Besides a handgun, what form of RV protection do you have ready if needed?

[New England Weekender]

My wife is terribly uncomfortable with the idea of a gun in our house or RV with our 2 young kids. I didn't grow up with guns so it's really not a big deal to respect her wishes as it means so much to her.

Having said that, I think it's a good idea to have something... something if ever needed. Someone aggressively bangs on your RV door at 1 am, you see a wild animal that just won't leave your site, you get the picture.

If you carry when on the road, feel free to include that but I'm more interested in self or home defense options besides guns, that are suited for RV living. Thanks for reading.

 

[Hoopy Frood]

Don't carry anything.

 

[New England Weekender]

Don't carry anything.

Ever have a situation where you wish you did?

 

[Hoopy Frood]

Ever have a situation where you wish you did?

Nope.

We have had a couple issues with groups of non-white males shooting at each other when they felt they had been stared at. Being an old white male, I try to avoid being in those situations.

I had a friend tell me he had wished he had a weapon one time when he was in downtown, and felt unsafe because there was a group of young black men approaching. Absolutely nothing happened, and nothing even hinted at, but I can certainly see if had been carrying a weapon, things could have gone south in a hurry.

 

[kb0zke]

Interesting question.

A gun can be a useful tool IF all necessary conditions are met. Those include: proper training, having the loaded, ready-to-shoot gun with you and having sufficient ability to pull the gun out and actually use it. An unloaded gun in one part of the trailer, the ammunition in another part, and you in a third part means that the gun isn't a useful tool.

We winter at an Escapees Co-op, and it seems that nearly everyone here is either retired military, retired law enforcement, or both. I know that there are several people who have various guns either on them or close to hand and know how to use them. They also know when to use them and when not to use them. In other words, they are properly trained.

To answer the original question, I'd suggest you talk to a local law enforcement agency about personal security as it applies to your home and trailer. Assure them that you aren't necessarily looking for a gun, but what else can you do? If you have friends with guns, talk to them, too.

Jo Ann and I talked about the situation of people bothering us while we're in the RV, and what, if anything, we could do about it. That was one big argument for a motor home. Since the only utility we keep connected is the electrical cord, we felt we could start up and drive off at any time, even if the electrical cord or pedestal was damaged in the process. That isn't possible with a trailer.

 

[WhittleBurner]

Having said that, I think it's a good idea to have something... something if ever needed. Someone aggressively bangs on your RV door at 1 am, you see a wild animal that just won't leave your site, you get the picture

I'm not sure what you could use as an option to protect against wild animals other than hand them a steak and run for your life! Really the chances are slim of either happening but you never know 100% whos out there. If you don't want to carry a firearm the options are few unless you practice martial arts . Maybe both of you take a firearm safety course before you make any decisions.

Moderator hat on Please everyone be careful how you approach this conversation and keep any degrading statements on race of any kind out of the conversation . Also opinions differ although you might not agree...keep it civil

 

[New England Weekender]

Interesting question.

Jo Ann and I talked about the situation of people bothering us while we're in the RV, and what, if anything, we could do about it. That was one big argument for a motor home. Since the only utility we keep connected is the electrical cord, we felt we could start up and drive off at any time, even if the electrical cord or pedestal was damaged in the process. That isn't possible with a trailer.

Did you have a case where people were bothering you or was this a hypothetical you've prepared for, just in case?

 

[NB Canada]

Keep in mind a hand gun is almost useless for defense
So you boondock? I can maybe see a need if in remote places but definitely not if only in campgrounds
Even Walmart camping I wouldn’t think k there would be a need
But imo a shotgun is better to keep nearby
Keep in mind if you plan any travel into Canada leave it home

 

[New England Weekender]

I'm not sure what you could use as an option to protect against wild animals other than hand them a steak and run for your life! Really the chances are slim of either happening but you never know 100% whos out there. If you don't want to carry a firearm the options are few unless you practice martial arts . Maybe both of you take a firearm safety course before you make any decisions.

Moderator hat on Please everyone be careful how you approach this conversation and keep any degrading statements on race of any kind out of the conversation . Also opinions differ although you might not agree...keep it civil

We've talked about a firearms safety course in the past but when I've found specific ones coming up, she is reluctant. I believe her fear is entirely on the kids getting ahold of one. She has read plenty of negligence case law where well-intentioned people have been prosecuted over their children having lethal accidents with their guns.

 

[New England Weekender]

Keep in mind a hand gun is almost useless for defense
So you boondock? I can maybe see a need if in remote places but definitely not if only in campgrounds
Even Walmart camping I wouldn’t think k there would be a need
But imo a shotgun is better to keep nearby
Keep in mind if you plan any travel into Canada leave it home

0 boondocking plans. Probably 95% campgrounds and 5% beaches, racetracks, etc. Maybe some sort of long-distance 15-20' range pepper spray would be the wiser choice for me?

 

[kb0zke]

"Did you have a case where people were bothering you or was this a hypothetical you've prepared for, just in case?" That discussion was because of something that happened a few years ago. We had been hosting at a campground for a couple of months, and were on the way out. We happened to see the other hosts near the entrance, so we stopped to say good-by again. They told us that they had just had one camper pull a gun on another camper.

We've never really felt unsafe where we were. Of course, we haven't actually done any boondocking yet. We were prepared to bug out one time because we were near St. Louis when the Ferguson riots were happening.

Yes, we know about the Canadian gun laws and will not take any guns with us when we go to Alaska next year.

 

[triplethreat]

As kb0zke stated, there is several very important factors that come into play if/when you decide to own and or carry a gun. Proper training is just one of the factors, but just as important are the other things he mentioned.....having it loaded and ready to fire with the safety on AND your finger OFF of the trigger until you are committed to using it. Then knowing when/if you are legally OK to use it, and those scenarios vary from state to state.

Another important factor that probably is not talked about enough is situational awareness ie... what is going on around you. For example, how many times have you walked out of a store/building/some location and are totally engaged in nothing but heading to your car, with no regard to who may be following you or watching you? You are not situationally aware of your surroundings and what is going on around you, and it's extremely hard to be prepared when you are taken by surprise. It could be an old friend that spotted you and just wanted to catch up to you and chat.....or it could be someone intent on doing you harm, robbing you, stealing your car, <<<fill in the blanks>>>. Either way, situational awareness helps you prepare for what you might encounter.....even if it is just screaming at the top of your lungs and running as fast as you can, maybe back towards the store you just walked out of.

And as far as having loaded guns with children around, there are ways to limit access to them, yet be available fairly quickly if the need arises, but constant vigilance and proper storage are not optional, there has to be a commitment to follow the safety practices each and every time....no exceptions. Owning a gun for self defense comes with a huge responsibility....and unless someone is willing to accept all of the factors that go with it, they should not consider moving in that direction.

 

[New England Weekender]

"Did you have a case where people were bothering you or was this a hypothetical you've prepared for, just in case?" That discussion was because of something that happened a few years ago. We had been hosting at a campground for a couple of months, and were on the way out. We happened to see the other hosts near the entrance, so we stopped to say good-by again. They told us that they had just had one camper pull a gun on another camper.

We've never really felt unsafe where we were. Of course, we haven't actually done any boondocking yet. We were prepared to bug out one time because we were near St. Louis when the Ferguson riots were happening.

Yes, we know about the Canadian gun laws and will not take any guns with us when we go to Alaska next year.

Wow... that's wild.

As an aside, we've only been to Alaska once for a week but the entire time it felt extremely safe. My wife was moderately concerned over the amount of bears but none of the tour guides were phased, all had photos and videos of bears in their yards, etc. Bears have so many food sources up there, they don't bother much with people... or so we're told, lol.

Hope you have a nice trip in Alaska, we'll definitely go back one day.

 

[New England Weekender]

As kb0zke stated, there is several very important factors that come into play if/when you decide to own and or carry a gun. Proper training is just one of the factors, but just as important are the other things he mentioned.....having it loaded and ready to fire with the safety on AND your finger OFF of the trigger until you are committed to using it. Then knowing when/if you are legally OK to use it, and those scenarios vary from state to state.

Another important factor that probably is not talked about enough is situational awareness and what is going on around you. For example, how many times have you walked out of a store/building/some location and are totally engaged in nothing but heading to your car, with no regard to who may be following you or watching you? You are not situationally aware of your surroundings and what is going on around you, and it's extremely hard to be prepared when you are taken by surprise. It could be an old friend that spotted you and just wanted to catch up to you and chat.....or it could be someone intent on doing you harm. Either way, situational awareness helps you prepare for what you might encounter.....even if it is just screaming at the top of your lungs and running as fast as you can, maybe back towards the store you just walked out of.

And as far as having loaded guns with children around, there are ways to limit access to them, yet be available fairly quickly if the need arises, but constant vigilance and proper storage are not optional, there has to be a commitment to follow the safety practices each and every time....no exceptions. Owning a gun for self defense comes with a huge responsibility....and unless someone is willing to accept all of the factors that go with it, they should not consider moving in that direction.

Great points. I'd be the first to admit I lack experience with a gun. I also don't know which states I could carry in, and I don't know when it's considered "self-defense" as well. And while I agree a commitment to safe practices must be at the top of mind, it's moot as my wife most likely won't soften on this stance and I don't feel so headstrong that I need to make it a hill to die on, no pun intended. Possibly when the kids are a bit older and more mature.

 

[huntindog]

I have small handgun vaults that are opened by our fingerprints. They were cheap, under 100.00.
We are very comfortable with guns and are excellent shots.
We also realize that if it is ever necessary to use them for defense, that our lives will change for the worse. But it will still likely be better than if we did not have the guns.

 

[trailrydr]

We carry a firearm permanently in our 5er. However, if traveling, we keep in mind each individual state law and dont carry into Canada.

We figure if it comes down to needing it, we will gladly face the consequences later. We are both trained in proper firearm usage and safety, and do keep up with occasional practice. Its mainly for intrusion purposes only. In our opinion, trailer doors are weak and can be easily defeated.

We also keep a 30' effective bear spray container with us. This we carry in a small personal carrying case with us whenever on walks. This is primarily for agressive animal protection.

Hope to never use either, but feel the neccessity to be prepared for the uninvited situation.

 

[triplethreat]

Great points. I'd be the first to admit I lack experience with a gun. I also don't know which states I could carry in, and I don't know when it's considered "self-defense" as well. And while I agree a commitment to safe practices must be at the top of mind, it's moot as my wife most likely won't soften on this stance and I don't feel so headstrong that I need to make it a hill to die on, no pun intended. Possibly when the kids are a bit older and more mature.

I understand, and each and every person certainly has the right to their opinion. I was raised around guns and taught gun safety at an early age and spent many years hunting, and even some time reloading and shooting various types of guns. Unfortunately, the gun laws in the US vary wildly from state to state and I can legally carry in 38 states with my Tennessee Handgun carry permit via state to state reciprocity agreements. But there are states out there that if I carried there and was caught, I would become a felon, so I avoid those states and look at it as a "Not Welcome" sign. Other laws like "Stand Your Ground" also vary from state to state, as well as the Castle Doctrine does. It goes so far as to whether or not it is legal to be carrying concealed while in an Interstate Rest area or not. It's almost maddening to try and keep it all straight. Fortunately, there are organizations out there that stay current with the laws and regulations of all 50 states and they have websites you can reference/research, as well as apps for your phone....kind of like a mini reference guide

 

[trailrydr]

.....
And as far as having loaded guns with children around, there are ways to limit access to them, yet be available fairly quickly if the need arises, but constant vigilance and proper storage are not optional, there has to be a commitment to follow the safety practices each and every time....no exceptions. Owning a gun for self defense comes with a huge responsibility....and unless someone is willing to accept all of the factors that go with it, they should not consider moving in that direction.

Yeah.... like those parents who just got sentenced for their sons involvement in a Michigan school shooting. IMO, Its about time parents being held criminally responsible for their childrens actions and/or failure to curtail them.

 

[BigSwick]

A can of wasp/hornet spray will slow down anybody breaking into your rv if you spray them in the face and eyes.

 

[reubenray]

I have a handgun with me in the trailer as well as one in my truck. I grew up with guns and I have no kids. In my 13 years of rv'ing I pulled it out one time while setting up. This was not due to an immediate threat, but the campground I was checking into was very sketchy and in the middle of nowhere. There was no office and no other campers anywhere. I put it up once more campers showed. This was in South Florida.

One option instead of a handgun is bear spray.