How to PREVENT CAMPSITE THEFT while camping in your SUV

I demonstrate the theft prevention methods I utilize to secure my gear and prevent campsite theft while SUV camping in my Chevrolet Suburban camper. I share some hard lessons with the hope it will help you prevent campsite thieves from spoiling your outdoor adventures!
If you want to learn more, check out my website www.suburbancamping.com/.
Here is page featuring links to my camping gear www.suburbancamping.com/campi....
And the page with links to the gear I used to outfit my Suburban Camper and the things I carry to be prepared for anything: www.suburbancamping.com/suv-gear.
And if you are just looking for the motion lights, here is the link: amzn.to/3vXPwYz
Or the alarms: amzn.to/3jkLHZP

[@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

[@russbell6418]

Spent a summer working in Vail, tent camping several miles north in a remote campground. Didn’t want to pick up all my gear every morning. Always left my tent half unzipped and a handful of empty .357 shells scattered inside. Anybody that looked in knew they could be confronted by an armed owner. It worked.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for sharing this Russ.

[@boxbuster1000]

Thanks for the tip! I'm Canadian and most of us are not handgun owners but I'll ask a friend for his empty shells and employ your great idea.

[@hertzair1186]

Great idea

[@SirenaSpades]

@@boxbuster1000 The Canadians I know ARE weapon owners... I'm on the border of Maine and NB

[@boxbuster1000]

@@SirenaSpades I don't doubt your friends have weapons, but I said most Canadians do not have HANDGUNS. Canadian weapons stats: 4,000,000. Gun owners, with or without a license. (Angus Reid Estimate) 2,236,983. Men and women with a firearm licence authorized by the RCMP at 31 Dec. 2021. 330,000. Adults with a federal firearm licence who own at least one police-registered handgun. (Estimate) The figure I am referencing is: 330,000. Adults with a federal firearm licence who own at least one police-registered handgun. (Estimate) Pop. of Canada is 38,000,000. 330,000 registered handgun owners = roughly .868% of the population has a handgun in Canada. Thus my comment Most of us are not handgun owners. I know lots that have a rifle or shotgun only a few with a handgun.

[@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!) 😂😅

[@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 . . .

[@audiarayz]

@@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 !!! 🤩🤩🤩

[@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.

[@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.

[@willywonka521]

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

[@SuburbanCamping]

😀

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@larrylezon1590]

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

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome Larry. I appreciate the comment.

[@shelby6066]

Yes, and it is already cold and rainy here in the NW! I am outside of Portland. Very wet already.. I really appreciate your videos! New subscriber! 🤩🤩

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for the sub!

[@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

[@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.🤠

[@faithwalker5196]

I love the style of your videos. I love that you don’t have background music over the instructional narration. Thank you for that!

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are very welcome. Appreciate you taking the time to say that!

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@lyradiation]

Thanks for sharing your experiences and wisdom. Appreciate it.

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome! Thanks for the positive comment!

[@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!

[@Rottingboards]

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

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks so much!

[@coacharielandersson]

THANK YOU.. its been hard to find info about camping security. I really appreciate all your ideas for our family:)).

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome! Happy camping!

[@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.

[@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!

[@DhinCardoso]

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

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thank yo so much!!

[@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!

[@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 !

[@Dronerangerspro]

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

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thank you Tim.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@mischiefroadtripadventures]

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!

[@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 ⛺️

[@lindasue8719]

Great video! Thanks for sharing all your ideas!

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks Linda! You are welcome. i appreciate the positive comments.

[@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

[@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

[@jaymercha3859]

love the way you chain locked the doors.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks Jay!

[@Kerry6691]

Great advice. You put some serious thought into this stuff.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks Kerry!

[@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!

[@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.

[@Zealor365]

I tend to camp alone. Your ideas stuck a note with me and I ordered the motion light.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks Mark!

[@Zealor365]

@@SuburbanCamping Got the motion light today. I am so impressed that I am going to buy a second unit

[@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!

[@PhilipHounsham]

Thanks for sharing your experience 👍 Really sad we have to go to these lengths 😔

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome. Sad indeed!

[@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!

[@jimkingsland1645]

Thank you for this informative and helpful set of tips.

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome!

[@cfair4464]

Thanks for the tips and product references!

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are so welcome!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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]

😀

[@zugmeister314]

That big ring on the end of the chain is for you to pass the other end through creating a loop in the chain around something fixed. This makes the effective length of the chain much larger without increasing weight / bulk.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks!

[@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

[@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.

[@herrp8765]

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.

[@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!

[@jeannemasters3986]

Great video, well done!

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thank you very much!

[@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.

[@ModernDayTemplar606]

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

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks James! I totally agree!

[@Sean2345]

I love my Commando locks! Nice video, thank you!

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks Sean. I need you to give me a lesson on how to operate them! I suppose practice makes perfect, but if I don't use them for a few weeks, I seem to completely forget how they work!

[@therebelrevival5327]

This was very helpful. Thank you.

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome!

[@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!

[@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.

[@stephanienewton6618]

This is the ft Knox of suburban! Great job!

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks!

[@freeradical77]

This is good advice for those who park at trailheads for multiple days also.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks! Trailheads worry me the most.

[@jammindave8483]

I live in Conroe TX and in and around Houston daily. With millions having crossed our border illegally I’m finding every street corner has someone asking for money now. Even children are standing in scorching sun as they have no way to make money after being shipped here with a phone and a few hundred dollars. You betcha they’re gonna come into your campsite and take everything that’s not tied down. You’d better get ready.

[@SuburbanCamping]

I appreciate your feedback

[@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!!

[@cq7415]

Thanks for sharing. Great comments too.

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome! Thanks!

[@rosegallant192]

Absolutely perfect!

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks!

[@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!

[@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 !!!

[@canslono1084]

thank you for sharing to help the rest of us to be safer

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome! Thanks for the positive feedback.

[@Eric.V.]

Thx for all the useful tips!

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome Eric!

[@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.

[@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!

[@roxannegalvan5927]

This is such good ideas. Thank you😊

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks for taking the time to say that!

[@charleswalden7529]

Great videos. Very knowledgeable. Thank u.

[@SuburbanCamping]

You are welcome! Thanks for the positive feedback!

[@JohnDoe-xm9ql]

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

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks you John. Yes indeed!

[@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!

[@rb1179]

I guess I'm fortunate in that I've never had anything stolen while camping but this video will have me keeping an eye on things in the future.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Glad to hear that!

[@beautyofthailand7393]

Great video! Lots of good info

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks!

[@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.

[@jeetts59]

In the 30 years of camping I’ve not experienced or heard of camping thieves, but then I don’t live in America

[@SuburbanCamping]

Glad to heat this Harold!

[@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!

[@earthprospector]

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

[@SuburbanCamping]

Great idea!

[@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.

[@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!

[@williambranham6249]

Lots of thought. Good luck.

[@SuburbanCamping]

Thanks!