Stolen Tiny House! Easy Tiny Home Security Tips to Prevent Theft

One of our most frequently asked questions is “what do we do about SECURITY in your tiny home?” With a recent rash of stolen tiny houses, we wanted to share some easy steps and inexpensive tools you can use to deter and prevent theft.
Over the past few years, we have parked in all kinds of weird places. We have never had security issues but we do take key precautions. Watch & don’t let fear keep you from pursuing your tiny house dreams!
~Security Products~
MegaHitch Vault (the hitch lock we use): amzn.to/2XMUdki
Master Lock (another hitch lock option): amzn.to/2Hkv6zE
Wheel Chock Lock (what we use): amzn.to/2H6mkWO
Wheel Lock (for nut): amzn.to/2UtVzyI
Battery Operated Motion Detector Light (what we use): agiluxusa.com/product/battery...
Honeywell Smart Home Security System (on-grid only with indoor & outdoor cameras; comes w/Alexa): bit.ly/Honeywell_TinyHouse
Outdoor Security Camera (rechargeable battery/solar-powered): amzn.to/2tW5FfY
Smile You’re On Camera Sign: amzn.to/2tWmUO5
~GPS Trackers from Tiny House Insurance Companies:
Strategic Insurance Agency tinyhome.insure/track-my-tiny AND InsureMyTinyHome.com
~Other GPS Trackers:
www.outdoorsy.com/gps
bit.ly/brickhousesecuritygps
gpsandtrack.com/equipment-gps...
~Stolen Tiny Houses-the Majority Were FOUND! ~
FL-HELP Find It: www.fox13news.com/news/local-n...
MO-FOUND: www.usatoday.com/story/news/n...
Australia-FOUND: www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-1...
CA-FOUND: www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/a...
PA-FOUND: www.fourstateshomepage.com/ne...
MO-FOUND: www.ky3.com/content/news/4335...
TX-FOUND: www.mnn.com/your-home/remodel...
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***********************************************************************************Our Gear:
~CAMERAS~
DJI Phantom 4 Drone KIT: amzn.to/2DSwt48
Drone Wheeled Case: amzn.to/2BNL7HX
DJI Osmo 2 Mobile Gimbal Stabilizer Bundle: amzn.to/2DoKry7
Apple iPhone 7 128 GB: amzn.to/2BLn64u
Canon 5D Mark iii: amzn.to/2BMHbag
~LENS~
ROKINON CINE Cinema Lens Kit - 50mm + 35mm + 85mm + 24mm for Canon EF: amzn.to/2SP5qxh
Rokinon Cinema Lens 85mm t/1.5 Lens for Canon: amzn.to/2EUsNBH
Rokinon Cinema Lens 35mm T1.5 Wide Angle Cine Lens for Canon: amzn.to/2IWNlOb
Rokinon Cinema Lens 24mm f/3.5 Tilt Shift Fixed Lens for Canon: amzn.to/2tVgoqQ
~TRIPODS~
Manfrotto Mini Tripod: amzn.to/2JP5ZEk
JOBY GorillaPod Tripod: www.amazon.com/GorillaPod-Bal...
Manfrotto Lightweight Fluid Tripod: www.amazon.com/Manfrotto-MVK5...
Manfrotto Aluminum Video Monopod: amzn.to/2UlOvUp
~SOUND~
Zoom H1n Handy Recorder with Accessory Pack: amzn.to/2tXdTEK
Rode Wireless Mic System: amzn.to/2SLctag
~LIGHTS~
Dracast Camera LED Light w/Battery Charger: amzn.to/2IXyHpS
~STORAGE~
SanDisk Extreme PRO Flash Memory Card, 64GB-95MB: amzn.to/2EJ7D8w
SanDisk 32GB MicroSD Card: amzn.to/2ELuyQF
SanDisk Extreme PRO 32GB CompactFlash Memory Card: amzn.to/2XKn0Gd
G-DRIVE Thunderbolt Portable Hard Drive 4TB: amzn.to/2tUWLQ0
G-DRIVE Thunderbolt Portable Hard Drive 1TB: amzn.to/2H5LMeW

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

There have been far too many stolen tiny houses! Fortunately, most have been found, AND the good news is this awful situation can easily be prevented. Over the past few years, we have parked in all kinds of weird places. We have never had security issues but we do take key precautions. Watch & don’t let fear keep you from pursuing your tiny house dreams! If you appreciate our tips, please like, comment & subscribe. Do you have a tip? Please share. Thank you! ❤

[@ImDBatty1]

As we discussed in the Live Chat in a previous video, I bought this on Amazon before I ever purchase my tiny house: Amcrest AM-GL300 V2 GPS Real-Time GPS/GSM/GNSS/GPRS Asset Tracker Cheers! 🖤🦇

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

@@ImDBatty1 thanks for sharing!! Have you been happy with it?

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

@Nancy Ruggeri it is heartbreaking and mind-boggling that someone would do this. :( But fortunately the majority have been recovered, and it can be prevented with practical precautions.

[@analarson2920]

Watch where you park- find places that use video cams or pay for a place, then there is always Walmart (yes most of their lots are videocammed so select where you park)you can buy what you need. Yes, you read that right - Walmart is not only the place for camping essentials, it's also the best-kept "secret" in free overnight camping. Many Walmart locations across the country allow motorhome campers to stop overnight (free!) in their parking lots.one can also anchor down too since a lot of tiny housers may stay in a spot for a while, They love your shopping and they have a lot and some have car centers with tire service and large auto part centers, plus you can have things shipped to a store for free, how can you go wrong with that. They have over 11,000 locations corporate.walmart.com/our-story/our-locations tinyrevolution.us/2011/05/21/how-to-anchor-down-your-tiny-house/ Also use trackers like in a computer that can be hidden with a long-term battery to locate it. Consider wheel locks, the more that is covered the better off you are-bit.ly/2HxzDQ5 All this said don't lose your keys and/or codes.

[@HandbagDiva]

Ana Larson My Daughter & her friend travelled through Canada in a van, sleeping at Walmarts. I felt better knowing they’d be pretty safe in the well lit, monitored Walmart parking lots.

[@Paramounted00]

Buy a $10 burner Phone and log it into your Google Account. You can use it to track your home with "Find my Phone".

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

That's great! The cheapest GPS tracker 👍

[@ILOLnumber1]

The plexiglass idea is brilliant! So cheap and easy too!

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Thank you! ☺️

[@briankobrasjourney4974]

Another thing we like to do is be friendly to all neighbors or anyone camping near by, they just might notice suspicious behavior and investigate or call the police. Great informative video as usual, all good tools to utilize.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Excellent point. There's power in numbers and watchful eyes. Thank you for the kind feedback!

[@melissah170]

Wow!! This is exactly what I have been looking for. In the sea of flowing videos on KZbin, I had not found the security advice that i needed. Then your video showed up. I appreciate the research, experience and love that you both put into this video. This is so great!

[@upfreaks]

*Life in America today, if you can't build your dream, steal it from someone else..*

[@eggsnspam]

Or the demand that the government hand you your dreams through welfare. :D

[@emilygraham1153]

Be careful of wi-fi security systems. They can be jammed/ intercepted etc.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Great point 👍

[@Joshua-no2fi]

Oh Please no one would know if you have a wifi security system or a conventional wireless alarm these days wifi alarms have cellular backup and most cellular jammers are illegal

[@chestnutlane1498]

@@Joshua-no2fi like criminals care about the legality.

[@chestnutlane1498]

@@TinyHouseExpedition in

[@T44381]

Thanks for uploading this video. One of my biggest concerns while planning my tiny house, was how can I keep it safe. If you wouldn’t mind, Ive been looking into two other not so commonly talked about areas. Dangers faced when living in a tiny house (not just security) and discomforts not commonly voiced. Thanks!

[@dfhepner]

Denver boot. It has a plate so that you can't get to the lug bolts.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Good one!! Thanks for sharing 😊👍

[@ZolaBolingo]

The best Tiny House Security Vid. Thank you for sharing

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Wow, thank you! So happy you found it helpful!

[@justinwaynoka5017]

Yall are great! I recently have started my tiny house journey as well, I found you fun and informative! :) subscribed!

[@yvezotique3316]

this was so helpful - thank you!

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

You're most welcome! ☺️

[@isidoraida4766]

Mmmm dvoje divnih ljudi💙💙

[@kristenkindoll]

Fantastic information, thank you for sharing!

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Glad to hear it and happy to share!

[@advent1688]

Great episode !

[@lorirugato6463]

Thank you guys your the best ❤

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

☺️🙏🍻

[@StacyClark73]

Great topic and information!!

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Thank you Stacy!!

[@studiojapfilms7305]

The same security features would not work on crime-heavy or developing countries like India, Mexico, Philippines, China, and most of Middle East and Latino South America. I noticed Tiny House owners are mostly Caucasians from developed countries like the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia with the occasional nice Japanese couple. I envy how safe it is over there!

[@orianepiquot7409]

nice video, as i couldnt find in french:) hopefully you did it on security point! hi from belgium

[@annmariekane8063]

Another great video! Off topic, I think U-Haul sponsoring you is brilliant. The sight of your Tiny being towed by a U-Haul is a vision NOBODY would ever forget. What do you guys keep in the U-Haul and do you know how gas milage differs vs a traditional truck to haul a tiny?

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Thank you Annmarie! :) We use the U-Haul like a mobile shed; it stores our bicycles, extra tools, paperwork, etc. A 20' box truck pulls our tiny house beautifully. It's a great option for those looking to move just once or a couple times, so you don't have to buy a big pickup truck. BUT we only get 5.3 mpg. With a heavy duty pick-up we could double that, and if our house was a bit lighter, we could a better mileage too.

[@audraelynnegrimmelhaussen8808]

Thanks for the tips

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Most welcome 😊

[@sabby1802]

Love the bloopers

[@kendo64]

thanks

[@asetkemet2957]

Thank u my tiny home angles

[@tripletgirl2484]

Great bloopers!

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

😄thanks Pattie!

[@JimmyHamAnp]

Nice job!

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Thanks Jimmy!

[@NWforager]

outward swinging doors ? Get those hinge pins secured !

[@TheKonnoisseur11]

Also tiny houses allow you to create customized hidden storage for valuables or firearms.

[@dscrive]

What I am most curious about now is, how the heck do they offload a stolen tiny house?!? I can imagine it with an RV where there are hundreds or thousands of the same make and model, but custom and pseudo-custom tiny houses? That being said, generally thefts are done with little forethought and as quickly as possible, so anything that makes it take a few seconds or minutes longer can prevent a theft because of the increase likelihood of being spotted. Oh, and I think a 3 foot wrecking bar might rip that box apart, but I'd need one for testing to be sure, if anyone want to send me one I'll make a video of me trying to bust it :D

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Haha excellent points! Like trying to steal a Trojan horse-- huge and unique looking, plus there aren't many on the road!

[@AtsircEcarg]

Great Video! Do people who are more permanent usually leave the wheels on?

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Thank you! Most do. Makes easier if an expected move is needed, even if on the same property and for weight distribution. If sitting for a long period, it'a a good idea to cover the wheels to prevent rot. If they are removed, it's important to remember that 70% of total weight of the house & trailer has to be on wheels.So if you remove them, you have to very carefully distribute the weight across the axles with jack stands.

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

Use a multi-point locking door that has a large security type strike plate held in with at least 3" screws Also use a reinforcement lock positioned at about the height you'd try kick the door in. I've seen battering rams unable can't get through that kind of setup. Though obviously door material matters.

[@rubyokosi8377]

Only if I chose to be in one spot. I'd take the tires off and use all the other measures you shared. Thank you

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Appreciate the feedback, Ruby! If they are removed, it's important to remember that 70% of the total weight of the house & trailer has to be on wheels. So if you remove them, you have to very carefully distribute the weight across the axles with jack stands.

[@rubyokosi8377]

Ok thanks

[@ladybathshuamoshe1751]

What about, a panic room?

[@kchortu]

If staying in one location for a while pull the wheels on one side, no wheels no rolling away.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Good thinking. But remember that 70% of total weight of the house & trailer has to be on wheels. So if you remove them, you have to very carefully distribute the weight across the axles with jack stands.

[@bin_patel]

@@TinyHouseExpedition Never thought about this, thanks :) I wanted to remove my wheels because I've seen a lot of people doing it. Maybe you should do another video to explain how to distribute the weight and keep it balanced if they wish to remove the wheels. Please do consider the request :)

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

@@bin_patel we definitely will! Thanks for the feedback :)

[@staroceans8677]

I ❤ all animals and continually resent the cat comments as humorous. I ❤ cats and all animals sense presence.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

We like cats too. 😺😻

[@rumotorizednosparknoride8644]

u lock your rim

[@superbad4635]

i have an attack cat

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

Love it 😸

[@johnmine5609]

door impossible to break... my sledgehammer says .... that is a LIE !!!!! You can not easily move a trailer with no/locked coupler and no wheels. Do not use leveling jacks actually BLOCK it up so full weight is resting on the blocks.

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

We might have over valued the plexiglass. If you do take the wheels off, you need feel very secure about your parking spot and remember that 70% of total weight of the house & trailer has to be on wheels. So if you remove them, you have to very carefully distribute the weight across the axles with jack stands.

[@johnmine5609]

mobile home and double wides are set up on piers made from cement blocks and hardwood so research things before posting and spreading false information

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

john mine it is not false information. Mobile homes are on I-beams AND are meant to be on blocks permanently. BUT tiny houses on wheels are like travel trailers, with weight meant be on the wheels. Not built to be on permanent foundation system like piers. So you need to be very careful with weight distribution when you remove wheels to set on jacks or blocks. Though a couple TH builders are now working a hybrid trailer system.

[@johnmine5609]

@@TinyHouseExpedition cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/549405/hubfs/Blog/Foundation_09.jpg?t=1468001294830&width=523... note the piers.... and the fact the TIRES are OFF the ground we are not talking about TOUNGE weight for towing down the road here....

[@TinyHouseExpedition]

john mine we didn't talk about tongue weight and this isn't a tiny house on wheels-mobile homes are built very differently.

[@rebeccaramirez-]

Shot gun