Gate guarding requires the right equipment to stay comfortable and prepared while working long shifts in remote locations. In this post, we share the Gate Guarding Gear and supplies that have helped us while gate guarding in Texas oil fields. From lighting and power solutions to comfort items and essential tools, these articles highlight products that make gate guarding easier and more manageable while living in an RV.
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Driveway Alarms
You’ll need to know when someone is approaching your gate, whether to log them in or open the gate for them, depending on your site. Driveway Alarms warn you when someone is coming. We have both sets below.
If you’re gate guarding or staying in remote areas, having a reliable way to know when someone is approaching your site is extremely important. A wireless driveway alarm system gives you an early alert without needing to constantly monitor the entrance.
We like the HTZSAFE system for its wide 70-foot detection range and the ability to place sensors up to half a mile away. The system offers multiple tone settings that can be customized for different sensor locations. We use the four-pack version, which provides flexibility when setting up multiple monitoring points. The setup uses a single-button system, which can make it a bit harder to dial in exact settings compared to other options, but overall it has worked well for our needs.
The eMACROS system is another popular option for monitoring driveways, gates, and entry points. It’s straightforward to set up and uses simple switches that make it easier to know exactly which setting you’re using.
We found the eMACROS system easier to configure than the HTZSAFE system, but its 30-foot detection range on high wasn’t enough for the 80-foot-wide driveway on our first gate. For narrower driveways or closer monitoring points, it can still be a solid option, especially if ease of setup is a priority.
Lighting
When working or staying in remote locations, having reliable lighting is essential. Work lights often become your primary source of illumination around your site, especially at night.
These LED work lights provide bright, wide coverage that makes it easier to see what you’re doing, whether you’re managing a gate, setting up camp, or working outside after dark. They’re durable, efficient, and a must-have for improving visibility and safety in low-light conditions.
Having hands-free lighting makes a big difference when working around your RV at night. Whether you’re setting up camp, troubleshooting an issue, or walking around your site, a headlamp keeps your hands free while providing focused light exactly where you need it.
Headlamps can be worn directly on your head, over a hat, or even on a hard hat, making them a versatile lighting option. They’re lightweight, easy to use, and a great addition to your RV gear for nighttime visibility and convenience.
A reliable handheld flashlight is something every RVer should have, and it’s a good idea to keep several in different locations around your rig. They come in handy for everything from quick checks outside at night to handling unexpected situations.
We’ve found COAST flashlights to be very well-made, compact, and bright. They provide dependable performance and are easy to keep in your RV, tow vehicle, or tool kit so you always have light when you need it.
Extension Cords
When you’re gate guarding or staying in remote locations, having reliable power access is essential—especially for running lights and other equipment outside your RV. Extension cords give you the flexibility to position power exactly where you need it.
We keep both 25-foot and 100-foot outdoor extension cords on hand. The shorter cords are great for nearby connections, while the longer cord gives you the reach needed for larger setups or when power sources are farther away. Having both options makes it much easier to set up your site efficiently.
Water and Ice
When gate guarding or staying in locations with non-potable water, you’ll need a separate source for drinking water. Many RVers rely on refillable 5-gallon jugs for this purpose.
This portable water pump makes it easy to use those jugs without needing a bulky dispenser or flipping the bottle upside down. It’s USB rechargeable and can typically go through a full jug or more on a single charge. We go through about one and a half 5-gallon jugs per week on our gate and usually refill them at grocery stores like Walmart or HEB.
If you’re refilling 5-gallon water jugs regularly, having reusable caps is a must. Many refill stations don’t provide caps, and the original seals aren’t designed to be reused.
These reusable caps create a tight seal to prevent leaks during transport and storage. They’re durable, easy to install, and a simple addition that makes managing your drinking water supply much more convenient.
Many RV refrigerators come with built-in ice makers, but if your water hookup is non-potable, it’s best to leave them turned off. That means finding another way to keep ice on hand.
A countertop ice maker is a great solution. It allows you to make ice using your drinking water supply, ensuring it’s safe while still giving you the convenience of having ice readily available. It’s compact, easy to use, and a great addition for everyday RV living.
Safety Equipment
While you typically won’t need safety gear at the gate itself, visiting an oil rig or drill site often requires basic personal protective equipment. Having the right gear on hand ensures you’re prepared when access is required.
A hard hat and safety glasses are commonly required and easy to keep in your RV or tow vehicle. They don’t take up much space but can save you time and hassle if you need to enter a job site unexpectedly.
Being in the South, you can run into some crazy weather. Having a reliable way to receive emergency alerts is an important part of staying safe on the road.
This NOAA weather radio provides real-time alerts along with multiple power options, including rechargeable battery, hand crank, and solar backup. It also doubles as an AM/FM radio, flashlight, and SOS emergency light, making it a versatile piece of emergency gear to keep in your RV.
Muck Boots
Gate sites are often located on freshly built roads or surfaces made of dirt and rock. When it rains, those areas can quickly turn into deep mud, making it easy to track a mess into your RV.
Overboots are a great option if you want something you can slip on over your regular shoes for quick trips outside. If you prefer a dedicated solution, muck boots provide full waterproof protection and are built for working in muddy, wet conditions. Either option can help keep your RV cleaner and make dealing with bad weather much easier.
Boot Brush
Mud can become a real issue at gate sites, especially after rain. Keeping that mud out of your RV is key to maintaining a clean and comfortable living space.
A boot brush is a simple but essential tool for cleaning off dirt and mud before stepping inside. It’s easy to keep right outside your door and makes a big difference in reducing the amount of mess you track into your RV.
Shelter
When gate guarding, you’ll often spend time outside logging in trucks and monitoring activity. Having a place to get out of the sun, wind, or rain makes a big difference in comfort.
An easy-up canopy, tent, or gazebo provides quick shelter from the elements and gives you a dedicated space to work between visitors. It’s easy to set up, portable, and a great addition for staying comfortable in changing weather conditions.
Cameras
A security camera system can be a helpful addition when gate guarding, especially if the way your RV is parked limits visibility in one direction. Being able to monitor incoming vehicles without constantly stepping outside can make things easier and improve awareness around your site.
For gate guards who want better visibility and an extra layer of awareness, a setup like this could be a smart addition.
Battery Booster Pack
A portable jump starter is one of those tools you hope you never need—but are very glad to have when you do. Modern lithium jump starter boxes have largely replaced traditional jumper cables by allowing you to start a dead battery without needing another vehicle.
You can browse options like this selection of jump starter boxes. We use the NOCO Boost GB70, which delivers up to 2000 amps and can safely jump-start both gasoline and diesel engines. It also doubles as a portable power bank and LED flashlight, making it a versatile piece of emergency gear to keep in your RV or tow vehicle.
See our review of the NOCO GB-70 Battery Booster Pack here.
Heated Lunch Box
When you’re living full-time in an RV and working long shifts like gate guarding, having an easy way to enjoy a hot meal can make a big difference. This heated lunch box lets you warm up meals without needing a microwave or stove.
We’ve been using ours daily while boondocking and working remote jobs, and it’s one of those simple tools that quickly becomes essential. Just plug it in and enjoy a hot, home-cooked meal wherever you are.
Assorted Pest Sprays
While gate guarding, we always keep a few key pest sprays on hand. Staying ahead of ants, flying insects, and wasps makes life at the gate a whole lot more comfortable.
This is our go-to for crawling insects. It works great around the RV, especially near entry points and anywhere ants or spiders try to move in.
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When flies and mosquitoes get bad, this is what we reach for. It helps keep the airspace around the gate and RV much more tolerable.
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This one is a must-have for safety. Wasps can build nests fast around gates and equipment, and having this on hand lets us deal with them quickly.
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If you go gate guarding, we hope that this list of items will point you in the right direction so you’ll be prepared at your gate.
We love Gate Guarding so far! We haven’t found any other Workamping job that pays as well as this does. The hours are long, but there is so much free time to read, watch TV, do hobbies, or do other things.
Thank you for taking the time to check out this list. Please let us know below if you have any comments or questions.
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I’ve been contemplating on doing gate guarding and working the sugar beet harvest but i don’t know how its going to effect my disability
Hello Chris, I’m not sure how it would effect your disability either. Might reach out to some of the Gate Guarding Groups on Facebook.