Closing other's hatches

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by Nick Danger

I also agree. I'd like to think someone would do the same for me.



Just saying that on another thread I'm being "admonished" (my word) for being that irritating guy they call "Mr. Helpful" if I say something to someone for doing a health risk.

The other thread you reference is 'RV Movie moment again at the campground'. And I never interpreted any of it as admonishing you for anything, but I knew you took it that way. The thread tells the rest of the story.

[RetiredSoldier919]

Originally Posted by Reverse_snowbird

You made the right decision in closing the hatch so that nothing would get ruined by the storm. If you think he purposely left it open, you could open it again and perhaps leave a note explaining that you closed it to prevent storm damage then opened it again.
You didn't say what kind of campground you're staying in, but we've seen people set up and leave to save a spot. Also, there are companies that rent out sites, then deliver and set up rvs so that all the campers need to bring is themselves and luggage.

We have since returned home. When we left, he and his wife were still gone. So he was gone about 50 - 58 hours, with the gear unsecure all that time. On our way out the campgrounds, we alerted the entry skack of the situation. Hope they get back and all is as they left it, minus one closed hatch.

[5er_tom]

Had this experience a few weeks ago. A compartment on a fifth wheel next to us was open and blowing back and forth in the wind. The campground host was nearby so I told her about it and suggested she close it. She understood my concern and closed it. That way no worry if the owner showed up just as I was “playing” with his camper.

[gw1800]

We were camping near Nashville last month. It was about 8pm and raining and I noticed one compartment on a class A next was open. He was closing windows in his toad and I let him know about the compartment. I don't know what he said, but it was NOT THANK YOU. I just walked away. Guess I should have kept to myself.

[Whiteknight]

I have left mine open many times and always appreciate a reminder or would appreciate someone closing it too.

[jdljr]

put a note in a dry place or a stickie backside of hatch that you had close it, been there!

only to get thanks :-)

[Mrrobalo]

I live in a 55 & older community and we have a locked compound for our campers ,boats , and even a semi. The gate has a combination lock and we can come and go all hours. I am one of those guys always over there to work on trailer and mostly the boat. I can’t tell you how many hatches, doors, tools, gear and mostly they drive away without locking the gate. I guess they are in a rush to get to GERITOL HAPPY HOUR and just forget. However I always try to look around before I leave and do it if I need but WILL NOT GO INSIDE .
I would have to look the situation over if I was at a campground but have retied many a boats to prevent damage to a boat do to changing tides and never had anyone complain or give me hell.

[BirdeeGirl]

I’ve had my bin doors pop open while parked in my driveway and at campsites. Also while driving. Thank you anyone for shutting them for me. Much appreciated.

[loganh3101]

I would be very uncomfortable touching anyone else's equipment. I would contact the park manager and tell them what I observed and put the monkey on his back. He probably has a contact number for the other guest.

[masque]

I would be willing to close an outside hatch.

I would not enter a unit without permission.

[jkoenig24]

If I didn't close the hatch, I would at least notify the Camp Host to the likely oversight. Back in my Casita Travel Trailer days, I went away from my rig leaving the awning out (BIG brain fart on my part). I was VERY happy & grateful when wind started to pick up and an observant and thoughtful neighbor rolled up my awning thus preventing damage. The Casita was NOT a powered awning, Even without the awning pole, it was possible to roll up the awning with any other pole, a pair of pliers or, even strong fingers.

[BehindBars]

I would not touch another person's RV, nor would I want someone to mess with mine. What may seem like a problem or oversight to someone else, may have been intentional or have a good reason to the owner.

If I forgot to close a hatch, I will deal with the consequences. On the other hand, I may very well have meant to leave it open.

[Nick Danger]

Originally Posted by gw1800

We were camping near Nashville last month. It was about 8pm and raining and I noticed one compartment on a class A next was open. He was closing windows in his toad and I let him know about the compartment. I don't know what he said, but it was NOT THANK YOU. I just walked away. Guess I should have kept to myself.

Don't let someone like that give you the impression that even a majority of RVers wouldn't have appreciated the heads up. Who knows what the deal was but we all have bad days. Being a good person is never a bad thing. Just my 2cents.

[timfromma]

Unfortunately, we live in a very litigious society. There are people out there who will sue anyone for just about any reason. If I enter someone else's campsite and start messing with their stuff, regardless of how pure my intentions are, I am running the risk of being accused of something. I'm sorry but if you are parked next to me and I notice an open hatch, unsecured gear, an open awning or anything else, I'm leaving it alone.

[wabakami]

I was at our storage unit last month, while driving in we saw a hard-top camper which was set-up with no-one around (no car nearby either), the door was swinging back and forth. I called out, heard no answer so walked-up and closed the door. We were in our storage unit for an hour, nobody came by the trailer in that time. Hopefully our good deed of the day!

G

[TitanMike]

Whether or not I closed a hatch would totally depend on the circumstances.

Nice day? Probably not.

About to start raining with nobody around, probably yes.

I was the recipient of such a good deed back in the late 90's. My awning was out and I was gone. Gusty winds started and someone loosened my tie-downs, rolled up the non-powered awning, and left tie-downs still attached to ground anchors.

Saved my awning and a lot of damage.

[U.S.ArmyVeteran]

Originally Posted by wabakami

I was at our storage unit last month, while driving in we saw a hard-top camper which was set-up with no-one around (no car nearby either), the door was swinging back and forth. I called out, heard no answer so walked-up and closed the door. We were in our storage unit for an hour, nobody came by the trailer in that time. Hopefully our good deed of the day!

G

Hmm. In that case, I may be tempted to bang loudly on the wall. If no answer peek inside. See if anyone was passed out. Or worse. Things happen unfortunately.

[Mike134]

Originally Posted by TitanMike

Whether or not I closed a hatch would totally depend on the circumstances.

Nice day? Probably not.

About to start raining with nobody around, probably yes.

X2!!

[wabakami]

Originally Posted by U.S.ArmyVeteran

Hmm. In that case, I may be tempted to bang loudly on the wall. If no answer peek inside. See if anyone was passed out. Or worse. Things happen unfortunately.

Good point.

Thanks,
Geoff

PS
Thank you sir from a Canadian

[upflying]

Originally Posted by Kid Charlemagne

I try not to pay attention to others comings and goings because I hope that others aren't paying that much attention to me.

Situational awareness and paying attention to what goes on around you will go a long way to protect you and your family from the unexpected.
You might become a victim by ignoring your surroundings.