RV Security - RV-Dreams Community Forum

earthmommy · RV-Dreams Family Member

RV Security

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

Me and my non-lethal defense wink

Picture taken in Verdi Nevada, Gold Ranch RV Park.

Dan and Oscar

Sushidog · RV-Dreams Family Member

Here's my alarm system:

She has better sight and hearing than my DW and I, and is always alert and sounds a loud alarm when she sees an intruder.

Plus, if anyone enters "her room" or violates her territory (other than me,) she will attack! She's fully fledged and she can fly like a bullet. Once she flew to DW, pierced both ears and flew off before my DW could react (without even landing.) BTW, if you are not familiar with the biting strength of parrots, small ones like Sunny, can make both top and bottom beaks meet through flesh, as long as there is not a bone in the way. Large birds like McCaws, Amazons and Greys could easily bite off a finger if they were so disposed (which isn't likely.) Their biting force has been measured at over 200 PSI. This is so they can easily crack a walnut, a macadamia nut, or coconut, so you know that their beak is a force to be reconed with. Not quite lethal, but much more than a minor annoyance.

Chip

Roz · RV-Dreams Family Member

One of the more readily available is a can of Wasp Spray. This does not put our a mist, but a stream of non-lethal, yet debilitating liquid that travels at least 20 feet.

Possibly the best non-lethal is a small device held in one hand that can propel two doses of "non-areosol" OC pepper liquid at 90 mph that will render an individual usless for up to 45 minutes. The cost is $50. www.kimberamerica.com.

The Kimber Pepper Blaster II is small and easy to use.

earthmommy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dan, your dog is adorable, what breed is he/she?

Chip, I never thought of a parrot! Not a bad idea!

Roz, thanks! That's just what I'm looking for. Has anyone done any research on the legalities of pepper spray state to state? I have to admit, legal issues following taking defensive action are almost as scary to me as needing to defend myself.

Tim & Robyn · RV-Dreams Family Member

This is just an opinion, so discard it if you will... I think it's a sad, sad commentary on where we are now when you have to be concerned about legal consequences from defending yourself when you are being attacked.

If, as the Declaration of Independence says, "... among these rights are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness", then it follows that you have the right to defend yourself when attacked and the State (i.e. the police) are not there to do it for you.... which in the vast majority of cases they are not.

I don't own a gun, and don't want to. I'm not an RVer, but I do exercise prudence. I try to keep my wits about me, observe what is going on, and get the heck out of Dodge if I don't like what I see. Trust your instincts....

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

One RV'er we ran into had an alarm installed in their 5th wheel, with motion detectors, window sensors and door sensors on all compartment and entry doors.

In addition he had cameras mounted so he could see 360° around the RV. Inside he had a monitor with the screen splits so he could watch each camera.

He had bright outdoor lights to light up the area on all four sides of the RV.

Everything was well concealed so the RV looked normal, but it was as secure as Fort Knox.

The guy was an electronics nut, so this was kind of a hobby for him. He had setup everything so it could be controlled from a small remote control device he had built.

One of the most important things you can do to secure your RV is to change all of the storage compartment locks. From the factory the locks are common to all other RVs, so the keys for one RV will unlock the compartments on another RV.

A dog is a good solution for personal security.

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

We got him from the rescue where he was performing therapy dog duties.
Best guess, a wirehaired pointing griffon.

Remi · RV-Dreams Family Member

Dan, he's great. Reminds me of a smaller wolf or stag hound. Which are 2 of my favorites :)

earthmommy · RV-Dreams Family Member

We definitely want to get a dog. Someone who will love the kids and protect them. We used to have a lab/chow mix and she was the most loving, protective dog I've ever known. I also have always wanted a Collie, but anything with long hair is out. I hate having dog hair everywhere. I'm considering a labrodoodle, has anyone had one?

Roz · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have two Golden Doodles (AKC breed of Standard Poodles and Golden Retrievers). Absolute sweethearts!!! They are watch dogs and will alert you of anyone coming, but then will welcome them in to play.

I had an Airedale for a number of years. MacTavish (Tavi) was the most intelligent and loyal four-legged humanoid I have ever seen. No one got past Tavi, and only one tried. He left a Nike as he went over a seven foot fence. Funny, he never came back for an expensive shoe.

Yet Tavi was an absolute gentle giant at 86 lbs.!

-- Edited by Roz on Tuesday 21st of September 2010 01:35:54 PM

earthmommy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Roz, how was the Airedale with kids?

Mike2010 · RV-Dreams Community Member

I would NOT use Wasp Spray. That is just some MYTH that's going to get someone hurt. Police departments worldwide use pepper spray because the inflammatory effects of this agent work on those which cannot feel pain (very important). The inflammatory effects of pepper spray cause eyes to close involuntarily and produce a loss of breath sensation. Pepper spray has been proven effective on deterring and incapacitating aggressive, combative, intoxicated and drug induced individuals for over 20 years.
To date, no human testing has been conducted on WASP spray and it’s a violation of federal law to use in self defense. There are many home defense pepper spray options which will deploy up to 25 feet and unlike WASP sprays, these pepper sprays do not require the user to be as accurate because their spray pattern will cover an entire doorway. There are also numerous Pepper Sprays that can deploy a stream up to 25 feet as well. Pepper spray is a safe, proven option which is trusted and relied upon by police officers worldwide.

Also, see below

http://fortwayne.bbb.org/snopes-25-urban-legends/

earthmommy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Mike. I'm planning on going with pepper spray. Years ago as an EMT I watched a police officer put down a 300lb guy drugged out of his mind with one spray. I was sold on it after that.

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

Earthmommy,

What do you use for personal security in your home town and travels now?

That should suffice on the road. People are pretty much the same and in fact most RV parks are probably safer. Many have a lot of busy body retired people who watch everything that's going on.

Seriously, in 5 years and almost 300 campgrounds, we have never once had any inkling of danger. It's a great, safe world of RV'ing out there, come join us. smile

earthmommy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Fred! I can see I can always count on you to add something positive to the discussion. I can't wait to meet you and Fran somewhere on the road. If you're ever in NC near Charlotte, let us know!

Here at home I use my eyes, ears, brain and a good door lock. We do have guns, as my hubby collects them and I know how to use them. BUT...on the road it may just be me and my girls so I guess that's why I'm more concerned about security.

That being said, I can't wait to get out there!

Roz · RV-Dreams Family Member

In response as to an Airedale's demeanor with kids-

Tavi never met a stanger child or adult, until they showed a bad intent. He was very protective of our family unit and property, but just a big lover. His size and stance was enough to let anyone know he was a serious guy.

Airedales are stubborn and need to be trained and loved from puppies in most cases. They are one of the most intelligent breeds.

No, I do not sell Airedales. LOL

Old Snipe · RV-Dreams Family Member

If you're going to use OC Pepper Spray, make sure you know which way the wind is blowing.
Don't ask me how I know this...and I didn't learn the first time, either.

Also, Pepper Spray does not work on everyone, some people are unaffected by it (unfortunately, I am not lucky enough to be one).

Awareness of your surroundings is key, no matter where you are, no matter what abode you're in.

Best Regards!

-- Edited by Old Snipe on Wednesday 22nd of September 2010 08:15:47 AM

earthmommy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Roz, how are Airedales as far as shedding and potential health problems?

Paul, I've seen that happen with pepper spray...not a pretty thing. I guess in a scary situation you might not stop to think about the wind or other factors. My 18 yo daughter made a joke about a pepper spray thing her Dad gave her that was kind of complicated to use, she said (as to an assailant) "excuse me could you hold on a minute while I unsnap this and make sure it's pointed at you not me and check the wind?"

Jokes aside, I so appreciate all the input everyone has given me in this thread. I can't wait to meet y'all on the road.

Roz · RV-Dreams Family Member

Melinda,

Airedales shed very little, but can have skin alleries. All dogs, to some extent will have health issues, just as do we. Our Airedale was hearty and other than a couple of skin issues he was good to go.

The Pepper Blaster II I recommended emits the spray at 90 mph. It is not an aerosol can. It is hardly affected by wind. It is not inexpensive, but at the moment you need pepper spray, who wants a bargain? You want it to do what it is intended to do. It is used by many law enforcement agencies.

Charles

earthmommy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Charles. Airedales are on our list of possible breeds. As for the spray, I checked it out and it looks great. I'm adding it to our lists of must-have RV stuff.

LuvSun · RV-Dreams Family Member

The Bear II wrote:

One RV'er we ran into had an alarm installed in their 5th wheel, with motion detectors, window sensors and door sensors on all compartment and entry doors.

In addition he had cameras mounted so he could see 360° around the RV. Inside he had a monitor with the screen splits so he could watch each camera.

He had bright outdoor lights to light up the area on all four sides of the RV.

Everything was well concealed so the RV looked normal, but it was as secure as Fort Knox.

The guy was an electronics nut, so this was kind of a hobby for him. He had setup everything so it could be controlled from a small remote control device he had built.

One of the most important things you can do to secure your RV is to change all of the storage compartment locks. From the factory the locks are common to all other RVs, so the keys for one RV will unlock the compartments on another RV.

A dog is a good solution for personal security.

looking for a security system now..anyone heard of one?
As for the locks - how do you go about getting them changes out?
thanks!

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

LuvSun wrote:

looking for a security system now..anyone heard of one?
As for the locks - how do you go about getting them changes out?
thanks!

I'm not so sure that changing locks would be that much of a benefit. As mentioned before by Delaine and Lindy, if a criminal wants into your basement, it takes only a few minutes to break in with only a screwdriver. Plus, that method of breaking in would damage the compartment door (and possibly the frame), thus leading to an expensive repair. It might be less expensive to replace what is taken.

Terry

Racerguy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I think Terry's point is well taken.If they want it bad enough a screw driver is all it takes.With that being said I feel if you take the same precautions where you park that you would take in choosing a neighborhood to live in a stix and brix the chance of theft is slim to none. In 99% of the parks we have been in I don't even bother locking my basement doors.

Luvglass · RV-Dreams Family Member

I second what George is saying. we haven't locked our storage doors once in 5 years out here. But you need to do what makes you comfortable.

Delaine and Lindy · RV-Dreams Family Member

As for security, don't really think you can secure a RV!! We do have a large furr Kid but don't think he would bite. I do have other sources of protection. I don't lock anything. If we aren't home enter at your own risk.

I just read on another forum that a man was robbed at gun point, however he was in Mexico. I want be going to Mexico, your 2nd amendment rights in Mexico means nothing. Knock on wood we haven't had any issues. But I do believe that I had rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6. If you have a weapon make sure your prepaired to tale a life, and be sure you are trained. I haven't fired a weapon since 1968 in anger, but I do know how to fire a weapon. I like the "Judge" he can take care of business.

Ginamar · RV-Dreams Community Member

I just had to reply....I have the security issue resolved. I have 2 Great Danes and 3 Golden Retrievers. Even the pizza delivery people know we have big dogs. The Danes are great because people do not just walk up to me when I have them out. Danes are gentle giants but boy do they protect their "people".

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

LuvSun wrote:
looking for a security system now..anyone heard of one?
As for the locks - how do you go about getting them changes out?
thanks!

This company is owned by a friend of mine. I don't know if he has designed anything specifically for an RV, but from what I call tell from his website I think his systems could easily be used for an RV.

http://cabinalarm.com/

coltleader · RV-Dreams Community Member

I think that its all about personal preference. I personally feel like I will do whatever it takes to protect my RV and kids from an intruder and a security system is just one step towards feeling a little safer, and that is why I am considering purchasing one. As far as I know, they work the same in RV's as in houses. Has anyone tried adt? I'm trying to find something that will beep when a door opens.
Thanks!

53 Merc · RV-Dreams Family Member

Here is something that will alarm if a door or window is opened. Wireless, etc. I would think that someone like ADT would need a hardwire to a telephone. Anyway

http://www.betterbuys-r-us.com/DoorWindowAlarm.html

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

Radio Shack use to have battery operated door/window alarms. Also have you ever heard that DING-DONG noise when you walk into a shop? Radio Shack use to sell those as well they can ding-dong or sound a loud 80 db noise. I have one of those and use it when staying in motels etc etc. (will carry it when we start RV-ing also.) It's very small - about 1 1/2 times the size of a deck of cards. It is called Motion Dector Alarm/Chime - uses a 9V battery.

Detection angle 60 degrees
Detection range 30 feet
Detection passive infrared
Exit delay 10 seconds

Ginamar · RV-Dreams Community Member

Yes, we have ADT in our house. You need to have a phoneline in order for it to call the police or fire in case the alarm goes off. Someday I hope they will come up with something so we do not need to have a landline.

NorCal Dan · RV-Dreams Family Member

There are other options including tweets and cell phones and email. See my earlier message, call Steve and explain what you're looking for and see if he can set you up...

MikeH · RV-Dreams Family Member

Honestly I think the worst thing that you could try to use to defend yourself in an enclosed space is something like Mace or Bear spray or anything aerosol based.

For the simple reason that.
1) whatever you hit with the aerosol is going to 'mist' and get all over everything.

2) It's dang hard to clean up and even after you've cleaned the area it's been in there will still be residue.

3) The last thing I want to have happen is to be blinded while trying to defend myself from an attacker.

I think the best thing you could have would be something like a Judge, you can load it with bird shot or buck shot and have a much better effect than hitting yourself with mace.

Then again, I'd rather not have to use either method to defend myself or my rig while camping. While for storage security I rely on a solar security system, though it won't shoot an attacker it will alert me to when something happens to my TT and I can then call the cops local to the area.

RV security system

-- Edited by MikeH on Friday 16th of December 2011 02:17:58 PM

-- Edited by MikeH on Friday 16th of December 2011 02:18:45 PM

earthmommy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Good point...I'd hate to have to fall victim to my own spray!

MikeH · RV-Dreams Family Member

Which oddly enough is what they tell MP's in the military. They DO have mace, but are told to just shoot the person somewhere non lethal, apparently it's less paperwork and easier to clean up.

At least that's the way it is in high security areas.

Loki · RV-Dreams Family Member

After I had an unwanted visitor right in my bedroom in the middle of the night, I bought a taser, after doing some research, and I plan to take it with me when we start fulltiming next year. I agree that using a pepper spray in the confinement of an RV could be extremely messy, to say the least. Other than with a firearm, it does not matter where you hit your intruder: A taser messes his central nerve system up and he falls to the ground immediately, without being able to move a muscle, and it's non-lethal. At least that's according to police reports. There must be a good reason why so many police officers carry a taser in addition to their pistol.

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

Don't try to bringing pepper spray or a taser into Canada - you will be treated like the criminal.

I plan on putting the following in my RV.

http://www.amazon.com/45129-Choice-Alert-Wireless-Control-Center/dp/B0013V1T1O

This I would hope would scare someone away. This would be on only at night.

MikeH · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well you know what they say about other countries. America get's guns, and other countries let their women walk around without shirts on.

-- Edited by MikeH on Wednesday 28th of December 2011 11:53:58 AM

HomeSweetRV · RV-Dreams Family Member

Ginamar wrote:
I just had to reply....I have the security issue resolved. I have 2 Great Danes and 3 Golden Retrievers. Even the pizza delivery people know we have big dogs. The Danes are great because people do not just walk up to me when I have them out. Danes are gentle giants but boy do they protect their "people".

the most frightening dog I ever ran across was a ****er spaniel.

ok then, heavy censorship here, let's call him a cooker spaniel! lol

-- Edited by HomeSweetRV on Friday 23rd of March 2012 05:03:52 PM

HomeSweetRV · RV-Dreams Family Member

I would like to find a cassette tape or DVD with a barking dog - does such a thing exist out there?

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

In the case of a tape or CD with the audio of a barking dog on it, the tape would have to be an "endless loop" tape so it wouldn't stop at the end of the tape. With a CD, the player would have to have the capability of being set on "Repeat."

Oh, and good luck with an endless loop tape. I've not seen one of those since the days of the phone answering machines that used tapes.

Even with that, if a thief decided to walk front to back on the outside of your RV and determined that the "barking dog" never moved along with him, he would likely suspect a trick.

Terry

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

I blought a GE wireless alarm system - control unit, 2 sensors and a very loud - very loud alarm unit.
All for under $100 on Amazon. We will only use it a night time. As with car alarms, should it go off in the day time most people around would ignore it as a false alarm. Should it go off at night time and interupt our sleep the violator will be in a world of trouble.
It's 100% better than nothing.

HomeSweetRV · RV-Dreams Family Member

Caution to those who think tazers are non-lethal - check on that again.

http://www.amnesty.org/en/news-and-updates/report/tasers-potentially-lethal-and-easy-abuse-20081216

Amnesty International’s study – which includes information from 98 autopsies – found that 90 per cent of those who died after being struck with a Taser were unarmed and many did not appear to present a serious threat.

http://electronicvillage.blogspot.com/2009/05/taser-related-deaths-in-united-states.html

The police know better, and they are not always truthful.

-- Edited by HomeSweetRV on Sunday 25th of March 2012 04:38:52 PM

RVPAINTER · RV-Dreams Family Member

A taser will not stop a bullet! A loud alarm might very well scare off a would be crook breaking in.

If you use a weapon, remember it can always be used on you as well.

BVC · RV-Dreams Family Member

You don't need a phone line for your security system. Even if you have an older system. Call ADT they should be able to install a cellular radio. There are other options as well. Alarmnet may also be an option. Phone lines are becoming a thing of the past. Generally we would connect to phone lines for downloading the system programming from the office computer. We would still use the phone line connection to dial a a central station for communications to send police and fire dept's. A cellular radio or something similar would be installed that would also connect to the same central station for communicating alarm signals because phone lines are easily defeated. Of course, it does add to the monitoring charges. One thing people can do if they have a toad vehicle or truck with an alarm is to keep their key near their bed if it has a panic button. While many people may not pay attention to a car alarm the crook will not like all the noise and flashing lights and hopefully run away.

Rvlife23 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Baseball bat,hammer,air horn

PD CFK · RV-Dreams Family Member

Crash axe!

MarkS · RV-Dreams Family Member

ADT has a cellular option. I believe prudence and awareness is the key to security. It's nice to have the tools to defend yourself but every one of them makes some kind of mess that has to be cleaned up. Even carrying a firearm makes it difficult to cross into Canada.

Sometimes I think we worry too much about security. You can never plan for every eventuality or defend against all comers. The best you can do is be educated and aware. JMHO