RV power cords targeted!

[Artemus Gordon]

Seen this discussion before on several sites. What do my Fellow Montana owners do to secure their power cords? Got an email about the subject of RV cords showing up at recyclers in California. I have 24/7 video on my RV, and I use a locking cable. Not full proof, just a simple deterrent for the "grab and go's, professional could get it. Any new ideas?

[DQDick]

This has concerned me for some time now. I carry a 25' 50amp extension cord and made a pigtail to jump between it and the plug on the back of the rig just in case. If my primary cord disappears I can use the extension until I can replace it.

[rohrmann]

The quick answer would be, Camp anywhere but California. Way too many meth druggies in this state needing to support their habit. Just read an article in the Fresno, CA newspaper about all of the CalTrans on-ramp signals in the state not working because of the copper thieves stealing all the wire for the copper and the state finally going to start replacing it with less desirable aluminum wire. I personally saw a lot of damage done to electrical equipment and other electric facilities while working for the electric utility.

[Artemus Gordon]

quote:Originally posted by rohrmann

The quick answer would be, Camp anywhere but California. Way too many meth druggies in this state needing to support their habit. Just read an article in the Fresno, CA newspaper about all of the CalTrans on-ramp signals in the state not working because of the copper thieves stealing all the wire for the copper and the state finally going to start replacing it with less desirable aluminum wire. I personally saw a lot of damage done to electrical equipment and other electric facilities while working for the electric utility.

It's true, the meth problem, has a direct link to metal theft. The other problem, IMHO is the fact that recycling centers, seem to have adopted a "see no, hear no evil" attitude. My wife thinks I am over paranoid, I prefer to think I over cautious. Between propane tanks, gas, power cords, portable generators, not to mention diesel supplies on hand, the average RVer can be sitting on thousands of dollars of easily stolen items! I don't mean to be a "Debbie downer", but I truly want to hear ideas on how to keep my power cords etc. safe. Since my Truck got vandalized at Christmas, my paranoia has grown! Lol.

[bigskyjimmy]

Wow never even heard of this from any Rver's where we stay, like was said before must be a group of meth heads looking for quick cash ,Another good reason we paid good bucks to belong to private membership only Rv resorts, It never happens

[DonandBonnie]

We've seen a couple occasions where a heavy chain and padlock were wrapped around the cord and pedestal. That won't stop a thief with wire cutters looking to convert the copper into cash.

[Allen in MT]

Had a chance to buy an extra power cord from a guy in Yuma that was parting out his camper that was totaled, was asking $50.00 and I passed on it, Had a chance to buy another one at the flea market in Wittman, AZ from an older guy and was priced at $75.00, Passed on this one also. Don't know why!
Think I'm going to have to buy the next one just to have a spare.

[steelpony5555]

Hmmmmm not sure you could fix it to where it won't get stolen. If you figure out a way to put a chain on it that will only protect it from someone just unplugging it and running. If they really want it all they need is a set of wire cutters to chop it off. They won't care if it is in pieces. Not sure how you could make it steal proof. It is one of those things I just figure if they want they will get it so I don't worry much about it....well I do worry, just not much...lol

[1retired06]

In North Carolina, at our landfill, you have to fill out a form detailing specifics (Name, address,etc) before they will take copper.

[tweber502]

To date I have not had anything stolen from any of our RV's be it at home or in the campground. Sadly that's not to say it won't happen though. Michael, I am curious what type of locking cable that you have. The only cords that I've seen are the twist lock or the conventional ones with the male/female ends. Like DQDick I also carry a pigtail that has twist lock on one end and 50amp female other end just in case something would happen, then I would be able to use my other 50' cord that I pack around. Tim

[DonandBonnie]

Some wise person once said that locks only keep honest folks honest.

[mlh]

I put a pad lock on the cord with a chain around the post. This won't stop a pro but it will stop a grab and run thief. These 50 amp cords are well over $300 but it's not the money it's being without power.

[Bigsky3625RE]

I use a gun lock cable wrapped around the cord just below the plug. I then use a cable lock to secure the EMS to that and the power pedestal.

As mentioned, if the have cutters it will be theirs. But this at least makes it not so easy to just walk off. And if someone saw a guy with bolt cutters working around a power pedestal I hope it would stand out.

[JandC]

I think RV parks have to help and do their part when it comes to security. If they start to have thefts in the middle of the night then they should start having some type of temporary security until it gets better, or install their own camera system to help local law enforcement.

[BB_TX]

I have a chain and padlock on mine while in storage just to prevent snatch and go thefts. But don't do anything while traveling. A serious thief with a decent sized cutter will not be deterred.

[K0LCB]

I had a security light that would tun on in case of power failure. I worked 3 summers in a state park campground. Never had a real problem. One night my breaker was turned off, but nothing bothered. The light woke the dog who woke me

[grampachet]

I always try to have some slack in the cord and make a loop or two on the ground around the rear stabilizer. This would make the bad guy look for easier pickings, like the guy next door

[Overlord]

If the power pedestal is close to the rear of the Montana, I make small dia. coils out of the excess length of power cord and put the rear stabilizer down though the middle of it. That way, a thief would have to unwind the length of the cord from around the stabilizer quite a few times. Dragging 30 feet of 50 amp cord around the leg 6 or 7 times is gonna take some time, make some noise, and wear a fella out.

I wonder how strong of an electromagnet my stabilizer leg is??

[richfaa]

Stuff happens however in over 30 years of Rv'ing we do not know anyone personally that had a power cord taken.

[Artemus Gordon]

I found accounts of stolen cords by doing a simple google search. In Nov 2013 several RVs hit in Southern Ca. I bet many of these thefts don't get reported?

http://santee.patch.com/groups/polic...k-reports-here

http://www.ogemawherald.com/stories/...-City-RV,97822