the dolly will provide smooth and stable control, while allowing you to see exactly how to maneuver the Airstream.

For the Bambi and Caravel models, you’ll need a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs. For the larger models (Flying Cloud, International, Globetrotter, and Classic), a 10,000 lbs capacity is best. Parkit360’s Force 5K and 10K are just what you would need.

As an added bonus, Parkit360 dollies come standard with an electric brake controller. Simply plug your 7-way connector straight into the unit, and it will operate your trailer’s brakes, making it easy to move on any terrain, even with an incline.

What’s the best trailer dolly for an Airstream?

We might be a little biased, but we believe that Parkit360 trailer dollies are the ideal product for parking an Airstream. Our dollies operate best with a good weight distribution between the tongue and rest of the trailer (lots of tongue weight for traction, but not so much so that it’s hard to turn the dolly), and Airstreams are just that. You can read some of our customer reviews – including some from Airstream owners – by clicking here!

The truth is, we’re more than a little biased; we love Airstreams! And Airstreams love us.

Thanks to Jill @serendipitoustravels for these awesome photos of her Airstream, lovingly named Veronica!

Parkit360's Electric Trailer Dollies are a must-have for any Airstream trailer owner. They make parking a breeze, whether in the driveway, a crowded campground, or in the great outdoors. If you love the simple lifestyle that an Airstream provides, then you’ll want a simple parking solution as well. Parkit360 is the perfect modern parking solution for your retro trailer.

As a trailer dolly manufacturer, we regularly receive comments from people asking, “Why don’t you just learn to back up a truck?”

While we understand that a trailer dolly is a tool that some people won’t want to use or don’t see a need for, we believe that there are many good reasons to invest in one (even if you’re the best at backing up trailers).

That is why we wholeheartedly say, “No, trailer dollies are not just for people who can’t back up a trailer properly.”

In fact, those who park their trailers using a dolly might actually be parking smarter.

Why would someone get a trailer dolly, then?

As long as you know what you’re doing, backing up a trailer works just fine. But there are things that a trailer dolly can do that a truck simply can’t.

1. Parking with a trailer dolly is easier

Whether you’re the kind of driver who gets out every three seconds to do a full reconnaissance, or an expert backer-upper, parking with a trailer dolly can save you a lot of time and stress.

Even veterans of trailer parking can be bested by impossible spots. This video is a great example of the kind of situation we’re talking about. There is no way you could back that trailer in using a truck without taking out a wall. (But if you’d like to prove us wrong, you’re welcome to try it.)

2. You can create your own security measures

Think about that impossible parking spot. Now imagine what would happen if someone attempted to steal your trailer from that spot. It wouldn’t work, would it?

When you park a trailer or boat using a dolly, you can make your own anti-theft system. If you live in a high-crime area, this is actually a regular usage of trailer dollies.

You might be “the guy who didn’t need a trailer dolly,” but you might also end up as “the guy whose camping trip just got cancelled.”

3. Avoid annoying accidents

Almost 20% of accidents are parking related. And, while you might be great at parking, you can’t guarantee that everyone around you (and your trailer) is too.

Some people choose to invest in a trailer dolly as a means of getting their trailer off the street and stored safely out of harm’s way.

4. No more arguments with your spotter

When you park your trailer using a trailer dolly, there is no need for yelling and arguing as you try to communicate with your spotter.

If you have a trailer, then you can probably recall at least one incident in which someone insisted on helping you back up, even though you assured them that you had everything under control. You’ve probably heard the panicked yells of a spotter who was afraid that you were about to hit something (even though you knew you were fine). Maybe you’ve dealt with someone who repeatedly told you to “keep going” until you heard the unmistakable sound of the trailer hitting your eavestrough.

Our customers often tell us that the tension and conflict caused by backing up a trailer was no longer an issue once they started using a trailer dolly. That’s because, with a dolly, you don’t need a spotter.

Dollies don’t just make parking easier. They also make coming home from a trip easier. Isn’t that something we all want?

Trailer dollies make parking better for everyone

It’s time to stop making excuses about why other people might need a trailer dolly but you certainly don’t. There are lots of good reasons to get a trailer dolly aside from your parking skills.

All kidding aside, you may not choose to invest in a trailer dolly for yourself, and that’s fine. We just want to defend the integrity of our customers by saying: park smarter, not harder.

For first-timers, hauling a trailer can be overwhelming... but if you put time and effort in to learning how, it can be a very valuable skill.

Driving with a trailer is much cheaper than hiring a van, and it means you can move furniture or heavy equipment easily. Take a look at our tailor-towing tips before you plan your next journey!

1. Check your Vehicle's Weight Capacity.
   See your owner’s manual for information about how much weight your vehicle can tow. Large trucks can tow considerably more weight, but make sure you don’t overload your vehicle. This can make it difficult to maneuver, which can result in a crash. 
   
   
2. Check your Hitch Connection.
   Make sure that the trailer is properly attached to your vehicle before hitting the road!
   
   
3. Be Mindful of your Cargo.
   The bigger the trailer, the more adjustments you’ll need to make as a driver. A small utility trailer might be hardly noticeable, but hauling a boat or large RV will require some of your attention and driving skills.
   
   
4. Use a Route Planner.
   Apps such as Route4Me help you plan routes that are RV and trailer friendly.
   
   
5. Take it Slow.
   Speeding up your vehicle will take much longer when you’re towing a trailer. Remember to keep below the speed limit to ensure you don’t end up crashing.
   
   
6. Keep your Distance.
   Allow ample space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you when driving a trailer. The extra weight will make it more difficult to slow down or stop.
   
   
7. Remember to take wider turns.
   With a trailer, your vehicle may be close to double its regular length, so you will have to take turns significantly wider to avoid hitting other cars, curbs, or driving off of the road.
   
   
8. Avoid steering too tightly.
   Reversing while pulling a trailer is a skill that takes a fair bit of practice to hone - if you turn too sharp the trailer will jackknife, or turn sharply in one direction.
   
   
9. Park far away from buildings and other vehicles.
   Parking may be difficult to begin with. Small parking lots may be almost impossible to use when hauling a trailer. If you do manage to maneuver your trailer into a parking space - or across several parking spaces - make sure that you have plenty of room to exit the lot. It is often advisable to park in a remote part of a parking lot where there are fewer surrounding vehicles.
   
   
10. Never underestimate the difficulty of pulling a trailer.
    You should practice driving your trailer in and out of your driveway and navigating quiet back roads before trying to haul a trailer in heavy traffic

Whether you have a lot of experience hauling large vehicles or if you’re planning your first family trip with a travel trailer, towing safely is something to take very seriously. However, by following these 10 pieces of advice, your first trailer trip is bound to go smoothly.

 
Parking your trailer in a tight spot? Move up to 15,000 lbs with a Parkit360 Electric Trailer Dolly. Get simple, precise parking for boats, RV's and more!

Understanding the specific situations in which you'll use your trailer dolly is key. 

Choosing a trailer dolly based on great reviews is not enough if the product can't do what you need it to.

As with any big purchase, understanding a new market and finding a high-quality product that you can rely on can be daunting. You want to be sure that the dolly you buy is the right choice for your trailer and your circumstance.

Below is a list of the most important factors to consider to help you decide which trailer dolly is the right one for you.

3 things to consider when choosing a trailer dolly

The three main points to consider are: The size and weight of your trailer, the hitch-connection, and all potential scenarios in which you will need to use the dolly.

Size: How much weight can it take?

The first thing that you will need to consider is the tongue weight and the gross weight of your trailer. Trailer dollies come in a wide range of sizes and weight capacities.

For manual trailer dollies, such as the MaxxHaul 70225, the maximum capacity is generally around 600 lbs gross weight. These are a great choice if you only plan to use them for smaller towing jobs on hard, level ground.

Once you begin to exceed that weight limit, however, you will want to consider motorized dollies.

Motorized trailer dollies can carry a heavier load and prevent pain and injury. If you want to work less and move more, an electric trailer dolly is a great option.

For trailers weighing up to 5,000 lbs, these are a couple of the top motorized dollies currently available:

• Parkit360’s Force 5K: an electric trailer dolly with up to 900 lbs tongue weight capacity
• Trailer Valet 5X: a compact motorized trailer dolly for easy maneuvering
• Mophorn Trailer Jockey Wheel: a single-wheel electric-powered jockey wheel

For more heavy-duty moving requirements between 5,000 to 12,000 lbs.:

• Parkit360’s Force 10K: the same size as the base model, but twice as powerful
• Trailer Valet XL Pro: Trailer Valet’s most powerful model with a capacity of 12,000 lbs

If you want to move a trailer heavier than 12,000 lbs, you will find very few consumer-grade options available. Aside from Parkit360’s Transformer 15K, there are not many trailer dollies on the consumer market that can move that much weight. Luckily, this powerful, remote-controlled machine has options for fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers, making it adaptable for use on numerous large trailer models.

If you need something heavier still, you will want to look at the industrial dollies from DJ Products.

When deciding on what weight capacity you need for your trailer dolly, think about what you may need to move in the future. You may have a small trailer now, but are you planning to upgrade later? Or perhaps you will have to help a neighbour move their much larger trailer someday. Whatever the case may be, make sure that your dolly has the power and capability to get the job done.

Hitch: Is the coupler connection compatible?

The next thing you need to know is whether the trailer you are interested in is compatible with your trailer hitch. It may seem like an odd question, but some hitches pair better with certain dollies than others.

Rear receiver hitches are the most common and easiest to use with trailer dollies, for example. Some dollies may have options to add an adapter for a certain hitch, which you need to know if your trailer uses a less common type.

The other thing to pay attention to for hitch connection is what hitch ball size the dolly uses (if it uses a ball-mount). Double-check that the ball size matches the hitch for your trailer so that you can properly secure it on the dolly.

Use case: What do you need it to do?

Where and how you plan to use the trailer dolly is the final thing you need to consider.

Trailer dollies today come with a variety of features and functions for all different situations. To help determine which trailer dolly is right for your use case, ask yourself these questions:

Some motorized trailer dollies use a cord, and plugging it in may not always be convenient or possible. If you plan to use the dolly for jobs where you cannot plug it into a power source, then you will want either a manual or battery-powered model.

Not all dollies are designed for off-road operations. Some are only good on smooth, solid ground – trying to use them on grass is simply a nightmare. You need a trailer dolly that can keep traction on whatever terrain you will be moving on.

If there is a possibility that you will need to move your trailer on bumpy or inclined ground, make sure you choose a dolly with brakes. You will also want to ensure that your dolly can get enough speed and power to pull the trailer over any bumps. Electric dollies often move at too slow a speed to be able to lift a large load over a big bump, but they can usually traverse smaller obstacles like garage thresholds.

Making the Final Decision on Your Trailer Dolly Selection

Now that you know what to look for in a trailer dolly, you'll be able to narrow your choices down to a few selections.

But how do you determine which one is the best one for you?

First, look at what the warranty is like. This may depend on personal preference, but a product that comes with a good warranty is always a safe choice.

Second, think about whether you might want something with a wireless control. Believe it or not, that is an option, and it could make parking your trailer a breeze.

Lastly, take a look at customer reviews. Knowing what kind of experience other people have had with a company or a particular product can never hurt the decision process. In fact, it can tell you a lot about how much of a risk you might be taking in choosing a specific trailer dolly.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to what you feel will improve your trailer parking experience the most. Take your time to do some research and consider what you need, and you'll be happy you did.

You should never take the security of your RV for granted.

Even if you think your lock is completely secure, dozens of YouTube videos exist to prove you wrong, showing that even the most complex locks can be picked with mere plastic straws and pencils.

RVs can be susceptible to break-ins, as they have many entry points aside from the main door, like windows and sunroofs. 

To make matters more serious, the older your trailer is, the easier it may be to gain access to it because manufacturers use the same locks and keys for many different models. This means there’s a chance that a person with one of these keys could open your doors without much hassle. 

RV theft is the last thing any camper wants to deal with during the middle of a well earned vacation. And, even with comprehensive insurance, a replacement vehicle sometimes just isn’t the same. That’s why it might be time to up your protection levels and renew the security system on your doors and the RVs hitch. 

However, it’s hard to determine which is the best product out there to make sure your RV and its contents are safe. Here’s a list of the best locks on the market.

What makes an RV lock effective?

While this may sound alarming, the truth is no security system is 100% foolproof. With enough expertise and time on their hands, anyone could open most locks on the market. However, the right product makes it so that anyone who may want to break into or tow your RV away thinks twice before acting.

• Size, so it fits your trailer correctly.
• Color, which is essential not only for aesthetics but to call less attention to the lock.
• The model, as there are many lock variations, some safer than others.
• The brand. Like with any other product, the brand makes a difference in terms of its quality.

The best locks for RVs

Coupler locks

Proven Industries Model 2516

This model is covered with stainless steel and designed to deter the use of prying bars, a common method to break into these locks. It incorporates a lockpicking resistant puck lock that can be upgraded from aluminum to stainless steel. While this model would deter most robbers, it does come at a high price tag.

AmpLock BRP 2

This model boasts a million key combinations, meaning it’s highly unlikely for anyone to have an exact copy of your coupler lock. Aside from that, the lock is resistant to drills, another method commonly used by criminals to break even the most complex locks. It partially covers most of the coupler assembly in a way that protects it from prying bars but leaves a part of the structure exposed, which could be a security hazard.

Ft. Knox Coupler Lock

There are many ways to tow a trailer, but goosenecks and bumper trailers tend to be the most popular options. This lock is perfect for a gooseneck trailer as it covers the entire assembly coupled with a heavy-duty puck lock. It’s quite heavy to manipulate given its dimensions, but this would also deter anyone looking to pry it open. 

Door locks/puck locks

The War-Lok

To deter anyone from simply drilling into your lock, it’s important to look for hardened steel locks like this one. Note that this is not a drill proof model, but it would take a considerable amount of time and effort for anyone to even try. The locking mechanism itself is composed of a nine-disc core, and anyone looking to lock pick it would need a specialized tool to do so.

Proven Industries Puck Lock Model 400-SS

This lock has gone over significant model design changes to make it drill proof, including a hardened steel cover perfect for withstanding brute force attacks. The whole locking mechanism now faces away from the front, meaning that even if a dedicated enough criminal drills it, they wouldn’t be able to access it. 

Padlock locksmith series 

This series of locks and cases are mainly used for heavy-duty machines like construction trucks, and for good reason. They cover most of the assembly while being extremely effective against force attacks. The only downside is that they may not fit every single model.

Extra security tips

RVs are incredibly easy to break into, from windows to faulty locks. Beyond using a good quality lock, common sense will always prevail, and it’s essential to constantly be aware of many other factors outside the equipment you use. Here’s a list of extra precautions you should take to keep your trailer secure:

• Always cover the windows
• Be smart about where you park
• Park tongue-first using an electric trailer dolly
• Keep valuables out of sight
• Camp around other people
• Get a motion sensor light
• Get a safe to store your valuables

Security is an important part of your outdoor trips, but the better the products and precautions you have are, the more you can focus on enjoying your adventures on the road.

For more information about our outdoor-related products and camping tips, please visit our blog.

 
Parking your trailer in a tight spot? Move up to 15,000 lbs with a Parkit360 Electric Trailer Dolly. Get simple, precise parking for boats, RV's and more!

For people seeking a peaceful escape from today’s busy world...

Now is the perfect time to invest in an RV trailer and venture into the great outdoors. Just hook an RV trailer to your SUV and enjoy the ride — easy enough, right?

Well, not quite. While acquiring an RV is not as straightforward as many people think, there’s no need to worry, as this guide will prepare you for your RV trailer’s essentials. There are many variables like price, size, features, and much more than a first-time buyer may not have considered. Without further ado, here’s what you should consider before choosing the motorhome of your dreams.

Terminology: Speak Like an RV Pro

If this is your first time sorting through an RV listing, we've got you covered. If things are looking more complicated than they should, here’s a small glossary of the most important terms you'll need to keep in mind to make reading through those listings as easy as hitting the open road.

• Pop-up trailer: These models are the pinnacle of portable, affordable and easy-to-tow RVs. They can fold and collapse with ease, saving space both while traveling and when in storage.

• Travel trailers: These usually comes to mind when you think of the traditional RV. They’re the most popular models on the market, and they come with many different price tags depending on the features they incorporate. These are probably the most widely available trailers you’ll find on major listings.

• Fifth-wheel: Usually grouped and confused with travel trailers, fifth-wheels tend to have much more space than other RVs. Their defining characteristic is that they’re designed to be towed with a mechanism called a fifth-wheel hitch.

• Toy hauler: Here’s where the lines blur a little bit. Toy haulers can technically be either fifth wheels, pop-up, or travel trailers, with the main difference being that they have a ramp door in the back. They’re designed to offer easy access to the trailer, but aside from that, their operation is almost identical to their counterparts.

Evaluate your needs 

You may already have an idea in your mind about the type of RV you want to acquire. However, it’s time to set realistic expectations and explore your needs.

You should consider size first and foremost; there’s no need to acquire the biggest fifth wheeler on the market if you’re traveling by yourself. Also, where are you going to park it? Size should not only be determined by the number of people that could use the trailer, but also by how much storage space you’ll need.

There’s a difference between the features that you need versus the add-ons you want. More often than not, RV-ers can make do without certain items that will impact the price but not their experiences. For example, do you need an integrated grill if you can bring a separate one?

Budget 

After determining the type of RV that would suit you, it’s time to explore budgets concerning new or used RVs, and their pros and cons. Trailers are not as expensive as motorhomes. However, they are not cheap by any means.

You may be tempted to go for a used model because of the price, and sometimes used is the better option. However, if you’re inexperienced, upkeep and inspection could become a hassle. Your biggest priority when acquiring a used RV should be its reliability and condition. Please consider that trailers require extensive maintenance to stay in top condition, especially if they’re used.

For used models, be sure to check the roof sealant, gutter railing, and rear cap sealant. Any crack could lead to moisture damage and have an impact on the power generators. Consider paying for an RV mechanic to come with you and inspect your favorite offers. This could save you from costly repairs in the future.

There are many different types of trailers designed to fit your travel lifestyle. While the list of things to consider before buying sounds extensive, with a little bit of planning and time, you can find a model perfectly suited to your next outdoor adventure. For more information about our outdoor-related products and camping tips, please visit our blog.

 
Parking your trailer in a tight spot? Move up to 15,000 lbs with a Parkit360 Electric Trailer Dolly. Get simple, precise parking for boats, RV's and more!