Over the years I have seen discussions regarding the use of the TC off the truck and it seems that it depends on the Brand Name of the TC and who makes it.... The major attraction of the TC for me was the versatility and I looked for a manufacturer that stressed the fact that it could be used off the truck. On numerous occasions I have separated mine and it allowed me to use the vehicle for other things while camping.. I lived in my Lance 981 Max for two months off the vehicle with no problems. There have been reports that the entire unit has been stolen from storage facilities when all the thief had to do is hot wire the vehicle and drive off... I feel it would not be easy to steal one when it is stored off the truck... As someone else stated, the jacks have switches that have to be activated to get them to work.