Security at Dispersed Camping areas

DCN082162

We are planning a trip in a few weeks and have reservations at 2 New Mexico State parks. I feel comfortable leaving my [email protected] at a state park using a hitch lock. But we are planning to do some dispersed camping in the national forest. I have some concern about leaving the [email protected] unattended in that sort of environment because access is not controlled. Am I just being paranoid? My plan would be to use hitch lock and use a another motorcycle lock (Master lock Cuff) around the wheel. So someone would probably have to drag the trailer away. Of course doors and windows would be secured. What are yalls experiences with dispersed camping, generally pretty secure?

JamesDow

I initially missed the word "New" in New Mexico. You sould be fine. Put your stablizers down and maybe leave out two chairs, etc. If gone for an extended period, I play inside the trailer (using a usb power block) a mp3 file that I created that loops after the 30+ hours. (Combination of sports, south park, etc.) Play loud enought so it can be heard nearby outside. Makes it as if someone is in the trailer.

JohnnyLoco

I was heading there (Lincoln National) next week but seems trails and such are closed where I was going and no campfires. I gotta call ranger stations tomorrow to see whats going on.

We haven’t had a problem in the Forrest of NM and I don’t lock anything not even doors.I put valuables in my jobsite truck box when I leave camp.

I don’t lock any of my camps because crowbar damage sucks !

Update: Seems closed from Forrest fires. I talked to a friend that lives there. At least two of my pretty spots are burnt up.

beaky

thieves don't roam remote fire roads looking for trailers

LuckyJ

@beaky said:
thieves don't roam remote fire roads looking for trailers

But unfortunetly, some opportunist just look for things outside and inside trailers! 🤣

DCN082162

Thanks for the heads up Johnny, I have some phone calls to make.

beaky

we use this and a ball lock https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200724097_200724097?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Automotive > Wheel Chocks&utm_campaign=Trimax&utm_content=66244&gclid=Cj0KCQjws-OEBhCkARIsAPhOkIZ8dsbgmsQTurd5l9zrC0t8mXS4cfLBvvEgLVDViK75McNLDkHW15EaAqLgEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

JohnnyLoco

Free yourself from worrying over possessions.

Insurance & Jesus

LuckyJ

@JohnnyLoco said:
Free yourself from worrying over possessions.

Insurance & Jesus

Amen! 😊

rich67

I am using two security devices when away from camp: a hitch lock and a wheel lock. I am less concerned with someone driving off with the trailer as I am with someone breaking in and stealing things inside. I usually leave a radio on inside so it sounds like someone is inside. You can get a simple battery operated radio for that purpose. We won't usually be away from camp in the night hours, but like beaky said, I don't think people are wandering forest roads looking to rip off a camper, let alone at night. While I am in camp, nothing beats a good rifle and a Glock 26 for perimeter defense. If we are camping in a state that allows it, we open carry when at camp to discourage any potential thieves looking to impose their will on unsuspecting boondockers.

JohnnyLoco

“ I am less concerned with someone driving off with the trailer as I am with someone breaking in and stealing things inside.”

Boy I’ve heard that many times and the trailer (door & window) damage from crow bars is a pain in the butt.

beaky

S&W 38 here

GigHarborTom

Years ago (maybe20 or more) I went to my first totally state " primative"rendevous. Mountain Man reenactment thing. No modern post 1840 camps, clothes etc allowed. Checking out others camps, there lying on a pre 1840 chest is a Ruger Blackhawk hand cannon.Reckon the man was afraid of the bears and big cats there about. I have yet to see or hear of a theft at these gatherings. Just sayin .... Very Old Camper with wandering mind here.