How safe are we really while boon docking ?

[CoachCrazy]

As a newbie/lurker researching & preparing for ownership I was wondering how safe it is to boondock with limited knowledge of the local area where one decides to stop for a night? I don't mean near city centers or RV parks, but in those get-away-from-it-all sort of places that look so stunning in the photo's and the main reason for traveling round this beautiful country. I guess what I'm asking is really how safe is boon docking??

Many thanks in advance,

Chris

[GringoPhil]

Chris,

Your as safe as you make it. Use common sense when picking your overnight camping spot. Also be careful some of those "get-away-from-it-all sort of places that look so stunning" might be private land and you could find yourself in trouble. OTOH there are many such places under the control of BLM (Bureau of Land Management), and they offer many opportunities for boondocking, but again they're not all free.

Gringophil

[Chester B. Stone, Jr.]

I avoid boondocking alone in a remote, unlighted and lonely place. If two or more motorhomes, then I feel more comfortable. If I cannot find a good lighted parking lot, such as Wal-Mart, a truck stop, Cracker Barrel, I will locate a RV park.

[MrE]

The 'limited knowledge' kinda queers your question. I prefer boon docking but there are definitely risks involved and limited knowledge of the area doesn't sound too safe.

[speedingsport]

I had this concern too about boondocking. Get yourself a pistol!

[Randy J]

We also were concerned about this. But I was more worried. about in dead silent rest area stops. or deserted parking lots. Leeann picked up some mace and I got a gun! :thumbsup:

[Randy J]

Oh and others here suggest. that you boondock with other RVers.

[MrE]

Pistols are okay, but I prefer my Remington 1100 semi-automatic 12 gauge shotgun. Just the sound dropping a shell into the chamber deters all but the most determined.

http://www.remington.com/~/media/Images/Firearms/Shotguns/Model-1100-Classic-Trap/1100classictrap-prod.ashx

[folivier]

I prefer my youth model 870 20 ga. Shorter, lighter, and my wife can handle it!

[prairieschooner]

Mr. Smith & Wesson (22) would great an intruder 1st, then Mr. Winchester (12) would have to go to work if needed. Really I would rather not need any of these but we are on the road.
PS Our coaches would be rather hard for someone to get into so I hope to never need to need these.

[Chester B. Stone, Jr.]

For those who may travel to Mexico or Canada, where guns are prohibited, I stock my coach with "bear spray".

[bigcatwally]

I think you've got the idea! ;)

[Derek Knight]

What should people do who don't own a gun and don't want to own a gun. What does this bear spray do?

[express1]

Who does NOT want to own a gun?:o

[MrE]

Bear sprays contain 1 to 2% Capsaicin and other Capsaicinoids, red pepper derivative that affect the eyes and the respiratory system. A great way to protect yourself and legal to carry in Canada and Mexico.

[jack14r]

I have stayed in a variety of rest areas and at Flying Js and have only had one person ring the door bell after dark,I picked up the phone in the bedroom which activates a camera and I could see a man on a cell phone and I asked through the phone WHAT DO YOU WANT and he walked away.I was in a rest area in South Carolina on I 26 at that time.

[prairieschooner]

Bear Spray? sounds like I need some of that. Hell I would almost want to see how it works on an intruder!!

[larryweikart]

I made the mistake of opening my door, at night in a rain storm, as someone answered the intercom with a plea for assistance. I was parked in a large rest area. I was very fortunate to have my interior step cover out so when he tried to rush in when I opened the door he was knocked back by the cover which hit him about chest high. I was able to close the door and called police who came and caught him while he was still trying to surprise others. Since that time I've become a lot more cautious and have purchased a 9mm. Thats the only problem I've experienced in the 30+ years I've driven motorhomes around this beautiful country.

[folivier]

Wow, that's scary Larry. I leave the step cover out at night also.

[Cheri Smith]

That is scary! Truck stops at night are scray! We have had people try to sell us items when we know it's just a box of rock. I just saw on the news a lady fall for something like that thinking she bought an ipad and it was a mirror! BEWARE don't buy anything from a fuel station parking lot. Don't even open the door at night if you don't need too!

[bigcatwally]

Larry glad you kicked him out and they caught the guy! It's safe to say that if someone is knocking on your door at late hours of the night in a truck stop or rest area parking lot. That there is no reason to open the door.

[MrE]

Larry, too bad you didn't spray him with bear spray so that you could give us a firsthand product review.

[express1]

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Kriss Vector Submachinegun 45ACP Full Auto
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[express1]

unless you from?http://www.roadsideattractions.ca/slingshot.jpg

[stewart33]

The only reason I see someone not wanting to own a gun is because they're afraid of one. If you are afraid of one then take a class and learn how to use one. You will find respect and safety in a gun and will no longer have the same feelings of being afraid.

[stewart33]

Kriss Vector Submachinegun 45ACP Full Auto - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzwlFI4Fkvw)





You own one? or just dreaming? Cause I'm dreaming now! :drool: and drooling!

[express1]

My son just got clearance to own, he should have it in about 60 days...Lots of hoops to jump thru..

[Chester B. Stone, Jr.]

I travel in Mexico and Canada, so not gun. However, the bear spray is very effective up to 20 feet. It is not cheap.

[prairieschooner]

I agree with the 9 that's why I have a 22. I would rather the thing rattles around a while than come out and make a mess of our coach.

[NEWELLWIZARD]

Everyone has offered great suggestions. If you still don't feel comfortable then boondocking might not be for you.

[NEWELLWIZARD]

My son just got clearance to own, he should have it in about 60 days...Lots of hoops to jump thru..

I bet there was. It's a bad @zz gun!