RV and Travel Trailer Theft: Tips to Avoid Leaving The Vehicle Vulnerable
Most RV and travel trailer thefts are often bundled into auto thefts. Therefore, there aren’t accurate theft statistics out in the driving world when it comes to RV or travel trailers. However, we know this is an issue that continues to be a problem for many owners. How can you provide your dealerships assistance so that they may give their clients some peace of mind? Classic can help you steer your dealers in the right direction.
Hitting the open road, fresh air coming in the window, and adventure - these are some of the things customers imagine when taking a voyage in an RV or travel trailer. They don’t think about their investment being stolen. However, according to RV & Playa, RV or travel trailers were considered the 4th most common vehicle type to be stolen in 2017. The sad reality? They also claim that only 6% are recovered. What a terrible way to end a vacation! So how can you help your customers? There are ways to be proactive in order to prevent a loss. RV and travel trailer owners tend to forget to put basic safety measures into place. Setting up camera systems, door alarms, or motion detectors may deter would-be burglars from coming near their investment. Encourage your client to invest in trailer hitch locks so the customer’s fifth wheel cannot be hooked up to a robber’s truck and hauled away. Leaving the trailer hitch unprotected is a surefire way to expose the travel trailer as a potential target for thieves.
Remember that convenience is key when it comes to RV and travel trailer theft. Many thefts happen because of unlocked doors or leaving the RV or travel trailer at the campsite for hours on end. Perhaps owners should consider putting a sign on the door that says, “Be Back in 20 Minutes” or “Beware of Dog.” The thief wouldn’t know exactly when to expect the customer back or wouldn’t want to encounter a scary K-9. Customers should also talk to camping neighbors to share where they will be and exchange contact information. A best practice should always be to park in a heavily populated area. Just communicating, being aware, and implementing some of these tips may reduce the chances of being without a travel trailer or RV for the rest of your customer’s vacation.
In the unfortunate event that their RV or travel trailer is stolen, Classic has programs to help. Our RV and travel trailer theft protection product provides many benefits, such as travel interruption allowance, vehicle protection, dealer replacement, and partial damage compensation. We can help them get back home with airfare reimbursement or rental car allowance. In the event that a theft deterrent is installed on the RV or travel trailer and it is still stolen, we may be able to offer a Partial Loss Benefit. While no one wants to prepare for their RV or travel trailer to be stolen, it is good to know that Classic is there. Contact our sales department today for more information on offering protection at your dealerships for RV or travel trailer investments.