Security & Camping alone

[CAJUN LADY-TNT]

My theory on carrying a weapon (gun) in my camper or vehicle is that it is never pulled out unless I have to defend my life and I would never pull out an air/pellet gun to scare someone off. If you have to pull a gun out, you better be ready to use it.

There are so many other safer methods of scaring away intruders of human and animal kind and the majority are listed here on this thread. Hearing a BIG dog bark would scare the heck out of me if I approached a Teardrop/Trailer at night. And you don't have to own a dog - you can do the barking yourself. One thing I thought was a good idea was leaving a very large, slightly chewed up plastic "dog" bowl and chain near the camper. It's just like those "THIS HOUSE PROTECTED BY ABC SECURITY ALARM" signs...it makes you think before you act. (Or at least I hope it does).

 

[Slowp]

I don't have to pretend about the big dog, I've got one that travels with me most of the time. 80 pounds of drooling Chocolate Labratry. Here is a picture of him in his native habitat.

I've just tried out the air pistol. Hmmmm. Not suitable because one must keep the barrel elevated or the BB falls out. However, it is an intro to pistol shooting. It may be a good backup or handy for dispatching the packrat. Much more suitable than the Dirty Harry replica gun that a friend told me to shoot with. One can work their way up to the bigger calibers more slowly.

 

[S. Heisley]

Keep a can of Wasp Spray handy to spray into the eyes of any two legged or four legged critter that gets into your trailer or tent or home. It will hit its target from up to 20 feet away (which means you don't have to get close enough to allow the invader to try to take away your weapon) and it will give you time to get at all those other weapons, if you need them. Even if the 'critter' is wearing glasses, it will hamper vision, putting a blurring film on the lenses and dripping down into the eyes. The natural reaction is to stop and try to wipe the chemicals away.

Caution: Please recognize that wasp spray may permanently damage vision unless it is washed off soon after being sprayed into a being's eyes. But, then, a gun may permanently damage life, too, and bullets can't be washed off.

 

[honeask]

Good idea Sharon, I think I have heard about that from a safety demo one time. I'm not sure if I would worry too much about hurting them if someone was breaking in to get me. Wonder if they make that in purse size.

Sandy

 

[Nicki-TNT]

I've got this plan. I want to camp in a teardrop long term. By long term, I mean I'd be camping for about 2 years or so and traveling the country. I wouldn't spend more than 2-4 months in one spot before moving on to the next location. I'd probably be spending time off and on at friends houses, spending the night, but not wanting to impose for months at a time, the camper would be homebase.
I'm 24, but won't be starting this trip for about 2 years, since I have a job I can't quit right now. I'd also be bringing a (on the large side!) dog along with me.
Being a long term camper, this narrows down my choice of campgrounds, and I can't afford to be picky. Also, since it would be year round, I certainly can't count on a large group of fellow campers all the time.
So my question is, how safe is this? I'm not scared, but I don't want to be naive, either. I don't own a gun, but I wouldn't be adverse to getting one and learning to use it. (obviously for emergency situations only) Is this a bad idea?

 

[iplay10us2]

I've got this plan. I want to camp in a teardrop long term. By long term, I mean I'd be camping for about 2 years or so and traveling the country. I wouldn't spend more than 2-4 months in one spot before moving on to the next location. I'd probably be spending time off and on at friends houses, spending the night, but not wanting to impose for months at a time, the camper would be homebase.
I'm 24, but won't be starting this trip for about 2 years, since I have a job I can't quit right now. I'd also be bringing a (on the large side!) dog along with me.
Being a long term camper, this narrows down my choice of campgrounds, and I can't afford to be picky. Also, since it would be year round, I certainly can't count on a large group of fellow campers all the time.
So my question is, how safe is this? I'm not scared, but I don't want to be naive, either. I don't own a gun, but I wouldn't be adverse to getting one and learning to use it. (obviously for emergency situations only) Is this a bad idea?

Nicki: Go read my friend's blog, and contact her.

http://alisontravelsblog.blogspot.com/


She has traveled around in her teardrop and her tent for months and months at a time. She could give you some good tips. She also has beautiful photos of her trip. If you are on Facebook, she also maintains the page: We Can Do It: Women Who Camp. Check it out, too.

 

[SuperiorBound]

key fob and a 90lb dog People tend to judge large black dogs as mean, no idea why, but it is one reason I brought this boy home. Maybe being black they look bigger than they are or the snarling white teeth look larger surrounded by black. I make sure the husband know my plans and I call him several times. I know where I do and don't have service most of the time.

 

[Miriam C.]

You and only you can decide from day to day if you are safe. As for a gun---my advise to my sister was "get trained first, then decide if you are able to really shoot someone."

There seem to be quite a few RV parks here for those who are staying longer. Usually there is a camp host or two so there is company too...Just be friendly with them and the Rangers and you should be fine.

 

[Time Out-TNT]

I hope you ladies don't mind another man joining in on this interesting topic. My wife and I will be joining the Tear Drop community with our purchase of a gloss black Little Guy 6 wide which will be delivered to Fresno, CA in about 3 weeks. Photos to follow! This will be our first 'off the ground' camping experience.

I am nearly 4 months into my difficult (at age 65) recovery of major back surgery in which 15 vertebrae were fused - T2 to L4. Muscle spasms are a way of life right now! I mentioned that in order to convey my insecurities as a man at this time in my life, especially when camping in that little Tear Drop in unfamiliar surroundings. We will have solid, tinted doors that lock tight and black privacy blinds and black carpeted interior walls to make it difficult for someone to see in if we had to peek outside. But I still feel vulnerable. Has anyone thought of installing a 200 degree or 260 degree door peep hole perhaps in the front of their trailer so they could view the tow vehicle (if parked in front) or other activity that might be going on?

I am also going to rig our 'over the door' led lights to switch on from the inside also. We both used to carry concealed years ago, but it got so difficult and expensive to carry in California that we have not renewed...but there are a lot of interesting hiding places to be found and creatively utilized in a Little Guy!

We used to motorcycle camp a lot with our 2 bikes and a cargo trailer. One night we set up our tent under a light in the middle of a public park in Jackson, CA...up on Hwy 49 in the Gold Country after an exhaustive days ride. It was about 1:00 in the morning when we were awakened by a couple of guys talking and shaking our tent. Both our hearts almost stopped beating! The only thing I had with me in the tent was a knife, so I cautiously made my way out of the tent to see what was up. Thankfully, as it turned out, the guys were locals, and had had a couple of beers and were curious about the motorcycles and just wanted to chat.

Thank you for letting me join the fun and gain valuable information as well,

Clyde and Linda

 

[Miriam C.]

to the playground Clyde and Linda! My sympathy for your back. It will get better I hope. My son in law has a bunch fused and it gets better. He is still working. You might start out with some of the group campouts to get a feel for your Little Guy!

Remember everyone, if someone opens your door against your will flip and kick! Your feet will give you the time to think. Doesn't matter who opens your door cause the police will announce and I certainly will. And ditto the key fob. That car honking at night will surely bring people. They might want to kill you though..

 

[Time Out-TNT]

Miriam, thank you for such a warm welcome. So good to hear that your Son-in-law is doing well and back at work after a life changing surgery such as this.

Yes, that 'key fob' panic button is a wonderful tool. It will always be handy!

Here is something I found on-line last night. Uniden makes this small and inexpensive (about $135.00) surveillance camera and monitor wireless system. This, to Linda and me has a lot of potential. We will probably purchase this and a second outdoor camera. Look it over and let us know what you think!

http://ec5.images-amazon.com/images/I/4 ... AA300_.jpg

If I did this right, the first image is the monitor and 'indoor' camera and the second image is an outdoor (waterproof) camera. I think they are pretty small and could be easily concealed or camouflaged for easy outdoor placement. This will also show the 'black bears' and other critters roaming around the campsite also! I like gadgets and knowing what is going on outside, but this may not interest everyone. It's all about options and being safe. I also have a couple of nice solar lights that will be mounted on 4 foot gray PVC pipes screwed into flanges located on either end of the tongue mounted cargo tray on the front of the trailer.

A convex mirror placed somewhere outside your trailer (by you) that you could look into when peeking out your door would show anyone trying to hide off to the side of the door. You could probably place it so that it wouldn't be too obvious to an intruder. Just another idea to consider.

Best to everyone,

Clyde and Linda

 

[Time Out-TNT]

Hey all,

I have no idea how all the multiple posts happened! It wasn't me!!! I think they were having trouble...but anyway, now you all really got my message

Hope I haven't worn out my welcome already!!

Clyde

 

[Miriam C.]

Hey all,

I have no idea how all the multiple posts happened! It wasn't me!!! I think they were having trouble...but anyway, now you all really got my message

Hope I haven't worn out my welcome already!!

Clyde

The site is doing it I think I will delete all but the first for you!

I love the camera. I have seriously thought of doing something about the broad front I can't see out of. I force myself to not worry about it.

 

[JaneV-TNT]

Jane , this is slowcowboy from riverton, wyoming. Just wanted to say hi and welcome to the forum and the teardrop world. I know we are a rare camper type in wyoming but I have had a blast being a solo camper in the centeral wyoming area since 2007. I love the windriver moutains by lander and this is a great way to see the world by teardrop as well as the windrivers in the summer time.

you will meet a lot of neat people in the teardrop world.

any ways. I just wanted to say to a fellow wyoming teardropper and if I can be of help with a question on the teardrop world or whatever feel free to pm me or post me on the forum on some tread.

Enjoy the hobby and maybee some day there will be a wyoming teardrop gathering and a wyomng teardrop group.

Slowcowboy. I am up at pavillion which is 24 miles northwest of riverton. riverton being the only big town next to me that people can find on the map and Pavillon is a little farming berg of 120 people. I have lived in wyoming and the riverton, lander area all my life.

Hi slowcowboy -
Lander is beautiful - don't get up that way too often -I try to stay in lower altitudes - won't be heading to the Tetons anytime soon -(have some new health issues) - I'm at 6,000ft - more than enough for me!

BTW - my youngest son is 29 and I know it's not easy out there to find a nice girl ....I really look forward to being a gramma but no signs of
that happening...he says every year it gets harder.....they all come with baggage the older they get.

I got a Little Guy 5x8 Silver Shadow - love it so far - friend took me out for a pre-flight and safety check. He had me do everything myself and feeling confident enough! Edward (my dog) and I slept in it one n ight last week (35 degrees) and we were snug as bugs!!. 'Til Later, Jane

 

[CapN-SKO]

I love the security camera idea how about mounting it likr a periscope might work better for a standy or if you had a roof rack I was going to use a rear view camera that is mounted on the licence plate of both the trailer and the tow vehicle so I'd see any surprises cause I live in big bear country and being able to fire up the truck to startle something away might be a good idea

 

[Time Out-TNT]

Hi Droid,

Thanks for your comment on the camera system. I must admit I feel a lot more secure now with a couple more months of recover from my surgery. I am now beginning to think my need for a camera system might have been a little overkill, but then again you never know. We now have our 6 Wide at our home and have been adding little things to make it our own and even though we haven't slept in it as yet, don't feel as vulnerable as I thought I would. Our first camping outing will be the last couple of days of this month in the Sequoia National Park, CA (also Bear country) and I am getting anxious. I am finally in less pain and in a better frame of mind!

I looked at your album and fell in love with some of the 'large' unusual tiny trailers! What do you personally pull to camp in? Did you build it?

All the best to you,

Clyde Ramstead

 

[CapN-SKO]

no trailer as of yet but I 'd like to do a tiny house style but without the sharp pitched roof then as for a teardrop I was thinking about a slightly taller version of one kinda a cross of the rondack lodge / campster12 due to needing to have space for a bird cage I 'd really like a standy as well as a vardo but for the time being I 'm just drawing them up with pencil and paper until I find the right design for me

to sum it up too many ideaa not enough time or money

 

[CAJUN LADY-TNT]

Ladies (and gents), it's time to refresh our "camping and security" thread. Anyone have any close call stories they want to share, or, new security advice? Let's chat...

 

[SuperiorBound]

Was just thinking I should reread this thread. Haven't been out yet this summer but hope to this month.
When alone I do state parks as you have to check in, often with a ranger. Always have them put two people on campsite, set up two camp chairs and will put a half empty pop bottle in one, simple things like that. Keep my car keys close by and easily reached so I can hit the alarm if needed. Big black lab great dane mix for company.
Stay alert and enjoy.
I enjoy the parks midweek when they are pretty empty,

 

[Verna-TNT]

This is a great thread. I'm glad to know I'm not the only solo female camper, and I'm glad I'm not the only one who takes precautions for my safety.

I've tent-camped alone and with my sister for years. My sister is the first one to to laugh at me about keeping a hammer next to me in the tent, but she's also the first one to wake me up and ask me what that sound was

Some things that I do is to always carry a red Swiss Army knife on a keychain with a small whistle and an LED flashlight. I carry that all of the time, and especially at night when going to the restroom in the campground. In some campgrounds, I break the rules and take my Shih Tzu with me to the restroom--granted her mouth wouldn't be large enough to bite someone badly, but a dog barking is a good way to warn 2 and 4 legged creatures of our presense.

I always lock my camper door if I am asleep in it, or if I have left the campsite. I really don't like the idea of someone being in my camper who isn't supposed to be there. Yes, locks are for honest people, but I am bothered less by other campers than I am by some of the people I've seen renting motel rooms.

I normally leave my hammer on the picnic table during the day. I've used it for the tent pegs for the screen room, so it doesn't look out of place. It could be used to protect myself, and, yes, if you watched me put the tent pegs in the ground, you know I know how to use a hammer!!

Other things that have been mentioned are good ones: keep the key fob for your vehicle with you, make sure you get the campground's telephone number and put it in your cell phone, make sure your cell phone is always charged, etc.

Oh yeah......the most important thing is not live in fear. We're out here enjoying ourselves and most people are honest and helpful.

Verna
Indianapolis, IN