Whenever I've put my caravan or campervan in for service or repair etc, i've always removed everything I can, including tools and personal valuable (eg; TV/Radio/Laptop etc).
My reasoning is that it is better to do that rather than have a dispute later about anything that is missing. Bearing in mind that sometimes RV's are left unlocked in yards/worshops when unattended.
This is not always possible when on the road full time or on the move on a trip away from home, so this would affect what you could or could not remove.
I just wonder what others do in this situation, either when at home or on the move etc and what you do bother or don't bother removing?
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Vic
Hi Ace Pop Top Campervan & A'Van A'Lite Camper Trailer.....
Khalil Gibran says "We tarry forward - not backward".
Spread the laughter Share the cheer Let's be happy While we're here.
I recently put my poor old Patrol in for some panel work. Like you I cleaned out all of the 'pinchable' stuff like $200 multi knife, good tyre pressure gauge, LED torches et al.
These days the work is often sub contracted out to others so it would be hard to pin the blame for missing items on anyone.
I also reset the trip meter to zero.
No probs with the Van as I do all servicing myself .. but would strip it too if possible.
Always remove everything that is not bolted down from the 4x4, my mate owns the garage where we get our 4x4 fixed and he said empty out as much as you can.
I leave everything in the truck when I have it serviced. I take it to a private garage and that's where it stays. If it's there overnight I know it's locked up and locked in. When I had the wiring done for the signage and beacons I left my tools etc in it. The auto electrician's yard is all locked up and secure as well. The GPS stays home, the 2 way is fixed in, the fridge lives in the car these days. The camera also stays home. So far I've been good. Maybe I'm too trusting but I don't want to spend my life expecting to be ripped off, looking over my shoulder, and blaming everyone else for everything that happens to me. It's just not healthy. I'm not foolish, and I don' t believe I take unnecessary risks, but I reckon we can be too cautious and suspicious, and we don't need to add any more stresses to our day to day lives. I don't always lock the van when I go for a walk around the park, but sometimes I do. Depends on who's around and the time of day. I'm parked in a position which is under scrutiny most of the time, and not too exposed. Also, I don't display what I have. In Cairns they used the posters displaying the "Look, Lock, Leave" slogan. They have something similar here in SA. In this business it's best not to brag or show off about what you have, because someone else might get the idea they'd like to be able to brag about what you had, and what they now have.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
Remember the days when we went out leaving the house unlocked with all the windows open. Then up town we left the car unlocked with windows opened. There are still towns where you can do that I've been told but not many. I've only taken out what I think I will need or can't replace. Have left chairs, tables, cooking equipment etc. in there. I am not that paranoid while Myrtle is at mechanics but do lock her up like Fort Knox in carpark here at home. Young kids are always breaking in to neighbouring cars, thankfully not mine.
Schhhhoooo don't tell everbody, gubby thinks I am 34
Can't be.....Wombats only live to around 10-15 years but can vary.....
Now, regards your avatar, if I am on Playboy, then I assume their sales are going to hit rock bottom if I'm the centrefold......however, substitution of the body in the centrefold with say Brad Pitt or someone good looking with a six pack, plus iron out a few wrinkles, and just maybe someone will bother to open it.
Regards the topic, thanks for all the feedback folks, it's been very interesting, like to hear from a few more what they do too.
-- Edited by Vic on Thursday 14th of July 2011 09:43:19 PM
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Vic
Hi Ace Pop Top Campervan & A'Van A'Lite Camper Trailer.....
Khalil Gibran says "We tarry forward - not backward".
Spread the laughter Share the cheer Let's be happy While we're here.
I'm security conscious and clean out almost everything from my car before service, but Mr D just drives his beloved Prado in with all its regular cargo of camping stuff, spares and tools. Hes never lost a thing!
When having work done on the caravan, I have left a fair bit of stuff in it, but remove the lap-top and anything else attractive and portable.
I'm also careful if leaving the caravan in a caravan park while we go out... all locked up, chairs and table still outside, but nothing on them. So far so good!
Im with CG and other like minded people, The only time in my life that I have been ripped off was by a so called mate who got the key to the shed whilst I was at work and cleaned me out (lota dollars worth). I do all the normal things like lock the car and van (been known to forget) but have faith in human nature. Also think about the more secure something is the more likely that people will think there is something worth taking cheers blaze
I know of 2 towns in SA where you can walk away from your car leaving it unlocked some of the time. These towns have their ratbags, but because they are so small, located off the beaten track, everyone knows everyone. The summer months are very busy and then the locals lock up. Too small for me. I like to keep some anonymity. I don't like living in a goldfish bown. except here on GN. There are those who've met me, but to others I'm still a figment of their imagination. The reality is nothing like you'd imagine. It does not pay to be too trusting, but a little bit trusting is the healthy way to go.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
Not trying to split hairs cupie but re-setting the trip meter is about as useful as an ash tray on a motorcycle. I have seen that reset just prior to the end of a joy, woops I mean test drive.
Much better option would be to scribble down the overall odometer reading & the trip meter.