RV Security Experience? September 17, 2005, 12:10:44 pm Yahoo Message Number: 58077God, I just know I'm opening up a can of worms; but here goes. We will be new full-time RV'ers soon. I would like to believe that the RV scene is one without crime. Common sense tells me there has to be general warnings & tips for safety while at a campsite, and while away. Some questions remain, are alarms systems typical for the motorhome & toad? Or is this uneccesary? (obnoxious) What about mounting a small firesafe for documents and cash? What safety precautions do you implement? Thanks for helping a newbie. Best, Jim Pappas Tacoma, WA
Re: RV Security Experience? Reply #1 – September 17, 2005, 12:26:42 pm Yahoo Message Number: 58080In almost 2 years of full-timing we've never had a problem of theft in the US or Mexico, in an RV Park or boondocking at Wal Mart or Pemex, etc. I'll admit I'm pretty anal about making sure all entrance doors are locked when we leave. Be aware that your outside storage areas have a common key that many others have, but we've never lost anything in them.Our biggest problem was occasionally driving away from one item or another As long as you use common sense I wouldn't worry about it. For extra precaution put an Oakland Raiders and Hells Angels sticker on your LD...best, paul QuoteGod, I just know I'm opening up a can of worms; but here goes. We will be new full-time RV'ers soon. I would like to believe that the RV scene is one without crime. Common sense tells me there has to be general warnings & tips for safety while at a campsite, and while away. Some questions remain, are alarms systems typical for the motorhome & toad? Or is this uneccesary? (obnoxious) What about mounting a small firesafe for documents and cash? What safety precautions do you implement? Thanks for helping a newbie. Best, Jim Pappas Tacoma, WA
Re: RV Security Experience? Reply #2 – September 17, 2005, 07:28:25 pm Yahoo Message Number: 58107QuoteWe will be new full-time RV'ers soon. I would like to believe that the RV scene is one without crime. What safety precautions do you implement?Jim Pappas Tacoma, WA Hi Jim: This is not so much to do with equipping the coach as properly using it. Several years ago we pulled off the road in a national forest, in a sort of clearing (with a paved entrance from the road, but then just a dirt clearing). We park often in national forests and boondock for the night. But this time I was awakened in the middle of the night to hear young men (about three or four of them), wondering how they were going to break into the rig. I looked behind me and there was their pickup, blocking a part of the way out. I finally decided I had to take the chance of getting stranded (there was no cell phone coverage) and quickly started and backed out, barely issing their truck but putting my driver's side rear end deep into some bushes. Since that time I have always backed into off-read spaces. I know if I am boxed in again, I have enough power to push the other vehicle out of the way and get out of there. My only other safety consideration is to always use the dead lock and keep a container of pepper spray within reach while sleeping.Happy trailsGus Weber
Re: RV Security Experience? Reply #3 – September 17, 2005, 10:11:25 pm Yahoo Message Number: 58124"What safety precautions do you implement?" Crime is reportedly very rare in commercial campgrounds and fairly rare in state and national parks, but it pays to take reasonable precautions. • Most important is "situational awareness." If it doesn't feel good, get out. Always back in so you can do this easily. Having a motorhome, you are in a much better position than a trailer owner, who must exit the trailer to start the tow vehicle! • Carry pepper spray *and* know how to use it. Go to a Life On Wheels conference and take Dave and Sandy Baleria's pepper spray certification course.
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: RV Security Experience? Reply #4 – September 18, 2005, 09:45:42 am Yahoo Message Number: 58129For extra precaution put an Oakland Raiders and Hells Angels sticker on your LD... Thanks Paul, I guess a Seattle Seahawks sticker wouldn't scare anyone! Best, Jim PappasPaul Smith kathleen@...> wrote:
Re: RV Security Experience? Reply #5 – September 18, 2005, 09:49:15 am Yahoo Message Number: 58131In our many years of camping, we have had a several items stolen but they were all things left outside. In every case, except for one, they occurred in campgrounds located next to or in a town (usually a beach town). This is real common experience in Southern California beach campgrounds. When we leave the LD, we always close the shades and lock the doors. Many times we will leave the radio on with the volume turned up just loud enough to be heard while standing next to the RV but not loud enough to be heard by nearby campers. We have a collection of cables and locks used to secure outside items in questionable campgrounds. Locks keep honest people honest. For small valuables (cash, jewelry, keys, etc), find or make a hiding spot inside your RV. Use your imagination and hide it well. We have a lockable compartment behind the couch to secure bigger items. It's not well hidden but it keeps visitors from snooping. Last bit of advice. Keep a good inventory (digital photos are nice and easy) and your insurance up to date.Larry
[Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: RV Security Experience? Reply #6 – September 18, 2005, 09:57:06 am Yahoo Message Number: 58132"For extra precaution put an Oakland Raiders and Hells Angels sticker on your LD... Thanks Paul, I guess a Seattle Seahawks sticker wouldn't scare anyone! " I always liked Sarah's suggestion for single women travelers to leave a large pair of men's work boots and a big dog bowl outside the entry door.Larry
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: RV Security Experience? Reply #7 – September 18, 2005, 10:04:20 am Yahoo Message Number: 58133Thanks for the tips Andy. I like the intercom idea the best. Being 6'3" and a trim 250lbs., someone grabbing me to pull me out, may be hazardous to their health. (grin) "situational awareness." I grew up in NY city, situational awareness was and still is, an everyday part of life from that experience! The pepper spray idea would be useful against some critters as well as humans. What is the value of the pepper spray certification class? I know there are some legal considerations state by state for even carrying this kind of device. Thanks, Jim PappasAndy Baird wrote: "What safety precautions do you implement?" Crime is reportedly very rare in commercial campgrounds and fairly rare in state and national parks, but it pays to take reasonable precautions. • Most important is "situational awareness." If it doesn't feel good, get out. Always back in so you can do this easily. Having a motorhome, you are in a much better position than a trailer owner, who must exit the trailer to start the tow vehicle! • Carry pepper spray *and* know how to use it. Go to a Life On Wheels conference and take Dave and Sandy Baleria's pepper spray certification course.
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: RV Security Experience? Reply #8 – September 18, 2005, 10:23:06 am Yahoo Message Number: 58134Thanks Larry, Your tips about campgrounds near or in town, locking outside stuff down, digital records, was very helpful. I suppose that your favorite outside chairs, barbecue, or anything that can be easily carried off, would be the favorite targets. Thanks for the heads-up. Jim PappasLarry lw5315us@...> wrote:In our many years of camping, we have had a several items stolen but they were all things left outside. In every case, except for one, they occurred in campgrounds located next to or in a town (usually a beach town). This is real common experience in Southern California beach campgrounds. When we leave the LD, we always close the shades and lock the doors. Many times we will leave the radio on with the volume turned up just loud enough to be heard while standing next to the RV but not loud enough to be heard by nearby campers. We have a collection of cables and locks used to secure outside items in questionable campgrounds. Locks keep honest people honest. For small valuables (cash, jewelry, keys, etc), find or make a hiding spot inside your RV. Use your imagination and hide it well. We have a lockable compartment behind the couch to secure bigger items. It's not well hidden but it keeps visitors from snooping. Last bit of advice. Keep a good inventory (digital photos are nice and easy) and your insurance up to date.LarrySPONSORED LINKS Automotive technician Insurance recreational vehicle Recreational vehicle financing Automotive equipment Recreational vehicles Recreational vehicle sales"If hard work were such a wonderful thing, surely the rich would have kept it all to themselves." - Lane Kirkland [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Re: RV Security Experience? Reply #9 – September 18, 2005, 10:38:02 am Yahoo Message Number: 58135Thanks Gus, Glad to hear that you came out of that close call o.k. Backing in sounds like a natural precaution. I might add as a past boater, walkie talkies would be a great item to have. You've no doubt seen the two tee-shirts boaters have; "stop screaming, & i'm not screaming." This is a normal occurence because the person on the bow, can't hear the person at the helm! So their use while backing in a motorhome, may be of some value. Best, Jim PappasQuoteHi Jim:This is not so much to do with equipping the coach as properly using it. Several years ago we pulled off the road in a national forest, in Quotea sort of clearing (with a paved entrance from the road, but then just a dirt clearing). We park often in national forests and boondock for the night.But this time I was awakened in the middle of the night to hear young men (about three or four of them), wondering how they were going to break into the rig. I looked behind me and there was their pickup, blocking a part of the way out. I finally decided I had to take the chance of getting stranded (there was no cell phone coverage) and quickly started and backed out, barely issing their truck but putting my driver's side rear end deep into some bushes.Since that time I have always backed into off-read spaces. I know if I am boxed in again, I have enough power to push the other vehicle out of the way and get out of there.My only other safety consideration is to always use the dead lock and
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: RV Security Experience? Reply #10 – September 18, 2005, 10:52:39 am Yahoo Message Number: 58136Andy: Good tips on safety! When I drove to Michigan and back alone, and I stopped at State Rest Areas, I would go outside and "talk" to someone in the coach (yes I am losing it!)....I would say "Honey, will you look for the manual, etc.; please"? Or some such blabber. No one REALLY knows if you are alone or not that way!! The LD is difficult to see into and I used that ploy if I felt nervous! My doors were all kept locked. And I pulled into Triple JJJ's long before dark. I also carried my cell phone, ready to push a button for help. And if I felt uncomfortable, I moved on. I never did. I usually parked in the "truck" section where there were several trucks. For the most part, truckers are good guys I have found. Mari SusanAndy Baird wrote:
[Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: RV Security Experience? Reply #11 – September 18, 2005, 11:03:45 am Yahoo Message Number: 58138Being 6'3" and a trim 250lbs., someone grabbing me to pull me out, may be hazardous to their health. (grin) Great news, Jim! I finally have a team mate in the group! We can start a new "birds of feather" sub group: The Good Biiig guys!Eudoro, "6'4" and a trimmer 280lbs" Lemos, Jr.
[Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: RV Security Experience? Reply #12 – September 18, 2005, 12:01:17 pm Yahoo Message Number: 58140I thot someone here also played a recording of a large dog barking when concerned by those outside.best, paul
Re: RV Security Experience? Reply #13 – September 25, 2005, 11:41:57 pm Yahoo Message Number: 58390Quote"...and keep a container of pepper spray within reach while sleeping."Quote Gus Weber GusDoes your "Pepper Spray" have a caliber designation like mine???Steve S. Lazy Bones
Re: RV Security Experience? Reply #14 – September 26, 2005, 12:47:49 am Yahoo Message Number: 58392QuoteGusDoes your "Pepper Spray" have a caliber designation like mine???Steve S. Lazy Bones Ahh, a man after my own heart (g). 12 ga. and 9mm. If hassled, my plan is to step outside, rack one into the chamber of the 12 ga., point it at the nere-do-wells and ask, "You boys know a good place to go hunting?", while swinging the gun back and forth.A fellow Oakland cop, who unfortunately died early of stomach cancer, had a great sense of humor. Back in the days of the Black Panthers, even a simple traffic stop would often result in a surrounding crowd of unfriendly faces. On one such occassion, the beleagered officer called for assistance. Our friend arrived to the rescue, lept from his patrol car with shotgun in hand, swinging it wildly at the crowd. He held the "action bar release" (this allows the pump shotgun's pump handle to operate, even repeatedly, without squeezing the trigger or firing. The unfired shells simple eject one at a time.)So he racks a round in, then ejects it by pumping the slide handle, and then again, all the while yelling at the top of his lungs and pointing the gun at the crowd, "Hey, how do you work this thing! How do you work this thing!" I think all he saw was smokin' tennies and hind ends!all the best,bumper "Yonder" Minden, NV
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: RV Security Experience? Reply #15 – September 26, 2005, 11:08:35 am Yahoo Message Number: 58394Steve: mind does....Mari Susanlejest2003 wrote:
RV Security Experience? Reply #16 – September 17, 2005, 04:36:34 pm Yahoo Message Number: 58097QuoteWhat safety precautions do you implement? Thanks for helping a newbie. Jim, other than just being aware of our surroundings, we've never done anything in particular. We've never felt threatened or unsafe anyplace we've been...even out in the middle of nowhere. Don't be afraid to listen to that *little voice* inside of you, and leave if something doesn't *feel* right. On the other hand, don't get paranoid, and imagine boogey men behind every rock.Linda Hylton2004 Red 23.5' TK Honey Bear Campground Ophir, ORSee where we are:http://map.datastormusers.com/user2.cfm?user=1167
Security experience Reply #17 – September 18, 2005, 11:53:21 am Yahoo Message Number: 58139=========================== Jim Pappas sez: Being 6'3" and a trim 250lbs., someone grabbing me to pull me out, may be hazardous to their health. (grin)Eudoro sez: "6'4" and a trimmer 280lbs" Lemos, Jr. =========================== I really got a laugh out of those remarks, but truly guys, HOW, Jim, do you fit into the motor home? Is there really that much headroom what with the Å/C taking up about 4" of head space?And, Eudoro, at 6'4".... ? My present m.h. allows 5'10" under the air conditioner. An acquaintance I was showing my m.h. to was 6'2" and he bonked his head before he realized there was not enough headroom for him. Bye. FRANCES
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Security experience Reply #18 – September 20, 2005, 12:36:29 am Yahoo Message Number: 58205Dear Frances and Eudoro, I was 6'3", but after years of being yelled at by my wife, I have a permanent slump. That makes moving around much easier. (grin) Jim Pappasfms8 busyness@...> wrote: =========================== Jim Pappas sez: Being 6'3" and a trim 250lbs., someone grabbing me to pull me out, may be hazardous to their health. (grin)Eudoro sez: "6'4" and a trimmer 280lbs" Lemos, Jr. =========================== I really got a laugh out of those remarks, but truly guys, HOW, Jim, do you fit into the motor home? Is there really that much headroom what with the Å/C taking up about 4" of head space?And, Eudoro, at 6'4".... ? My present m.h. allows 5'10" under the air conditioner. An acquaintance I was showing my m.h. to was 6'2" and he bonked his head before he realized there was not enough headroom for him. Bye. FRANCESSPONSORED LINKS Automotive technician Insurance recreational vehicle Recreational vehicle financing Automotive equipment Recreational vehicles Recreational vehicle sales"If hard work were such a wonderful thing, surely the rich would have kept it all to themselves." - Lane Kirkland [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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