Security was a concern for me too when I chose a 5th wheel.
I have my cell phone right by the bed - I should keep the truck keys there too I suppose so I could set off the truck alarm but I don't remember to do that very often.
I know if you're boondocking in a motorhome you could easily drive away from a scary situation and that's not posible in a 5th wheel but do you plan to do that ? Boondock that is ....
I think I may stay in a Walmart lot once in awhile but it's not something I'm going to do often. I think when I do boondock, I'll have the address of where I am, my cell phone close and I'll dial 911 if anything scary happens. With the correct address of my location I'd hope the police could arrive quickly.
I do travel with a dog and a crazy cat - if someone came into the 5er the dog would bark and probably bite and the "bad guy" would more then likely trip over the cat.
I've never felt unsafe in a campground - I always program the office number into my cell so I can call them ASAP with any problems
Good luck with your decision - just think of how you'll be using it and do what makes you feel safe.
The best way to feel safe in your fifth wheel is to spend a night camping in a tent and then compare the safety that you have in your fifth wheel (locking doors, solid walls, sleeping 5 feet off the ground, smoke detectors, quick access to cell phones...) to the tent.
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I doubt if your fears are that unusual judging from the large number of folks who leave their campsite lit up all night. I don't think you have anything to worry about but that doesn't EVER stop anyone from worrying. I assume you must feel that those folks camping across the road from you in a tent are just crazy too.
retiredsnook wrote: Anybody have any tips. Always feel a little vulnerable camping in the fifth wheel. Can't get to our vehicle if there are problems unless we go outside. One tip I heard was to set off the truck alarm on the keys. Any other ones? Thanks
Why would you be scared in a locked trailer in a CG? And why, would getting to your TV make you feel better? When you are at home. Do you have to go outside to get to your car?
I guess, I don't understand the problem. And no. I have no little friend with me. Plus. Cell phones don't work in the NC mountains where we camp.
After camping in tents, and popups. I feel as safe in the TT, as I do at home, where I do have little friends. maybe more so.
There is a solution. No. Not gonna say, stay home. However, a MH could make you feel better. but there is always the chance it won't move after leveling, and chocking, and you would tear it up driving away while it is hooked up to Cg services.
Best advice. Relax, and enjoy your camping experience. Safer in the Cg than at home, or motel.
"Light more than one candle (take care with flame). Stay as near to the candles as you can and try to let yourself go, to gently pull that golden light within you. Think: "I have a light that is this beautiful and strong INSIDE ME all the time, even if I can't always FEEL it." This is true."
Then, after you have repeated this to yourself 3 times, grab a baseball bat and run outside, screaming like a banshee, running in little circles till you collapse on the ground. Continue screaming like a little girl. Do not move, and throw the baseball bat away from your body.
The Police should be there in a minute. There ya go! Problem solved!
retiredsnook wrote: Anybody have any tips. Always feel a little vulnerable camping in the fifth wheel. Can't get to our vehicle if there are problems unless we go outside. One tip I heard was to set off the truck alarm on the keys. Any other ones? Thanks
With all due respect, I must admit I'm a bit taken by the flippant nature of many of these responses. The original post didnt strike me as paranoid, it strikes me as reasonable. I'm a Marine and former cop, and like to think I'm prepared for just about any surprise that life may bring -- both mentally and through the stock of supplies and equipment that I consistently have available to me.
I would agree that for the majority of RVers in the majority of campgrounds, there is little risk of critters of the two-legged variety causing you any problems. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with being prepared for that situation, given that it DOES happen every day across the world. Home invasions, truck stop robberies, murders, etc., are a fact of life. Poo-pooing the notion of being prepared is just silly to me. That is exactly what criminal minds are looking for and banking on.
Back in April of 1992, I was the victim of a home invasion shooting in a rather nice neighborhood in Lincoln, Nebraska. Fortunately I was only hit once, in the forearm... but it was enough to make me realize that anything can happen, anytime, to anybody -- even on a sunny Wednesday afternoon!
I'm not suggesting that everybody needs (or should even have) a gun, but I am saying that thinking through your security concerns and putting into place whatever measures make you feel comfortable is probably more than an inherent right -- I see it as a responsibility. We have an obligation to prepare ourselves for the situations we might find ourselves in -- but instead, many people expect the government to rescue them (e.g., the cops are just 5 minutes away... or FEMA sending a helicopter to pluck you off your roof because you refused to evacuate in the face of a flood, etc., etc.).
So for the OP, take the suggestions that have already been made and put in place which ever of them you are comfortable with. Enjoy your time and dont let concerns over what bad people might try to do wreck your lifestyle. There is a lot to be said for being self-reliant, and it can give you a confidence that no cell phone can provide.
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