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Old 05-08-2022, 11:42 AM   #1
DT6
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Personal Safety

I hope I posted this to the correct topic. Does anyone have any recommendations, short of any type of firearm, on personal safety accessories and is there a more secure lock that we should consider for the trailer?
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Old 05-08-2022, 11:48 AM   #2
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To stay out Of trouble here and to answer your questions I would suggest private messaging . However, # 1 Bear Spray and # 2 nearly any locking device can be defeated by an 18 volt 4 1/2 inch grinder with cutting wheel.
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Old 05-08-2022, 11:49 AM   #3
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The first thing is common sense if you're traveling alone always have two chairs out and if your woman a large size pair of men's boots. As for locks go back through the archives and you'll find some very interesting discussions with a lot of information if you don't feel safe move on leave get out of there.
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Old 05-08-2022, 11:53 AM   #4
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This is definitely a topic that could very easily stray into forbidden areas.

We are hard core travelers. The single most important thing that we do that keeps us out of trouble is to have a high degree of situational awareness. We do stop for the night in areas where others might not be comfortable but not without taking a good look around for existing potential problems.

Since we do a lot of hiking we always have bear spray with us. We'd use it as a last resort. We'd also set off the truck alarm.

I have a front window in my 21C and lights on all 4 sides so I can see outside without having to go outside to check out a potential problem.

As for a stronger lock etc. I wouldn't bother. Unless you put on a heavy steel door any thief could pop open the door with a pry bar.

People's comfort levels vary. You should do what you're comfortable with.

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Old 05-08-2022, 11:54 AM   #5
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I never thought about the boots, I guess it’s because mine are often out, getting the stink aired off them. An NRA decal on the side would be good too.
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Old 05-08-2022, 12:51 PM   #6
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An NRA decal on the side would be good too.
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If you are not home, an NRA decal makes you the perfect target for someone who wants to steal a gun.
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Old 05-08-2022, 01:05 PM   #7
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If you're in the trailer, you probably will have a sharp kitchen knife nearby. It can be comforting and potentially useful. At night you could keep a knife and a bright flashlight at the ready; shine the light in a human intruder's eyes and he can't see to dodge the blade. (Not recommended for grizzlies)

Out and about, any object that can be used with stabbing or striking motions is good. A sturdy walking stick. A "tactical pen." Your key could be used in a pinch. Bear spray is great, so long as you remember not to spray upwind of yourself.

When hiking in the woods, a "large Luzon" folding knife by Cold Steel can be handy. The blade is 6" long. For that matter, you could use it around camp, too.



When it's "you or them" who will be harmed, don't hesitate for one second to choose "them".
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Old 05-08-2022, 01:10 PM   #8
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When we did our 3 month RV trip in Europe (since we could not have a firearm with us) we would put out 2 lawn chairs, a dog bowl with water and tie a dog leash to the entry step whenever we left the rig unattended. Did it work? Who knows. We were not broken-into on our trip.
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Old 05-08-2022, 02:40 PM   #9
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Our large dog is an extra set of ears and eyes for our campsite......
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Old 05-08-2022, 03:56 PM   #10
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For a number years we sailed down south, often in remote anchorage’s. We had two small dogs. We kept an air horn and flashlight beside the bed at night. Seemed to be common practice among those that don’t carry. Never had to use them. Lots of RV emergencies like a bear, raccoon etc could be resolved with them. We do keep bear spray as well.
We travel now with Tiller our Cairn Terrier.
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Old 05-08-2022, 04:23 PM   #11
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A few folks mentioned this might be a tricky topic, so I apologize if I stumbled in posting a controversial issue (not my intention). We do appreciate the tips everyone, mentioned. I really like the boots idea and will ensure we have bear spray, an air horn, and maybe a motion light to supplement the factory exterior light.
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Old 05-08-2022, 04:42 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DT6 View Post
I hope I posted this to the correct topic. Does anyone have any recommendations, short of any type of firearm, on personal safety accessories and is there a more secure lock that we should consider for the trailer?
I'm considering motion activated exterior lights, after seeing them on a friend's rig.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004O7DBM4
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Old 05-08-2022, 05:03 PM   #13
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I'm considering motion activated exterior lights, after seeing them on a friend's rig.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004O7DBM4
If you do, please aim them so they don't go off when you neighbor (who might be trying to take nighttime star photos) moves around HIS/HER site. A request guided by experience...
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Old 05-08-2022, 05:29 PM   #14
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Bear spray

Regarding bear spray-- a few years ago in Jasper, Alberta I became rattled by the presence of bears, seemingly everywhere. After seeing my fourth bear, a grizzly, I bought a large can of bear spray. I put it in my truck and forgot about it.

Not that long ago I found the thing. It looks like a fancy water bottle, so that's what I thought it was. I held it to my face and tugged repeatedly on the top, trying to get it off. I was one tug away from becoming another Florida Man story for you to enjoy. Then I remembered.
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Old 05-08-2022, 05:38 PM   #15
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Regarding bear spray-- a few years ago in Jasper, Alberta I became rattled by the presence of bears, seemingly everywhere. After seeing my fourth bear, a grizzly, I bought a large can of bear spray. I put it in my truck and forgot about it..
People have also left them on the dashboard, in the hot sun. You don't want to come back to a vehicle where the can of bear spray has exploded.
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Old 05-08-2022, 06:34 PM   #16
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One thing not mentioned is have car keys handy for the car alarm. As others have said, situational awareness is key. If uncomfortable, move. This is from someone who camps alone in remote places.
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Old 05-08-2022, 06:50 PM   #17
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While underway I keep my UDAP bear spray in the cooler, to avoid the possibility of ruining my trip with pepper spray saturating the trailer.
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Old 05-08-2022, 07:20 PM   #18
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Regarding bear spray-- a few years ago in Jasper, Alberta I became rattled by the presence of bears, seemingly everywhere.


Ice fields parkway, 2017?

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Old 05-08-2022, 07:21 PM   #19
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If you are not home, an NRA decal makes you the perfect target for someone who wants to steal a gun.
I have a friend named Henry handles that for me.
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Old 05-08-2022, 07:26 PM   #20
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I have a friend named Henry handles that for me.
You are missing the point. If you are not there, and if you have an NRA decal on your door, you probably have guns.

Same reason I've never applied decals for Apple computers, Nikon cameras or Sage fly rods to my trailer or vehicle.
Don't shoot yourself in the foot.
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