Lockable power cord or maybe hardwired?

[dqstacy]

I'm going to be parking my fifth wheel for 2 to 3 years and use it as a weekend get-a-way. While I'm gone I don't want anyone to have the ability to unplug my power cord. I have 50 amp service.

It is pretty easy to secure the steel shore power box, it has a lockable tab so the cord can't be unplugged from the power box.

My fifth wheel has the typical Marinco 50 amp connector with the threads so you just connect the cord, twist, and then spin the black ring to secure it from falling off. The question is how do I keep someone from walking up and unplugging the cord from the fifth wheel itself?

[RV Wizard]

I think you are possibly worrying about a non issue. Unless someone has a grudge against you, I don't think you have much to worry about. I guess you could duct tape the connector to the cover which would make it more difficult to unplug it.

[hamguy]

The more difficult you make it to do, the more incentive you offer for some jerk to try. I really doubt anyone would disconnect it (of course, only you know the evil leanings of that area). It appears you might be visiting it fairly often and that should suffice. I would be more concerned with vandalism and theft inside the rig.

[dqstacy]

Originally Posted by hamguy

I would be more concerned with vandalism and theft inside the rig.

Well that is EXACTLY the point of my post. If you can disconnect the power you will have disabled the alarm system. So I'm trying to keep the power on so the alarm works thus keeping any potential thug from the inside.

[Jack R]

If you have an alarm on the trailer, there must be people around to hear it! Ask someone (or pay them a few bucks) to watch/check the trailer. Or for peace of mind, take it home.

[Ken-55]

Originally Posted by dqstacy

Well that is EXACTLY the point of my post. If you can disconnect the power you will have disabled the alarm system. So I'm trying to keep the power on so the alarm works thus keeping any potential thug from the inside.

How about adding a uninterruptible power supply to the alarm circuit? You should be able to get one designed for a computer relatively cheap, considering it will buy you some "peace of mind"!

[dqstacy]

Originally Posted by Jack R

If you have an alarm on the trailer, there must be people around to hear it! Ask someone (or pay them a few bucks) to watch/check the trailer. Or for peace of mind, take it home.

Thanks for the reply, but you don't understand (how could you since I didn't give you all the info?) my fifth wheel will be on my ranch which is pretty big. The nearest house is over a mile away. Nobody will hear anything.

Originally Posted by Ken-55

How about adding a uninterruptible power supply to the alarm circuit? You should be able to get one designed for a computer relatively cheap, considering it will buy you some "peace of mind"!

You know I thought about that and so far I can't figure out why that wouldn't work. It isn't the ultimate solution but would be a temporary solution.
Thanks for the reply

[Jack R]

dg stacey

stoled from a response on another site, might help.

This person installed a toshiba web camera on his ranch. what do you think.

Jack

[JMonroe]

Am I missing something? Your only concern is the alarm, and you've stated the rig is too far from civilization for anyone to hear the alarm...

[dqstacy]

Originally Posted by JMonroe

Am I missing something? Your only concern is the alarm, and you've stated the rig is too far from civilization for anyone to hear the alarm...

Trip the alarm and the alarm automatically calls the county sheriff. If you're stupid enough to stick around the sheriff shows up and hauls you to jail. Scenerio #2 is the rancher next to me happens to drive by and sees you. He'll be within the law when he pulls out his 30-06 and puts a round through your head (got to love Texas).
My concern is the alarm not having enough electrical power to call the sheriff.

[hamguy]

Originally Posted by dqstacy

Well that is EXACTLY the point of my post. If you can disconnect the power you will have disabled the alarm system. So I'm trying to keep the power on so the alarm works thus keeping any potential thug from the inside.

You say you will be at the RV most every weekend. I suspect that he alarm runs of off battery so disconnecting 110 power will not have much effect. Again, you are making a mountain of a ant hill.

Oh, is there no one in the nearby area to keep even a meagre watch?

[kenyonman]

If you are going to have it on site for 3 years why can't you hard wire the plug into the RV?

[KIX]

Install an inverter/charger unit. As long as there is 110 available it will keep your batteries topped. If you lose 110 then it automatically switches over to provide 110 from your batteries. So if your alarm is 110 it will get power.

Another possibility is to add a metal cover over the RV end of the cord similar to the one at the power source.

A question: how does a potential burglar even know there is an alarm system in the RV until it goes off? The point is: why disconnect the power to break in. What would that achieve.......from the burglar's point of view?

[dqstacy]

Originally Posted by kenyonman

If you are going to have it on site for 3 years why can't you hard wire the plug into the RV?

Well I don't know. Good point