I'm quite sure the best security we will have is my 3 year old Lap / Retriever, "Pup" but I think I would like a security system. I am clueless. Any thoughts on the need for them and which systems are a good buy?
We are buying used and are making it our mission to bring in a modify / remodel on a lean budget. We don't want to skimp on the important things which is why I will be seriously hunting the deals on many of the modifications we will make.
Thoughts on security systems?
Thanks.
Meg
Terry and Jo said
02:09 PM Jul 9, 2013
Meggie,
I used the "Search" function up in the blue bar at the top and came up with a few threads related to security, but sadly, not all really applied to your question. However, this one has 48 responses, so it might give you a start on thinking out the process.
Another idea, which may not be in that thread is the use of what is called a "trail camera" or "game camera" that can be hung up outside one's RV and facing towards the RV. While the camera does nothing to deter a crime, they work off of motion sensing and would take pictures of anyone that was around your RV. So, if a crime was committed, the trail camera might have an image of the perpetrator. Just be sure and place the camera high enough that it can't easily be reached. Otherwise, the thief is likely to want your trail camera as well.
Terry
Howard said
02:41 PM Jul 9, 2013
Personal opinion only - don't have one, don't feel the need for one. Might be different if we frequented larger cities, parked overnight in rest areas, or stored our RV. But as full-timers parking in the places we do, we haven't seen the need for the extra expense. If we get somewhere that doesn't "feel" right, we move on. Sometimes, if it feels just a little dicey, we may lock our compartments and lock up our bikes when we leave the campsite, but usually we just lock our deadbolt on the front door when we leave.
scrappy said
02:47 PM Jul 9, 2013
Agree on the game camera. I wish we would have had ours installed when someone decided they needed the rubber mat we had hanging in front of the RV to get washed off in the rain.
With two German Shepherds, I am not concerned about security inside of the RV. But, now that someone stole something as piddly as a rubber mat, it is irritating enough to get the game camera installed.
Meggie said
03:48 PM Jul 9, 2013
Thanks all! This really does help. It seems to be the "sense" I am getting that most people don't find they need it. It's actually marvelous to hear how safe everyone is, has been, and how safe they feel.
I still sort of like the idea of a camera and then maybe the little door and window alarms. Most times the smallest things act as a good deterrent but it's great to hear it from those who have been out there.
Thanks again!
Meg
abrown said
04:22 PM Jul 9, 2013
I have had the same questions - mainly because recently I read that many, many RV's have the same KEY that unlocks all of the exterior storage compartments and same for the main door. This makes me nervous. We hope to leave our Fifth Wheel parked and sightsee as often as possible. I don't want to have to worry about theft. We do not have a dog. What security measures are taken by you?
Ckerr said
04:45 PM Jul 9, 2013
Like Howard, I've never felt the need for security. If it doesn't feel right I can always move on.
I MIGHT look at changing out locks on the RV door and compartments when it arrives -- hopefully August. It seems to me it would be nice if they were all on the same key and changing them would eliminate the "all RV locks the same" potential issue.
If you are concerned, a simple contact alarm available at tons of places could easily be installed. I found this at Amazon and for less than $12 it could give you the piece of mind you want. One on the door and one on each compartment...
I've always been of the opinion that if it makes noise it will scare off the thief.
Terry and Jo said
04:58 PM Jul 9, 2013
Just a thought for anyone considering changing the locks on their storage compartments. There are a number of us that believe that if a thief wants into the compartments, they will get in with the use of a crowbar or other prying device. In doing that, I would suspect that any damage that one had to repair on the compartment and the doors would be much more expensive than what the contents of the storage area would cost to replace.
While most of our compartments use the infamous 751 key, we have two large doors that use a different, two sided key that is also a universal key. One can even go to a good locksmith and outright buy the key without it even needing to be cut.
One can get new locks for their compartments, but I'm not sure it will insure that you won't lose anything.
Terry
Ckerr said
05:09 PM Jul 9, 2013
Good point about a thief damaging the compartment doors trying to get past a lock. My thought on changing the locks would be more to eliminate an extra key. In my current role I have this huge ring of keys... model homes, spec homes, construction locks, clubhouse, etc... Most RV's I've seen have one key for the door and a different one for the storage compartments. One key might not seem like a big deal, but sometimes it's the little things that bother me
I'm really not at all concerned about locking the RV. I suppose I shouldn't broadcast this, but where I stay currently in an RV park, I never lock the door to my casita except when I'm asleep at night and sometimes I forget to do that. It's just never been an issue. I MIGHT think about adding contact alarms, but at least for the time being, I don't have any worries about where I'm staying and during the busy season there are always tons of folks around.
Lucky Mike said
08:05 PM Jul 9, 2013
Ditto.....
My last coach had infra red sensors that would set off a warning within 4 ft of the coach....it was not needed, like everyone else says....if you dont feel comfortable with your surroundings move on , your best alarm is you...
as far as keys.....Hina posted she bought combination locks to replace all here compartment locks and put them all in sequence combination which sounds like a good solution...
locks and alarms are for honest people!!!!.......a crook will take what he came for and take your lock why he is at it!!!!
The Bear II said
10:22 PM Jul 10, 2013
Recently I installed a camera system to monitor the outside of our RV while parked. It was a good deal at Costco and came with 3 wireless cameras and a monitor screen.
We've never felt the need for security but my DW is having trouble with her knees so this system allows her to see who might be knocking on the door or if she hears a "noise" to see what's going on without the need to get up. It's a great way to watch the wildlife as it sniffs around the RV.
Meggie said
01:45 AM Jul 11, 2013
Yes, I think I agree. It doesn't appear there is a huge need for major security but I would also like the cameras for several reasons.
But then...I am a gadget person so I find that now in planning to go on the road full-time, I want the same things - a tech heavy RV. I want great connectivity, etc. So, the security is on my gadget list I think.
:)
DeeJee said
02:34 AM Aug 27, 2013
My DH found a door / window alarm less than $10 at Wal Mart that I use on the door of my store when someone opens the door the whole shopping center know it! (I'm looking for a nicer sounding one) it has an alarm sound as well. If you're wanting to be notified or maybe scare someone off that might be an option.
It's to made in two parts when the door or window are separated the device pulls apart and screams loud enough to wake the dead:)
Alie and Jims Carrilite said
01:22 AM Aug 28, 2013
We have a very sophication security system, 75lb of lab that only barks when someone comes in the site.
WestWardHo said
05:45 AM Aug 29, 2013
We wondered about the same things before we went full-timing or, at least, I did. We mostly leave our doors unlocked but we're in a pretty secure campground Lund as hosts so we know others are looking out for us. That said, I wouldn't want to park anywhere we didn't feel secure. We do lock up in unknown campgrounds. Need to say it was the same way with our house, we mostly didnt lock it. That said, we changed out the locks on all rigs we owned that had that same key system.
I'm quite sure the best security we will have is my 3 year old Lap / Retriever, "Pup" but I think I would like a security system. I am clueless. Any thoughts on the need for them and which systems are a good buy?
We are buying used and are making it our mission to bring in a modify / remodel on a lean budget. We don't want to skimp on the important things which is why I will be seriously hunting the deals on many of the modifications we will make.
Thoughts on security systems?
Thanks.
Meg
Meggie,
I used the "Search" function up in the blue bar at the top and came up with a few threads related to security, but sadly, not all really applied to your question. However, this one has 48 responses, so it might give you a start on thinking out the process.
RV Security
Another idea, which may not be in that thread is the use of what is called a "trail camera" or "game camera" that can be hung up outside one's RV and facing towards the RV. While the camera does nothing to deter a crime, they work off of motion sensing and would take pictures of anyone that was around your RV. So, if a crime was committed, the trail camera might have an image of the perpetrator. Just be sure and place the camera high enough that it can't easily be reached. Otherwise, the thief is likely to want your trail camera as well.
Terry
Personal opinion only - don't have one, don't feel the need for one. Might be different if we frequented larger cities, parked overnight in rest areas, or stored our RV. But as full-timers parking in the places we do, we haven't seen the need for the extra expense. If we get somewhere that doesn't "feel" right, we move on. Sometimes, if it feels just a little dicey, we may lock our compartments and lock up our bikes when we leave the campsite, but usually we just lock our deadbolt on the front door when we leave.
Agree on the game camera. I wish we would have had ours installed when someone decided they needed the rubber mat we had hanging in front of the RV to get washed off in the rain.
With two German Shepherds, I am not concerned about security inside of the RV. But, now that someone stole something as piddly as a rubber mat, it is irritating enough to get the game camera installed.
Thanks all! This really does help. It seems to be the "sense" I am getting that most people don't find they need it. It's actually marvelous to hear how safe everyone is, has been, and how safe they feel.
I still sort of like the idea of a camera and then maybe the little door and window alarms. Most times the smallest things act as a good deterrent but it's great to hear it from those who have been out there.
Thanks again!
Meg
Like Howard, I've never felt the need for security. If it doesn't feel right I can always move on.
I MIGHT look at changing out locks on the RV door and compartments when it arrives -- hopefully August. It seems to me it would be nice if they were all on the same key and changing them would eliminate the "all RV locks the same" potential issue.
If you are concerned, a simple contact alarm available at tons of places could easily be installed. I found this at Amazon and for less than $12 it could give you the piece of mind you want. One on the door and one on each compartment...
Contact Alarm
I've always been of the opinion that if it makes noise it will scare off the thief.
Just a thought for anyone considering changing the locks on their storage compartments. There are a number of us that believe that if a thief wants into the compartments, they will get in with the use of a crowbar or other prying device. In doing that, I would suspect that any damage that one had to repair on the compartment and the doors would be much more expensive than what the contents of the storage area would cost to replace.
While most of our compartments use the infamous 751 key, we have two large doors that use a different, two sided key that is also a universal key. One can even go to a good locksmith and outright buy the key without it even needing to be cut.
One can get new locks for their compartments, but I'm not sure it will insure that you won't lose anything.
Terry
I'm really not at all concerned about locking the RV. I suppose I shouldn't broadcast this, but where I stay currently in an RV park, I never lock the door to my casita except when I'm asleep at night and sometimes I forget to do that. It's just never been an issue. I MIGHT think about adding contact alarms, but at least for the time being, I don't have any worries about where I'm staying and during the busy season there are always tons of folks around.
My last coach had infra red sensors that would set off a warning within 4 ft of the coach....it was not needed, like everyone else says....if you dont feel comfortable with your surroundings move on , your best alarm is you...
as far as keys.....Hina posted she bought combination locks to replace all here compartment locks and put them all in sequence combination which sounds like a good solution...
locks and alarms are for honest people!!!!.......a crook will take what he came for and take your lock why he is at it!!!!
We've never felt the need for security but my DW is having trouble with her knees so this system allows her to see who might be knocking on the door or if she hears a "noise" to see what's going on without the need to get up. It's a great way to watch the wildlife as it sniffs around the RV.
Yes, I think I agree. It doesn't appear there is a huge need for major security but I would also like the cameras for several reasons.
But then...I am a gadget person so I find that now in planning to go on the road full-time, I want the same things - a tech heavy RV. I want great connectivity, etc. So, the security is on my gadget list I think.
:)
My DH found a door / window alarm less than $10 at Wal Mart that I use on the door of my store when someone opens the door the whole shopping center know it! (I'm looking for a nicer sounding one) it has an alarm sound as well. If you're wanting to be notified or maybe scare someone off that might be an option.
It's to made in two parts when the door or window are separated the device pulls apart and screams loud enough to wake the dead:)
Sherry