getting ready to buy 2 60 watt panels to hinge together (so I can fold and store easy)... I read there is a chance of it being stolen when not around to watch it....my question is, has anyone who has or had a portable ever had one stolen??...tia

That's a definite worry for me. I've left it out a couple of times and hoped it was there when I got back.I'm going to Yellowstone for a week and plan to put it on the roof. People will think it's attached, I presume.

There's plenty of worry but no reports of actual theft on this board. The most thefts, ironically, are from secure storage facilities.

We had a 130W portable that we used for about 4 years and although no one ever took it, I was always afraid it might walk one day. When possible we used a big bike cable on it to tie it to the rig, but I didn't have much hope that that would deter a determined thief. Two 20# weights on tight quick-links might have also helped. They might take it, but they'd have to work carrying it off. I met a few people who had small generators stolen that had been chained down with heavy log chain.

Those 1/4 inch dia steel cables are very hard to cut. More difficult than chain and quite easy to handle. If they want it bad enough they will steal it anyway but the cable will slow them down. That is what we use on our portable solar panel.

A battery powered little disc grinder from Harbor Freight can zip through a cable of any size or chain or lock in less than a minute. If I'm boondocking in the desert, I lock my Honda up inside the MH when I'm gone. I do use a chain and lock while its in use and running.

portable solar panel, ever stolen? | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

mlts22
Explorer II
Jun 19, 2013
I will do security to a point, but after that, I let insurance do its job. For example, I'll use a security chain and Bryce security screws, but I do know the screws can have a slot carved in them with a Dremel tool and the chain can be cut pretty quickly with an angle grinder. However, it does keep the vultures looking for anything not chained down at bay.

With a bank of solar panels on a frame, I'd use the next step up from Master padlocks and call it done. At least a thief would have to fight for their ill-earned goods.
ktmrfs
Explorer III
Jun 18, 2013
haven't lost ours. In reality in over 60+ years of camping starting with my folks when I was still in diapers, neither my folks, ourselves or my 3 brothers has ever had anything stolen when camping.

We aren't careless, but we don't take any extra ordinary precautions when camping either.

Is it possible, definitely, but my observation is that the vast majority of campers are honest and a helpful folks, much more so than the general population.

BTW we went with the portables since most of the time the trailer ends up under trees, so portables seemed the way to go. We have two 80W portable panels. leave the out during the day sometimes with a cable and lock.
crcr
Explorer
Jun 18, 2013
I have a long security cable, like 25 or 30' that I got at Harbor Freight. My portable panel has a built in handle, so I cable and padlock it to a tree or our TT, whatever is convenient. I do the same with our Honda eu2000i generator when it is outside. I understand that most campers wouldn't think of stealing these items, but it only takes one bad egg -- I wouldn't be comfortable not locking these items up.
wbwood
Explorer
Jun 18, 2013
How about putting away while your gone?
RV_daytrader
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
rockportrocket wrote:
Wow, Ive had mine on my fiver for years, never ever thought about someone needing it worse than I. Thanks for giving me something else to worry about.

Dont think you need to worry about panels attached to your roof. We are talking about portable ones walking away when unattended!
rockportrocket
Explorer
Jun 17, 2013
Wow, Ive had mine on my fiver for years, never ever thought about someone needing it worse than I. Thanks for giving me something else to worry about.
Valkyriebush
Explorer II
Jun 17, 2013
TOMMY47 wrote:
That's a definite worry for me. I've left it out a couple of times and hoped it was there when I got back.
I'm going to Yellowstone for a week and plan to put it on the roof. People will think it's attached, I presume.

Good Idea. Makes sense capturing sunlight.
FlatBroke
Explorer II
Jun 16, 2013
Use a cable on mine. However I think it has a better chance of being stolen from my locked shed at home.
RV_daytrader
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
So I am guessing the everyone who has a portable solar panel worries about it being stolen...but no one has had or knows of anyone who has had one stolen?? When I get mine I will put a cable thru the frame and lock it to the RV, but it does not seem like a lot are being ripped off!
TOMMY47
Explorer
Jun 16, 2013
Just because ou haven't heard, doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
Why make it super easy.
Thieves look for the EASY target. If they have to put out effort or spend time in public doing it, they'll probably pass.
There will always be someone who leaves everything out and open.
I don't believe in inviting crooks in.