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Omnial · 01-14-2019, 12:55 PM

Hi,

I'm considering boon docking, in particular in the barren lands around Utah and Death Valley. I'd like to be able to park and unhitch the truck so I can go on day-trips.

Is it safe to leave your trailer unattended, in the middle of nowhere? I'd invest in a good coupler lock and even wheel locks.

What have been the experiences of other boon dockers?

Thanks.

Aerowood · 01-15-2019, 06:36 AM

Do it all the time here in Colorado, never been a problem. I do use a hitch lock. I also do not leave the portable grill and the Yeti cooler out.

**moosetags** · 01-15-2019, 07:25 AM

We have done it a number of times over the years, and have never had a problem. We also use a hitch lock. We have a Hensley, and I leave the hitch bar locked in the head with two pad locks. I also put a pad lock through the pin hole on the hitch bar. As an extra precaution, I remove the fuse from the tongue jack.

Brian

Adventure.AS · 01-15-2019, 07:30 AM

It is hard to prevent a determined thief from taking your trailer regardless of the coupler lock you use. I have installed a SPOT Trace Anti-theft Tracking Device.

It is powered by either lithium AAA batteries or it can be hard wired. The Trace works via satellite communication, so is not reliant on cell signals. It will track the movement of your trailer, if it is stolen, and you will be able to see where it is located (moving or stationery.) It can be had for under $100, but there is a yearly subscription.

Photobum · 01-15-2019, 09:48 AM

Been Boondocking all over the country and Mexico for the past five years. A road bike and mountain bike stolen, along with a generator. The bikes in Reno, the generator in an RV Park. Nothing stolen while Boondocking...I put everything in the trailer and lock it. No problems...
In my humble opinion you meet a better class of people when Boondocking...but I really don’t go out of my way to meet people...that is why I camp where I do...

Backfortyjoe · 01-15-2019, 10:14 AM

No problems.......so far leaving our trailer alone but it’s wise to know the area and the ease of removing or breaking into it would be. We like to have at least one close by trusting neighbor to tell about how long we may be gone. It’s still an uneasy feeling to leave it alone. Good luck~!

cazual6 · 01-15-2019, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adventure.AS

It is hard to prevent a determined thief from taking your trailer regardless of the coupler lock you use. I have installed a SPOT Trace Anti-theft Tracking Device.

It is powered by either lithium AAA batteries or it can be hard wired. The Trace works via satellite communication, so is not reliant on cell signals. It will track the movement of your trailer, if it is stolen, and you will be able to see where it is located (moving or stationery.) It can be had for under $100, but there is a yearly subscription.

I concur and have a similar setup.

However, if someone wants to steal it, they will. If they want to vandalized it, they will.

Linda71air · 01-15-2019, 11:31 AM

@aventure AS.
In watching a You tube on Spot Trace, it says to mount it where there is no metal above it. So where did you mount your Spot Trace?
Thanks,
Linda

Adventure.AS · 01-15-2019, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linda71air

@aventure AS.
In watching a You tube on Spot Trace, it says to mount it where there is no metal above it. So where did you mount your Spot Trace?
Thanks,
Linda

Sent PM.

Atwebs · 01-15-2019, 12:46 PM

Use common sense, a bit of security and it shouldn't be a problem. We've boondocked for years with no issue at all.

Lock up: doors, windows, hitch
Remove or put inside any temptations: grills, generators, fancy chairs, bikes, even equalizing bars if you use them.
Double check to be sure your power is off as well as stoves, air conditioners or anything that might run or overheat while you are away.

And, you might want to add a GPS tracker to your rig, so if it ever does go wandering you can track it down. We use the "Tile" brand when we are traveling in a lock box near the propane tanks. Heck, we also use those for my keys, the camera, the computer, the bikes and anything that might wander off.

mefly2 · 01-15-2019, 01:20 PM

Depends upon your trust level and luck ... too many years in law enforcement to trust everyone ...

trepine · 01-15-2019, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Linda71air

@aventure AS.
In watching a You tube on Spot Trace, it says to mount it where there is no metal above it. So where did you mount your Spot Trace?
Thanks,
Linda

Ditto, would love to know where to mount this. It seems only in the propane holder would work.

Adventure.AS · 01-15-2019, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trepine

Ditto, would love to know where to mount this. It seems only in the propane holder would work.

PM sent

jlandreth · 01-15-2019, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trepine

Ditto, would love to know where to mount this. It seems only in the propane holder would work.

Same here, where do I put it.

Sharon Rose · 01-15-2019, 02:32 PM

Most definitely you need to use wheel locks regardless of boon docking or other. There have been scenarios where a trailer became a run away. Not a happy experience. The hitch lock as suggested would also be a wise option to procure. And yes, do not leave anything of value or better yet, good use outside.

Good luck and happy camping.

Adventure.AS · 01-15-2019, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlandreth

Same here, where do I put it.

I would rather not publicize the location of my SPOT on a public forum. PM sent.

tjdonahoe · 01-15-2019, 04:20 PM

Never had a problem anywhere....

SilverWind · 01-15-2019, 06:09 PM

This. Just don't loose the key.

https://brahmalock.com

GMFL · 01-15-2019, 06:23 PM

A great mounting location would be under the AC shroud. 12 power under there also for the optional battery cable.

Ranger Doug · 01-20-2019, 10:05 AM

I had a trailer stolen and in my subsequent replacement, I installed an asset tracker which has it's own battery back-up--good for 6 months. It's monitored continually placing the trailer on Googlemaps through the ActSoft company in Florida. The tracker was about $250 as I recall and works similar to a cell phone gps. You can set perimeter fences, alarms, etc. and track it on your cell phone if you like. There is a monthly fee about $20 as I recall. Contact ActSoft:

Jeff Woodward
National Indirect Channel Manager | Actsoft Inc.
Office: (617) 515-6375 | Support: (813) 936-1511

Mention Ranger Doug and get $10 off.