All RV & Boat storage facilities claim they have security. Of course they are going to claim they have security. After all, if a storage facility is not secure, who would want to store their vehicle there? So, the question is: What is real security? How can you identify an exceptionally safe and secure RV storage facility?

Secure means that your vehicle will be safe from theft and vandalism when you leave it at a storage facility. Nothing is more uncomfortable then the feeling that something is going to happen to your boat or RV when you're not there to watch over it. When you pay rent for an RV storage space, a large percent of the fee is for the security. Yet, many don't ask the important questions before choosing a secure RV storage facility. Even if management lives onsite, many fall short of real security.

Here is a list of other things to look for in a secure storage facility:

1.) The facility must have good walls around the perimeter. Why? It keeps out unwanted thieves and vagrants. There are many issues today with homeless people trying to break in for a place to sleep or a bite to eat. Chain link fences can be easy to cut and pull apart, making access very simple for criminal activity. In addition, high walls can block out the view to the inside. If nobody can see inside, they are not tempted to try and break in. The old adage "out of site out of mind" applies here.

2.) Video cameras are an absolute. Cameras are great deterrents to stop the bad element from coming in. Unfortunately, many facilities put up fake cameras. The problem is that you cannot go back and look to see who the offenders were. Cameras need to be strategically located throughout the facility. The most important areas are the entry and exit gates at the facility. That way people can be identified, coming and going from the facility.

3.) Gate and access control are two of the most important features. Always choose a facility that has electronic gates with card reader access. Stay away from facilities that pad lock their gates or leave the gates open all day during business hours.

4.) Bright lights are essential when it is dark outside. Most vehicle break in's or vandalism takes place after hours. That means the lighting within and around the storage facility is very important. You can never have too much lighting. Light is a huge deterrent in preventing crime. It also makes it easier to identify people on the cameras.

This article should help you to identify a secure RV & Boat storage facility. Even if you are already in a questionable RV storage facility, it is not too late. You can change to a better secured facility.