Hey everyone, curious to see how you guys are securing your campersI will be living full time in my rig , splitting my time between nature and the city. I am looking for a secure place to park with a hookup to electric/water on the days i work but until i find something i like, i may be parking in random spots around NYC and im slightly concerned about that.I feel like this vehicle is going to be attracting a lot of attentionWould appreciate some guidance on how to keep my vehicle safe and secure both while im inside sleeping and while im away from it workingthanks!

I have been waiting on this guy to update his install but he went with PacLock locks for his Bigfoot TC. Same issue as you having to deal with the crackheads looking for easy money.https://youtu.be/bvY1yvvmUFE

WHAT?When you can put strong latch and padlock on cardboard box - it will not make it secure. In my area we do have lot of burglaries done by small thief seeking opportunity. Those people will run away once they spot camera door bell. On my property I have Kuna light/camera. It will turn audio greetings and lights at any movements and start recording to WI-FI cloud. When the recording is not much useful as neighbors experience, once thief realize he/she has been spotted - they aboard.Old remedy is put worn size 13 shoes next to the door.With cordless grinder any chain is 20 seconds detour.

Strategic placed empty 12ga shells around the camper?Get a security system for the truck. And a Ring for the camper maybe, but bringing a portable house into the city and parking it on the street just comes with some risk of theft. Most important, good insurance coverage I’d say.

YOu need a security system when you are not there or someone to look after your rig. I like 3 dogs and a heater for when I am there.

When you realize that police cars get stolen in New York City you will be aware that nothing is safe there. Some parts have had the cobblestones stolen from the roadway. Good luck and make sure you put a gps tracker on both the truck and camper so you will know where they went. On edit: former NYC dweller for 28 years.

Camper Security | Good Sam Community

22 Replies

Bert_the_Welder
Explorer II
Dec 18, 2020
Glad you found something. Nice when the Universe smiles on you.

Was in NYC 5yrs ago and was blown away how much better it was, including the people, then it was in the 80's. REALLY different. Had a fantastic time and wished it was longer. I want three weeks just to spend in The MET! :)
We were planning to go there this year, but with the state of the States and C19, that ain't gonna happen. Plus it sounds like NYC has reverted back to the 70/80's NYC.

I always thought, for van dwellers that are concerned about security, getting a business logo sticker printed and added to the sides and back would be good.
"Happy Lawn Doggy-Doo Service- We scoop the doo-doo so you don't have to!" Add a few Bio-hazard stickers around the outside. Maybe a holder on the tail gate with a couple of schit smeared shovels mounted.
LOL
OkieGene
Explorer
Dec 18, 2020
Biohazard tape wrapped around and a biohazard sign with another Quarantine Sign - Covid ?

Or just a bunch of yellow crime scene tape.
free_radical
Explorer
Dec 18, 2020
All locks are just about useles to stop a pro and YT is great to learn how to become one Lol

See Lock picking lawyer chanel

https://youtu.be/5Op2bCgcnYc

Fwiw
having two locks one fake that cant be open,
and one hiden that dont even look like lock might be the only solution.
TxGearhead
Explorer II
Dec 18, 2020
K Mac wrote:
Glad you got a spot. I worked all over NYC (World's Capital) from the 70's to the 2010's, and common sense is all you will need to get you bye. I live 45 miles North and agree it gets a bad rap. Shotguns are not illegal,you can have one in truck/camper, but there isn't any open carry either, unless you want trouble, lol. You can check out Croton Point Park run by Westchester County, they went year round a few years back. It's 35 miles to mid town and the train is only a 10 min walk, or 2-3 min drive. Good luck n enjoy NYC, K Mac

^^Good info. We might make it up there this spring. Can't decide between the Newburg KOA or Croton. The KOA has "canned" tours of NYC from the campground. We will be in the 5th wheel, but I would love to cruise Park Avenue in the Bigfoot very early on a Sunday morning, VERY early! LOL
TxGearhead
Explorer II
Dec 18, 2020
Just FYI for all...https://handgunlaw.us/
K_Mac
Explorer
Dec 17, 2020
Glad you got a spot. I worked all over NYC (World's Capital) from the 70's to the 2010's, and common sense is all you will need to get you bye. I live 45 miles North and agree it gets a bad rap. Shotguns are not illegal,you can have one in truck/camper, but there isn't any open carry either, unless you want trouble, lol. You can check out Croton Point Park run by Westchester County, they went year round a few years back. It's 35 miles to mid town and the train is only a 10 min walk, or 2-3 min drive. Good luck n enjoy NYC, K Mac
jimh406
Explorer III
Dec 17, 2020
moonlitsouls wrote:
update , i think the universe is watching down on me lately bc i called up some guy about a parking spot on long island... turns out he's some rich Persian real estate kingpin who owns a marina on the water in queens and he's renting me a spot for my camper AND my car 4 min away from the beach. Huge relief

That's great.
moonlitsouls
Explorer
Dec 17, 2020
update , i think the universe is watching down on me lately bc i called up some guy about a parking spot on long island... turns out he's some rich Persian real estate kingpin who owns a marina on the water in queens and he's renting me a spot for my camper AND my car 4 min away from the beach. Huge relief
moonlitsouls
Explorer
Dec 17, 2020
RickW wrote:
1. When I was stationed overseas, we used to find and pay a local "neighbor" on the street to watch our American cars while in a restaurant or store. When I traveled, I had to park overnight in paid lots with security on site. You may have to seek the 21st century equivalent.

2. You can get portable driveway motion detectors and mount them high on the TC facing down. They will issue a loud chime when someone approaches and could act as a deterrent. They will also false alarm at wind, some passing vehicles and small animals to add exciting entertainment to your evening if you are inside.

3. I rigged my back up camera on the TC so I can view the video feed while inside the TC. Three more cameras and I could monitor everything around me.

4. Your truck alarm can be activated by your key fob while in your TC.

As far as securing on the street; I suggest you retrofit a used armored car into an RV.

haha! **** i never knew NYC had such a bad rep. I mean you gotta look out for yourself but its not THAT bad.
jimh406
Explorer III
Dec 17, 2020
Besides the TC, you also have to worry about people damaging your truck.

Spend some effort on how to use public transportation into town by train, etc. It’s not that hard to figure out, and it would be much safer for your vehicle/TC. I can’t say it would be much safer for you.

NYC is a pretty dangerous place for the past year. I hope you will be getting a lot of money, but if you are, you should consider an apartment or a room with someone else. I don’t know how much they have reduced the cost, but it seems there should be housing available nearby for less than the past.