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Old 01-27-2016, 01:05 PM   #1
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What anti theft precautions do you take?

My 3010DS was stolen this fall. I got it back, minimal damage but I was alarmed to see how easy it had been for a thief wielding a screwdriver to unlock the door, start the engine and drive off like they had keys. Onboard GPS doesn't track so no way to tell where they took it even after it was recovered.
There goes my logic about being locked in and safer because I could get to the cab quickly if I felt threatened. So could the menace. I'm a little concerned about how easy it would be to steal from a campsite or mall parking lot if it was unattended.

What security measures do you take? How can break ins be prevented? I know some feel that a gun or dog is a good solution but neither of those could have prevented the theft.




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Old 01-27-2016, 01:13 PM   #2
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Wow. I thought it would be harder to steal a motorhome but I guess not. Sorry this happened.
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Old 01-27-2016, 01:21 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Puzzlme View Post
My 3010DS was stolen this fall. I got it back, minimal damage but I was alarmed to see how easy it had been for a thief wielding a screwdriver to unlock the door, start the engine and drive off like they had keys. Onboard GPS doesn't track so no way to tell where they took it even after it was recovered.
There goes my logic about being locked in and safer because I could get to the cab quickly if I felt threatened. So could the menace. I'm a little concerned about how easy it would be to steal from a campsite or mall parking lot if it was unattended.

What security measures do you take? How can break ins be prevented? I know some feel that a gun or dog is a good solution but neither of those could have prevented the theft.




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I was wondering about that also, since my 2013 Sunseeker 2250LE (Chevy) does not have an alarm, which is amazing nowadays. I just found an old steering wheel lock (club) in the basement, if I can find the key for it I'll start using it. Thanks for the warning!
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Old 01-27-2016, 01:38 PM   #4
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Good insurance. Stay out of places that might seem a little risky.
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Old 01-27-2016, 01:42 PM   #5
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I was wondering about that also, since my 2013 Sunseeker 2250LE (Chevy) does not have an alarm, which is amazing nowadays. I just found an old steering wheel lock (club) in the basement, if I can find the key for it I'll start using it. Thanks for the warning!
If they have a hacksaw it'll take them maybe an extra minute to get that off. I remember seeing a 60 minutes episode or similar years ago about how useless those were.
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Old 01-27-2016, 01:52 PM   #6
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Best thing to do is wire in a kill switch. Later RJD
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Old 01-27-2016, 01:53 PM   #7
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I didn't have a motor home stolen but I did have my TV a Chevy 2500HD stolen from a Sam's Club parking lot this Summer (Trailer was not attached) it was never recovered so when I purchased my new a TV Dodge Ram 2500 I had a GPS tracking device installed and I started using my old Club on the steering wheel
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Old 01-27-2016, 03:17 PM   #8
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My insurance adjuster advised that the clubs and other products like it, do not prevent theft. As someone else mentioned, they only slow them down.

According to him, Ford has been well aware of how easy their truck/vans are to steal. Just recently they finally began using chipped keys. If you don't have that, a screwdriver works pretty slick.
I have had a battery disconnect installed
, might have to look at an alarm/tracking device. I was very fortunate in that they recovered it quickly. All covered by insurance but it's parking in busy parking lots etc while on vacation that has me worried. It can happen so quickly that no one would even question what was happening.
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Old 01-27-2016, 09:44 PM   #9
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That's what insurance is for but I never leave my keys when not there. Mine would have to be straight wired.
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Old 01-27-2016, 10:23 PM   #10
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With Onstar equipped vehicles, they can track it and even shut it down on request. Might want to check them out. My 2013 Silverado 2500 HD has the service.
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Old 01-28-2016, 02:44 AM   #11
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I pull a specific relay that without it, it will not run.
You could pull a specific fuse (PCM/ECM, fuel pump, for example) and do the same job.
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Old 01-28-2016, 07:50 AM   #12
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Let them have it. I would not want it back after they've had their fun with it.
I had a YJ stolen years back. Thankfully, they burnt it.


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Old 01-28-2016, 08:17 AM   #13
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what about your trailer
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Old 01-28-2016, 08:35 AM   #14
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what about your trailer

Same. If someone is going to have the guts to steal a 42' 5er. Have at it. That's what insurance is for.


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Old 01-28-2016, 08:44 AM   #15
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With Onstar equipped vehicles, they can track it and even shut it down on request. Might want to check them out. My 2013 Silverado 2500 HD has the service.
Unfortunately, Ford / Forest River, doesn't have this feature.
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Old 01-28-2016, 08:54 AM   #16
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That's what insurance is for but I never leave my keys when not there. Mine would have to be straight wired.
Yes, thank God for insurance, after the deductible, they covered everything, however, it took 3 months for all the repairs to be done. If this had happened while I was using the motorhome somewhere away from home or in the summer, it would have been even more inconvenient to deal with.

I have replacement cost insurance. That only covers replacing the unit with a brand new unit and only covers to the value you are insured for. I insured for my original value. Prices have changed significantly since I made my purchase so the value would not have covered the value of a new unit. If you choose to replace it with a gently used model, they only cover up to the depreciated value of your unit.

In the end, I no longer have the peace of mind that I thought having insurance would provide.
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Old 01-28-2016, 08:56 AM   #17
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That's what insurance is for but I never leave my keys when not there. Mine would have to be straight wired.
I didn't leave keys either. The jammed a screwdriver into the ignition, turned it and drove off.
Why would yours need to be straight wired? Just wondering if you have made some mod to your unit?
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Old 01-28-2016, 08:57 AM   #18
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I pull a specific relay that without it, it will not run.
You could pull a specific fuse (PCM/ECM, fuel pump, for example) and do the same job.
I added a battery disconnect but that won't stop someone with a screwdriver from opening the cab door and entering. They may not be able to start it but they could sure do some damage.
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Old 01-28-2016, 09:51 AM   #19
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So, motorhomes don't have the interlock systems like used on most modern trucks that prevent the BCM from allowing the vehicle from being started unless a key is inserted?
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Old 01-28-2016, 12:58 PM   #20
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I added a battery disconnect but that won't stop someone with a screwdriver from opening the cab door and entering. They may not be able to start it but they could sure do some damage.
Of course, but there's nothing able to stop anyone from damaging it. Backing into it in a parking lot can cause damage too.
I've been watching on E-bay but haven't seen a portable force field available yet and I think that's what it would take to be 100% .
My recommendation was to help prevent theft.
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