Hey all,
Being a lawyer/prosecutor means I see the world a little cynically.
Wanting to have best locks or security for doors/bays as possible.
Did a search and didn't really see what I was looking for.
Hoped for some suggestions or prior experience to lend a hand on ideas/items that worked for y'all?
Any thoughts appreciated,
John
Most parks and RV resorts are good for the standard locks,best security is don't go where you think they will rob you blind,is
Jake any good at watchdogging?
I had these on my 5th wheel and will be putting at least one on the bay door where my batteries are:
Amazon.com: Onvian Bike Alarm with Remote, Upgraded Anti-Theft Vibration... (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MFBV7TW/)
They're pretty slick. You arm them with a remote fob and any movement sets the alarm off screaming.
Jake is part of the reason I need security 😆
Thanks Elliott
I have an Abode home security system that I'm working on modify for use on the coach, but these are great.
My main concern is a good deterrent lock to keep out all but determined...
No one is going to get through the deadbolt on your front door. There is much lower hanging fruit with most of the other rigs in the campground. If anything, I would be concerned about people being able to get IN to your rig to save Jake in the case of an emergency. We had a friend cut us a vinvyl sticker for the door window that says "Need to get in touch? Call or text!" and our phone number. I'll also eventually put one of my blink cameras over the front door so I get notifications when someone's there. The blink cameras also monitor temperature and can have alarms set to notify you on your phone if it gets too hot or cold inside.
For better or worse I am perhaps the most doting dog dad out there and have stressed about this stuff far too much
I use the blink system connected to my nighthawk router in my coach when we travel. Works great.
In this day and age alarms are about useless,how many times do we hear one in a parking lot and no one blinks an eye.
Car alarms, maybe. Having the aforementioned alarm screeching while someone is trying to remove the batteries from my coach? Cheep piece of mind at $17.
I generally agree, though a sounding alarm does not mean a thief was not scared away.
People are generally good. A few years ago in the Gallup Walmart, kind people came by early in the morning to pull on our storage bin handles and make sure they were locked. So nice of them. (sarcasm alert)
Years ago, a member suggested leaving a dog water dish and leash outside the entry door even if you don't have a dog. German Shepherd Club sticker in the window could also help.
Pierce
Add to that a recording of large dog barking activated by motion detector.
What Bret said... A big dog barking and I will turn loose of you door handle and move on down the line looking for a cat owner.
I travel with two Rottweilers one 140lbs the other 100lbs. They stand and look out the door window so they are a pretty good deterrent for someone thinking about breaking in.
If an intruder only knew if he had a ball and a biscuit they could have anything they are guarding.
Larry
I think it was Barry and Cindy. And a pair of well-worn, LARGE-size men's workboots outside as well.
Michelle, we have also added a window sign asking for our Pit Bull named Bear to be rescued in case of fire. And a colorful thick dog leash also hangs from grab handle.
Door window also has a recording drive camera looking at anyone outside our door.
What may be the most important personal safety device is an audible alarm that sounds off when coach main door is opened at night while we are sleeping.
Barry & Cindy
I really like the idea of a motion sensor coupled with a recording of a large dog barking.
https://youtu.be/gpvBDFMFqys
If you really want to get tricky, you could get a fake TV. They throw light at the walls/windows that look like a TV is on and can be put on a timer. I used to use one when we'd leave our house for long periods of time and they're actually pretty realistic
Amazon.com : FakeTV FTV-11 Extra Bright Burglar Deterrent Television... (https://www.amazon.com/FakeTV-FTV-11-US-Bright-Burglar-Deterrent/dp/B00BTKGHDE)
Check out shoprvlocks for locks. I just bought a replacement for the original 715 lock that came on our coach for the fuel door.
Way too common a key so I went rotary key. Easy install.
Not sure if there really is an answer for the storage bay door locks.
On our first day of owning the coach a few years ago, we left MOT and got to Denton, Texas. Decided to overnight at the Wal-Mart. Parked out near the end of the lot and went inside the store. As we were walking in, I noticed two guys sitting in a truck, and they just looked suspicious, but didn't think much about it
When we got back to the coach after doing shopping, had dinner, relaxed, and was just checking everything out inside. ( First Day of Owning !)
Decided to walk around the coach, and looked at the driver's side storage bay, and the side was sticking out. Sure enough, bottom of door lip was crushed, and right side latch was ripped out of the fiberglass. Looked like a crow bar was used trying to pop door open. They didn't get in though. Not sure if were scared off or not. Either way....storage bay was EMPTY anyways.
Got it all repaired when we got home. Tried to figure out a better locking system, but finally decided......just make sure we have good insurance.
Get you some Arkansas license plates...... Some folks think everyone from Arkansas is packing a firearm.
My alarm system
Really, in a year of travel Haven't felt the need for more.
My last experience revealed they were, at least were I went they did.
Scott
I never locked my door with the gas fridge in place at campgrounds or race tracks. I would rather get robbed than burn due to the door being locked.
Now that we have Resi fridge the door gets locked more often.
BTW , I used to repo cars and the dogs were always on guard for the delinquent car . I always stopped by Mcy Ds for a single with cheese, no pickle. for any dogs . I would approach in a calm manner carrying the burger and a baseball bat. The dog always took the burger and I got the car. Unless the dog is very well trained, the burger will get results.
A determined thief will get your stuff no matter what you do. Best solution is to make it difficult. Most of our expensive things are too heavy for a casual thief (think generators, or even our 8D batteries). At least on our coach, nothing else is all that valuable.
My biggest security problem is a utility bay door that doesn't want to open without great effort. Yes, it is unlocked. The handle turns, but it doesn't want to unlatch at one end. Not THAT would frustrate a thief.
Well f we are going to use recordings, think I will make one up with me racking the slide on my ( legal ) short barreled shotgun. Can't think of anyone who does not recognize that sound. Always have it, I think of it as my campground pacifier. Along with our permitted pistols pretty well covered. Agree with the rest. Make it as tough as you can and maybe the bad guys go to an easier target. The main thing is you have to pay attention to what's going on around you. If you wander around looking at your cell phone you become prey for the hunters.