Storing camper on truck and storage lot security

And if you're in the city, don't waste your time on cameras to identify the perp who just boosted your truck. Vehicle theft is only marginally more interesting to the cops than jay walking.......you may actually have to walk to the cop shop to report it because you don't have a car to drive because it was just stolen!

If you want the police to come to the scene to make a report, have to tell them you have the perp tied up or at gun point or something. Then you'll get action. When they show up you can say just kidding but please take a report while you're here?

Freeborn530 wrote:
Thanks, bummer that thieves are out and stealing anything they can. Can any one think of a way to disable the truck so it could not be stolen with out some difficultly and time?

If it's a pre 08 Superduty, a rock or coat hanger and a screwdriver will make it gone quickly, so disabling it is a good measure.
Pull batteries or a front wheel off.
Or look at the fuse panel and pull a couple of the important ones and any that are the same size.
Or unplug ECM.
Or get a good insurance policy

Empty the cab of all personal items and leave it unlocked....seriously. Have had more trucks broke into for $20 worth of stuff stolen and a $300 broken window to fix.

Don't store it in Lynwood or Mukilteo, Arlington, Sedro Wooley. Inordinately large number of tweakers.
Or if you want to drive it an hour south, I have room, gated subdivision, 2 German Shepherds and several neighbors that are apt to threaten, beat the ____out of or arrest someone they see who looks sketchy driving around the subdivision.
You can park it here if needed. PM me.
You can even plug it in if you want, just don't dump the black tank! Me and the dogs are the only ones who get to fertilize the yard....

I recently install KUNA light with WI-FI camera at my home to secure mail box.
It is motion-activated stylistic light (comes in about 5 designs) where motion sensor activates light, than voice response and then records video to the cloud.
Cloud service cost $5/month but even without it the system holds video for 2 hr and you can use phone alert that will send ring to your cell phone each time somebody is in front. You can even talk to person in front of the camera via your cell phone regardless how far away you are (even from different continent)
Obviously that require power and Internet, but if you have those - great tool for not that much money.
Than securing hardware, like ties locks, truck wheel lock and other never hurt.
I guess it is not big secret that all RV share the same storage keys?
You can replace those with security locks.
On other hand leaving storages empty and unlocked can prevent door damages.

I agree with the pick a good lot. I had an RV in storage lots near Seattle for 20 years. We were broken in once. They broke the Class A side door window. More of frustration than anything else. TC or TT were never broken into.

My guess is that almost any RV or anything stored is a bigger target than a TC, so I wouldn’t worry that much.

Put the camera on the INSIDE of the camper facing the door. --- that way, you only get a notification IF they open the door. You may not be as worried about the outside... I wouldn't be. Just store empty compartments.

Do the same thing on the truck.

Freeborn530 wrote:
Thanks, bummer that thieves are out and stealing anything they can. Can any one think of a way to disable the truck so it could not be stolen with out some difficultly and time?

It takes bit of work and investment..
https://youtu.be/-zbC6T6sfZM

If you cant do all that,find a place with 24,7 live security..maybe a towed vehicle storage lots such as police use..

You can also buy and install ( hidden) GPS trackers in the truck and one in the camper. So if they do get yournrig, you can find it quickly. Know lots of people that use them on thier snowmobiles and ATV’s.

I have a friend that does this for a living. You can set it up so it only activates if it moves outside of a set area. Odds are not feasible for short term.

I use a FOB secured HOA lot. Don't have a worry in the world about leaving the TC there on heavy duty saw horses. I left my old truck under the TC for two nights once and was worried sick the entire time, but at least it was a manual which prevented a lot of thieves anyhow. If I did it again, I would disconnect the battery (negative line on the frame end so not as noticeable) and remove the main relays from the fuse box. Odds are if they can't steal it in under 5 min they will give up.

GeoBoy wrote:
I wouldn’t do it, that’s why I put a RV shelter on my property.

+1. I seperate the camper from the truck and the camper goes in one stall and the truck goes in the other in a climate controlled garage in the backyard. Where they stay all winter, every winter.

Freeborn530 wrote:
Can any one think of a way to disable the truck so it could not be stolen with out some difficultly and time?

Your truck is a 2006. My 2006 Chevy has a feature called Passlock; it won't start unless the correct key is used. Does your Dodge have that?

You could also install LoJack if available in your area. A bit expensive, but they have a plan that activates when you call to report the theft and they turn on the hidden transmitter in your truck so police can find it. They also have a plan which automatically notifies you when your truck is started. https://www.lojack.com/products/ However, it is important to note that they call their system a stolen vehicle recovery system. Basically, thieves can/will take just about anything; Lojack helps to law enforcement locate what is left of it.

My guess is that more storage area damage is caused by theft of bits and pieces, not the entire rig. And maybe by vandalism. And maybe, as has happened to my truck, rodents chewing on the wiring.

You can also buy and install ( hidden) GPS trackers in the truck and one in the camper. So if they do get yournrig, you can find it quickly. Know lots of people that use them on thier snowmobiles and ATV’s.
Me... all my Toys are safe in my back yard.
Soup.