OUR TRAILER GOT BROKEN INTO!

[@ginetteblier]

Thank goodness the damage was minimal. Sorry for the stress you endured.

[@erinmcallister5239]

So sorry this happened to you. I’m glad it was an easy fix. Our trailer was stolen in October off our friends property. We had 2 locks on the hitch and a boot on the tire and it wasn’t very visible on the property. If they really want it, they’ll get it. We have 4 kids so there was a lot of stuff still in there. It was our perfect trailer too. We’ve been paid out by insurance and are on now on the hunt to replace it. Hopefully we can find one in time so we can at least get a trip or 2 in this year. Looking forward to your videos this season. If we can’t get out this season we can live it vicariously through your videos!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

OMG, the hassles you must have gone through, with insurance and everything. I hope you can get a trailer in time to get somewhat of a camping season. From what I'm hearing most new trailer are on back order. Good luck!

[@erinmcallister5239]

Our insurance company was actually amazing, no hassles at all with them. The hassle is replacing everything. We’re looking for a pre-owned private sale trailer and starting to see more coming available. Hopefully the perfect one will come available soon!

[@Kerry6691]

Great minds think alike 😉 the first thing I thought when you went in was that you were going to find a big 💩 surprise. Although this was unfortunate, I am happy to see that whoever broke in had enough respect not to vandal your trailer. You guys dealt with this situation like pros. Cheers

[@CampingwiththeColes]

It was a stressful situation until we finally got there to check out the damage ourselves. It could have been much worse.

[@davidabreu1718]

That name 😂 glad there was super damage. Can't wait for camping video uploads :)

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Us too! Soon!

[@kima.785]

Glad it was a minor fix. Fortunately nothing was taken or no one did what Cheryl checked for in the video lol. We also keep our trailer in winter storage on a rural property in southern Ontario - it's sheltered under a roof, but not enclosed. It would be heartbreaking to see it damaged badly or stolen. We have insurance and hope for the best. Thanks for the suggestion re doing the inventory thing - though like you, I take everything I can out to be proactive around critters. PS: This year, I followed up on your recommendation and booked a short weekend stay at Valens (it is very close to home) at the end of May to kick off the season and then we're going to head to Mikisew following our 15th annual trip to Algonquin. (Despite all our 7 a.m. efforts with multiple people and computers, we couldn't get sites at Mew Lake so will be at Pog this year, but happy to get something booked!) Keep the great videos coming! Love what you're doing. Safe Travels!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Your winter storage set up sounds a lot like ours. There's a roof over the trailer but it's not enclosed. You'll love Pog Lake. We are going to try to get to Mew in September because we haven't been to that campground yet. Happy camping!

[@kima.785]

​@@CampingwiththeColes We're looking forward to trying Pog - I hope you enjoy Mew Lake. The lake itself isn't the draw, for us it's the large more private campsites and the easy access to LOTR for kayaking (and the store for Kawartha Dairy ice cream;), cycling the Old Railway Trail to the waterfall, blueberry picking in season, etc. Hope you enjoy it!

[@outdoorskingdome9038]

that sucks. guess your beer fridge was empty so they left. lol

[@robertforget6369]

great video i have a vw camper van for storage time they have very durable complete vehicle covers seems to keep people and pests away help with sun damage expensive but worth the money

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Great tip!

[@ktownc936]

I hope one day to handle situations with a calm demeanor such as yourselves.

[@esthers5772]

So sorry this happened to you. Ben was fortunate to be in US to find the required parts. I’m sure it caused a lot of anxiety until you got to inspect for yourselves. As you said it could have been worse. Glad it was a simple fix.

[@ottawadeafgirl]

I’m sorry this happened #sad

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks. It could have been a lot worse. We feel fortunate.

[@markm6028]

Can't wait for your fist camping video....glad to see no serious harm or theft was done.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We can't wait to get out there and record or first trip of the year. It's such an exciting time!

[@timmorrow2710]

Sorry to hear that your trailer got vandalized. Thankfully just a small amount of damage. Nice instructional video on lock replacement too. Looking forward to a new season of Camping With the Coles. We always look to you guys as a great resource when planning our trips.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Hey, thanks for the support. We are soooo looking forward to the new camping season! We have lots of parks booked.

[@adamhamill4637]

It really sucks that this happened. People suck sometimes. You mentioned putting your trailer in a more secure storage yard, that may sound like a good thought to some but theres a couple things to keep in mind. Most storage yards state that they are not responsable for contents or damage on the things you store. Secondly even if the storage yard has cameras, like your friends found out, you likely won't get a clear enough picture to identify who yhe culpret was. Some storage yards also charge a premium for the video security as well. We have our trailer in a storage yard here in london more for the convience of not having it in our driveway all winter (by-laws as well), and in the summer we can put it there if we need to clear the driveway for what ever reason.

[@marilyndekker1541]

Thankfully the individual at the farm noticed something wasn't right. Glad it was an easy fix and you were able to get your parts during your holiday.

[@susanbaugh5203]

Glad there was nothing in the toilet! Great job on the video!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Me too! I never thought to look in there but Cheryl's mind is always on bathroom situations.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Yes, it's a working farm so someone is there everyday. That's why we like to store it there. We were concerned about the person returning before we could secure it. The property now has cameras and lights.

[@monicamoniz2527]

I'm glad it was minimal damage and the owner of the farm was great at getting things called in for you and buttoning up your trailer for you. I enjoy watching your videos.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks for the support. You're right about the property owner, he took good care of us.

[@nicolelalonde1831]

I'm glad to see you were able to easily fix the damage done to your trailer so you'll be able to enjoy the camping season that is quickly approaching.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We have sooo much camping booked! This could have been much worse. We are very fortunate.

[@TheAverageTourist]

Such an awful experience, especially to find out as you were going to Florida. Thanks for sharing the experience and everything you did to fix your rig. And great advice to document your stuff.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks for your support.

[@caroylnwood379]

Thanks for sharing! sorry this happened to you , like you said, could have been worse, happy trails!

[@clarkleakins879]

This similar style of latch is very common on utility trailer. We had a neighbor, trailer broken into all/most contractor power tools stolen. They sid not cut the locks. They cut through the hasp at the hinge. It is much softer metal than the locks. Suggestion: devise an internal latch mechanism. Maybe add a sign/sticker "No toys inside, this is a tent trailer!"

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks for the tips.

[@webbphoto2]

Yes you did get off lucky! wow!

[@tinaleo6926]

Terrible this happened to you guys. Some people!

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks. We were fortunate though. It could have been a lot worse. 🤷‍♂️

[@jeremystringer7110]

One of my nightmares! Sorry this happened to you but I’m glad it was all relatively easy to fix! Thanks for sharing!

[@Mattedfred]

Glad it wasn’t worse. Would you be willing to share where you’re currently storing your trailer for the winter? We live in your region. We’re in Preston.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We don't store it at this place anymore. We now store it at a friend's place. Sorry, but he's not open to store any more.

[@Mattedfred]

@@CampingwiththeColes Understood. Thanks for the prompt reply. Great channel by the way!

[@joanneduclos3550]

Every RVer’s nightmare, but you got off lucky folks. So happy for you. See you in the parks this summer! 🇨🇦👍

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We were definitely lucky! This could have been so much worse.

[@annapacheco5996]

Hi guys . So sorry this happened to you . Thank goodness it wasn’t worse.

[@alisonlee6800]

My goodness I am so sorry to hear, but very relieved that nothing was taken. I remember last year was a very high theft season, trailers were stolen right out of people’s driveway. Look forward to following along on your camping trips this summer! When will you posting your itinerary? 🙂

[@CampingwiththeColes]

No set date yet to announce our itinerary but we expect to have it out around the middle of April. It's going to be a BUSY camping season!

[@alisonlee6800]

So excited!! Can’t wait!

[@trishaharrison6183]

That really sucks but luckily could of been so worse.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We realize how lucky we are. This could have been much worse!

[@Natalia0215]

Hi there, I’m glad it was an easy fix. Something similar happen to us at the end of October last year. Luckily it was an easy fixed the door was bend fortunately the guy didn’t steal anything. The trailer was in a known storage place and this guy just got in. The guy was caught by police sleeping inside another fancier fifth wheel just park across from us. The police said he trashed that tailer and removed stuff to sell. It was really scary experience. I really like like you guys, you are so helpful.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Looks like you lucked out just like us. Happy camping!

[@colleenfritzley456]

We are so sorry you had to experience this especially being away. Looks like you came out pretty unscathed as it could have been worse. Looks like where you store it took care of things until you returned home.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Yes, we were pretty lucky! I would have been devastated if my trailer was stolen! Unfortunately, this is the world we live in and you have to do the best you can under the circumstances to protect what you have. Looking forward to hitting the road again! Happy camping :)

[@CC-jy4gr]

Time to pull the bear traps out from the basement.

[@CC-jy4gr]

So many questions! Did they take anything? Break anything? Dookie in my boot?

[@theresaclarke2638]

Oh nooo ! Love you guys...my favourite camping people and my " go to " resource . Really happy that , all things considered , this ended well for you. I have 4 campsites booked already; getting ready to book for September ! Looking forward to your videos and upcoming adventures 😀 Be well.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks. You're right, all things considered we were very lucky that it just amounted to some minor damage. We have lots of trips planned for this summer and we would have hated for something like this to impact that.

[@robertsitch1415]

I am not too surprised as there has been a lot of property crime in Ontario lately. A guy was caught wheeling a stolen shed on a handtruck in Hanover, Ontario lately even.

[@bennerpi]

People will break into and steal anything, there is just no deterrence in our legal system. Run a nice bead of caulking around the outside of the locks in the warmer weather.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

I thought about caulking around it, but because there wasn't any on it originally, I decided against it. I'm reconsidering now. It doesn't hurt to put some on. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@bennerpi]

@@CampingwiththeColes ProFlexRV works great, have a rag and some mineral spirits, damp, spread a thin bead then wet your finger and wipe the bead, I did this and amazed how well it turned out. Go around all your windows, doors, storage door panels anywhere a trim piece overlaps. I'd highly recommend RV ProSeal, I had Dave come out last Spring, hooks a vent / tube and pressurization machine through the bath vent, sprays the outsided, roof, wall seams etc. and you will see anywhere there is any leaks.

[@chantellek3982]

The toy hauler thought seems to be the only logical one- although perhaps they were slightly intoxicated too, as that would be one really high ramp! Glad it was just the locks!

[@campkayakadventures]

Sorry to hear about your trailer if you want safer storage next winter you can park it in my driveway next to mine but I am pretty far from you.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks for the offer Frank. We're comfortable with where it's stored. They are installing cameras and lighting and a fence that they've been meaning to install for a few years.

[@campkayakadventures]

@@CampingwiththeColes that sounds great. Having your trailer near by is way more practical.

[@mikearsenault6396]

Sorry to hear that. Its my biggest winter worry! I think I check mine once every couple of days. You said you bought it Ruston Rv, I store mine at place close by that has cameras and gates and a good price!. If you're interested msg me and I will get you the number. Take care

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thanks for your support and thanks for offering to give us the info on a more secure place. I think we're going to stay where we are. Camera's and lighting are coming and the owner lives on the property which certainly provides some security.

[@ewandrodefaria6275]

First: sorry this happened to you. Second: Im Brazilian and I cant say the name of that piece faster, lol... too long. Would never figure out by myself either. Third: if you bought your trailer in Burlington, it means that we may be neighbours. We live in Caledonia.

[@adrianwitten9540]

Sorry this happened. Glad it was not worse. Do you know of a lock set/handle I can change on the main door of my trailer? BTW, excellent video on ticks, I shared it with family and friends. Happy camping and looking forward to more of ur videos .

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Yeah, we really got lucky that it wasn't nearly as bad as it could have been. I've never really looked into a lock/set handle for the trailer door. I know that if we did change out the original one I would look into one with remote lock/unlock and a combination pad. That way we don't always need to be messing with keys. I haven't researched any brand in particular but they are something like this amzn.to/36SkjeL.

[@adrianwitten9540]

Thank you for the info. Enjoy your summer camping

[@jamesyao9199]

HI! I’m a newbie for RV stuffs. How often you repack your camper’s wheel axles? Do you think its necessary to do it every year?

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We're not experts in this so take our advice with a grain of salt. The common suggestion is to have it done every year or 20,000 kms, which ever comes first. To me that seems a little excessive. We're only putting a couple thousand kms on it each year and it's not like a boat trailer that goes in the water that could contaminate the grease. We do it every 3 years. However, I would suggest doing it the first year after purchase. I talked to a trailer mechanic and he said that these trailers are thrown together so fast you never know how well they are packed at the factory and they likely use the cheapest grease they can find. Repacking them yourself of having an RV repair facility doing it you'll likely get a good job done with quality grease.

[@01AceAlpha]

Not the “maintenance” video you want to make but there is a lesson in there somewhere. We are lucky to have been able to make room in one of our barns to store our trailer, but I’m still worried someone will break in through the barns steel door. This undesirable behaviour is becoming much more common and aggressive unfortunately.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We sure wish we had someplace close to keep an eye on it. Living in the city means we can't keep it at home from Nov 1 to April 30th.

[@HANDYMANDAN51]

Good video, Do you have insurance on trailer while in storage

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Yes the trailer is fully insured. We didn't have to go through insurance for this as it was only about $70 to fix everything. We were lucky!

[@HANDYMANDAN51]

@@CampingwiththeColes Thank you for reply, looking forward to your next video.

[@guyanderson2428]

you should store your trailer at your house

[@CampingwiththeColes]

We live in the city and the bylaw doesn't allow it. We can only park it in our driveway from May 1st to Oct 31st.

[@carolsalo4928]

RVLivingLife travelling in Southern Ontario. Check us out! Love your videos's.

[@CampingwiththeColes]

Thank you! Will do!