Leave TT Unhitched?

[SpeakEasy]

I've never had the opportunity to camp (boondock) on BLM land. We have an upcoming trip to Utah, and will be interested in doing some BLM camping. My question is for those who RV in travel trailers or 5th wheels. Is it safe to unhitch and leave the rig while you go exploring the area? I'm not talking about just hiking around in the area you're camped in, but actually leaving in your tow vehicle and driving around. With no established campground and no one keeping an eye on things, do other people respect your stuff?

Thanks in advance,

-Speak

[2g_s]

The thought never crossed our minds. We never had anything stolen and have boondocked on public lands over 20 yr.

[4runnerguy]

We just use a hitch lock. For the generator, I either put it away, or use one of those heavy duty u-shaped bike locks and secure it to the trailer frame.

No one can stop a determined thief. But my philosophy is just to make our stuff look a little more difficult to get than an easier mark somewhere else in the area. Besides, most thieves will be a little wary of getting discovered in the middle of their escapades when an owner returns. Can't exactly make a fast getaway on a dirt road pulling someone else's rig.

In some ways, tent campers might be a little more concerned as it's far easier to just throw sleeping bags, tents, etc. in the back of a vehicle and speed away.

[lane_hog]

I run a thick cable lock thru the wheels. If someone tries to take my trailer, the wheels will lock up after a couple feet and the thief probably won't think to look at the axles. It also stops them from stealing the wheels... 😉

[jdc1]

30 years of traveling all over and never once considered not leaving the trailer, 5th wheel or motorhome behind. Most of the time, I don't even lock it.

[2oldman]

opnspaces wrote:
But the generator is usually with me or locked in the back of the Suburban overnight with a blanket covering it.

I just learned this the hard way. After 17 years, I got hit. And it hurts.

[opnspaces]

Agreed on the generator. High dollar easy to steal should not be left in view. I'll leave my folding chairs and plastic folding table out. But the generator is usually with me or locked in the back of the Suburban overnight with a blanket covering it.

[2oldman]

Put your generator(s) away.

[SpeakEasy]

profdant139 wrote:


Speak, which area of Utah are you focusing on? Let us know, and we can give you some general hints about where to look for potential boondocking sites!

Southern Utah - the "Mighty 5" national parks as well as a couple of notable state parks. At this point our boondocking plans are in the area around Zion and again in the area near Capitol Reef.

-Speak

[profdant139]

We have boondocked and dry-camped for the last 16 years -- probably a total of a thousand nights so far. We've never had anything disturbed or stolen.

We do use a hitch lock when we are in a campground near a big city.

Speak, which area of Utah are you focusing on? Let us know, and we can give you some general hints about where to look for potential boondocking sites!

[opnspaces]

I don't know about Utah. But I've never had a problem leaving my campsite for the day out in the southern California deserts. I do have a hitch lock but it's not on when out there. my thought has always been that most crooks are not going to drive an hour outside the city for a chance to steal a trailer when there are so many just sitting conveniently in the neighborhood.

[Lwiddis]

Seriously, I feel safer boondocking than I do in any campground...me, truck, TT and stuff.

[agesilaus]

JUst do not camp close to a large city. We follow that rule as much as possible and in over 40 years of camping have never had a crime problem. Every stolen RV report I've seen has been off a dealer's lot. But a ball lock can't hurt.

[Lwiddis]

I unhitch and go. So far, no problems. In addition to a hitch lock, I padlock the safety chains to the tongue. Others also cable lock one side of the TT’s wheels.

[larry_cad]

Inexpensive insurance and they really work