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blickcd · 09-08-2010, 06:11 PM

Sorry to hear about the theft. A co-worker's Jayco was stolen right around the time I bought my Airstream so one of the first accessories I bought was a boot, which I got from this company: Rhino Boot, Wheel Locks, Vehicle Immobilizer I've attached a photo of what it looks like on my trailer. My neighbors think I am a bit obsessive, but I'd rather be safe.

Christopher

heslinhotel · 09-08-2010, 06:12 PM

Sorry to here about the theft,. Sadly even a good insurance policy can't replace memories. I think that since I just renewed my insurance policy, it might be worthwile to look into a "lojack" device. might be cheaper and way more effective in locating if it was hidden in a barn or storage bldg.

2vets · 09-08-2010, 07:29 PM

It sounds like the thief planned this well. Have other large items been stolen in the area? Perhaps you could put up fliers in the area to see if any one saw anything unusual. It must have taken some time to cut through chains, hitch it up, and take off with it. I am so sorry!

Silverwanabe · 09-08-2010, 08:12 PM

Didn't we (an Air Forum Member) have a 70's Airstream stolen last month?

Dave Park · 09-08-2010, 10:01 PM

That was my 75 TW. I think it's unrelated though as it was stolen by someone known to me (or so I thought) with a fake check. It's a whole different thing to the different kind of scum who took the AS in Houston.

RichHog · 09-08-2010, 10:52 PM

This thing is pretty personal. We've spent the last 2 years fixing it up, customizing it, new axles, the works. We might can find another one like it but the memories and sweat equity that went into this one is something I don't want to repeat. I say that to you guys out there that think your trailers are safely locked up. If it's visible from the road and someone can see it then it can be theirs in a matter of minutes. I think the Rhino Boot is a good way to protect it.
Dave I don't know what's worse waving goodbye to a guy that just handed you a fake check or pulling up to a building and seeing the gate wide open and my trailer gone. Either way it's pretty painful. Hopefully these guys will mess up and someone will catch them. Am attaching my stolen flyer again for anyone that may want to send it to a local dealer, repair shop, police department etc.

Wabbiteer · 09-09-2010, 06:39 AM

What are the old end-cap numbers that are still visible?

I think I see roof-writing in my trailers future.

Dave Park · 09-09-2010, 08:05 AM

I looked at the flyer and see faded WBCCI number remains - what were the numbers? It's not likely they would buff them out...

RichHog · 09-09-2010, 04:34 PM

16865 are the old numbers. Other distinguishing items; Street side outer front window broken. There was still broken glass on it but they may remove it making it look ok as the inner glass is good. Propane tanks are grey. Awning (grey outer) doesn't roll all the way up cause it's stiff. Tied up with bungee cord at the front. Also since they don't have keys then I'm assuming they would have to improvise a lock or way to tie door down for travel. Standard 70's style lock was on the trailer but they may improvise. Carrier V Air Conditioner on top, new axles.

Foiled Again · 09-09-2010, 06:58 PM

I doubt they'll come this far, but I color printed several copies of your pictures out and will post them at local campgrounds.

If I spot the thing - I'll call you and the police - and slit the valve stems to immobilize the unit!

I also learned the hard way NEVER let your coverage lapse even if the unit is stored - between thieves and hail storms - there is too much that can go wrong. I'd stake the guy out in the desert and let the rattlers git him - but in virginia were a bit short of deserts.

Got a swamp called the Great Dismal - with water moccasins that'll do in a pinch though.

Hope you catch the thieves. Paula

SafariSS · 09-09-2010, 07:08 PM

Hey Rich Hog,

Was this off Shepard just north of Washington Ave? Is it the one that has a sailboat sitting by it? (just south of the Caddillac Bar?)

I looked at it all of the time as I have to go to River Oaks everyday from the Woodlands. I totally feel your pain, I had a 30' Avion stolen once never to be found. I think trailer are so easy to change numbers on or fabricate an identity

Like I say, I feel for you brudda....

ScoobyShack · 09-09-2010, 08:23 PM

Rich,

I am so sorry this happened to you. I know you put so much work in it. What a heart-breaker!

I sure hope you get it back, and it is not badly damaged.

This makes me kind of nervous about mine. It sits unattended in an open storage lot out in the country, with just a small hitch lock on it.

David

RichHog · 09-09-2010, 08:43 PM

Yeah SafariSS that was it. Just too much exposure there on Shepherd. And not enough protection on it. Keep your eyes open it's out there somewhere.

You're right David. Took a stock 70s Tradewind and upgraded it, had just put in new axles, shocks and aluminum splash guard. A thief doesn't deserve this.

Byams55FlyCl · 09-09-2010, 08:46 PM

Hi RichHog -

I am very sorry to hear about your temporary loss of a beautiful Airstream - keeping a positive attitude that you will see her again soon.

To help I've emailed Iowa's Airstream dealers to keep their eyes open.
USAdventuresRV, FogdallsRV, ShorewoodRV, and CampingWorld.

Please will everyone else do the same? It will keep a shorter list for RichHog to contact...

chiefneon · 09-09-2010, 08:54 PM

Howdy!

Rick sorry for your loss, I hate a theft. What you mentioned about a deer lease could very well happen as hunting season is approaching. A friend and I look a some property for sale last year in the Texas hill country. The property had previously been use as hunting leases. On the property was about a dozen RV's some in very good condition. We asked about the RV's an they stated that they belonged to the hunters that had the lease before the property went up for sale, and the hunters had abandoned them (Use them like you stole them). They will more than likely be left for the new owners of the property to deal with.

"Happy Trails"
chiefneon

RichHog · 09-09-2010, 09:54 PM

Yeah the deer lease thing scares me cause if the trailer is off the road then it doesn't need registration or repair and no one would know that it's stolen. At least with an Airstream it's shiny and would be visible in the sun.

whitsend · 09-09-2010, 10:05 PM

Paula - This is Texas. We have a long history of dealing with thieves, and most of them are NOT pleasant. We still have some very large ranches where a thief could be staked out & left for the harsh sun, fire ants, buzzards & mountain lions to feed on.

RichHog · 09-10-2010, 07:24 AM

So I actually went to the area from where the trailer was stolen and noticed one thing. The cover for the Atwood Electric lift on the tongue was thrown in the bushes next to the building. I imagine the battery was dead on the trailer so they had to find a way to lower the trailer manually to get it hooked up. That indicates they had some knowledge of these systems. So add that to the list of parts they may be looking to replace somewhere out there.

Dave Park · 09-10-2010, 09:09 AM

And it will probably have FINGERPRINTS on it.

william Haym · 09-10-2010, 09:44 AM

Hi, I have a 1993 34' airstream classic. I use a trailer tongue lock on my trailer. It might not be the best security device but is better than nothing.
I hope you get your trailer back in one piece!!!