How do you conceal/secure guns in an RV?

[Preacherman]

I'm hoping to get a small travel trailer later this year, and I was wondering about this. I plan to have at least a handgun around for self-defence while travelling, and perhaps a long gun or two as well. What are good ways to secure and/or conceal weapons in a travel trailer or mobile home? Are any secure containers made to fit into a trailer? How do you RV-ing THR members do this?

Also, what's the legal situation with guns in an RV? I know that in many states, your guns have to be in the load compartment of the vehicle, separate from the ammunition, and locked in a case. Would guns in an RV fall under the same restrictions while moving? When you're parked overnight, is the RV considered an extension of your home, so that you can use firearms in your defence under the "castle laws" of many states?

 

[dinosaur]

No personal experience but I used to have a small but heavy key lock safe that would hold a 6" revolver. It had bolt holes so it could be bolted to the floor. I think I would drill through the floor of the R.V. (making sure I wasn't drilling into the gas tank:banghead: ) and use a steel plate underneath. That way it can't be pried loose.

I'd also post on www.packing.org when I knew what states I'd be travelling in and/or ask the state's Attorney's General. I also look at it this way, no reciprocity, no business.

 

[fjolnirsson]

Ere in CA, the RV is considered a motor vehicle while on any public road, and weapons must be stored accordingly. If parked in a campground type setting, and actually hooked to water, septic, etc, the RV is a"residence".

 

[EvilOmega]

I seem to remember many of the trailer/RV’s I’ve seen having storage compartments under beds and couches and such that would probably be suitable for storing some long guns or at least a pistol. A little time and a trip to the local hardware store could turn such storage areas into a good makeshift gun locker, and keep um out of sight. And check and double check the gun and weapons laws of EVERY part of your route. That means state, city and county. Check and double check. Not much can put a damper on a trip like running afoul of some stupid ill conceived gun law.

As for using your guns for self-defense at night I’d recommend
1. Obtain a proper sight picture.
2. Perform a compressed surprise break
3. Contact your legal representative.

Alive and litigated is preferable to most to dead or maimed.
















Or you could follow the old 3 S’s

 

[sm]

Check your Email

 

[XLMiguel]

I would think something like a GunVault or Mossberg pistol safe bolted down in an covenieint but out-of-sight place would suffice (this may be challenging n a smaller RV). The Mossberg [http://www.mossberg.com/safe.htm] is pretty flat, and as are a number of other keypad/push-button styles that are meant to be screwd down in a drawer.

I would check with packing.org regarding your itinerary and to figure out which states have reciprocity with your CHP vis a vis having a loaded gun accessible in the vehicle.

Generally, I concur with fjonirsson's assessment - when you're moving (in an RV), you're a motor vehicle and your handgun shouldn't be loaded/accessible in the driver's compartment where your CHP isn't recognized or state law prohibits. Locked in a safe in the living area should keep you out of trouble.

A towed trailer is different, and probably be required to conform to 'safe transport' laws, i.e. unloaded and cased. Again, an unloaded autoloader (no mag ni the well) with a loaded magazine in a locked safe should get you by.

When parked & occupied, either an RV or trailer is considered a 'residence' virtually every where I've been (most of the lower 48), and 'safe journey' laws apply in any event. Have a safe trip.