Theft protection

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

I have no idea how the 5th wheel jacks work...manual or hand crank? Is there not some way you can also lock the jacks in the down position. I think that would be a real pain having the jacks down if you where trying to move the trailer.

You just need the hatch key we all have to get at the toggles for the jacks. I have thought of a power switch at a different location to activate them.

[EdColorado]

An oft-discussed topic, but if you still have the Escape issued CH-751 lock/key on your exterior hatches, almost everyone in the campground has access to whatever you store in the bins. CH-751 is used by many RV manufacturers.

Changing the locks out is easy and inexpensive.

Ed

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by NW Cat Owner

We use the Nemesis wheel lock from Purple Line. I've had more than one person ask about it when I'm camping. and yes, I've heard stories of trailers being stolen.


Installation Video | Nemesis | Caravan Wheel Clamp | Trailer Accessories | Purple Line

Don’t forget you got us to get one too ! Pat

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

I am not sure exactly what you could do to secure your jacks on a 5 but on our 19 I put an extra concealed power switch on the power tongue jack that they have to find before they can raise or lower the trailer on their get a way vehicle. Something a thief would not normally consider they would have to deal with.

More info here: http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8...tml#post271270

That sure sounds like a great idea since we now have a electric jack . If. I sent you a pm could you disclose where and what I would need to install ? Pat

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by EdColorado

An oft-discussed topic, but if you still have the Escape issued CH-751 lock/key on your exterior hatches, almost everyone in the campground has access to whatever you store in the bins. CH-751 is used by many RV manufacturers.

Changing the locks out is easy and inexpensive.

Ed

Yes one of the first things you need to change out . Why the RV industry still uses the same everyone has one lock is beyond me ! Pat

[Eggscape]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

You just need the hatch key we all have to get at the toggles for the jacks. I have thought of a power switch at a different location to activate them.

OK...so they are electric jacks on the 5. Well worth the few bucks for a hidden switch then Jim.

Pat...feel free to PM me...or anybody else for that matter.

[War Eagle]

The original owner of our EggCamper installed an electric tongue jack and located a toggle "kill switch" on the cabinet wall just inside the entry door where it could be easily reached through the open door without having to actually enter the camper. However, with the battery mounted on the tongue near the jack, a determined thief with a pocket knife could jump wires from the battery to bypass the kill switch, but that would require a little time and some knowledge regarding electrical wiring.

[Chotch]

Originally Posted by NW Cat Owner

We use the Nemesis wheel lock from Purple Line. I've had more than one person ask about it when I'm camping. and yes, I've heard stories of trailers being stolen.


Installation Video | Nemesis | Caravan Wheel Clamp | Trailer Accessories | Purple Line

I’ve seen a couple of these pics now. That type of lock seems way too costly and bulky to save just a tire. MHO

[Greg A]

Lol, I guess with the dual axle trailers that would be a simple way to steal one with a wheel lock. With the lithium powered tools now, they can just pull up and pop the locked wheel off in under 5 minutes.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Chotch

I’ve seen a couple of these pics now. That type of lock seems way too costly and bulky to save just a tire. MHO

Respectably what you showed in the picture is not the same wheel lock , did you watch the installation video? . In my humble opinion everything you can do , makes your trailer too time consuming to bother with . I for one am not going to make it easy for a thief.Also this wheel lock is very heavy and harder to cut like the chains you can purchase . Pat

[tdf-texas]

Originally Posted by Chotch

I’ve seen a couple of these pics now. That type of lock seems way too costly and bulky to save just a tire. MHO

My guess is that is little that you can do to prevent your trailer being stolen if the thieves really want it.

Finding it after it has been stolen may be easier. A number of manufacturers make vehicle tracking devices that would allow the police to locate your stolen trailer and recover it.

With all the hidden spaces in an Escape, it shouldn't be hard to install one. This one seems to have good reviews - what do you think?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JG8KCLO/

[Iowa Dave]

For chain, you cannot beat PEWAG chain. Comes in various link sizes. It will tool the replaceable cutting jaws over on a pair of porter cable or Klein bolt cutters. However, a battery powered grinder with cutting wheel will cut it. Most thieves have a plan but it’s usually not “fleshed out” to deal with all the obstacles and as pointed out if excessive noise, time, or other attention getting methods are employed in the theft, the thief sometimes gives up. Don’t make it easy for them.
1. Insurance
2. Detection of movement
3. Watchdog
4. Watchdog friends or Camp host
5. Chain
6, Cable
7 Locks
8. Very large S hooks ( which you will have to open or cut before your retrieval)
9. Other well made anti theft devices
10. Adjust brakes so wheels won’t roll
11. Tracking Devices
And on and on
While working for municipal parks for 32 years I saw many many forms of theft and vandalism. Towards the end of my career game cameras came to the fore to help police track down vandals, illegal dumpers, tweakers, Nekkid night swimmers, mobile meth setups, and concession stand thieves.
Iowa Dave

[Chotch]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

Respectably what you showed in the picture is not the same wheel lock , did you watch the installation video? . In my humble opinion everything you can do , makes your trailer too time consuming to bother with . I for one am not going to make it easy for a thief.Also this wheel lock is very heavy and harder to cut like the chains you can purchase . Pat

Didn’t watch the video.That’s probably the most complex of the type, but still far to bulky for a lock I would take on the road.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Chotch

Didn’t watch the video.That’s probably the most complex of the type, but still far to bulky for a lock I would take on the road.

Understand . Pat

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by tdf-texas

My guess is that is little that you can do to prevent your trailer being stolen if the thieves really want it.

Finding it after it has been stolen may be easier. A number of manufacturers make vehicle tracking devices that would allow the police to locate your stolen trailer and recover it.

With all the hidden spaces in an Escape, it shouldn't be hard to install one. This one seems to have good reviews - what do you think?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JG8KCLO/

Tom usually the thief’s trash your trailer . Just saying I probably wouldn’t want it back or see what they did to it . Just my opinion . I still say do all you can . Pat

[EdColorado]

“
Tom usually the thief’s trash your trailer .”

I leave $100 in cash in the first drawer they see upon entering.
That’s enough to give them a score and feed their drug/alcohol habit.
Hopefully they will grab the easy money and leave.

At least that’s the plan.

[Eggscape]

Originally Posted by EdColorado

“
Tom usually the thief’s trash your trailer .”

I leave $100 in cash in the first drawer they see upon entering.
That’s enough to give them a score and feed their drug/alcohol habit.
Hopefully they will grab the easy money and leave.

At least that’s the plan.

I like that idea...could be money well spent if it saves some interior damages. As long as they don’t keep coming back looking for more.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by EdColorado

“

I leave $100 in cash in the first drawer they see upon entering.
That’s enough to give them a score and feed their drug/alcohol habit.
Hopefully they will grab the easy money and leave.

Umm, so where do you usually park?

All this talk about mechanical locks etc. Doesn't anyone use an alarm system that tells half the county that someone is starting to mess with the trailer?

Ron

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

Umm, so where do you usually park?

All this talk about mechanical locks etc. Doesn't anyone use an alarm system that tells half the county that someone is starting to mess with the trailer?

Ron

I do ! Pat

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

I like that idea...could be money well spent if it saves some interior damages. As long as they don’t keep coming back looking for more.

I know might think they stumbled on a gold mine ! Pat