Forum Discussion

Chasejmc's avatar
Chasejmc
Explorer
May 06, 2020

STOLEN - 2016 rPod176T

Our newly purchased used 2016 rPod 176T was stolen on April 19, 2020 at 8:30pm from a business parking lot in Chantilly, Virginia. We're asking every to keep an eye out for it in camping grounds, on the road, etc. Our sway bar was also stolen. Both had hitch locks on them and security cameras showed the entire robbery. Although it's probably been removed, the rPod had a "Permanent Trailer" Virginia license plate # "11-623 TM".. The VIN sticker ends in "...12999".

The Fairfax County Police Department is investigating it and reviewing the video footage. Unfortunately, the license plate number of the thief's white crew-cab van was not discernible from the security tapes.

If you think you've seen it, please let me know or contact the Fairfax County Police Department. Thank you.
Seeking Advice
  • down_home's avatar
    down_home
    Explorer II
    May 07, 2020
    On the net Amazon and Ebay etc there are many GPS tracking devices, and Lojack of course. One with its own battery would seem ideal for a towable RV or even one with it's own large battery reserves.
    A thief might disconnect a house battery but... a dedicated small battery with enough life to cover storage period and a led to let you know the battery is running out would seem ideal.
    Just hide the GPS transponder or Lojack and battery. Even a small solar panel on top to keep it live.
    I didn't research different options as to particular suitability for a towable but there are several of them.
    Of course closing the door after the horses are already out, this won't help but I thought it an idea later on for the replacement and for others.
    We all know about these GPS and LoJack etc but it is not a usual topic and we forget.
    I hope they find it before it is destroyed if not that Insurance replaces it for you. Good Luck
  • otrfun's avatar
    otrfun
    Explorer II
    May 07, 2020
    Lwiddis wrote:
    Jerks. I understand TTs are rarely recovered, and you may not want it back. Sorry.
    bucky wrote:
    Once again I'm reminded I've meant to put a giant ID mark of some kind on our 5er roof so that maybe a rented chopper can find it quickly if needed.
    Once they are turned into something on private land you'll likely not find it otherwise.
    No offense to law enforcement but that report will likely just sit in a file somewhere. They have bigger fish to fry.
    I hope it works out for you.
    Very unfortunate. Hopefully the OP had it insured. Agree, unless it has some distinguishing mark that makes it stand out from every other rPod on the road, there's little chance of recovery.
  • bucky's avatar
    bucky
    Explorer II
    May 07, 2020
    Once again I'm reminded I've meant to put a giant ID mark of some kind on our 5er roof so that maybe a rented chopper can find it quickly if needed.
    Once they are turned into something on private land you'll likely not find it otherwise.
    No offense to law enforcement but that report will likely just sit in a file somewhere. They have bigger fish to fry.
    I hope it works out for you.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    May 06, 2020
    Bummer dude, sorry to hear that!
    Hope fully it wasn't full of a bunch of personal effects.
  • ajriding's avatar
    ajriding
    Explorer II
    May 06, 2020
    How did they steal it? Did they just chain it up to the van and drag it out? Those locks are not much protection if they can just hook chains up, and you probably provided them the chains...
    sorry about your loss.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    May 06, 2020
    Jerks. I understand TTs are rarely recovered, and you may not want it back. Sorry.

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