The REAL Reason RVs Are Easy Targets For Thieves

[@Mary-tj5qx]

I think a big thing for everyone to take on is that thieves don’t all look like homeless people. A lot of them look like your neighbors at the campground with big, fancy RV’s. I’ve seen people blame homeless people they imagine have drifted into their campground overnight when it’s far, far more likely that someone with a large rig to hide the expensive e-bikes they stole, actually stole their bikes. Don’t assume that just because someone has money that they aren’t a crook, is the message. Being dishonest isn’t an economic state.

[@cvcoco]

Good comment. And, on my Ring and Nextdoor apps, almost daily there are thefts at houses, on camera, and the thieves are well-dressed and driving expensive cars.

[@alfries9736]

I bought a gas grill once. A few days later it simply vanished. Other stuff like tools in a locked garage, food from our basement freezer, and other stuff just vanished. I made a few police reports, useless. I posted a friend in the woods down the street from the house with a video camera. I came out, got into my pick-up and drove away. Within a minute my next door neighbor came over, picked my locks with a pick gun and help himself to a full bag of groceries and a chainsaw. As it turns out, a lot of folks had gone to the police with issues with him but he'd simply deny it. I had the proof. Basically, you just never know, and he was the first to come over and introduce himself. We had anti-pick locks installed and other locks added. He was a problem till he finally moved away.

[@terrarecon]

Moved away?! He should have been arrested and sitting in prison for several years for that.

[@danielp.621]

I have a front and rear dash cam on my truck and when I park at night I have the front of my truck facing the door side of my camper the lengthwise and it will record anybody that walks through the campsite at night or behind my truck. The camera serves a dual purpose for security .

[@GratefulGlamper]

great idea, thanks for sharing

[@kenmcclow8963]

I don’t post vacation photos until the vacation is over, but that’s mostly because the house is empty. I also use Blink cameras. My older ones don’t see in the dark, but the newer ones do. I originally got motion sensor lights for the old cameras, but they also work for scaring mice in areas with mice. I have several that clamp onto things with solar on the top and lights underneath. My current trailer is 40 years old. I don’t think it’s a target for thieves, but it often contains dogs. It also has a non-RV deadbolt. I often camp near people I know and away from a city, so I feel like that is safer than a campsite in a city. There is one campground in a small city I like and I just don’t leave things out at night.

[@Sam-f1k8e]

utubers have lost everything posting live videos!

[@mrs.c5471]

I always have protection. Be alert, put stuff away at night, with lights

[@josephcaprara898]

Trojan

[@kar-r5i4f]

yes i lock everything up when i done with it.

[@JJ-pc3fh]

Hotels in Albuquerque NM are notorious for E Bikes being stolen off of RV’s while traveling West for the winter.

[@SpykersB]

I was at a campground last year, this teenage kid kept coming around picking up any twig that dared to fall on the grass, was a bit extreme to me, so at night i pulled in the only thing i leave out at night, my step stool i use to get in my camper lol. I've only felt the need to do that at that campground...paranoid? I don't know, but i wasn't interested in buying a new one if it disappeared, it was all just a weird feeling. And who chain locks up their campers step stool? 🤣🍻

[@GratefulGlamper]

Always follow your gut! Thanks for watching and the comment

[@coffeeblack176]

Who doesn’t- in this world!😊

[@Solitude-x8g]

I’m never alone I always have my two best friends with me Smith, and Wesson💯👍

[@MrEroshan]

We have two vehicles so ove is always at the camper, we also use a Ring camera and doorbell. So we can monitor things when we go to town. We also get to know nearby neighbors. Wr also take the batteries out of our bikes and leave them folded and locked.

[@teriwellborn165]

I don’t even wear jewelry! I try to look poor, like I am.

[@heather482]

Dog. Always good. 👍

[@capaeo5532]

A friend owned a sticks and bricks business. One night thieves cut his power, to take out any security devices, but that made his computer back up battery scream. Thieves didn't hear it until they broke down the door. The next morning, the power was still cut, the back up battery was still screaming and the front door needed to be replaced, but nothing was stolen 😂🤣

[@debraprescott6144]

I travel internationally and camp in my RV locally. I have a black cloth infinity scarf that I can wear with a dress or jeans that has a hidden zipper pocket in the seam. I store my phone and cash in it when I go out internationally. Also, for rv, there are many great devices on Amazon for hiding items. Clocks, pop can, tin of beans, fake plants when the pot opens up, etc etc. great for jewelry, passport, money etc.

[@Sam4got]

I love the infinity scarf with the zipper pocket! They are awesome!

[@helenslaughter6903]

Just an addition to not posting any details about your trip especially if you are part time. Don't let everyone know when you will be gone from your sticks and bricks. That makes it easier for them to break into your house. Even with alarms you most likely won't be close to home to check everything out. Also check with your insurance company because you might not be covered if you advertise it on line.

[@GratefulGlamper]

Great suggestion, thanks for watching

[@hueysegura6956]

Remember, there are just a handful of compartment keys that are used on RV’s that can be bought in any dealer parts department.

[@masterbond9]

these are good, simple things to follow for security. sometimes when talking about security, people go too far and come off as paranoid, but at the same time, there should be a couple of people that DO know where you will be, and where you plan on going, especially if youre going to a super remote area that has little to no service. a satellite phone is super expensive to use, but they have plans that are specifically used for emergency situations (that $2/min phone call or $1/text message doesnt seem so expensive when you need help...)

[@GratefulGlamper]

Great points, thanks for sharing and for watching

[@bryang3635]

As for me, I would also set up security cameras around the outside. This way, I can monitor the RV while I am away, and I can view, and upload recorded videos to my phone. Also, if you have a Class C or a Super C motorhome, make sure the front cab doors are locked also in addition to the coach door. Also, traveling with a dog is a theft deterrent as well too.

[@GratefulGlamper]

Great advice! Thanks for sharing.

[@capaeo5532]

@bryang3635 it's great traveling with a dog, but sometimes it can be a pain! Had a class C and stopped at a restaurant. The dog wasn't barking, but simply looking out the window, from the table, heard a commotion and saw a woman trying to break the window to "rescue" the dog! She actually called the police! Hubby paid the bill & we left, not eating the food 😭

[@LiveYourSomedayNow]

Great tips. We've been full timing since 2018 and luckily have only had a few theft/safety issues over the years, but we've definitely become more cautious.

[@joygarrett8397]

A few years ago I had some items stolen while we took the C rv into town (no toad, just an hour from home). Brought in camp chairs. Table cloth on outdoor table left, grill bungied to table leg (still hot, couldn’t bring inside); put water & sewer hoses & sewer hose support in bags & tied them to the power pedestal. When we returned a few hours later the grill, tablecloth, & citronella candle were still there . . But all the hoses were gone! So I had to go back into town to buy new . . Arrgghh. The neighbors didn’t see anything cause they were at the pool!

[@GratefulGlamper]

Oh man, that’s awful 😢

[@rgreed20081]

One way to fool thieves is focus on wearing money belts. Keep credit cards, an id card, and most if your money in the money belt. For practical reasons, keep a low amount cash in a wallet for spending.

[@larryvanskike7154]

Run a fat heavy duty chain threw the tire rims with a big heavy duty lock on chain also ,put lock lug nuts too on rims, the black lug nuts won't freeze up like the chrome ones do. or anchor trailer down . Lock clamp on ball insert on trailer toung.

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

Really lock down travel trailers. They can be easily moved. We heard of a couple who were gone 45 minutes from the campsite to pick up a few groceries. On return…surprise! No trailer. With people buying more and more small trailers stories like that one may also be on the rise!

[@GratefulGlamper]

A wheel lock (boot) can definitely help! Thanks for the comment and for watching.

[@NoahWeidner12]

Awesome Nebraska shirt, Go Big Red!

[@SmittyAZ]

Of course, they do make wi-fi solar cameras with built in motion lights, alarms and 2-way mics. All the needed items are adjustable to stop the nuisance alarms.

[@kar-r5i4f]

i use blink and its wifi i can be hundreds of mailes away from my rig and control everything, i can even hear and speak with each camera. i have alarms that will go off, I have motion lights all the way around that come one 50 ft from the rig, which is mount high up

[@sued115]

@@kar-r5i4f Blink is not reliable. Eight hours and quiet when another system picked up activity.

[@kar-r5i4f]

My coach has 360 degree view of camera's and alarms all the time, Plus if you come in my my RV standing up uninvited your leaving in a bag

[@melendyladyboykin2482]

Very good points. I don't get out much because of work. My hubby knows more neighbors than I do. I'm not exactly a people person and tend not to mingle because of the kind of work I do.

[@Aceman597]

Im thinking of starlink mini with some type of wifi cameras. I use those blink cameras in my garage separate to my house and they work great.

[@philc.9280]

We have a new class B Travato which I treat as a high target of theft but the problem with class B's is the lack of storage so you have to hang expensive Ebikes and things on the back making it very visible. I'm just conscientious about where I park to ensure it's well-lit and a bustling area. Of course, the bikes are chained but most thieves carry bolt cutters.

[@Sam-f1k8e]

i have a Begalman dog that barks viciously when someone is outside. we were at a rest area and she barked waking us up. i looked out the window and some guy was 20' from us walking directly away at -2 am.

[@ScarySpots]

I’m full time and have 3 Arlo cameras, I was able to catch a vandal last year and since he was Canadian he was deported and had to sell his park model all because he hated dogs and I have two of them. I also use wheel locks and have had many people ask me about them and why I use them in an RV park

[@kathyvossler4626]

Nebraskan here, and I just had to say nice shirt!!

[@GratefulGlamper]

GBR! ❤️

[@jasoncarpp7742]

It's hideous that anyone would consider taking what's not theirs. Just because it's not being attended to *at that moment* doesn't make it okay to take it from that spot. The same goes for motorhomes and RVs. 😕

[@arbonneladyTN]

Good points, I teach a personal security course!

[@GratefulGlamper]

awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@andariegos9466]

We never kept anything of value in our RV. What wevdidn’t realize was considered of value to someone was our dog’s breed certificate along with his shot history. We carried it with us because different campgrounds required different info. back then. Unfortunately, that theft occurred at an RV repair shop.

[@GratefulGlamper]

That’s a good point. You never know what someone may consider valuable, even if it seems trivial.

[@CanRotaryLife]

I was a camp host at a campground, I would keep my e-bike unlocked at my site, it was the first site in the campground and not marked as a host site... So clearly visible and easy to steal. There was a very loud, and very sensitive motion alarm on that bike. If there were ever to be thieves in my campground, I would know their faces.

[@johnlackner1193]

somebody should invent a wheel chock that can double up as a boot.

[@kevinbray1957]

You need to add interesting signs to your R. V like Oregon donations taken canine transport something that will make people walk away. Or run away

[@reneedickerson4489]

Cool tips ❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@stephenharvey5932]

This is because the judges don't keep the trash off the streets.

[@laurakilmer8652]

appreciate the comments about security but i really dont think security cameras will do anything for you but put holes in your rv. No one will be identified, you are traveling thru. sorry to be a downer, I like you folks.

[@Henle15]

It makes thieves think twice. Most thieves are opportunists and pick the easiest target. So if you have cameras, but the next person does not, they will pick that one. Cameras are deterrents for sure.

[@laurakilmer8652]

@@Henle15 Thanks for replying, you are right about it being a deterent, like you guys.

[@susierosenquist3920]

Good Guardian Dogs

[@garybrown9719]

Yea get a dog

[@gthornton3]

Thx again for the super nice surprise.

[@GratefulGlamper]

Our pleasure!

[@jodiplock4784]

Good info

[@sued115]

BLINK is not reliable. I have turned it on and it did not notify me for 8 hrs of activity. I had another system that did notify me. This has happened regularly.

[@GratefulGlamper]

Interesting....we've not had an issues with our system?

[@sued115]

@ wow I've been noticing it all this past year. Glad to hear you've had good luck.

[@RickandDarcirvadventures]

First thing is to be aware of your surroundings. To many people are doing nothing but walking around with their face in some kind of phone or camera. The idea of rving is to look around and take in the sites of where you are at. This is coming from ex law enforcement officer.

[@stevemarler7039]

I like the goofy face😮

[@socapaul]

Sleeping in the back with your key fob, not in a Faraday bag, is a bad idea. They are not that expensive. $10 TICONN 2PK Faraday Bag for Key Fob, 3.5''X5.0'' Faraday Cage Protector, Car RFID Signal Blocking, Anti-Theft Pouch Anti-Hacking Case Blocker (Carbon Fiber)

[@GratefulGlamper]

Great idea. Thanks for sharing

[@susierosenquist3920]

Pit Bull

[@garybrown9719]

Nice one😊

[@masterbond9]

pitbulls are great dogs

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

Pit bulls are banned in some states!

[@chaseabrams6731]

I have a pit bull and she needs security. 😅

[@ediewall6360]

@@chaseabrams6731 LOL. Must be a big baby

[@Dave_Wave]

You missed the most effective means of security... A Great Pyrenees on a tether...

[@GratefulGlamper]

Yes, our Pyrs I have a feeling would spring into action if put in the right situation

[@underwayshiftcolors2540]

Always a hard target, I don’t think explaining is needed. There are sheep, wolves, and a sheep dogs. Which one are you!!!!!!

[@lotuselansteve]

Air Tags have a maximum range of 30m (100ft) so not a lot of good for tracking a stolen RV.

[@charcoalgriller]

Air tags will connect to any Bluetooth device available and transmit their location. Like the phone on the rv next door, or the thieves phone, or…..

[@russlea6383]

If we could only get Sasquatch to serve as security, the world would be on its best behavior. 👣👀

[@ediewall6360]

How much would you need to feed them ?

[@russlea6383]

@@ediewall6360 An apple a day. 🍎

[@kevinbray1957]

Aol

[@garybrown9719]

They don't have a dog

[@gthornton3]

They have a huge dog called Alaska

[@sandrajordan3802]

Yeah but Alaska is all about the bacon.Give him some bacon and you’re his best friend.

[@ronalds899]

Carry

[@lyfandeth]

Unless you know the laws in every state and town you pass through, that can lead to felony charges against YOU. You may be looking at 20 years in prison and a six-figure lawyer's bill.