portable solar panel, ever stolen?

I will do security to a point, but after that, I let insurance do its job. For example, I'll use a security chain and Bryce security screws, but I do know the screws can have a slot carved in them with a Dremel tool and the chain can be cut pretty quickly with an angle grinder. However, it does keep the vultures looking for anything not chained down at bay.

With a bank of solar panels on a frame, I'd use the next step up from Master padlocks and call it done. At least a thief would have to fight for their ill-earned goods.

haven't lost ours. In reality in over 60+ years of camping starting with my folks when I was still in diapers, neither my folks, ourselves or my 3 brothers has ever had anything stolen when camping.

We aren't careless, but we don't take any extra ordinary precautions when camping either.

Is it possible, definitely, but my observation is that the vast majority of campers are honest and a helpful folks, much more so than the general population.

BTW we went with the portables since most of the time the trailer ends up under trees, so portables seemed the way to go. We have two 80W portable panels. leave the out during the day sometimes with a cable and lock.

I have a long security cable, like 25 or 30' that I got at Harbor Freight. My portable panel has a built in handle, so I cable and padlock it to a tree or our TT, whatever is convenient. I do the same with our Honda eu2000i generator when it is outside. I understand that most campers wouldn't think of stealing these items, but it only takes one bad egg -- I wouldn't be comfortable not locking these items up.

How about putting away while your gone?

rockportrocket wrote:
Wow, Ive had mine on my fiver for years, never ever thought about someone needing it worse than I. Thanks for giving me something else to worry about.

Dont think you need to worry about panels attached to your roof. We are talking about portable ones walking away when unattended!

Wow, Ive had mine on my fiver for years, never ever thought about someone needing it worse than I. Thanks for giving me something else to worry about.

TOMMY47 wrote:
That's a definite worry for me. I've left it out a couple of times and hoped it was there when I got back.
I'm going to Yellowstone for a week and plan to put it on the roof. People will think it's attached, I presume.

Good Idea. Makes sense capturing sunlight.

Use a cable on mine. However I think it has a better chance of being stolen from my locked shed at home.

So I am guessing the everyone who has a portable solar panel worries about it being stolen...but no one has had or knows of anyone who has had one stolen?? When I get mine I will put a cable thru the frame and lock it to the RV, but it does not seem like a lot are being ripped off!

Just because ou haven't heard, doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
Why make it super easy.
Thieves look for the EASY target. If they have to put out effort or spend time in public doing it, they'll probably pass.
There will always be someone who leaves everything out and open.
I don't believe in inviting crooks in.