Chains for anti-theft

[Lily&Me]

Originally Posted by Msherw

Been giving the security of our beloved AS a lot of thought for a year now.

1. We leave our AS in parks to go on day trips. I have noticed that strange vehicles seem to wander in and drive around looking for easy prey.

I just have to speak to the mindset reflected in this and a few other posts in this thread.

A belief that folks driving thru campgrounds, and young men driving shuttle buses, are casing the campground for rigs and other items that can easily be stolen and/or are part of an organized effort to do so is just not grounded in reality.

Several posts have pointed out the lack of statistics for theft of RV’s in campgrounds, and that is because it is an almost unheard of event.

I don’t believe it is conducive to enjoying travel, much less life, to allow oneself to believe danger is present from all strangers at all times.

Items do occasionally walk off in campgrounds, and extremely rarely an RV, but looking out at life in fear of every stranger not only affects the feelings of that individual but behaviors.

Take a breath, get out more, smile and say hello to those you meet, take reasonable precautions, and have some basic faith in humanity.

Most people mean you and your stuff no harm, is the truth.

Maggie

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by Msherw

We leave our AS in parks to go on day trips. I have noticed that strange vehicles seem to wander in and drive around looking for easy prey.

I drive around and look at other RV's. I like seeing what folks are buying or doing. I probably looks suspicious, but I'm in a space just around the corner.

I'd be outraged if I got stopped by security because I took the long way out.

IMO, campers in real RV parks are good people, just like marinas and airports. Boondock and you're in a whole different crowd.

Want to keep it from being towed away? Take all the wheels home. Think that's crazy? me too.

[Msherw]

Originally Posted by Lily&Me

I just have to speak to the mindset reflected in this and a few other posts in this thread.

A belief that folks driving thru campgrounds, and young men driving shuttle buses, are casing the campground for rigs and other items that can easily be stolen and/or are part of an organized effort to do so is just not grounded in reality.

Several posts have pointed out the lack of statistics for theft of RV’s in campgrounds, and that is because it is an almost unheard of event.

I don’t believe it is conducive to enjoying travel, much less life, to allow oneself to believe danger is present from all strangers at all times.

Items do occasionally walk off in campgrounds, and extremely rarely an RV, but looking out at life in fear of every stranger not only affects the feelings of that individual but behaviors.

Take a breath, get out more, smile and say hello to those you meet, take reasonable precautions, and have some basic faith in humanity.

Most people mean you and your stuff no harm, is the truth.

Maggie

Nievete is a hard way to learn a lesson on the evil that lurks in the heart of some people. Much crime is drug fueled. And no, I don’t look at everyone as a potential criminal. I’m gregarious and outgoing. But...

I bet you lock your Interstate when you go in a store? I’m almost certain you don’t leave the keys in the ignition when you go for a long walk.

My dad liked to say “Trust everyone but brand your cows”.

I think RV theft is significantly lower than car theft because of the total numbers of cars v. RV. But my insurer has an actuarial that tells her how much we will pay for annual coverage based on aggregate risk for fire, theft, road damage. I bet you could get that data from the insurance company online.

We love camping and meeting new folks and we feel reasonably safe (unless we are the only ones in a very remote area). However, we lock the cabin door when we leave to fish or go for long walks, and we now lock the RV hitch. We always leave our tow hitch locked to the car so our trip doesn’t get interrupted haveing to replace that on the road. And btw, there is scrap metal (sway bars, tow hitches, and other items) that disappears from sites on a fairly regular basis. So don’t leave those in sight as a target.

I manage our risk on practical and sensible levels while camping. We waited a lifetime to own an Airstream and really would like to hang on to it. I believe the hitch cover by Precision Industries is the best I’ve found. But it’s a personal decision.

[Too tall]

Mike and others,
I just installed the Proven Industries lock. The lock is a beast and very well made. I'm less than impressed with the puck keyed cylinder. The puck itself is fine, made of high grade aluminum that is not a issue. What I'm looking at is that the lock cylinder is not hardened or armored. Someone correct me if I'm mistaken.

Originally Posted by Msherw

Been giving the security of our beloved AS a lot of thought for a year now.

1. We leave our AS in parks to go on day trips. I have noticed that strange vehicles seem to wander in and drive around looking for easy prey.

2. We leave our AS on it's parking pad behind the house when we leave the ranch. Being rural (even with a big, closed, iron entry gate) an AS is inviting for those who wander by looking for generators, welders etc. Once beyond the gate, they can back up and load up our AS.

3. So today, I will pull out the credit card and order the Proven Industries hitch lock for the AS. Pricey - yes, but peace of mind is never cheap.

Thanks for the great thread and suggestions.

[GMFL]

The lock I just built I purchased a mul-t-lock MT5+ puck.
That thing is a BEAST.
My lock body is at the powder coater now. Should pick it up tomorrow.
https://www.mul-t-lock.com/en/site/m...key-puck-type/
http://www.superiorlocks.com/index.p...k-padlock.html

[bweybright]

So I don't deny these are some impressive locks, and cool to say I own one. But as I have posted before: Where are you camping where you feel you need one of these?
I understand security and have a significant lock on the trailer in my shed on my property with plenty of neighbors who call the cops if things don't look right.
So I am just wondering about the expense, time, effort, and extra "stuff" to haul for these contraptions.
But still they do look cool and could be fun to play with.

[Too tall]

Originally Posted by bweybright

So I don't deny these are some impressive locks, and cool to say I own one. But as I have posted before: Where are you camping where you feel you need one of these?
I understand security and have a significant lock on the trailer in my shed on my property with plenty of neighbors who call the cops if things don't look right.
So I am just wondering about the expense, time, effort, and extra "stuff" to haul for these contraptions.
But still they do look cool and could be fun to play with.

I plan to leave my trailer for a week or two at a time where there are no neighbors etc.

Thanks for the support.

[Lily&Me]

Originally Posted by Msherw

Nievete is a hard way to learn a lesson on the evil that lurks in the heart of some people. Much crime is drug fueled. And no, I don’t look at everyone as a potential criminal. I’m gregarious and outgoing. But...

I am hardly naive about evil and human nature...actually the exact opposite is true...which is why I know from experience that most people mean you no harm.

I think everyone needs to do whatever makes them feel that they and their things are safe, and that’s not what I was referring to.

Enjoy your travels.

Maggie

[Caffeinated]

We have camped for over 25 years in trailers, and have never had anything stolen. Not to say it doesn't happen, but....

I do have a hitch lock, but I figure that just lets the amateurs know I've taken some precautions.

Mike

[Martee]

Originally Posted by Caffeinated

We have camped for over 25 years in trailers, and have never had anything stolen. Not to say it doesn't happen, but....

I do have a hitch lock, but I figure that just lets the amateurs know I've taken some precautions.

Mike

I have been tent camping for 52 years and Airstreaming for just 1 year. Never had anything stolen either. But trailer thefts do occur....both by opportunist amateurs and well planning professionals. Here in Texas more thefts occur off RV dealer lots than at RV parks and State campsites.

[GMFL]

Got the hitch lock back from powder coater today.

[r carl]

Good job GMFL.

[Too tall]

You have skills. Great job and thanks for the tip on the lock. Those are real real nice.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by Too tall

You have skills. Great job and thanks for the tip on the lock. Those are real real nice.

Those mul-t-locks are built like a Rolex. Very smooth and precise machining.

[bweybright]

Nice lock, but to go back the the initial thread topic....you still have chains hanging to grab and go.
Not to be antagonistic as I have my trailer and wheels locked in my shed on my property - but are we(the forum) suggesting these locks of various sorts for long term storage or for while in campground situations?
I ask this as some of the locks presented I would like for long term storage but not for while in a campground?
Just trying to clarify where this thread is heading and the intent and focus of what is being posted as we move forward.

[Hittenstiehl]

On our very first Rally we were at Lost Dutchman State Park in Mesa AZ for Thanksgiving Rally. We were in a designated for us only dry paved camping loop with pullouts and not to far from one another. Many of us we're up late with the usual campfire chatter.

In the morning we learned that a generator had been stolen from right next to a trailer. After further conversation several people had reported hearing a vehicle at about 2 in the morning. After reporting it to the park rangers they advised a van had been stealthing around in the wee hours and stolen several things from several other camping loops.

Camping actually keeps my faith in people alive as we have met so many good, interesting and helpful people while we're out there.

I agree with Maggie that the majority of people intend or wish you no harm. It's the one Yahoo that I'm guarding against. The one who thinks he deserves my stuff, cooler, chairs, water jug etc.

We lock up when we both go to the restroom or the community campfire at night or for the morning garbage walk. I would not leave anything out overnight that cannot be replaced. I know that all things left out or alone can grow legs and wander away.

We don't let it stop us from going, having fun, and planning for the next time.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by bweybright

Nice lock, but to go back the the initial thread topic....you still have chains hanging to grab and go.
Not to be antagonistic as I have my trailer and wheels locked in my shed on my property - but are we(the forum) suggesting these locks of various sorts for long term storage or for while in campground situations?
I ask this as some of the locks presented I would like for long term storage but not for while in a campground?
Just trying to clarify where this thread is heading and the intent and focus of what is being posted as we move forward.

My chains are just hanging there for photo. I put double hooks and remove the chains from the trailer and store secure.

[Martee]

GMFL...Very well done. A right nice piece of steel fabrication and power coating. Have you considered marketing?

[Msherw]

Originally Posted by bweybright

Nice lock, but to go back the the initial thread topic....you still have chains hanging to grab and go.
Not to be antagonistic as I have my trailer and wheels locked in my shed on my property - but are we(the forum) suggesting these locks of various sorts for long term storage or for while in campground situations?
I ask this as some of the locks presented I would like for long term storage but not for while in a campground?
Just trying to clarify where this thread is heading and the intent and focus of what is being posted as we move forward.

Not to be dismissive of any of the questions/comments on this thread: you use a theft-prevention lock on your AS whenever YOU feel it is warranted. No one can make that decision for you. At home port, in storage, in a campground, it is your decision. Look around and assess the need, the neighborhood, and the risk.

Exposed chains could be a problem albeit I have never heard anyone trying to drag an RV by the chains without having a hitch (even a locked one) to at least balance the tow load. It would be more than a difficult task. That said, cut the chains if you like and use the heavy duty threaded D shaped clevis pins to attach back on when you tow. Chain locking is not high on my list of concerns. Insurance is my lender of last resort.

The Proven Industries armored hitch lock is MY personal choice. It is hardened steel and the aircraft aluminum, six pin tumbler, puck lock is more than adequate to the task. If you like, they have stainless pucks for more money. The object here is to prevent a pry attack. I’m not a Proven sales guy, but I feel it is the right defense at the correct price for my application. Personal choice.

Safe travels all and Stream On.

[Too tall]

Mike we are on the same page, yours are good words.

I did buy the P.I. lock. The only thing about this piece which has me scratching my head is the lock assembly itself (cylinder, pins etc). This appears to be a non-hardened set without armoring. If this amateur observation is correct I'm lost why such a otherwise awesome hitch lock would lack a better lock set.


I want to be wrong on this.