Ed White
Kelowna, BC, Canada
Senior Member
Joined: 01/30/2001
View Profile
 Offline
|
We've been having a discussion about RV alarms in the Fifth Wheel Forum and there have been some good suggestions. The downside of an alarm though is the damage which gets done BEFORE the alarm goes off. E.g. a broken window, smashed door lock, etc.
Perhaps a more effective approach than an alarm would be something that scared potential thieves away BEFORE they even entered the RV. Is there such an alert system in common use on Class A's?
I'm thinking, for example, of a waterproof motion detector, mounted outside where it can monitor the door side of the rig. It would be connected to a control circuit which would flash a strobe and/or camera flash, while a webcam, or some other type of camera took a picture. A small window sign could be posted which said "Smile, you're on camera".
Has anyone come across this type of arrangement? Or do you know of a video monitoring supply website which might have the right components to make this work?
|
javaseuf
California's Gold Coast
Senior Member
Joined: 03/30/2005
View Profile
|
A good friend of mine owns an alarm company and I asked him about this once.
All of the sensors in my system, including motion sensors, are operated by 12-volts DC. They do make weatherproof sensors that are used in the industry so your idea would be pretty easy to accomplish.
Steve
2007 Springdale 291RKL
2003 F150 King Ranch
2001 Dodge Van w/Wheelchair Ramp
1991 Palomino Mustang PUP
Eureka Timberline Tent
Yamaha IF2400isc
Yamaha EF3000iSEBC
"Politically Incorrect And Proud Of It" 
|
cdzranch
Snowflake Az
Full Member
Joined: 03/28/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
One can go way overboard on security systems, but, I think the object is to deter and make them move on. House security systems have a 12v battery for back-up power. A small solar panel could be used to keep it charged in storage. I was toying around with the idea of using a motion sensor hooked up to a revolving light that you can buy with a magnetic base for portable use. When out of the rv place the revolving light inside where it can be seen thru a window. The one I bought has a red, blue, or yellow shade.The motion sensor would activate the light and attract attention. I also bought some phoney but realistic looking security cameras. These are also activated by a built in motion detector. A red light comes on and the camera moves back and forth for about 30 seconds and then resets for the next movement. Put a sign next to it and say "TOO LATE.. SMILE AT THE BARREL OF MY 38!!" Hopefully, your neighbors in the campground would be the best security system. Storage, that's another story. I'm glad I don't have that problem. I just have to keep the critters out.
Dan and Cindy FMCA# 402249
2002 Itaska Suncruiser 37ft (1) slide W22 Workhorse chassis; 1990 Komfort Trendsetter 25ft 454 4bbl carb
Tow VW manx bug; '07 Honda Shadow 750
Snowflake Az.
"If you don't learn something new every day, you've wasted that day!"
|
bingoldsby
Oregon State Parks - somewhere
Senior Member
Joined: 10/22/2006
View Profile
Offline
|
The imagination could conjure up a lot of good solutions to this - many of which might be a perfectly effective deterrent.
In another recent thread, I mentioned the possibility of adding the audible sound of telephone touch-tones dialing. Just something that came to mind. But the fact is that scaring away a potential burglar or vandal is what we all really want to do. Nipping the perpetrator's intentions in the bud, somehow, has to be the most desired effect of an alarm. Proof (ID) - for those continuing with the crime, would be very good too.
Brian K7ZRZ
Campgrounding hosting - Oregon State Parks
1987 30' Holiday Rambler Class A
GL1800 Goldwing - Honda Scooter Mounted
2000 Silver Miata LS Toad
Picture taken at Salem, Oregon
|
Jim@HiTek
Gresham, OR, USA
Senior Member
Joined: 07/17/2004
View Profile
Offline
|
Try here...
 Jim@HiTek
Have shop, will travel!
Visit my travel & RV repair blog site.
1994 Fleetwood Bounder
Cummins Diesel, 190HP, 36.5'
Black Rock Lava Park, Nevada
|
|
|
Ed White
Kelowna, BC, Canada
Senior Member
Joined: 01/30/2001
View Profile
Offline
|
I'm concerned about STORAGE situations, not so much when we are in an RV park. I've already got solar panels and extra batteries, so keeping a system running is not a problem. What I'd really like to do is find someone who has actually created a system like any of the ones described above, or who has found a commercially available "out of the box" system.
|
bkd148
Spanaway, WA.
Full Member
Joined: 09/05/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
The Alpine alarm that is on my MH has impact and radar sensors that have adjustable capabilities (sensitivity) and can be set to flash lights and or sound horns.
2002 Beaver Patriot Thunder
Cat C-12 455hp. 6spd. Allison
2002 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
|
chastho
arkansas
Senior Member
Joined: 07/27/2005
View Profile
|
When I had a problem with thieves breaking into or stealing my delivery vans I installed motion detector lights and wired a siren to it.
|
RicJones
So. Cal.
Senior Member
Joined: 10/29/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
Try this page
|
Guy Autorino
Emerald Isle N.C.
Full Member
Joined: 09/23/2007
View Profile
Offline
|
I was camping one day and there was a woman in a unit by her self, She had a Big pair of old work shoes, A Big dog bowl, and a chain large enugh to harnes a bear, she would put them out each night. said she had never bee disturbed
|
|
|
