Community Forums

plain ol Bil · 08-20-2017, 06:18 PM

What do you folks parking out in the lonesome spaces do when you have to make a run to town for supplies or whatever? Do you put everything up, lock up and go or what??

Mr_D · 08-20-2017, 06:23 PM

I usually collect stuff near the rig and go, fold the chairs down and put under the rig.

Tony Lee · 08-20-2017, 06:27 PM

Probably best to just go and leave the radio on and the doors unlocked.

1bigmess · 08-20-2017, 07:50 PM

I have security handles for the Honda EU1000 gennies, a long stout security cable with crimped loops on both ends, and a disc lock for it all. I lock them to the frame of the trailer, which while it's not particularly difficult to cut through would take a long time unless they brought a very hot cutting torch with them. They'd be smarter to use the cutting torch on the cable anyways.

I also have a cable to lock up my portable solar panels. These would be replaced by insurance if they are damaged or stolen, so I'm not too concerned about them other than the time it would take to replace them.

Everything else is fair game. I'd rather they steal my bicycle than my gennies or solar panels.

In the places I've boondocked, all the people I've talked to, no one has ever told me they've been ripped off while they were gone. I'm not too worried about it, I only make the things I really want to keep look harder to steal than my neighbors stuff.

FirstTracks · 08-21-2017, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1bigmess

I have security handles for the Honda EU1000 gennies, a long stout security cable with crimped loops on both ends, and a disc lock for it all. I lock them to the frame of the trailer, which while it's not particularly difficult to cut through would take a long time unless they brought a very hot cutting torch with them. They'd be smarter to use the cutting torch on the cable anyways.

I also have a cable to lock up my portable solar panels. These would be replaced by insurance if they are damaged or stolen, so I'm not too concerned about them other than the time it would take to replace them.

Everything else is fair game. I'd rather they steal my bicycle than my gennies or solar panels.

In the places I've boondocked, all the people I've talked to, no one has ever told me they've been ripped off while they were gone. I'm not too worried about it, I only make the things I really want to keep look harder to steal than my neighbors stuff.

+1. I usually lock the TT door and cable the genny, and will do the same with my new portable solar, but that's even probably overkill. There's a certain backcountry ethos that I've never heard of being violated.

mrgrayaz · 08-21-2017, 08:00 PM

lock the doors, generator, and i'll usually put the hitch lock on...other then that, leave a light or two on and just drive away.

If it cool enough and we leave the dog, we'll leave the door unlocked, but whoa be the person (thats not me) that opens it...

Cypressloser · 08-21-2017, 08:11 PM

I'd leave the lights and radio on, better the TV or a movie. I would not leave currency, documents, credit cards or bank cards, Id's or firearms in the RV. Lock the door but not the dead bolt to keep the damage minimal if.... - they'd get in anyway if desperate enough.

ktn1966 · 08-22-2017, 12:29 PM

I have a cable lock for my ATV and generator but my number one security is my insurance. I boondock extensively but we take day trips to see the area. If they want it they can have it no matter what I do. The locks are just to keep and honest man honest. I try and not worry about it and after years of camping the only time I knew of anyone getting something stole was a yeti cooler full of beer, late at night while the campers were sleeping.

Edit: I worry more about leaving my awning out and being ripped by a wind gust then I worry about having things stolen.

RJenks · 08-22-2017, 06:55 PM

We have Solar, So no Genny to lock up. We just Lock the Coach up and go to town. Never have had a Problem. We have stayed in some remote spots to. All our solar is Mounted on our Roof 6- 160 watt panels. we also try and boondock 90% of the time.

Reed Cundiff · 08-26-2017, 03:36 PM

This might work but upkeep and food bill are horrendous. There might be litigation
Reed and Elaine

Duoglide1 · 08-28-2017, 02:53 PM

Good one Reed!

TRebel · 08-28-2017, 03:28 PM

When I was a kid... a long time ago, we didn't worry about our camping equipment or fishing equipment in the boat. We never had any problems. It seemed that there was a code of honesty & integrity among those that camped. Everyone was friendly and would usually help, if you had a need.

Not so much anymore. Whether boondocking or in a campground, you better lock your stuff up, if it is important to you.

We do not always secure everything before we leave, but I do lock up everything of substantial value.
I have had fishing equipment stolen from my boat, and I was only away from it for 20 minutes or so.

1320Fastback · 08-28-2017, 07:35 PM

Wasn't exactly legal but years ago when I raced off road my friend whose camper we stayed in and had all our tools, money, food, suplies and bikes showed us where he kept [Moderator Edit].

Now days I just use locks, chains and pittbulls and also don't race in Mexico anymore.

rarebear.nm · 08-29-2017, 02:01 PM

In line with others have said, I lockup the most expensive items and the door. If the entire campsite is picked up and/or locked up tight, that's a sure sign that you are away! When away, make it look like you're not away.

I suspect more stuff is stolen from campgrounds than in the boondocks. Always be aware of your surrounds and act accordingly. One solution in one place and a different solution somewhere else, be smart.