13 Gun Storage Tips To Fit Your RV Lifestyle
As an RV owner, you may enjoy the freedom of traveling wherever the road takes you. Whether on a road trip, weekend getaway, or visiting your friends, bringing firearms provides added protection. However, you must ensure your guns are stored securely and safely during your travels.
One way to store your firearms is by investing in gun racks that you can mount inside or outside your RV. In addition to gun racks, there are other ways to keep your guns safe as you travel with them. This article explores various gun storage tips for RVers, including trigger locks, gun safes, and ammunition storage, ensuring the safety of your firearms on the road.
1. Consider The Size Of Your RV
Before choosing a gun safe, consider your RV size. RVs come in different sizes and ensuring that your gun safely fits in your RV without taking up too much space is essential. It's also important to check the weight of the gun safe before installing it in your RV; a heavier safe makes it challenging to move around. Therefore, look for a gun safe specifically designed for RVs.
2. Use Gun Racks
A gun rack is a convenient option for storing guns in an RV. They can easily be mounted on the interior of your RV, allowing for quick access in emergencies. Gun racks are available for handguns, rifles, and shotguns. Some gun racks can hold multiple firearms, making them an ideal choice for those with a collection of guns.
Consider your firearm's type, size, and weight before choosing a gun rack. It's also crucial to mount your gun rack securely on your RV wall to prevent it from moving or falling during travel.
3. Invest In A Gun Safe
A gun safe is a secure container to store your gun(s) and keep them secure. Several gun safes are available, including wall-mounted, portable, and biometric safes. Biometric safes use fingerprint access to provide access. Portable safes are easily transported and secured to a fixed object. Wall-mounted safes are bolted into the RV structure. You can also use a hidden safe that can be custom-built to fit your floor plan or any other location in your RV.
4. Use A Cable Lock
A cable lock is a steel cable that blocks the gun's chamber and prevents it from firing. Cable locks are a cheap and effective way to secure your firearms, especially if you don't have a gun safe. They are portable and can lock multiple firearms.
5. Use Trigger Locks
A trigger lock consists of two separate components that encase a gun's trigger and trigger guard, effectively preventing the gun from discharging. However, trigger locks, while serving as a perfect way to store your firearms when they're unused, primarily act as a deterrent and should be used in combination with other security measures for optimal effectiveness. RVers should use trigger locks in conjunction with other gun storage methods, such as gun safes.
6. Store Ammunition Separately
It's crucial to store ammunition separately when storing guns in an RV. You should keep ammunition away from moisture and heat in a safe location, locked container, or ammo can. Keeping your firearms and ammunition separate reduces the risk of theft and accidental discharge of firearms.
7. Use Foam Inserts
Foam inserts are used as dense packaging and are a great way to protect your firearms while on the move. They can be custom-made to fit your guns' shape and easily fitted into a storage container or safe. Foam inserts can also prevent your firearms from shifting while moving.
8. Choose The Right Storage Location
Choose the right storage location for storing guns in your RV. The storage location should be out of sight and free of heat and moisture. You can keep your firearms under the bed or in a locked cabinet. Storing firearms out of view reduces the risk of theft.
9. Follow State And Federal Laws
Awareness of state and federal laws when transporting firearms in your RV is crucial. Each state has its rules regarding the transportation of weapons in an RV. It's your responsibility to know and abide by them. The Firearms Owners Protection Act states that firearms should be transported and unloaded in a locked container. You can pay a fine or even serve jail time if you fail to abide by state and federal gun laws.
10. Educate Yourself On Firearm Safety
Educating yourself on firearm safety is essential. Educating yourself is applicable to first-time firearm owners and even to experienced owners. It is vital to brush up on firearm best practices and security constantly. You can read about firearm safety, take a safety course and ensure that everyone traveling with you knows how to handle firearms safely.
11. Be Mindful Of Temperature Changes
Temperature changes can affect your ammunition and firearms. Too cold or too hot temperatures can damage your guns and ammunition. Don't leave your firearms in direct sunlight, and keep your ammunition in a cool and dry location. If possible, store your ammunition and guns in a temperature-controlled environment.
12. Consider A Combination Lock
Combination locks use a series of letters or numbers to provide access. They are an excellent option for RVers who don't want to carry keys or are afraid of misplacing them. These locks are portable. RVers with cabinets that house guns can lock them with combination locks.
13. Keep A Record Of Your Firearms
Keeping your firearms records is vital for insurance and security purposes. The document should include the model, serial number, and make of all your firearms. You can also take photos of your guns and store them in a digital file. In case of theft, this record can assist police with their investigation.
Gun Storage Tips For RVers
Storing firearms in an RV presents unique challenges. While gun racks provide practical and convenient access to your firearms, it's crucial to implement additional security measures. By combining gun racks with proper storage locations, and utilizing cable and trigger locks, RVers can ensure their firearms remain safe throughout their travels.