How to PREVENT CAMPSITE THEFT while camping in your SUV

[@SuburbanCamping]

Here is the page on my website where you can find links for the products featured in video: www.suburbancamping.com/camping-gear

[@davidcitizen]

Hi neighbor!

[@CuriousinNY]

THANK YOU for your video. One of the best ones I have seen so far. QUESTION: in the picture where you have your space heater, I noticed you have an expanding rod on both sides of your van that you have hooked your cargo net to. What kind of expanding rod is that? Do you have a link for that as well?

[@gorvlivin]

Thanks for the video. I did use driveway alarms until I adopted a Lacey Breed dog. Herder and hunter, he alerts me to anything. And my Canik remedies any situation. lol

[@jeffstone7912]

A hotel door alarm for travelers could be placed on your gear. Using fishing line you can create a tripwire around your perimeter that was set off the alarm if an intruder entered your camp. Personally I prefer claymore.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for sharing ideas!

[@halbos7637]

Ah yes! Claymore.

[@Erin-Thor]

I like the way you think!

[@Boediprasetya]

C4 with trip wire detonator or booby trap like vietcong war

[@hertzair1186]

….I cant find claymore mines on Amazon anymore

[@scottziegler8094]

We had a drunk camp thief come in on us late one night. We duct taped him to a tree and called the sheriff lol

[@SuburbanCamping]

Please share pictures! 😀

[@nodanceswithwolves8425]

That is awesome! Yes...hope U got pictures!

[@sunnyt334]

😂😂😂

[@deb7518]

😂😂😂Thanks for starting my week off with a good laugh!! (Wish I'd been there to see that!) 😂😅

[@chrisemata18]

Heck yeah!

[@PittiesAndMore]

It's too bad that we have to resort to these measures. Thanks for the tips.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Yes indeed. Thanks for the comment!

[@fjb4932]

Pitties and a STI, When we don't nip a problem in the bud...

[@fjb4932]

@Dani , A dog that doesn't alert is a parasite . . .

[@Mossywoods83]

@@michelebush2138 maybe if you and your neighbors are alerted, then the thieves essentially have been thwarted. I'd rather be awakened in the middle of the night when ppl are lurking about.

[@robk.9122]

Sorry that you had to learn the hard way, but I believe this easy to follow video with simple explanations, proof and instructions will save many campers some or all of the headaches you had to endure to be able to gather and present this information. This is the exact thing I do think KZbin is a perfect platform for! Thank you sir!

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome! Thanks so much for the positive comments!

[@allbutgrey]

Great ideas. I love the alarm in the bin. I worry the most when we leave the campsite to go on a hike.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks allbutgrey! We got to keep hiking!

[@fixedit8689]

Solar rechargeable motion detector driveway light. I have four mounted on top of my suv when I car camp. Also a perimeter trip wire when boondocking

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks Fixed It!

[@piewhackit2me]

Heard this tip regarding long extension industrial cords wrap your new up cord with sections of black electrical tape to make it look ugly and like it has been repair numerous times.Also works for brand new water hoses too

[@SuburbanCamping]

Nice tip! Thanks for sharing!

[@bondee5865]

Good idea; going to try it.

[@alexanderweaver7066]

These are all great ideas. I mounted Aootek solar motion detector lights on my van's roof rack, two on the sliding door side and one on the panel side. My reason was to light up the area before stepping out for fresh air and/or to relieve myself. I nearly came face to face with a huge black bear before mounting the lights. Also, they did deter a woulda-been thief who was eyeing my camp furniture. I like the idea of using the rear cargo carrier to prevent access to the cargo doors. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks Alexander! Good point on lighting your way in case there is wildlife!

[@ohnonotagain8935]

Wonder if those car alarm things would work to scare off bear?

[@richa.s9912]

I have a Solar power panel motion detector and mounting on dead tree stump facing towards the side truck and I used it to unload my groceries stores food and items it dark at night and I used it for also finding out skunk 🦨 and rabbit and deers keep on knocking down the light part and it bothered them at night but their own home just 50 feet away from my house and truck I have 3 acres forest land in the north side and south side of my house and animals don't like my Walmart Supercenter stores solar power motion detector light up it cost me $50 charge at day full sunlight daytime has 10 feet of cord connected to Solar power panel and to base motion detector has 3 settings switch to " ON," " OFF," and " Automatic," it's a 100 lumens LED throw out light 160 degrees light and 160 degrees detected as far as 40 feet away. I walked down on my deck to go to my truck and it light up as soon as I stepped down the deck stairs 40 feet away.

[@DHaworth100]

This was a very good video. 40 years of being outdoors I have never had anything stolen from a campsite, but I also do disperse camping and try and get out as far as I can into the wild. This helps remove thieves from the area. I do plan on getting the chains, locks, etc. Because prevention is most of the battle. I do leave my campsites during the day to hike and return in the evening to the campsite. Extra security is good.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thank you very much. Great perspective and congrats on 40 years outdoors!

[@ifly64s]

Ya gotta cover the insides of your windows with blackout covers. Seeing all that gear creates a powerful motivation.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for this. I do use a cargo cover that is black, but window covers would be better.

[@ElliotBirdSmith]

​@@SuburbanCampingheatshield or weathertech are amazing if you still haven't tried them. I have my windows tinted, but use the covers for blackout privacy when camping

[@davidaz6622]

Very clever how you keep the doors locked. This was extremely useful. I was thinking of putting a tile mate and a burner phone hidden in my boxes to GPS the thieves. I think your idea is better. Make it hard so they won't even resort to messing with you.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thank you David. I like the idea of being able to track them too, but like you said, hopefully it can be prevented and won't have to do that. Thanks for your insights.

[@mmqqq8246]

Air tag....only like 15 bucks if you buy a bunch

[@johncreed2627]

May I suggest perimeter anti personal Claymore mines around your campsite and include portable tree mounted watch towers, the kind hunters use. Also, a separate tent equipped with barbed wire (toxic coated) with trip lines that could be used as a temporary jail. More creative ideas are only limited by a imagination defecit.

[@SuburbanCamping]

You definitely have a good imagination! Thanks for sharing.

[@amandalongenecker3148]

Excellent😎🤣

[@Tbone.357]

May I suggest you stay in your basement or dig a hole in your backyard and enjoy yourself 😉

[@merle1929]

Remember front towards enemy

[@MTBTrek34]

Lol

[@bque9444]

Propane tanks should be stored upright and secured (per UFC). Also suggest a plastic milk crate to put propane tank in when set up in camp to help stabilize the tank from falling over. Have you considered using window alarms? I prefer not to store anything on my driver's seat while sleeping, in case I had to jump in and drive away quickly to escape something bad.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for the advice on the propane tank - good to know, and I like the milk crate idea. I did check out window alarms, but decided on the motion alarm as it can have multiple applications. I totally agree on keeping driver seat free and try and do that as often as I can.

[@bque9444]

@@SuburbanCamping I am replacing my Home Depot totes with GreenMade ones from Costco as they are stronger. I am in rural OR. Hope to see you in the road in my cargo van I am low budget prepping.

[@OutdoorsWithShawn]

Audio over light when it comes to motion alarms. You'll sleep through light a lot of the time. But a loud audio alarm will get you up more often. Lights just help thieves see what they can steal. I've used the door/window alarms you can get from Dollar for makeshift alarm with a "trip wire."

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for these tips Shawn! Makes sense.

[@H.pylori]

I was thinking the same thing with the lights. I could see the storage bins much more easily.

[@monicadelozadapadin7697]

Dollar tree has door alarms. Very Loud

[@H.pylori]

@@monicadelozadapadin7697 Is there a specific brand that Dollar Tree carries? Or just one? You have a good idea.

[@OutdoorsWithShawn]

@@monicadelozadapadin7697 thats the ones I use. A little engineering and they work fine. Might do a video on them soon

[@paulshaw5345]

Great ideas! I used to keep some of my tools in the back of my suv inside metal dog crates which were closed with padlocks. This also worked for my camping equipment.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks Paul! I like the dog crate idea!

[@majamoore6209]

This was a very informative and helpful video. I am sorry you have had to deal with two thefts, but i do really appreciate your willingness to share your experience and remediation techniques with us. I will definitely take your advice and implement all of your security measures to ensure my camping safety. Once again, thank you for taking the time to share this information.

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome. Thanks for the positive comments!

[@veedubya4636]

Thanks for some great ideas!! It is a shame we have to do stuff like this to protect what is ours.

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome Vee Dubya (love the name!). Yes, it is a shame!

[@BLASTIC0]

Man… the Pacific NW sounds like its really gone to heck. I would never dream of having to chain down things like a propane tank. It sucks you have to go through all of this, but I I’m glad you have figured out a system that is effective.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks Nicholas. We do have our challenges here in the PNW, but all the natural wonders still make it a great place to live!

[@DustyTail]

Have you seen Target 🎯 stores in San Francisco? They have alarms on most items. Men’s underwear is locked up like they’re a bottle of Pappy Van Winkle. Pitiful.

[@black84z28camaro]

I stayed in the pnw for a summer 1 yrs ago. German shepherds scare people off. I was always left alone

[@BLASTIC0]

@@SuburbanCamping every place has its own unique, charm… im sure that’s at least one or two things about the Jersey Shore that you would find just as, or even crappier. 😉

[@xtrekkmpr2016]

A lot of good ideas here! I actually did some thing that is helpful but not sure if someone really really wanted to they could steal the box off my cargo rack on my roof. What I did was I made my own cargo rack out of uni strut/angle iron with holes in it. I drilled through the box and installed a D ring through the angle iron up into the inside of the box and then bolted it down from the inside. I like it because it stabilizes the box on the cargo rack and it will at least slow thieves down. I also don’t keep stuff on my roof rack that I really care about if they want to steal or something

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for sharing this info. Great ideas!

[@t04v7]

Good information. I have a similar setup with my excursion and a cargo trailer. I think a small , all-steel cargo trailer would solve a lot of your security issues and free up space. Pretty easy to modify a small trailer for off-road. I just got done installing perforated vinyl on my rear side windows and back hatch and it’s a worthwhile investment. Much improved privacy and makes a noticeable difference with temperature (if you go with white). Thanks for sharing your experience

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks Josh! Great ideas!

[@420slaker]

Love camping in my excursion so much more room

[@Stephan5150]

I can see how someone who has been hit twice would take extra precaution, am going to use a few of your ideas thank you. When you put those chains on your doors my impression is that you are advertising that your vehicle (to the thief's mind) contains something that may be worth the extra time to investigate and you will end up with higher chances of broken windows + bonus door damage for your trouble, better odds not drawing attention to your vehicle I would think, my .02 watts.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks Stephen. I appreciate the comments and feedback. I agree on the chains and I have not yet deployed them. I may still do so at a trailhead if it is heavily trafficked. It is a tough call.

[@williambranham6249]

My thoughts as well.

[@doriakay1576]

Back in the 60s, we were camping and my little brother barfed at night so my mom put his sleeping bag outside the tent. Durring the night thieves hit our camp ground and took that bag. Police caught them because they were dumping gear they had stolen out window going down the road trying to get rid of the barf smell.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Love this story! Thanks for sharing.

[@armadilllo]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Roadtripmischief]

Good ideas. We use several of the WSDCam alarms for our bikes and outdoor camping gear. We also have the heavy duty covered 10 mm chains and lock (16mm) One bit of concern - not only is a cable lock a weak link but if someone wants your items inside, they can cut into the box itself so I would not recommend leaving any storage boxes out. Nothing is overkill if it protects your property from nasty greedy thieves.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for the comments and feedback!

[@sebastienbolduc5654]

You can also use your alarm on your vehicle if you see someone stealing your stuff in the middle of the night. I always leave my keys at arms length while sleeping for that very reason.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for sharing this Sebastian!

[@robertduran1353]

I chased a black bear out of my camp about 3 or 4 am with my car alarm! It worked GREAT!

[@phil1268]

I always keep a 45 for the same.

[@rkf2746]

@@phil1268 Yep!! Leaving empty shells scattered around just isn't quite as affective as staring at the barrel of a 1911 or a 12 ga. Empty shells don't go bang when a bang is needed.🤠

[@SanDiego2015]

I purchased some “Smart Mimic” units that use their “Mimic” application. They can be “armed” using the application to react to motion, movement, or a presence. They set off a noise alarm, flashing lights, and an alert sent to my mobile phone. Like the locks and arrangements- and will take a look at your equipment list. My 2002 Yukon XL Denali has a similar roof carrier arrangement.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for the comment and info Kevin. Very interesting devices! I will definitely keep them in mind. Good to know on your roof carrier arrangement. The fact my setup is not totally level and the rack hangs off the side, does bug me a bit. I am considering going to a wide rack setup with the rack in the back and the rooftop cargo carrier in front of it. There are not many wide racks out there, but I found one that is 50" wide, which is perfect for a Suburban or Yukon XL.

[@SanDiego2015]

@@SuburbanCamping I had an old Yakima Rocketbox (30 years) and bought a Yakima Skinny Warrior from my local rack specialty store. The old white/grey box has plenty of life left - repaired with JB Weld for plastics. Skinny Warrior doesn’t hang over side. Will probably pick up a NAPA Maxi Trac when they have inventory (probably sitting on a cargo carrier).

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks Kevin. Great info!

[@XeniasWorld]

Kevin, did you purchase recently? They're not available on the mimiq site. Thanks

[@harleydriverpdtnm3996]

I have watched numerous videos on camping and have gleaned a good amount of information from persons who camp . I have to tell you I have NEVER found a person who has such an EXCELLENT site which provides ALL EXCELLENT INFORMATION as you sir have created !!! I have shared with friends , your site, and I look forward to your continued successes with your site Stay well Happy Camping!!

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thank you so much! Comments like this inspire me to keep producing content.

[@harleydriverpdtnm3996]

@@SuburbanCamping Yes do indeed continue ! You are helping a great deal of people with your videos and information. I have a 98 suburban and we have tent camp for some time . I ALWAYSSSS smile at the people with the 300k MH and busses as my lady and I sit in the EXACT same campsite , enjoying the EXACT same places , in a truck that cost me 1500 bucks used . Now, bless the people who have probably worked hard to purchase those vehicles, but do you know how much camping people like us can do with 300K!? Yup, still Smiling 😊 Again, keep up the OUTSTANDING GREAT WORK and I have subscribed to your channel and will have my friends who camp do so as well! Stay well Happy Camping ⛺️

[@SirenaSpades]

I think the best thing about those magnet motion lights of yours, is that the appearance, looks like someone is turning on a flashlight inside your suv, and looking out at the offending party - due to the darkness you can't tell that it's on the metal part of the suv. That would work really very well indeed!

[@SuburbanCamping]

Great point Sirena! Thanks!

[@donnastokes8808]

I used to drive over the road. And as a solo female I had to learn not to take chances. So when I wanted to lock down while inside my Sprinter Van. I used 2 long bungee cords and ran 1 from the side door to the front. Running it thru the door pull. Then for the 2 front doors I would run one from the left side to right side doors. Pulling as tight as you can get it. Then doors can’t be opened even a inch! Also before the bungee cords I would rotate the chairs so that the back is toward the door so if someone wanted to come in they couldent push the seat back forward without getting to the controls and with the doors locked down. No way!!!! Also I used to drive 18s and I used to carry a can of WASP SPRAY. It shoots 20 feet and is legal in every state. Just sit back and spray in their face. In 5 minutes they are flopping on the ground like a wasp. I never had a problem. But better be safe than sorry! 🤷‍♀️ just sayin

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for this info Donna!

[@donnastokes8808]

Wasp stay does not killlll anyone nor did I ever say it did! It does sting like heck if you get it in their eyes and mouth. They are angry as they flip on the ground cussing u out. Sorry to disappoint you!!!!! 🤷‍♀️

[@donnastokes8808]

Anyways it is a great deturent

[@donnastokes8808]

@andy bosik ok your rite. I’m wrong. I’m not fighting with u. U might come thru my car window! But BEWARE I carry and I am not afraid to use it AFTER my wasp spray….. if needed 🤷‍♀️ just sayin

[@scoop2591]

AWESOME !!! 🤩🤩🤩

[@earthprospector]

Putting a few " Smile your on Camera " Stickers helps. Happy Camping.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Great idea!

[@skateata1]

Motion sensors are a good idea. I never thought of that. I dont live in my car but I was thinking of emergencies when i need to stop and sleep. I do travel for sports I paly and it wouldnt be the first time I needed to unexpectedly stop and sleep overnight.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for the comment!

[@contentofcharacter]

Keep in mind Hexagonal chains are more difficult to cut but Master locks are amongst the easiest locks to pick.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@contentofcharacter]

@@SuburbanCamping my pleasure. A buddy of mine got into lock picking as a hobby( not a criminal but really into how mechanical devices work). He demonstrated picking Master lock padlocks in about a second. He actually had about five of them lined up and he was successful in opening all of them in less than 30 seconds. He told us whenever he sees a master lock he knows whatever it’s supposed to be securing is not at all secure.

[@420slaker]

Right or just a hammer and you will be suprised at how many locks can be opened by one key

[@tomcatt998]

@@420slaker i used to hv a coffee can full of master lock keys that i had collected over the year's & when i would find a discarded master lock i would dump em out and commence to trying to open said lock,, relaxing and time killing but U would B surprised just how many i opened

[@mackigator]

Former self storage facility owner here. All the traditional U shape padlocks, especially Master Locks, are vulnerable to bolt cutters, moreso than the hexagonal chain you are using. Instead buy disc style round padlocks with hardened shackle to defeat most hardware store size bolt cutters. These locks can also be bought in sets all keyed the same - look at self storage or locksmith supply websites to buy sets. With any padlock, expose as little shackle as possible and place the lock in such a way that tools have some obstructions that prevent easy access. Thank you for the good video.

[@Vex916T]

Thanks for the tips, and I was wondering if you could put the lights in a small clear ziplock bag to protect it from rain and snow... would be great if this works.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Well AJ, I think that is a great idea! Pretty sure the magnets would still work.

[@carmenolivieri279]

You can also apply a thin bead of silicone caulking or sealant at all the seams, except the battery door. Seal the battery door with gorilla tape.

[@JesusSaves86AB]

@@carmenolivieri279 That and/or just decent clear packing tape.

[@scoop2591]

That's a great idea !

[@flowrider5082]

Wow! I’m not sure if I went camping that I could relax knowing there are thieves out there just waiting to take my stuff.

[@SuburbanCamping]

The preventative measures enable you to relax! 😀 Or, just camp in places with nobody around - that is my preference anyway.

[@ranchodeluxe1]

You are better off in the city

[@annhysell6064]

Thank you for your thorough prevention measures. I'm planning a long trip (6m?) with my son and mom.. this is a saved video for me!

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thank you Ann. I am jealous of your 6 month trip!

[@pamagujar183]

Wow, sorry about your hardship. It's happening to all of us. We're feeling it... Those thieves can be very professional and experts at their criminal careers. Good luck and stay safe. Thanks for your video!

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thank you Pam!

[@trishrobbins9942]

I never leave anything sitting outside at a camp site. I have powerful solar motion detecting lights. I glued a strong magnet to the back and just stick them up high on my van. I even use them in my driveway. Works great. Adding your alarm to my travel kit. One more layer of safety. Thanks!

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome! Thanks for sharing.

[@bd3470]

can confirm, just last month my camera caught a thief running from my camp because of my motion lights. the thief got 3 other camps before he had to run from mine

[@SuburbanCamping]

Well done B D!

[@michelleblake4516]

I luv it when critically thinking smart people share their great ideas - they're so useful/helpful even 4 use at a later date! : )

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks so much!

[@larrylezon1590]

These are excellent ideas, both for camping and general storage. Thanks for posting this!

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome Larry. I appreciate the comment.

[@kyfisher3662]

this is interesting, in australia we all just leave our stuff setup outside the tent and the only thing we have to worry about is food because the animals can take it. ive been doing with no problem for the last 10 years and i go camping once a month. maybe its because our campsites are generally more remote or something but not sure.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@nate4222]

I was recently hit by a smash and grab on July 4th. The fireworks covered the sound of my rear hatch glass being obliterated. They only wanted one thing it had to be a super fast in and out. About 800 down the drain not to mention another few hundred to get it fixed. I got some uefy 2k s40 cameras. They aren't perfect but just them being there I think will make them think twice.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for sharing this. Sorry you had to go through that.

[@superstallion97]

Great video, good ideas. I was thinking of electrical shock fence and trip wires would help as well.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for the feedback. Electric fence probably illegal, but trip wires would work well!

[@rjm7168]

I love the lights and motion detector ideas. The chains to the door handles is interesting but those handles are plastic and if you think replacing a broken window is a pain in the butt, imagine the pain of replacing a broken handle and getting the sheet metal and paint repaired after being damaged by the pry bar the thieves used behind the plastic door handles to break them off the car. My main defense is more akin to your reducing the target size technique. I try to go to places that are too remote or too hard to get to and too far off the beaten path for thieves. As you pointed out, your big thefts were in front of your house. The campsite thefts were for small easily taken items left out over night and were likely taken by other campers that took advantage of opportunities. My friend and I were camping a couple months ago and he had one of those small disposable propane bottles taken while we were out riding. We believe it was another camper that ran out of propane. My friend was camped on the main road through the campground. That said, locking your boxes with cable locks looks like a good idea if you're going for a day hike or ride.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks RJM. Great feedback and ideas. Totally agree there is a risk with them attacking the door handles. Seems there is always trade off. I am working on some ideas for inside the vehicle. I am right there with you regarding "off the beaten path" places!

[@willdrivesu7914]

@@SuburbanCamping First I just want to say thanks for your videos. As I am recently looking at camping out of my own suv, and realized with your setup, I don't need to build anything inside my vehicle to really do this. Anyways, you could run the chains that go over your doors underneath and attach them to the frame. Also, you should consider getting some window inserts, black on one side, reflective on the other. During the summer, reflective side out will keep your vehicle cooler, and in the winter, reflective side in, will help keep the heat inside. This will also make it impossible for anyone to see what you have, making your vehicle less of a target. As a side note, if you really want to be secure with your setup when you go hiking, use a set of ratchet straps through the door handles of the front and rear doors, then climb out the back, no one is getting them open no matter how hard they try. This is an old trucker trick, to keep from getting unwanted guests while sleeping over the road.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Great info and ideas! Thanks so much!

[@lindasue8719]

I was thinking about that too, strapping the interior door handles. It might be one more reason for me to switch from the SUV I'm in right now (I've been debating a long time between a minivan and a suburban) : get exterior handles that you have to put your fingers through, not the flip up types; and to make sure the interior has the grips that you can run the straps through. My current vehicle (Dodge Journey) has neither.

[@Rottingboards]

Great ideas. The doors chained shut...says move on. Love your ideas.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks so much!

[@kevinfeckner3444]

It’s pretty sad we have to go through these measures to our gear safe while out camping there’s nothing worse than a thief great video.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks Kevin.

[@fjb4932]

Kevin Feckner, We've done it to ourselves. Taught it's not our place, duty, responsibility nor right to kill ( or at least main ) thieves. It's the sole domain of police and lawyers to protect and punish the guilty. How's that working out ? I would Never say " No body, no crime." . . .

[@Livinguud]

Not where i camp. The cold steel comforts me everywhere i go and knowone knows until you fuk with my stuff me or my family.

[@jaymercha3859]

love the way you chain locked the doors.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks Jay!

[@CS-uc2oh]

Your thought process about the batteries in that motion light is totally crazy. I have motion lights that have a solar panel built right in. I literally never have to touch it. And if the light doesn't come on and stay on, that charge lasts forever so i don't even have to worry about cloudy days... that is way better than lights where you have to install physical batteries and not even know if they are dead until you need the light and it doesn't work.

[@SuburbanCamping]

I appreciate your feedback

[@chezpostmanpat]

be aware that most (if not all) solar powered gear is/are usually fitted with lower quality batteries, often Nicad, and as such have limited recharge cycles - perhaps as low as 500 times - thats why those solar lights around your garden never seem to work after 18 months out doors. I would go with Alkaline myself (or potentially lithium if money allowed), but would mean they were more dependable (even having to check every few months), but will infinitely last longer than the throw away solar types. Another alternative would to be to use high capacity NiMh batteries - almost as good as alkaline but you just check to replace a little sooner thats all

[@robertduran1353]

I have one of those that I purchased from Harbor Freight for $20 on sale & mounted above my truck camper door. Gives me lots of light when going in or out of the door plus if anyone sneaks up to my camper.

[@drunkvegangal8089]

The most important way to avoid being targeted by thieves is to travel light. Whether car or van camping or travelling with a backpack/carry on bag - only bring what you absolutely need and never travel with anything valuable or sentimental. Worked well for me during a total of 4 years travelling around the world. Not only are you more safe this way - but you can move fast and freely if things get dicey. My only security measure was a pair of men's size 11, old construction work boots from a friend, which I placed on the step up runner of my van's side door in the sketchy neighbourhoods. Never had a problem in 2.5 years of full time vanlife as a solo woman. Oh, and a Teamster's Union bumper sticker on the back :D

[@SuburbanCamping]

I love to travel light when flying and I love the boot idea! Thanks for sharing!

[@surfinwaves4769]

Thanks for the discussion. Have you considered a small, covered, lockable trailer?

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome. I have not considered this. I suppose in the interest of keeping things simple. But I am always open to ideas!

[@willywonka521]

God damn by the time everything is locked up the weekend will be over and you go home

[@SuburbanCamping]

😀

[@kimberlyknight4973]

Very good video I am a 61 yo solo I have a turtle top 1999 Ford E 150. I mainly plan to follow my brother and SIL to places they go. It’s a shame the number of thieves our country has those of us who has worked hard for what we have shouldn’t have to worry about having it all stolen but we do. For security reasons I would like a cargo rack on top but due to age and disability I have no business on a ladder so I plan to go with a swing out cargo hatch.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for the comment Kimberly!

[@sirzoso2005]

I'm a minimalist so I wouldn't need that many cargo boxes. LOVE, and will be using a lot of your setup!!! GREAT video!!!

[@SuburbanCamping]

Love that you are a minimalist! Thanks for the awesome feedback!

[@jimmiller4951]

Very good information . I also carry a 9mm S&W and a 100 pound Doberman .

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks Jim. I would call that fully protected!

[@kimdagnillo8246]

I like those deterrents better than any locks or lights !

[@ModernDayTemplar606]

Great products and tips. It sure is sad we have to resort to this.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks James! I totally agree!

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

In camp, I use wire trip alarms with an empty 12ga shotgun shell, covering my perimeter full circle at 360*. They work.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for sharing this tip!

[@jackc8515]

I just wish the alarm had the sound of racking a 12 ga. I'd love to see them run.

[@colt10mmsecurity68]

@@jackc8515 The primer going off in the dead of night and in a forest is really loud. The only time mine went off was when a coyote triggered ours while we were dead asleep in tents. We only knew it was a coyote when we saw it’s paw prints in damp soil by the trip-line. We were just glad it wasn’t a bear or a two-legged criminal zombie. But… it definitely worked!!

[@abbeyjane1306]

My AC200P is chained inside my van. I will secure everything else now. Thanks for the excellent video.

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome Abbey! Thanks for the positive feedback!

[@georgesowers9113]

When you said you were working on surprises for thieves on the inside of your vehicle the first thing that came to mind was a box of yellow jackets. Put the yellow jackets in a box that use to contain an expensive item and leave it on the seat. Make sure to have a camera to record the results for future videos .

[@SuburbanCamping]

Great idea!

[@Micki.R]

What is a yellow jacket? (Besides the stinging insect kind.)

[@scoop2591]

LOL !!!

[@musikrantproductions7281]

We're camp hosts and find that some of our guests have stuff stolen. This is a good reminder to let people know. Our site is always secure.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Dronerangerspro]

Great info. Such a pain that we have to do these extreme measures.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thank you Tim.

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Good solutions and advice based on experience. I will be camping in the Philippines so a bit different challenges. For one, the Philippines is a small nation about the size of Arizona or Nevada with a population of 113 million people, so a lot of temptations out there.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Happy camping!

[@wildeescape]

You have some fantastic ideas. I have a few already in place (motion lights are a must), but I really like the lock on the door idea. I'm going to have to consider using that one. Thanks for the amazing info, and safe travels!

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks Eric! I appreciate you taking the time to say all that! Safe travels to you too!

[@cluek9780]

Yeah, the lock that sez, “go ahead and break a window- you’re not getting in thru there!” But a crowbar could still open the door

[@mikekolczynski5665]

I use 12 gauge trip wires from Fith Ops. Put all the gear in pile inside an area surrounded by the alarms. Mount a game camera to cover the action.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Well done!

[@armadilllo]

fith ops sucks, shorted me on parts and won't answer my emails

[@blu5307]

Informative video! Great camping check list too. I printed it out to use as guide to do my own. Thanks for sharing! 👍

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks Blu! I appreciate you taking the time to say that and I am glad you found the checklist useful.

[@roxannegalvan5927]

I am so glad that I found your channel, this gave me a lot of good ideas.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thank you!

[@HR-wd6cw]

The first mistake is to NOT leave anything of value out. This is the golden rule of anything -- whether it's camping or general travel. If you have to leave things in a trailer, make sure the trailer is locked with a good quality lock (and that the trailer cannot be easily stolen -- again using a good quality lock with a high-resitance to being broken or cut -- and by lock I'm talking about the lock to lock the trailer to the ball, and ensuring that your hitch is also secured to your vehicle with at least some locking mechanism, like a locking hitch pin at the very least).

[@SuburbanCamping]

Totally agree H R. Thanks for the tips.

[@carlcox7332]

I bought some 20$ solar motion lights at walmarr for my dads cabin and those things have worked flawless for over 3 years now. Even racoons and hogs will set them off and tgey work tgrough the entire night. Even after a week of bad weather and they still work. Gotta say they were the best investment ive made towards security

[@SuburbanCamping]

Well done! Thanks for sharing.

[@mattheweburns]

After hiking, the same trail, almost 1000 times, I realized that what I thought was a boulder off the side of the beaten path was actually one of those fake rocks people used to cover their well. Some folks had used this, and it was anchored in the ground and also around some deep roots. I thought this was a great way to save many trips and keep your camping gear where you’re going to camp, I am kind of surprised nobody tried to take it, but you can see the area from the main trail that is pretty popular, but you really can’t tell what it is unless you were messing with it. Out of sight out of mind is the best way to go. It is a shame though that you can’t take convenient routes with anything. It makes every project take longer when you have to pack up every night and pull everything back out the next day because of the stupid crackheads.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for this!

[@EffieG-ez9tf]

Thanks for the security ideas. My favorites are the hexagonal chains over the doors, and the bike rack in front of the cargo door. Have you ever seen a deadbolt installed inside a car or van door, which requires a key inside as well as outside? Do you think those might be helpful, or is there something better to put on the driver’s door once you’re inside for the night? Also, what do you think of the method of using the seatbelt to wrap through the inside door handle and then snapping it into the seatbelt receptacle and tightening it up securely? If you are sleeping in your car or van, it can slow down a burglar a bit.

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome. I like the seat belt idea, I have just never tried it. I like it for when you leave the vehicle and then you could do that to 3 doors and hope they pick one of the three!

[@barbwire8280]

I have learned a ton. BTW, where do you camp so I'll be sure never to visit there. I'm sure all of that is necessary which is just sad. Some people are just rotten.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks! I mostly camp in remote areas, but the theft incident was in the Cascade Lakes area in Oregon.

[@barbwire8280]

@@SuburbanCamping Im sorry that happened to you.

[@raymondclark1785]

it doesn't even need to be a remote spot :( we use a campground in Palm Beach County Florida where the locals walk in to steal bikes and fishing gear

[@wingnutbert9685]

That motion alarm is a neat bit of kit. I'm thinking velcro'd to the inside of the hatch doors on my camper. Also, you could stick in in a thin take-out container or dollar store meal prep container to water proof it. Run fishing line between points and attach it to the box with it on the ground. Person hits the line and it pulls the container, setting it off. And a small weight if needed for wind proofing. Tripwire at about 5' would be good for people while avoiding animals.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Great ideas! Thanks for sharing and keep them coming!

[@candidcapture]

That lock is easy pickings. A U-lock might be a beter choice but after watching The Lock Picking Lawyer, I was shocked at how easy and quickly some of them can be picked.

[@SuburbanCamping]

I will keep that in mind!

[@roxannegalvan5927]

I thank you for making this video, I have been looking for a trailer, but I think that every thing you have mentioned here, I can do something different with everything I have.

[@SuburbanCamping]

😀

[@sshaw4429]

It is so sad it has come to this. I have an EBike and a really nice rack. I want to travel with them, but afraid if I bike away, I’ll come back to no rack.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Yes, very sad!

[@robertwilson1827]

Same, BUT, you only live once. Don't let the 'what ifs' hold you back! 🚲🚲🚲

[@bondee5865]

Yeah, I would consider renting or buying a vehicle to safely transport an ebike.

[@Thomas-yr9ln]

I have one them alarms on my electric bike. They are loud and very affordable. I took one apart and it has kind of a odd battery you never see in the stores. But they are so cheap just buy another. One of my ebikes got stolen it had two bike locks news flash a lot of thief's carry bolt cutters.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for sharing this!

[@OverlandPNW]

Great topic! I have not been hit yet but I have friends that have lost fishing gear. So sad to have a trip ruined by thieves .

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thank you! Yes, very sad we have to take these actions. I came across your channel the other day and subscribed. Great stuff!

[@treasuringpricelesstime5962]

I appreciate this video. Thank you. We have recently purchased a quality and expensive pop up tent, but now I’m worried that thieves can quickly break it down to steal, when we’re away from the tent. I would love to hear any security ideas for the tent itself. It’s not practical to disassemble it each time we step away.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for your positive feedback. Sorry, I do not have any experience with pop-up tents. I do recall when we tent camped, I kept valuables locked up inside the vehicle.

[@lyradiation]

Thanks for sharing your experiences and wisdom. Appreciate it.

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome! Thanks for the positive comment!

[@DhinCardoso]

Man! You are awesome - your videos is very valuable for any campers in fact! ♥

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thank yo so much!!

[@JB91710]

In the wild west I think they hung thieves at the entrance to the town to dissuade other thieves. Hmmm!

[@SuburbanCamping]

Yes indeed JB!

[@ALee8456]

🤏🍆 🤡 Jack Biessman, this is you right? West Haven cops seize guns, ammo from man accused of threatening to blow up bank WEST HAVEN- Police seized at least 19 guns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition Friday from the apartment of a city man who they say had threatened to blow up a Campbell Avenue bank. Jack Biessman, 59, of 1045 Campbell Avenue, allowed police to take the guns as part of their investigation, he did not have any explosive devices in the home, Lt. Robert Proto said.

[@roxannegalvan5927]

I have decided to camp inside my trailblazer. I just bought a used one but I like it because it starts up good, and it's got a lot of room.

[@SuburbanCamping]

A trailblazer should work well.

[@johnbagley5341]

Nice video, some great suggestions. One thing though, those master locks won't hold up to bolt cutters like the hex chain will, so thieves will just cut the lock. Also, spare keys won't help you get in the vehicle if they're locked inside it. Some sort of hide-a-key outside the vehicle with just one key to let you in, and the rest locked inside would be my recommendation.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for the feedback and ideas John. The Master locks have hexagonal shackles, so a little tougher to cut, but yes, prone to bolt cutters. Yes, I use a hide-a-key system. All the keys are hidden outside the vehicle and I am confident they cannot be found. All the spare keys are outside, so if if they do get inside, they want have access to any keys.

[@noramaddy4409]

It is also easy to open most padlocks with a strong magnet or to pick them with a piece of cut tinny can also the right tools are on sale on Amazon and elsewhere so those inclined to steal know how to, they know more than you and I! Travel light with the minimum of gear. I do like the movement and light sensors.

[@janetmitchell1053]

My thots exactly re: the padlock! I guess you have to hope the thieves don't come prepared to remove a padlock.

[@ThatCrazyDogLady74]

I live in Tacoma and use the bike alarm on my camper doors. Work great!

[@SuburbanCamping]

Well done! Thanks for sharing!

[@seeharvester]

I just do my camping where there are no people. Usually in the winter. No bug or bear problems then either.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Well done!

[@graciel3725]

Thise hex chains look good, but those traditional Master Locks used to secure them can be cut easily. But lots of great ideas! Thank you!

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for the heads up and the positive feedback!

[@KevinNordstrom]

Great ideas, but you forgot the great equalizer, especially while inside the rig sleeping.... the firearm. 👍

[@SuburbanCamping]

That is one form of personal protection for sure.

[@Jim_and_Natalie]

We use that motion alarm on our side by side and on our trash can in the house that we can’t keep our Labrador out of even wi the chain locks and baby gates. It has sensitivity adjustment and I am pretty sure it does have a way to activate a panic. We also have hidden tile tags in and on our equipment. I would put up a cellular trail camera as well that could alert you of tall visitors to camp.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Love the trash can idea! Great recommendations. Thanks!

[@baron7024]

Appreciate this info as I intend to go nomad when I retire. I remember a pepper spray device that mounted with a short line that attached to doors. I think it was designed for use inside a safe but seems it could be mounted anywhere.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks Baron. I like the idea!

[@mutyanghv2431]

Thank you for this very helpful video. In addition to the above, I also cover all my gears with a dark colored blanket so the potential thieves won't be able to tell what's inside my vehicle.

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome! Great tip!

[@wyominghome4857]

Here in Wyoming I believe if you see someone on your property in the act of stealing you can use firearms as a deterrent. It's part of the "rustling" laws. And actually in a state where 2/3 of the population owns a firearm you can leave doors and sheds unlocked. :)

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for sharing this info

[@wyominghome4857]

@@albefuctivino1488 No, but local legend has it that two guys backed a van up to a ranch gate in the middle of the night and were in the process of loading the rancher's horses. They didn't make it off the property and the rancher wasn't charged. It's the "in the process of committing a crime" part that makes the difference apparently, or so I've been told.

[@jonkilowatt4442]

That’s what I’m talking about!

[@vikingcove]

Lately more Wyoming gun shops are starting to implement a safe holding of guns for owners in mental crisis, to reduce it's extremely high suicide by gun rate -- another consequence of the high gun ownership rate. I lived and worked and played there for a while, and loved it.

[@wyominghome4857]

@@vikingcove I doubt that safe holding will help. As my husband says, suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Among young people especially, problems are often blown out of proportion, e.g. I've lost my girlfriend, my life is over. The reality as older people know is you lose your girlfriend, you get another one in 3 weeks. The primary factor is probably less guns than self-focus, and our culture currently has a problem with self-focus and isolation. The more you focus outside of yourself, the more you realize what others are dealing with, and the more you realize that dealing with problems is part of life and not something unique to you. Still, 32 suicides per 100,000 people is a sad statistic.

[@roxannegalvan5927]

Thank you for all of these ideas, I am going to use all of these wonderful ideas, thank you for sharing 😊

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome! Thanks for the positive feedback.

[@JohnDoe-xm9ql]

Great video.... And sad state of affairs.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks you John. Yes indeed!

[@tvbox6955]

Can you please provide a link to the motion lights mentioned in this video? Thanks.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Sure thing tvbox. There is a link in the pinned that takes you to my website, which has links to all the gear I utilize. This one will take you directly to the lights: amzn.to/3vXPwYz

[@alchristensen8121]

Too much gear or not enough vehicle. Or both.

[@SuburbanCamping]

I appreciate your feedback

[@calij586]

Another great tip is to make window shades. Black poster board from Dollar Tree can be cut to the shape of the windows. It cant be seen from outside so it just blends in with the tint of the window. A passerby isnt alerted to the contents of the vehicle. Wont stop a thief but there is some truth to out of site out of mind.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for the great tip!

[@chezpostmanpat]

We seem to be like minded people - although I have the luxury of a caravan, so things are a little easier for me, but anything that is designed to stay outside - like solar panels or galley tables, even my water jack, will get locked to the caravan. At a campsite recently, someone challenged why I locked everything asking if I had anything stolen previously - I replied no - thats because I lock everything :)

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for the comments. I would like to believe we could give people the benefit of the doubt, but experience tells me otherwise!

[@Pontiacdreams]

You have a pup- what more do you need! I haven’t had any problems with the D cell light. I couldn’t get the motion sensor to work- a great video. Thank you!

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks Mark. My pup was not on the particular trip I referenced in the video, but yes, the are great deterrants!

[@crisg.5766]

Your pad locks are the week point now. They can be easily cut with a large bolt cutter. The round locks by Master are more secure, take longer to cut through.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Good to know! Thanks

[@wildlyunrulyadventures3942]

It's a damn shame that we have to do all this just so we can enjoy nature. Had my SUV broken into, in my parking lot, during the middle of the day, as I was packing up for a trip. They must've been watching from a distance. I went upstairs to grab a few more things, was gone maybe 15-20 minutes, they smashed the glass and taken nearly all my gear and were gone!! Around $1200. more or less. It has taken me an entire year to accumulate new gear, and in this economy it has been even more expensive. Some really smart and helpful ideas here. I appreciate it big time!

[@SuburbanCamping]

Definitely a shame and sorry you got hit. Once I am fully loaded up I lock everything down even if I have to go back inside for a few minutes. Your example show how quickly the can strike. Thanks for all of your positive feedback.

[@wildlyunrulyadventures3942]

@@SuburbanCamping how much have you spent on securing your vehicle and gear? And is it covered by insurance? It’s so despicable that this is how we have to live to enjoy nature. It’s infuriating.

[@SuburbanCamping]

I would say it is probably between $200 - $300. Yes, theft from a vehicle is covered by homeowners, but I have a $1K deductible to keep my rate low and while all the gear is worth a bit more than $1K, I did not file any claims, as it probably would have raised my rate.

[@wildlyunrulyadventures3942]

@@SuburbanCamping thank you for responding. I appreciate the insight. ☺️

[@BillSaltbush]

It's a bloody sad indictment on our society when we have to think like this. I don't think I want to go camping anymore. They've won, I'm beaten. Whatever happened to parents bringing up their children with discipline and self respect? As a society, we've turned into garbage.☹

[@SuburbanCamping]

I appreciate your feedback

[@scoop2591]

Not all the parents fault. Corrupt so called justice system and schools...kids are taught they are #1 for everything and nothing is their fault with excuse after excuse for bad behavior. No consequences for bad behavior. One of my sons would leave the house for school and not show up there. I would call the school every morning to see if he was there and if it was my day off I would show up at the school office. It was back when they were going to fine/discipline the parents if their child did not go to school. So I made sure the school/juvenile court knew I was doing all I could. He's a fine adult today.

[@HerrP58]

I always said that if/when the time came when I needed to carry firearms when going camping or just out for a long bicycle ride, I'd stop participating in that sport. It looks like that time is near. At least on the plus side, I'm in my mid 60s so I had the time to enjoy those activities. Pretty F'n sad.

[@debbemitchell4816]

it's not the parent's fault.