Features > Security > Gun Travel: Is your RV a Vehicle or a Residence?
So we have laws on homes and castle doctrines. But an RV is a vehicle right? Or is it a home? Is it your castle? Well, that depends. Some states have “Castle Doctrine” "Stand Your Ground" laws that make it easier. We highlight them on each of our state gun law travel guides .
A Mobile RV
If you can drive your RV right now, it's a vehicle. If you can start the engine and pull away it's a vehicle and the laws are the same as a car. Keep you firearm unloaded, locked and stored in an outside compartment.
A Fixed RV
If your RV is fixed or attached so you can't just drive away, laws have stated that you can be called a residence or a home. This means you are in a campground hooked up to water, sewer, electric and any others. You are no longer mobile without a bit of time to unhook all the stuff we RVers hook up. At this point, you can sit at your dinette with a loaded gun if you want to do so.
I Don't Have A Trunk!
As we just mentioned, your outside compartment is the “trunk” when noted in laws. RV and motorhomes are not usually spelled out in any laws. So we apply the concept of the law to a RV or trailer. You have to get out of your vehicle (presumable while stopped) and go to the trunk. This is the same for your outside compartments or a locked up trailer.
Know Your State
The state of your RV, not the physical state you are located in, is what counts. Are you mobile or are you fixed? You need to know this at all times. If you are sleeping and awokened by someone or an office, know what state you are in and what state your firearms are in as well. It's easy to forget sometimes and then…surprise, you're just in a vehicle with an accessible loaded gun. And that is not good.
Disclaimer
This article should not be used or considered legal advice at all. It is for entertainment, discussion and general information pointing you in the right direction. We are not telling anyone what is right or wrong, what they should or shouldn't do. All decisions to carry a firearm in a RV or vehicle are made by the party committing such act. These articles are not providing advice for any specific situation you may encounter, find yourself in or involving the traveler, reader or a court system. Any such advice or decisions you make should involve an attorney in the jurisdiction where an event arises. Always consult with proper counsel when dealing with the law.
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