Water Heater & Security

[rbgatti]

Hi, I have a quick question and also looking for some advice.

Question: As part of de-winterizing our new PU, I'm planning on installing the anode rod back into the water heater.  As a rule, does this stay installed until the end of the season?  If the answer is dependant on frequency of use, what is a good rule of thumb?  We have camping dates set-up all season 2-3 weeks apart.

Advice: I have always been a security minded individual and I know PUs are the furthest thing from secure if someone wanted to get in.  But, I'm looking for something a little more secure than a screen door lock that, if wiggled the right way, will open when locked.  Does anyone have any ideas for the door?  Outside hasp/padlock?  Inside alarm?  Inside slide bolt (for at night)?

Thanks!

P.S. Our 1st trip is planed for May 6th in Odetah in Connecticut!  Can't wait!

[vjm1639]

With velcro holding the door in, I'm not thinking any "lock" is going to make a difference.  How about a loud dog?  :>

[beacher]

It's a tent on a box, on a trailer.  No security.  No more than can be expected in a nice freestanding tent.

Now, if you really feel you need security, then private RVParks, or RVResorts with on-site roving security guards are probably what you need.

You can always add motion detectors, and door-knob motion siren alarms.  But if one of those goes off, it's already too late!

I feel that if you have issues with security while camping, it's always best to watch a few bloody horror movies before the trip!  You know, the movies where the young couple in the tent gets hacked to bits.  It's either a guy with a hocky mask, a jack o lantern head, some space alien or predator, or a little angry puppet!    Then, when you get to camp, just stay away from those types of characters.  You will generally be just fine!

[jonathan]

With velcro holding the door in, I'm not thinking any "lock" is going to make a difference.  How about a loud dog?  :>

! I agree! Why lock the door when a physcopath wielding a machete will come through the canvass anway?

[tlhdoc]

As for security, there isn't any.  Anyone can cut the tenting and be in.  

 
The anode rod has to be in the water heater to use it.  I don't take mine out except for the end of the season to check how much of it is left.  I also drain my water tank before towing.  I do this with the factory valves that are under my PU.  I have a picture of the valves under the floor in my webshots account in the album called "My PU Camper".

[wavery]

"physcopath wielding a machete" deterrent.

[dthurk]

"physcopath wielding a machete" deterrent.

Looks like it shoots water.

[Kelly]

Looks like it shoots water.

Wayne posted it ~ of course it shoots water.  

I figure my stuff's insured and if someone wants it that badly ~ they can have it.   It's just stuff.

[wavery]

Wayne posted it ~ of course it shoots water.  

I figure my stuff's insured and if someone wants it that badly ~ they can have it.   It's just stuff.

I agree........don't bring anything with that you can't live without.

Although, in reality that doesn't work either. It's not really what they steal. It's the fact that someone has violated your space that is so upsetting.

In all of the years (14) that I sailed to 57 different countries, I was only broken into one time. Believe it or not, it was in New Zealand. I've been to some pretty retched places on this planet (like Haiti) and that was the LAST place that I ever thought that I would have that problem. All they stole was a boom box radio that I couldn't care less about but boy what an awful feeling to know that someone has broken in an stolen from you.

I never dreamed that I would be so effected by something like that. I rather expected it in some of the places that we visited. In reality, the poorer the country, the less likely we were to have a robbery.

---------------------------
Oh ya..........................it's a squirt gun

[brainpause]

Note from the moderators:

Be careful about this topic. Guns are off limits (I know it is a water gun).

Larry

[wavery]

Note from the moderators:

Be careful about this topic. Guns are off limits (I know it is a water gun).

Larry

OOOOPS!! Sorry

[AustinBoston]

"physcopath wielding a machete" deterrent.

Too late changing the image after it's already been quoted!

Austin

[wavery]

Too late changing the image after it's already been quoted!

Austin

Ya.......I know.......but at least I tried

It was meant as an attempt at satirical humor in response to the "Psychopath weilding machete" :p

[keeperdog]

We can talk about psycopath's weilding machete's but we can't talk about guns?

Not sure I understand that.  Forgive me if this is the cardinal sin, but what is the reason we can't talk about guns?  Just too controversial topic?  I am still a newbie here so somebody slap me if I am out of line.

[wavery]

We can talk about psycopath's weilding machete's but we can't talk about guns?

Not sure I understand that.  Forgive me if this is the cardinal sin, but what is the reason we can't talk about guns?  Just too controversial topic?  I am still a newbie here so somebody slap me if I am out of line.

I really don't know but I would imagine that it is just not appropriate on a camping forum. I can see where it could emerge into some pretty heated conversation as well.  It was probably a decision made by the owner of the site and may well be buried in the rules somewhere.

At any rate, it is the right of the owner of the website to set rules and it has nothing to do with "Free speech rights".  

As far as the "psychopath's wielding machete's" goes........In the famous words of Foghorn, "It's a joke son..........it's only a joke".