boondocking safety

[AIR4US]

OK. call me paranoid

would never overnight at a highway rest stop

a big box store parking lot seems only marginally more safe, to me

i'd prefer someplace well off the beaten path, but thats tough to do when you just need to pull off and grab some shut-eye

Urban Boondocking Protocol
(steps in addition to our normal stop procedures- chocking wheels, emergency brake, etc...)
1. remove receiver/shank pin. (so as not to be stuck inside a moving trailer during a GTA)
2. verify my 20, locate nearest police station and program phone number into cell
3. put taser under pillow
4. say my evening prayers

[fotochop]

glad I'm not the only one...

not crazy about packing heat on a "camping" trip but a taser...hmm... that might make more sense..

a taser does have a SAFETY , right?

[ROBERT CROSS]

be prepared

[AirstreamGypsy]

I have boondocked all over the west in all types of locations. I have the giant 4 Dcell mag light next to my bed. The only time I got the hebees in the middle of the night was when my water pump decided to go on. It is right under my head.

The only time I was disturbed it turned out I was on a ranchers property. I had turned to the wrong side of a dirt road "in the middle of nowhere". Thought I was on BLM which of course was on the other side of the dirt road.

The only time I actually was worried about where I was staying, which was off the beaten path down a side road off the main road, was somewhere around Susanville/Reno. I recognized and accepted my sixth sense, read BLINK, finished my dinner and took off down the road. Ended up staying in the Reno Circus-Circus parking lot.

Bottom line for me is always, if you don't feel comfortable, don't stay.

[JerryMcMunn]

Rick,

Your photos are beautiful!

Jerry

[Excella CM]

One thing about overnighting off the beaten path is that you'll have more time to dispose of the body.

[moosetags]

We do truck stops while enroute. Lots of activity and the local constabulary is always there,

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by AirstreamGypsy

I have boondocked all over the west in all types of locations. I have the giant 4 Dcell mag light next to my bed.

Get the 6 cell, they are brighter, and do more damage when used as a club. I've used mine several times in the performance of my duties...

[Kevbo10]

i like truck stops, and never forget the box of condoms. kevbo

[thecatsandi]

Originally Posted by AIR4US

OK. call me paranoid

would never overnight at a highway rest stop

a big box store parking lot seems only marginally more safe, to me

i'd prefer someplace well off the beaten path, but thats tough to do when you just need to pull off and grab some shut-eye

Urban Boondocking Protocol
(steps in addition to our normal stop procedures- chocking wheels, emergency brake, etc...)
1. remove receiver/shank pin. (so as not to be stuck inside a moving trailer during a GTA)
2. verify my 20, locate nearest police station and program phone number into cell
3. put taser under pillow
4. say my evening prayers

I think you need to move out to a safer neighborhood.

Urban is a relative term. Would I spend the night in Dearborn, MI NO! There are many that I would not mind stopping for the evening. Especially west of the Mississippi.

I have stayed the night at a rest stop in Oregon with 10 or so other trucks. No problems. The highway noise was a problem.
I have stayed the night in many Wal-Marts. No problems. Sometimes I am the only one other times there are several trailers.

I have spent many a night at a truck stop. No Problems.

Knowing my location at all times. You bet. If you have a phone made in the last few years it has a GPS chip in it. it will tell 911 where you are if the feature is turned on.

What is a GTA?

[Wayne&Sam]

Originally Posted by overlander63

Get the 6 cell, they are brighter, and do more damage when used as a club. I've used mine several times in the performance of my duties...

In the performance of your duties as a moderator??? I guess I better pay attention to my warn meter!

[AIR4US]

Originally Posted by thecatsandi

I think you need to move out to a safer neighborhood.

Urban is a relative term. Would I spend the night in Dearborn, MI NO!


What is a GTA?

grand theft auto

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?

There is plenty of data on the elevated instances of crime at highway rest stops, however. Google it, you might learn something

Vice units have also been cracking down on the illegal activity and sexual deviants that frequent them

Don’t get me wrong, I like excitement- base jumping, trampolines, breathing fire, democrat presidents- but I don't put myself in 'victim' situations

[Happycampers]

Originally Posted by AirstreamGypsy

Bottom line for me is always, if you don't feel comfortable, don't stay.

The trouble here is people that paranoid wouldn't feel comfortable in the back lot of a police station.

[AIR4US]

hey, i think theres some synergy here.... a mini police station, like the ones in detroit, at rest stops...

way to go, Happy!