Heymon
Explorer
Joined 11 years ago
User Profile
User Widgets
All Activity
Re: Storage Compartment Theft
Yeah, that compartment on my rig has a lot of stuff in there. Most of it is cheap, but together it is a few hundred dollars. Much too much to empty every time. Also not realistic to leave it unlocked, as you can get into the inside that way. I am going to beef up the lock/security and try to keep the more important items like the griddle inside or in the better secured storage compartment I have. We will see what they think of next. My storage yard is improving the cameras to a motion sensor/monitored set up so that someone can look and see what is going on and actually speak to them via a PA system while they call the cops. At least they are trying to do something.898Views0likes0CommentsRe: Havent camped in 2 years
I agree with what brantlyj said, if you camp in places such as an rv park there is bound to be someone to help or even park staff might assist with stabilizer jacks or the like. You might also consider joining a group, that way you would have people camping with you that could help you get set up. I group camp and solo (with my 12 year old son and my dog) and I really enjoy the group outings for all the chit chat around the campfire and so forth.497Views0likes0CommentsRe: Storage Compartment Theft
opnspaces, you add an interesting idea. I think if the thief assumes that the door is a standard, weak door they may try forcing it wondering what is wrong when it doesn't open as easily as it should. So yes, external indication that there is something different could be useful. Thanks for that. Ron3rd, unfortunately these guys are not after resale items. They take these items for personal use at the local "homeless" encampment.894Views0likes0CommentsRe: Storage Compartment Theft
I like the electric fence, except I would forget it is on. Again, moving is not an option, since I have a good rate and storage is hard to come by (I am in the LA area) and all storage yards experience this type of thing no matter where. I find it fascinating that there would be a suggestion to move the trailer 2 hours away to avoid this situation. That strikes me as quite unrealistic and I'd be suprised if anyone actually does that? I plan to harden the storage in some nominal way, because my assessment is that the losers that are stealing are unmotivated (why did they not crowbar their way into the trailer itself this time?) and so they will be easily defeated by even the slightest upgrade in security. It will be they who shrug their shoulders and accept defeat, not me. PS I will most likely end up keeping my griddle at home from now on, or in my more secure compartment. That is a better plan than driving 2 hours each way just to grab my trailer for a weekend run that itself is 2 hours away.427Views0likes0CommentsRe: Storage Compartment Theft
Nv Guy, I fully realize the reality of "no 100% solution" as all security protocols are defeatable given enough determination and time. Unfortunately, I am also familiar with my adversary because I have been hit before and this yard has been hit before (as have most yards as you pointed out). When I first got my trailer they broke the door latch lock (and I did not know I had not locked the deadbolt) so they took my TV, a small inverter, a backpack, 2 rolled up sleeping bags (but not the unrolled ones) and one of 2 propane tanks (the full one). Now I use only the deadbolts, because I learned how easy the latch lock is to break and they break them to see if you locked the deadbolt. They also stole one of my 2 6 volt batteries, even though it was locked they were able to jimmy the bracket loose. I have upgraded all of those previously hit areas and I no longer leave the TV in the unit (and I don't roll up the sleeping bags, lol). I bring all this up because these are apparently vagrants and looking for supplies, not so much resale value. So I believe that if I can harden the target they will be more likely to move on. If tweakers show up, well then there will be damage I guess, but homeless losers tend to be less rabid. My question here is to see if anyone has hardened these particular compartments to deter theft. The L channel solution is a front runner. I also have my own idea but implementation might be difficult. I will post my results. I'm not trying to be boorish, but telling me to give up or move are not particularly helpful. I am aware of my options in that regard. PS The storage yard has also made efforts to upgrade their security, with a night patrol and additional lighting and cameras. So at least they aren't indifferent and realize they get a rep in the underworld of thieves that could cost them customers.426Views0likes0CommentsRe: Storage Compartment Theft
I appreciate the post so far from happy2rv, because adding that L channel and converting the twist open side to a lock as well would probably get me where I want to be. As far as moving, it is very difficult to find suitable storage for my size rig at a reasonable price. I could move to one that costs about $130 more than what I pay now but that adds up to $1,560 per year in additional costs. The stuff that was taken was a grill, griddle, collapsible trash can, butane stove, area mat, and dog dishes. A few hundred dollars worth. I don't think that trade off is worth it yet. This was likely the work of nearby homeless losers (there were cameras so they are reviewing footage). The vagrants are fairly easily thwarted and though they tested my trailer entrance doors the deadbolts stopped them (I don't lock the upper latch on the doors so that people like this don't break them to see if the deadbolt is secured). They didn't break the glass to get in and they could have done that, so I am thinking they are going for the low hanging fruit. If nothing better than the L channel idea comes along I am going to do that. Andre PS to azdryheat: What would compel you to post an unhelpful response response like that? I was asking for a way to improve my rig. I already know about the option to shrug my shoulders and give up, but I prefer not to roll over quite that easy.137Views0likes0CommentsStorage Compartment Theft
Had our pass-thru storage compartment broken into while our trailer was in the storage yard. This is the fairly flimsy door with the CH751 key. In this case they just pulled on the bottom of the door and bent the inner lip where the cam lock tang grabs. The question is whether there is anything that can be done to beef this compartment up in terms of break-in prevention. I really don't want to have to empty it every time I put it in storage. Thanks, Andre6.6KViews0likes34CommentsRe: 2001 GMC Yukon 1500 as TV
Just thought I'd add a thought: I towed for a number of years with a 2002 Yukon XL 2WD with 3.73 gears and a 6700 pound (on a scale) trailer. That vehicle was the best vehicle purchase I ever made. I towed in California, up and down mountains, and really had no trouble. There are 2 areas of concern I would point out. First is that the stock hitch is garbage. I replaced mine with a Curt. Bolt on, inexpensive, strong. Second is that my rear axle had too much weight (tongue was about 1000 lbs) and the back brakes overheated a couple of times on longer downhill curvy roads. However, I learned I was descending in too high of a gear (3rd once and 2nd another time). But that overheating was a gnawing problem for me. I replaced that Yukon with a 3/4 ton Yukon 8.1. I also go downhill on mountain roads (Big Bear, CA) in first gear now which works very well. I would have kept the half ton if I still needed a daily driver (the 3/4 ton ride is rough), but now I only tow and bring home furniture the wife keeps buying. Seems I alternate between camping and toting furniture every other weekend, but that is a problem for a different forum. Enjoy your camping! Andre1.1KViews0likes0CommentsRe: Anderson WDH pros and cons
I have only used the Andersen so I can't comment on other systems except from what I see others doing. The Andersen is very simple and lightweight as others have said. The best thing about it is the anti-sway. My TV was a half ton Yukon XL and is now a 3/4 ton Yukon. Neither vehicle ever swayed towing a 30 foot Jayco. I did a comparison test last January in a fairly windy desert and watched trailers ahead of me fighting it, and my experience was very smooth. I will say that weight transfer isn't probably the best, but that hasn't been my priority (my trailer weighs 6700 pounds with 1050 on the tongue). I have had great customer service from them when I first got it and had a couple of questions. I see people fighting with their other WDH brands at the campground and it seems like a lot of work. That Propride probably does a good job, but the guy I know with one needs help connecting the hitch to the trailer. I do my hitching alone and efficiently. PS I am aware of the vandalism charge. I think he is pretty repentant about it and I don't think he deserves a life sentence. We all draw our lines in the sand somewhere, I guess.839Views0likes0CommentsRe: Campsite Security Revisited
It’s fascinating to see the evolution of this thread. So many layers to what seemed to be a simple situation at first glance. First, I am not (and I don’t think anyone else here is) “promoting worry”. There is a real world out there, whether you choose to be aware of it or not. In my case, I was in blissful camping ignorance for 5 years before my bubble was burst. Sure, I’d heard of generators and bikes etc. being stolen, but I didn’t really think too much about it other than (usually) locking my bikes at night. Then, I had a battery powered lantern and a 1 lb. propane canister pilfered, and I know by what type of person: A low-level homeless bum with no worries about the consequences of petty theft. That made me reconsider my mindset a little bit. Since I would not abandon forever camping at a favorite campground if my bikes were stolen there, I also refuse to fold to homeless bums taking cheap stuff from me. There are countermeasures available and if taken they can keep your camping worry free. I employed all available countermeasures in more of an experiment than anything. The result of the experiment was that the cheapest and easiest countermeasure, which is not having attractive items available to steal, turned out to be the most effective. It was also helpful that the campground made an effort to keep the bums out with improved fencing. Going forward, I will put stuff away and thus have little to worry about. This is the opposite of “promoting worry”. It is simply being aware. Just like the law enforcement officers in this thread, they are trained to be aware (because the consequences in that job are dire if you are not aware) and this is not a “feature” that can be turned off or on. Once you are aware, you are aware, and you take reasonable protocols in your activities to minimize getting in trouble. So now I am more aware while camping. That is a comfort because I know what I am dealing with and what works to thwart the risk. Ignorance of risk is a comfort too--you can’t worry about what you don’t know about--but it is a false comfort that leads to a greater likelihood of being a victim at some point, whether out camping or at home or shopping. Curious if most of you calling me a worrywart lock your doors? If so, why? Andre PS I find other campers to be entirely friendly as well, and kids making new friends for a couple of days is a great learning experience. I can’t get over how much I enjoy the whole camping thing, it is hard to explain to non-campers.508Views0likes0Comments
Groups
Travel Trailer Group
Prefer to camp in a travel trailer? You're not alone.Feb 06, 202544,025 Posts
