Travel trailer security - keep it or stuff from being stolen

proxim2020 wrote:
Most of your thieves out there these days are just opportunistic. Instead of going around smashing windows, they're just going around and pulling door handles until they find a door that opens. They aren't cutting locks, chains, or performing high tech trickery to defeat security devices like you see on TV. These days they're simply walking away with the stuff that isn't secured.

When tailgate thefts were really hot a few years back, a simple $1 hose clamp could prevent the theft. Sure the hose clamp could be defeated, but why would thieves waste time messing with 1 troublesome tailgate when they can quickly hit 15 unprotected trucks down the street. Same thing happens with wheels and wheel locks.

Simply locking up your stuff is enough to prevent it from being stolen in most cases. Keeping your doors locked and take reasonable measures to prevent trailer theft is all that's needed to prevent most thefts. Even cheap locks work better than no locks. Out of sight out of mind goes a long way too when it comes to valuables. Thieves gravitate towards easy targets. Thieves are incredibly lazy and like to avoid hard work. The simple presence of a lock is enough to have them go look for easier targets. Sadly, there's plenty of easy targets for them out there.

Have to agree with you. Even in my small town we have meth heads that will steal what has easy access. The neighbors and I put up security cameras which serves as a deterrent.

Most of your thieves out there these days are just opportunistic. Instead of going around smashing windows, they're just going around and pulling door handles until they find a door that opens. They aren't cutting locks, chains, or performing high tech trickery to defeat security devices like you see on TV. These days they're simply walking away with the stuff that isn't secured.

When tailgate thefts were really hot a few years back, a simple $1 hose clamp could prevent the theft. Sure the hose clamp could be defeated, but why would thieves waste time messing with 1 troublesome tailgate when they can quickly hit 15 unprotected trucks down the street. Same thing happens with wheels and wheel locks.

Simply locking up your stuff is enough to prevent it from being stolen in most cases. Keeping your doors locked and take reasonable measures to prevent trailer theft is all that's needed to prevent most thefts. Even cheap locks work better than no locks. Out of sight out of mind goes a long way too when it comes to valuables. Thieves gravitate towards easy targets. Thieves are incredibly lazy and like to avoid hard work. The simple presence of a lock is enough to have them go look for easier targets. Sadly, there's plenty of easy targets for them out there.

jerem0621 wrote:
If it makes you feel better you can get a real chain and a real padlock and chain your tires together.

So if you've ever seen an episode of "storage wars" you'd know that a cordless grinder with a cut off wheel will go through any hardened padlock or chain.



I have one and will vouch for its effectiveness.

I think what the OP is referring to is boondocking out in the middle of nowhere, not parking in a CG. Sad to say that rigs are being stolen for the sole purpose of turning them into mobile meth labs. So the thief is not looking for valuables to fence, they want the TT itself. The issue is not so much that stuff can't be replaced by insurance, it's that after parking out in the woods and hiking all day, who wants to come back to where your TT used to be and not be able to relax and clean up?

Go with a coupler lock as pictured and hope for the best, we all know there is no way to stop a determined thief.

I am with the group that locks the TT and does not worry. The only things of values are the world's cheapest television and microwave. My camera, phone and electronics are usually with me. I suppose they could also take the four year old battery.

We have never had an issue with theft of the stuff we leave out of doors, that would mean another trip to the resale shops.

The lock through the ball latch lever sounds like a good idea.

I do not worry about thieves, I have never had anything stolen while camping.
If they do then I have insurance.

One would hope you are at a place where this is not a common occurrence or I would look harder for a better place. While it can't prevent break ins , locks on hitch, propane tanks and batteries makes them have to work for it. I use all the above so someone can't simply walk by and grab and go. Most people in parks would see if there is something weird (like someone taking items from a trailer) that looks out of place and report it. I would think seeing someone with bolt cutters would be a red flag.
There are greasy people out in this world so we have to do what we can to at least prevent this and is why I went the extra to feel like I at least tried.

rvshrinker wrote:

theoldwizard1 wrote:
Don't leave expensive things (cameras, laptops, etc) out, even inside your RV. The best place is locked in the trunk of your vehicle unless maybe it is going to be sitting in the 90+F sun all day long.

How many trucks have trunks?

It's an option on some of the newer models.

There's nothing we take that we can't replace;but when we go for our hikes, we put all food away. Tablets go in the truck and phones go with us. We leave our camp stove and cooking stuff out, although well usually slide it under the trailer. In 15 years never had anything stolen. Most loops we camp on, the only folks we see are rangers and other campers. We do lock the deadbolts on the doors. The "lock" for the pull handle is about a 3/32 thick piece of aluminum that you could prolly break just by forcing the handle...no tools required.

As for stealing the trailer itself, between the jacks, power cord, water hose, sewer hose and awning, it would take 5-10 minutes to get the thing ready to pull out of the site. I'd like to think the rangers would stop someone who's pulling a trailer with any/ all of those things dragging out the back.

Even with a hitch lock, a thief can readily use your trailer's own safety chains - wrap them around the truck hitch and tow away for a short distance.

If I am going to be gone from campsite for awhile, I park my truck in front of the trailer which would make it difficult to tow away.

As pointed out, locking doors and closing windows is only going to stop a child from getting into your trailer.

I spent a year looking for a little 21', tandem axle trailer. I don't want to loose it.

I keep it insured well, but also I have an old Iphone well hid in it, turned on at all times. Sitting idea all the time, I charge it when it needs it.

If the trailer is stolen, the thief will really be surprised when myself and the police use... "find my Iphone" to track it down to where it is.

I pay $10 per month to keep service on the old phone with Verizon towers. (Red Pocket mobile)