Gary Cipa is the safety trainer for the Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) and has spent years teaching fellow RV drivers the complications and consequences of carrying firearms across state lines. As an advocate for his fellow members to maintain all safety precautions while traveling, he has adapted the Byrna platform of less-than lethal self-defense product as a must-have for all members of the FMCA.

After years on the road and decades of experience in firearms and safety, this Marine and longtime FMCA member has seen it all—from baseball bats and screwdrivers to handguns that probably shouldn’t be in some people's hands. What’s become clear to him is that many RVers simply don’t know the legal or personal risks involved in their current self-defense setups.

“Very rarely are RVers aware of the rules and regulations. When we explain the repercussions in our training seminars, the reaction is usually quite shocked.”

As an RV safety advocate, he’s spent over a decade on the move, attending and leading safety seminars across the country. When he came across Byrna, a non-lethal self-defense device that looks like a firearm but fires chemical or kinetic projectiles, he immediately saw the value—and not just for himself.

“Byrna is one of the most important safety precautions any RVer can carry.”

Unlike traditional weapons, Byrna devices require no permits, minimal training, and are legal in most states—making them especially appealing to RVers who frequently cross state lines. But legality is only part of the equation.

“It doesn’t require significant training, it’s fun to practice with, and people are surprised at how simple and effective it is.”

Now, he’s on a mission to get the word out—hosting demos, working with Byrna directly, and sharing this self-defense option with the RV community.

“This is where Byrna fills the gap. It’s perfect. I’d say almost everyone we talk to says, ‘Gee, I gotta have one of these. Actually, I gotta have two or three.’”

Whether you’re full-timing or weekending, Byrna offers RVers a powerful, responsible way to stay protected—without crossing legal lines or overcomplicating your setup.

Learn more about Byrna and how it’s helping RVers stay safe across America.