Rosie, we've camped for years without any sort of weapon and I've never felt fearful of either animals or people. We never lock up, and usually just close the screen door at night to keep critters from coming in, leaving the regular door hooked open. I like the feeling of being close to the outdoors. I do have an unreasonable fear of bears and our gun-dealer friend has given me a couple different revolvers over the years. I never did fire either one; I think I'm more fearful of guns than bears... Just not for me.
Your first couple trips will be a learning experience, but once you get the hang of your system, it will just become second nature. Even the dreaded emptying-of-the-tanks evolves into a routine where each of you does certain things to make it all go smoothly. If you plan to 'share' your RV with family members, it is a good idea to keep a small notebook of instructions as you learn. Whatever you have questions about will likely be the same questions others have.
My folks had both boats and RVs over the years, and there was never any question that NO ONE but Dad would operate any of his toys. I have vowed to not take that attitude and have encouraged both our sons to use whatever we have if we aren't using them. In reality, though, we often all go camping together with our mix of tents, camper, kayak, boat, bikes, whatever else anyone brings along.
I also recommend keeping a journal of some sort - could just be a wall calendar, a paper diary, or you could plot your trips onto some sort of on-line mapping program. Whatever works for you. It's fun to look back and see where you've been. I will sometimes note 'good' camp sites if I think we will return.
