Roof Vent Security

[pfast]

Hi All - we are taking our Lance Camper down the Panamerican highway for a year. The roof vent is the only opening (besides the door) that is big enough to fit a person through, and I'm concerned that the manual crank/vent cover isn't secure enough. Has anyone else seen any off the shelf or custom solutions to this? Ideally a stronger vent cover that I could lock off from the inside. Or perhaps security grilled on the inside? I'm open to any suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

Paul

[devildog1971]

yes, be concerned seems like Canadians can go anywhere in South America I talked to a couple that made it back to Texas, minus truck and camper all they had was the clothes on their back

[johnadam55]

Nice

[Edd505]

Locks keep honest people honest, a thief wants in he will get in. Kick door, pry doors, break windows, see them go through wall to get in a commercial building. Ever see videos of thief's falling trough ceilings?

[Edd505]

Pangaea Ron wrote:
The only issue that I have heard about with a 12x12 roof vent, is when a black bear in a Montana CG choose that as his method of access into a truck camper. The opening was enlarged enough for access, and the TC was trashed and remained derelict in the CG.

Don't leave smoked salmon exposed on the kitchen counter?

That's funny as long as it wasn't mine.

[ghooos]

What area are you in? https://areacodes.net/678 Read there about the closest points where you go for a consultation. I doubt if you will be able to fix it by yourself. You will need someone who knows all the nuances of these exits. Do not try to repair it yourself as you may damage it even more. Let us know what have you finally decided to do and what solution you have found to your issue.

[Boondocking2019]

$2,000 dollar repair bill for our 5th Wheel Entrance Door. They used a crowbar and though the damage was extensive to the door and the frame the perps gave up and went to the next RV in the storage bay where they were successful in getting inside. We have several Keys hidden in the Truck, under the truck frame. Not having a Key won’t be my worry.

[Kayteg1]

Theft prevention is whole psychological issue.
Most of the break-ins are done by homeless people. I heard that some homeowners in high-break in areas put couple of dollar bills on the countertop and most of the burglars grab this and don't look any farther.
Than putting size 12 work boots at back door turns out as pretty good theft prevention.

[Bedlam]

The problem with campers is the strength of the doors and frames. You can easily get in with a claw hammer and if the door were to be secured heavily, that same hammer could be used on a window.

I am looking at buying a second home that is more remote and this is my biggest worry until I can move there full time.

[Kayteg1]

You still need vents and emergency exit on armored truck conversion. :h

[mkirsch]

Emergency hatches are much larger than 12x12.

Regardless, a thief is not going to draw attention to themselves by climbing up on top of the camper like a baboon to gain entry. They're going to pop the latch on the back door, clean and quiet, while looking like they belong there.

Unless, of course, you've set up your camper door like a Brinks armored truck. Then they KNOW something valuable is in there, and it will just make them more determined.

If you're that paranoid about "home invasion" perhaps you should consider getting a Brinks truck and outfitting it as a camper.

[ticki2]

pfast wrote:
Fair enough, I may be overthinking it. Determined thief’s will always find a way in. That vent (yes it’s the 12x12 emergency exit) just looks way too easy/inviting and I don’t want to tempt a guy that might otherwise not bother. Flat bar across the opening is probably a good, easy way to go. Thanks for the suggestions.

I don't see how a 12x12 vent could even be considered an emergency exit . Who could fit through one , except maybe a child .

[Buzzcut1]

best deterrent is large barking dogs inside the camper.

[Grit_dog]

Bingo, normal “home security” stuff like a deadbolt or locking your operable windows just means a burglar is going to cause more damage gaining access.

There is a placebo effect, that I’ve personally never had, about locking everything up good and tight, but while I’m not a burglar or car thief, I know how quickly I can get into most vehicles or houses and I’m an amateur!
Do the normal stuff to prevent the looky loos or low risk opportunity folks and carry a sidearm and insurance for the rest.

[DallasSteve]

I moved into a new house and I changed the locks. While he was here I asked the locksmith if he thought it would be a good idea to install a deadbolt. He said he would be happy to install one, but that if a thief wants to get in he'd just break the window next to the door.