Power cord theft April 27, 2019, 07:22:57 pm My previous LD (‘91 27’ RB) had a 30 amp power cord that I pulled out of the side of the coach and connected to the power box. When done I pushed it back into the same hole. The newer coaches have a cord that is totally removed from the coach and stores in an outer cabinet. I’m sure you all know that. When I first started using the removable cord I thought, in my devious mind, how simple it would be for someone to steal my cord. I am still wondering why someone doesn’t take it. So, my question is, of course, has anyone done any precautions to prevent cord theft? Has anybody ever had a cord stolen? People steal everything else, why wouldn’t they cop a cord?
Re: Power cord theft Reply #1 – April 27, 2019, 08:34:53 pm I’ve thought the same thing. Surprised with the cost of a power cords the thief’s haven’t taken some. I even considered carrying a spare. But I try to travel light. And the cords are kinda heavy.
Re: Power cord theft Reply #2 – April 27, 2019, 09:04:22 pm I’ve been traveling in my LD for 8 years and have not had a power cord stolen. I have no security system to keep it safe so perhaps I’m just lucky. I did just replace my older, dusty, and worn cord with a new gray cord with built in lights so maybe I should be concerned. I’ll let you know if and when it gets stolen. Happy Trails,
Re: Power cord theft Reply #3 – April 27, 2019, 09:18:11 pm "Has anybody ever had a cord stolen? People steal everything else, why wouldn't they cop a cord?"Perhaps the question to be asked is: How many other campers would be able to use the type of cord we have?I wouldn't think a power cord would be any more susceptible to being stolen that a sewer hose. 4 Likes
Re: Power cord theft Reply #4 – April 28, 2019, 05:27:53 pm Steve, the appeal of that cord is all the copper it contains.I have been fulltiming for 10 years now, and have never heard of a power cord being stolen. If you are worried about it, I am certain you could find a chain quick link to fit onto the cord. Attach a length of chain to the quick link, put some Loktite on the threads, close it and crank it down hard. You can then use the chain to lock the cord to the pedestal. Of course, If I wanted to steal your power cord, I would simply unplug it and cut off the plug, then off I go with the remainder. Replacement plugs are easy to find and install.I wouldn't worry about it, personally.Ken F in OR
Re: Power cord theft Reply #5 – April 28, 2019, 05:36:46 pm I have heard of several surge protectors being stolen but never the power cord, which, as Ken mentioned, is surprising considering how much copper is worth. I'm not planning on worrying about this, plenty of more important things to concentrate on. Cords get dirty fast and many owners regularly clean them, keeping them original looking. New looking items are more likely to be stolen, due to their greater resale value, keeping the cord looking a little grubby might be wise.Larry 2 Likes
Re: Power cord theft Reply #6 – April 28, 2019, 06:02:26 pm "... the appeal of that cord is all the copper it contains."Oh pew! Have you checked the price of scrap metal recently? That power cable would hardly be worth the effort to carry it away!
Re: Power cord theft Reply #7 – April 28, 2019, 06:18:00 pm Quote from: Lazy Bones - April 28, 2019, 06:02:26 pm"... the appeal of that cord is all the copper it contains."Oh pew! Have you checked the price of scrap metal recently? That power cable would hardly be worth the effort to carry it away! Clean, scrap copper wire is selling for around $2.50 a pound in LA, it has been higher but it's still enough to entice stealing it. I had neighbors find their brass sprinkler valves ripped out. The scroungers will tear apart empty houses and buildings just for copper pipe and wire.Several years ago at LAX , someone broke into one of the field electrical vaults and cut out about $20,000 worth of copper cable. It probably cost the Department $80,000 to repair it. We could not keep empty buildings safe from the metal thieves.With as many homeless people as there are today, metal thievery is not going away anytime soon.Larry 1 Likes
Re: Power cord theft Reply #8 – April 28, 2019, 09:34:29 pm "Clean, scrap copper wire is selling for around $2.50 a pound..."I have numerous assorted pieces of copper and lead just laying around. The way I measure it comes out to about .38 caliber. Not sure how much you would need to make up a pound but if someone comes sneaking around I'd gladly pass it to him one lump at a time. 4 Likes
Re: Power cord theft Reply #9 – April 29, 2019, 12:51:50 am I have not been as worried about the main power cord, but I have had concerns about the dog-ear adapters. But I have not decided what to do to make it less desirable and me more comfortable.As Larry said, if someone wants something nothing you do will stop them from stealing it. But making yours the less easy one to grab can help as often they will head for the easy to grab one. 1 Likes
Re: Power cord theft Reply #10 – April 29, 2019, 09:39:18 am Copper thievery is a real problem in many states. Several years ago, I retired from the County of San Luis Obispo, in the Communications Shop. We developed and maintained all the mountain-top radio sites for the Sheriff and Fire folks. One time we’re developing a new site and had laid a ring of copper wire around the building as a ground for lightning protection. Somebody actually pulled it up and stole it. Couldn’t believe it! 1 Likes
Re: Power cord theft Reply #11 – June 21, 2019, 10:40:04 am 15 years and never had the cord "borrowed". If we left the campsite for the day, we'd leave the water hose on the site, but never the power cord.
Re: Power cord theft Reply #12 – June 21, 2019, 01:50:54 pm My sister and brother in law were camping in Cape Cod at Nickerson State Park in their class B. The went for a drive leaving the mat and leveling blocks because both were muddy from rain. When they got back everything was gone. They saw the tracks of whoever took the items. Sad because the orange leveling blocks are getting hard to find at RV stores locally (DC area and Florida). It is not so much the value of what was taken, that is less than $40, it is the inconvenience of trying to find new blocks and now feeling you have to pack up everything before you go.John
Re: Power cord theft Reply #13 – June 21, 2019, 03:40:03 pm It's been my experience that the worse campgrounds for thievery are the located near towns, with beach towns topping the list.That said, in 50 years of camping, only two ratty beach chairs, about ready for the dumpster, have gone missing.It was in a beach camp next to a town. If the campground has power, we use it and leave the power cord out when gone, never had a problem.It's outboard surge protectors and generators that disappear regularly, even when locked down. Bicycles grow legs often too.Larry
Re: Power cord theft Reply #14 – June 22, 2019, 09:59:42 am Slightly off topic, but in regards to Larry's comment on older looking power cords:My son cruised southern California and the western coast of Mexico in his little sailboat for 18 months. He used a sit-on-top kayak as transportation to shore at ports and harbors. When he got to the beach, he regularly threw sand and mud all over his yellow kayak, and walked away carrying the paddle. In a year and a half of cruising, no one ever stole his muddy kayak.
Re: Power cord theft Reply #15 – July 04, 2019, 08:41:23 pm My power cord was stolen several years ago while my LD was parked In my driveway. It was a copper wire theft. Fixed the problem by installing a plug on the very short cord left sticking out of the compartment sidewall. Then I bought a new separate power cord, plugged the new extension cord into the plug from the LD and there we go.New plug on short cordShort cord
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