Air4us, Not trying to be smart, I think you are in danger every time you leave your house and in some areas when in your house. The point I would like to make is if you are going to enjoy life you have to take a lot of chances. Airstream Gypsy is correct, your first impression is usually the right one if you don't feel good about it get out. I never disconnect my trailer if I am just stopping for the night. Be aware of your surroundings and go have some fun.
I've boondocked all over from far south Florida to the Pacific Northwest, and only occasionally feel a sense of uneasyness. Usually it's at a "first time" location where there are no other RV's in sight. The feeling is the same whether I'm the only rig in a campground or I'm parked way off by myself. But then, it is the same feeling I get whenever I start something I know to present dangers, like putting a new roof on my home or driving thru a city for the first time. I proceed but with caution! By the second or third day/night any uneasyness passes and I relax and enjoy. I very rarely overnight at rest areas, too much noise and historically too much crime. I very rarely overnight at truck stops, less than 4 times in 6 years. Too much noise and toooooo many truck drivers with "in your face" attitude!
I do plan my trips in advance so I have a recognized boondocking location for the day's destination and, a "backup plan" just in case!
To "secure" the trailer against GTA while I'm sightseeing, I always put the support feet down and supporting trailer weight. I always put a lock on the ball latch, and I almost always extend the awning at least a foot or two unless the weather is threatening. I try to make it look like it's going to take some work and knowledge of travel trailers to steal it!
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2002 Toyota Tundra GM, Ford and Chrysler execs can save money like the rest of us by driving fuel efficient quality cars. Honda and Toyota would be a good place to start looking!
I don't stop overnight at parking lots (Wal-Marts), truck stops or rest areas. I've seen folks at some of the Wal-Mart's in the area and personally I wouldn't want to be there overnight, but that's because I know the area and what lies beyond the bounds of that parking lot. To me there is relative safety in numbers and probably if I were forced to use one of the three, the truck stop might be my preferred choice.....but if you don't know the area, I'd avoid the parking lot scenario.
Jack
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Jack Canavera
STL Mo. AIR #56
'04 Classic 30' S.O.
'03 GMC Savana 2500
'08 Vespa GTS 250
Mrs. HiHo hit on an idea we have used a few times. Pick the smallest town in the area and call the mayors office. Ask where there is a place you can stop for the night in their lovely town. We have been very surprised with the outcome, and met some really neat people.
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Vernon, Sarah, Mac the Border Collie and- 'Epiphany' the 29' Airstream
I don't stop overnight at parking lots (Wal-Marts), truck stops or rest areas.
Jack
I've stayed in State Parks where the campers around me presented as much of a danger as those folks found at truck stops, rest stops, and Wal-Marts. Indiana Dunes comes immediately to mind...
You shop at the grocery store with the very folks you should be afraid of, you just don't recognize them as a threat there.
Use common sense, pay attention to who and what is around you, take reasonable precautions for your safety, and the odds are overwhelmingly in your favor that you'll be fine anywhere you stay.
I'll grant you that I'm one of those folks your mommas told you to stay away from, but I can't think of a single moment of RV time in all the years I've done it that I've felt particularly menaced anywhere, and in 33 years of law enforcement experience, I can only recall one instance of a violent attack on the resident of an RV, and that was only after he failed to deliver the methamphetamine he'd promised.
C'mon guys. Paranoia doesn't become us. You're generally as safe in your Airstream as you are at home, however safe that may be.
Roger
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AIR 2053 “A generation which ignores history has no past and no future.” Robert Heinlein 2006 Bigfoot 25B25RQ towed by a 2001 Born Free 23RK moho
enforcement experience, I can only recall one instance of a violent attack on the resident of an RV, and that was only after he failed to deliver the methamphetamine he'd promised.
Roger, I'm not a paranoia type person but I do believe in "crimes of opportunity". I think for the career criminal, they will get you anywhere, but for others it's spur of the moment because the opportunity presented itself.
It's much like the folks who leave possessions clearly visible within their vehicles. Sure it's locked but someone strolled by, saw the stuff, and poof it's gone. Was someone stalking your vehicle for the break in? Probably not.
Instead you presented an opportunity that someone took.
Same in choosing where you stop overnight. I'm sure there have been campgrounds that I stayed in that probably were on the edge of some seamy areas. But clearly that lone motor home I see parked behind a local Sam's Club in a questionable metro area is probably at greater risk than if they had driven another 20 miles and overnighted at the KOA.
Jack
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Jack Canavera
STL Mo. AIR #56
'04 Classic 30' S.O.
'03 GMC Savana 2500
'08 Vespa GTS 250
comparatively speaking, for cities with ~100k population, Dearborn/Hgts is very low crime rate
are you relying on your own anecdotal data, or simply trolling for flames?
I don't troll. I stay away from large cities. They make me un-comfortable. Where i live people leave thier vehicles un-locked all the time. Crime is very low. I attribute this to the fact that more than a few are packing.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AIR4US
There is plenty of data on the elevated instances of crime at highway rest stops, however. Google it, you might learn something
I am aware of the crime at rest stops. I will not use Florida's rest stops. They have signs that say "Patrolled by State police" or seomthing like that. A hugh clue thier has been problems.
I will not stop when alone. If there is lees than half a douzen truckers I will not stop.
Quote:
Originally Posted by AIR4US
Don’t get me wrong, I like excitement- base jumping, trampolines, breathing fire, democrat presidents- but I don't put myself in 'victim' situations
No arguement from me on this one. Democractict presidents. I may leave for Canada!
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Michelle
I'm not afraid I learned to drive in Washington, DC
Sarah
Ruby, (05 BMW R1200RT) serviced and put to bed for the winter
Daisy, (06 Diesel F-250 w/Tow Command)
Butter Cup, (06 Classic 31 w/dinette, solar) http://Michelles-Adventures.US
the only drawback we considered before buying an a/s was the bling factor...
i know and u know where we fall in the pecking order compared to prevost, and the like.. but there's the whole 'millionaire airstreamer' misconception
That all depends on weather you act like a Millionaire or a regular "Joe". Which do you act like?
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Michelle
I'm not afraid I learned to drive in Washington, DC
Sarah
Ruby, (05 BMW R1200RT) serviced and put to bed for the winter
Daisy, (06 Diesel F-250 w/Tow Command)
Butter Cup, (06 Classic 31 w/dinette, solar) http://Michelles-Adventures.US
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