Just because you are parinoid

[Shadow Catcher]

Just because you are paranoid it does not mean they are not out to get you!

We have seen a number of examples here of trailers stolen and there is a perennial discussion of locks. What it boils down to is that if you can get a bolt cutter or angle grinder on it it is toast, if you can un-bolt it it is gone and this includes the trailer ball, coupler if it is bolted to the tongue.
Why this post, In Gizmag this morning http://www.gizmag.com/bikespike-gps-bic ... pictures#2 an open source GPS tracker for bicycles.
While this may never see the light of day as a product it started the train of thought What about an open source tracker for trailers?

First step I took, find the software, http://opengts.sourceforge.net

[Shadow Catcher]

I live in small town Ohio population more or less 500 if you count some cats and dogs. I am not particularly concerned when CR is home in our drive. I was only mildly concerned when we were in California last summer, but as I pointed out there have been a number on this forum that have lost trailers. One of the plus factors in using a GPS tracker is that some of them have panic buttons and there are some places far from Cell phone towers where having a personal locator beacon is not a bad idea. As an example we got stuck in an out of the way location in Death Vally (one of the gost town sites) and had to hike out 30+ years ago. My plan is camping on Crown Land (Canada) in some out of the way true boondocking locations.
From what I can see it may be possible to do this for less than $100.

[Gary and Cheri]

$74 and it gets free shipping.

http://www.amazon.com/Vehicle-Tracker-R ... =gps+theft

I would think this would be easy to wire into the trailer's battery for constant power. Interesting idea.
Gary

[JuneBug]

Back when, I lived for two years in a rent house in Dolores, CO (a little town in southwestern CO with a low head count) and we never had keys to the front or back doors and never thought to ask for any. On the other hand, we were poor archaeologists with nothing of value and I mean that literally. A different time and place!
Now we are rigorous about security both at home and traveling.
In terms of locking, think about using two very different mechanisms. Thieves might have one technique with the appropriate tools, but not be equipped to defeat two very different kinds of locks.

[stumphugger]

Different strokes for different folks. That's all.

[wagondude]

why gps to camp where no people are around. out in wyoming in the natianal forest or the buro of land managment land. no one really is even remotly interested in stealing a trailer. and we don't un hook from them when we camp.

the trailer is hooked to the pickup or the suv and we are in camp a lot. most the time in true boondooking situations no one is around for miles to even bother your camp trailer or camp site.

unelss you run on a another car which is rare. your the only person for miles. and this can be for days.

why gps.


I don't understand why you want more electronic gadgets just to go offroad??????????????????????????????


I am scrathing my head

slowcowboy

Some might leave the trailer to go sight seeing. The gps unit on the trailer would not be to find camping spots, but to find (track) the trailer if stolen while you are gone. While calling the police, you give them the tracking info and they go recover your property and maybe even get to arrest the idiot that took it. Of cousre all bets are off if you are close to the south border and the gps indicates a border crossing. At that point, you are on your own.

[Shadow Catcher]

One of our favorite lakes to canoe on is in Lake Superior Provincial Park, and on the water the shore line is all green, and it merges visually, and even with a topographic map and compass it is very difficult to find the take out, as it is in behind a spit of land. There are other locations where it is a great deal safer with a GPS. But that is NOT what this thread is about. Most of us do not live on a ranch and all too many folks are not honest and will take what is not theirs. I want to make that as difficult as possible.

[Rainier70]

I think a GPS tracker for a trailer is a good idea. I wonder what the range and battery life of that little one is. Rather than being wired into the trailer battery, to me, it would be better to have a separate power source that is concealed. It's too easy for them to remove or disconnect the main batteries.

I too live way out away from the city, but that doesn't stop the city scum from oozing out our way!

[Shadow Catcher]

Most of the trackers I have looked at have an internal battery so even if cut off will broadcast.

[Mary C]

Having a tracker is good. I live in the country but like to go camping in places to "see". Unfortunately the lower class of thieves and low life have found out that people can be "taken" in such places. Camping areas , those with "sights" and monuments and history have become the pot of gold for some. It is necessary that we go in these areas with a heightened sense of our vulnerability to such and take precautions, Lock your campers, don't leave valuables out(stoves lanterns etc. while on the scenic tours. if you leave your camper take a tire, hitch or something that it needs to be stolen. Don't carry hordes of cash. don't carry your jewelry on camping trips. Number one BE AWARE of strangers lurking and watching, travel with someone if possible and if not, carry a whistle and try to stay with people you trust. Watch the interactions of those who want to see your TD, Don't answer any question related to security (ex., What kind of lock?, Do you carry a gun? Do you have a horn or something else ? Can you see from inside all sides? How many do you travel with?) ( you are always meeting someone!)and always try to take a picture of the stranger with your TD and suspicious person, so have your camera very handy. Don't let strangers know where you are going or your schedule. When I travel my next stop is home. even if I just left and filling up with gas. If in a secluded area. put a sign out to when you will give tours and if alone and female take a mans pair of boots with you and a big tee shirt to hang up. always pour yourself a cup of coffee and a little for your " man". Take two chairs and set them up (I may come by) but your "man" needs a place to sit too. Leave your travel plans with someone and stress that they should try to keep up with you via computer, phone and you should check in at a specified time. Use common since and just be careful, and have a great time.

Mary C.

To Slow: not everybody has the lifestyle you have. most of us live in urban areas and because of the economy and drugs there are many more victims of crime and violence. It is wonderful that you live in isolation from crime but around the populated areas there are always people who for their own reason want what you got and it has nothing to do with What it looks like, it has everything to do with what they can sell it for. I have become increasingly aware of the problems of crime and the fact that if you haven't seen crime in your area you will someday. it is better to take precautions before you become a victim.

[tamnalan]

No problem! Just throw out your ball-type hitch and take the lunette/pintle path. The bad guys will need to bring their farm vehicles along to take your stuff.

[Bogo]

Lunette's are good and will handle off road nicely, but they do rattle allot.

To stoke your paranoia some...

They are watching you...
They know where you live...
They know where you will be going...
They know when you will be gone...

http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/16/opinion/s ... hpt=hp_bn7

Internet advertising corporations, that is.

Think carefully about posting where and when you will be travelling. Even if you post under a pseudonym, chances are with little effort it can be traced back to you. Even if you are very careful, all you need to do is make one little slip up and the link can be made. It isn't that hard to data mine the collected information and make links between the pieces and build up a profile.