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AIR4US · 03-05-2008, 06:51 PM

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 · 03-05-2008, 07:35 PM

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 · 03-05-2008, 07:51 PM

be prepared

AirstreamGypsy · 03-05-2008, 07:54 PM

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 · 03-05-2008, 07:58 PM

Rick,

Your photos are beautiful!

Jerry

Excella CM · 03-05-2008, 08:16 PM

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

**moosetags** · 03-05-2008, 08:21 PM

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

overlander63 · 03-05-2008, 08:21 PM

Quote:

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 · 03-05-2008, 11:11 PM

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

thecatsandi · 03-06-2008, 03:36 AM

Quote:

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 · 03-06-2008, 03:55 AM

Quote:

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 · 03-06-2008, 04:59 AM

Quote:

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 · 03-06-2008, 05:12 AM

Quote:

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 · 03-06-2008, 05:46 AM

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

way to go, Happy!

AIR4US · 03-06-2008, 05:50 AM

the point I'm trying to make here is:
1 in every 11 Americans are incarcerated.
the #1 sector in the building industry is correctional facilities.

where do you think all this crime happens?

boondockdad · 03-06-2008, 06:18 AM

Air,
crime happens
but it ain't 1880 Tonto basin out there...

chill

Happycampers · 03-06-2008, 06:20 AM

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.

henw · 03-06-2008, 06:59 AM

We don't even like to stay at campgrounds where the gates are open at night.
Wouldn't sleep to well at a truck stop or the like.

Boondocker · 03-06-2008, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AIR4US

the point I'm trying to make here is:
1 in every 11 Americans are incarcerated.
the #1 sector in the building industry is correctional facilities.

where do you think all this crime happens?

Actually, a large portion of those incarcerated are in jail as the result of our bizarre drug policies, not violent crime.

As for me, as a general rule, I figure if a place isn't safe to overnight, its probably not safe during the day either.

Bob Thompson · 03-06-2008, 07:31 AM

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!