Hi there, We are going to try camping for the first time in about 45 years! I have done endless hours of research and am really excited but also a little apprehensive about the security of out trailer tent and camping stuff when we're out and about. We would keep valuables with us, but what about chairs, sleeping bags, cooking equipment etc.? And advice/experiences to share? Thanks so much
Hi.And welcome to the forum.We have never had any problems security wise I think most campers keep an eye out for each other and as far as your trailer tent goes just get a hitchlok and put it on on site as most people do.If you go to established sites with lots of people on them there should be no problems,but if you camp in a remote field on your own then it might be an issue.Hope this helps.Cheers.Alex
I put everything away inside the tent when I leave it and zip up the door. That's not difficult because it's usually only a table and chair although there are lots of expensive bits of kit inside like a cooker, tables, clothing, all ones usual possessions. I tend to feel out of sight out of mind but I am fully aware that nothing in a tent is secure. I have never had any problems though.
With a trailer tent I would be inclined to use a hitchlock or wheel lock if that is possible although when erected it's unlikely to go anywhere. If leaving it anywhere remote then a wheel lock is a must. The rest you can't do much about since anyone can get in with a stanley knife.
Once you have been on a few sites, you will be absolutely amazed at what folks just leave lying around. Especially by those on Seasonal Pitches.
We still use hitchlock and wheel clamp and we stow away all our loungers etc under the skirts of our folding camper, out of sight of passers-bye, but we are over cautious by nature.
Like previously stated, lock your valuables in the car, otherwise just relax and enjoy.
When camping without the awning we to like Lobey make use of the skirts on our fc. But then also we never ever take any really valuable with us. But camping gear itslef the fc is the mose expensive so the others have said it all. BUT I would say it again Get to know your neighbours, just say hello very quickly so the talking starts. That way if we are staying put and we see them starting to go out we let them know we wil be here all day today so will keep and eye open. People are pretty genuine on camp sites. We always camp on the C&C club sites as others on on CC sites we have only ever had one thing stolen a few years ago it was from the awning and it was a bottle of blue for the toilet poti we had. it was in a carrier bag by the side and the bag showed just outside a little. But we were at Kingsbury Water Park so was it person or duck we do not really know.
Enjoy your camping,be aware but not paranoid, you will enjoy it much better, or do not take very valuable things away.
I have a large lockable storage box on the A frame and tend to lock valuables in there rather than use the car especially when its going to be in a large public car park all day.
Gosh, thanks everyone. That is really helpful and reassuring. Pete is a real extrovert and makes finds it very easy to start chatting to anyone, so the getting to know your neighbours was a very good tip. The rest, as you say, is practical common sense.
I am really enjoying this site and it's great to know that the forum works so well. Thank you all. Jules
We never lock anything away, as said before canvas can be cut with a knife or tent pegs removed to get access to awnings, never bothered with a hitch or wheel lock as "If someone can pack everything away and tow it away without being noticed - good luck to them" as it takes four of us over an hour !
Never had anything go missing - oh wait - one football went missing for a day but came back !
Locks only stop honest people. Most folks on sites are like you - just there for the holiday. We used to lock up the bikes but everything else like chairs, table, beer etc. used to go under the bed skirt. I did install a small strong box bolted to the floor in one of the lockers in the Dandy for things like passports, purses, car keys etc. for when we went swimming.
Best not leave the car keys in the camper ,even in a safe, I know that insurance people are understanding and helpful,but you never know. Just get him some bigger trunks. In Fuerteventura recently,one tattooed and pierced young man had his keys attached with a stainless ring,I will let you guess where.