Guns In Our RVs

There are other topics with Guns as the subject of discussion. Most are about what to do when going aboard a military installation and you can find them by just typing “Guns” in this sites search engine.

This topic is about riding around in or with our RVs and having weapons aboard.

For many years I've been licensed to carry a concealed weapon by the state of Florida. Through reciprocal agreements I am also allowed to carry in 22 other states. When not in one of those states I do a little home work and carry according to the state's laws that I am in or just passing through. Sometimes it's just best to put it in the safe until I've departed an unfriendly state or city. I'm currently in the process of obtaining a SC concealed weapons permit. I can still keep the FL one as a non-resident and the addition of the SC one will add more sates to my reciprocal list.

Many of you being Military/Retired Military already belong to the NRA. Their web pages have a wealth of information available to the web surfer. Here is one I want to shear with you. As a RVer that carries weapons of any sort it is MUST READ information.

www.nraila.org/GunLaws/Federal/Read.aspx?id=59

FastEagle

Good info FastEagle. The article placed the most important information in the last sentence where it should be. “you have the right to remain silent.”

The information does bring up two interesting questions tho.

1- A motor home is both a vehicle and a home. With respect to the home issue where laws differ, I wonder what technical legalese would be applied to that situation if it were to go to court.
2- Since a military installation is federal, I also wonder if individual rules for each installation are in violating of federal law.

A motor home is both a vehicle and a home. With respect to the home issue where laws differ, I wonder what technical legalese would be applied to that situation if it were to go to court.

While not legal advice, I asked this question of a law enforcement officer. He stated he would basically go with the opinion that if the keys are in the ignition, it's a vehicle. If not, it's a home. He added, it would also depend on the location of the rig. If parked on a street, even without the keys in the ignition, it would be a vehicle. However, if parked in a campground or RV park, then it's a home. I hope to never personally have first-hand experience.

Point #2 brings up some good points to ponder. As to point #1, I have also been told by a law enforcement person almost the same thing as stated by Larry. He told me that as long as the motorhome is in a campground, RV park, or on my own property, it was considered to be a "home". While on the road or parked anywhere else, including a Wal Mart, it is considered a a "motor vehicle".

I am licensed to carry, but I hope I am never in a position to have to defend myself in either case. On the other hand...with things the way they are, I'll not be without protection.
Al

Most military installations are federal property but that does not always mean you can't have a firearm with you. Each post/base has their own local policy in effect.

MotorSarge wrote:

Most military installations are federal property but that does not always mean you can't have a firearm with you. Each post/base has their own local policy in effect.

That’s my original point. If federal law is standard as it appears in the website FastEagle posted, then the installations should be adhering to that standard and not making up their own.

The key’s in the ignition rule seems reasonable, but then there’s some more illogical logic. A 5W or TT doesn’t have ignition. If the firearm was in whatever I was towing, to include a toad behind the MH, would that be considered my ‘trunk’ where it’s typically legal to carry a firearm. Also would argue that Wal-Mart, as well as most truck stops, set precedence for being a camp ground by their corp policy of allowing RVs or truckers to park overnight. Now throw in parking in rest stops and it’s really a muddy issue.

A few months ago, I entered an installation and was asked if I had any weapons in the RV. My answer was no because it was in the toad. Spitting hairs maybe.

If confronted by an LEO, I at least suspect that the permit holders would have a better position, but still probably going to court if you get the wrong LEO.