HAPPY NEW YEAR...not so much.

[bighorn3370]

John, sorry to hear of this. I'm lucky enough to be able to keep my BH next to the house. I still go over to her every few days if no snow is on the ground. Otherwise, I can see footprints in the snow to alert me of a problem. It looks like they knew what they wanted, and it was not kids. They must not have figured out what the 50 amp cord could get them, or they would have taken it. -Ernie

 

[JohnDar]

John, sorry to hear of this. I'm lucky enough to be able to keep my BH next to the house. I still go over to her every few days if no snow is on the ground. Otherwise, I can see footprints in the snow to alert me of a problem. It looks like they knew what they wanted, and it was not kids. They must not have figured out what the 50 amp cord could get them, or they would have taken it. -Ernie

With as many rigs as they hit, and for the most part only knocked out the small door windows, it had to be "pros" looking for specific quick-sell items, like TV's and whatever they could find inside. They rifled all of the cabinets, but did not deliberately destroy anything for the fun of it or make a mess. From what I could see, no one's basement or outside storage doors were touched. That's where the stuff I collected today was. The four auto-inflate life jackets alone retail for over $100 each. Just a hassle pulling all that stuff out and finding a place to store it at home.

 

[traveler44]

Sorry to here of your loss, that has to be aggravating. I'll bet the storage yard has a big sign saying not resposible. The security cameras must not be the best ones for a business like that. I haven't heard of rv theft in our area but I have read where they are stealing drivers side air bags from car dealers and I feel like we are lucky that there is enough wire left on the poles to bring us power and telephone service. This probably won't stop until the police figure out where there is a market for stolen items. Tom M.

 

[SouthernNights]

Hate to hear about this John. I had a radio stolen out of my Jeep...so I know how you feel...somewhat violated.

I do hope they catch whoever did this and maybe that will be a little comforting for you.

Maybe for those who store their trailer offsite a motion detector camera could be set up inside a stored trailer. Maybe something that has its own battery that would last at least a couple weeks and could be changed out when you went and checked on your trailer.
I googled this. Dont know much about electronics but at least it might be a starting point.
Googleclick

 

[JohnDar]

Interesting idea, Larry. Only problem is they'd probably see it and steal it, too. Or file "entrapment" charges against me for capturing them breaking in. Now a field of "bouncing Betty's" around the rig...and they could join the Vienna Boy's Choir.

I spoke with a claims rep at Foremost this morning. She gave me the green light to take it to General for the repairs and to shop for replacement TV's. She recommended not getting them from the dealer due to the markup they'd put on them over retail. I'll look for a better mounting arm, too. If I want to upgrade the TV in the living room (we discussed this), they'll give me the cash settlement for them.

I was planning on taking the rig to General, anyways, to have them repack the bearings and do the refer annual check. Since I found a selector valve leak at the slide hydraulic pump while I was out there, that needs to be fixed, as well. Probably had 1/2 cup of ATF sitting on the tray under the pump, but the slides still function OK. It all just moves the time frame up a bit.

Next order of business will be to order a aux. fuel tank for the truck, new pin box (5th Airborne, methinks), and the Ground Control system (not real keen on Lippert hydraulics). What good are retirement savings if you don't spend some of it?

 

[2psnapod2]

Sounds like you are making a bad event turn in to good things. Good for you. No way would I let those thugs win either.

 

[gonervn]

We all hate hearing these things. It seems so unfair. The biggest thing is you are ok. Pray the rest of the year just gets better.

 

[porthole]

On the brighter side John - the RV TV's that come in these things cost a lot more then they should and with the price difference your insurance claim should get you a couple of nice Sony HD TV's at Costco, BJ's Sams etc.

Mind you taking out these tv's is a PITA, but better than the alternative.

Sure is - but I have all 3 in the basement - house basement.

 

[JohnDar]

Once again, thanks for all the sentiments, even though I'm not the only one here that's been victimized by low lifes. For some reason, I'm not my usual blood-lusting self over it. Better check my vitamins, the wife may have slipped some Valium in there where the Viagra used to be. But it's under control and the rig wasn't seriously damaged.

As for the new year looking better, it looks like it should be. Social Security starts "pouring in" next month, I got rid of the overpriced health care we had and went to Tricare. Got some upgrades planned for the rig and truck before this year's season starts. We'll be attending our first national rally in Elkhart this year, as well. And I picked up some more red oak to mill into boards for the side boy cabinet project I've started. It's all (mostly) good.

 

[porthole]

Don't forget pictures when the oak is finished up.

 

[JohnDar]

Don't forget pictures when the oak is finished up.

I'd be happy to post some, but they'll be "off topic" since it's for the dining room in the house, not the trailer. Looking to match it with the large china cabinet I did a few years ago.

 

[iforget]

I am so sorry to read this. It must be a good time of year to hit the rigs in storage as my girlfriend (North Carolina) just emailed me and hers was broken into as well. In her case they caught the thieves but the merchandise was already off site according to her. The items can be replaced and i was happy to see in your photos that everything can be replaced and easily fixed. I dont know how I would feel if someone really trashed my RV though.. I wonder if an alarm system can be easily set up if someone tries to open the doors...
I am glad we are able to keep ours here at home now. It does take up a bit of the driveway but hasnt really become an issue at all. Having a big driveway is nice except when we get snow!!

 

[jbeletti]

John,

Sorry to hear about your loss/violation. This thread is yours, so feel free to post the follow-up/rebuild etc.

By the way, I've used the FP-CL mount from Omni a couple of times. Pretty nice. Here's a link.

Jim

 

[JohnDar]

Thanks for the link on the TV mounts, Jim. I was having a hard time locating much doing searches.

As for repairs, since the trailer is fairly secure and the window is closed off, I'm waiting until we get out of this current deep freeze to haul it over to General. Other than the door glass and the lock mechanism, there isn't a whole lot for them to repair in terms of the burglary. Biggest expense are the two TV's and the arm, but that's why we carry full coverage insurance. The other things I want General to take care of are routine maintenance items, so I'll make it a one-stop shop.

Once it's all done, I'll post and let everyone know. And I'll put up some photos (as requested) of the china cabinet side boy I'm working on. If I could just fit all my tools in the basement, I'd consider full-timing

 

[JohnDar]

Bit of an update.

I finally settled on replacing the main TV with another Jensen 26", and getting a Jensen 19" for the bedroom, along with two of their tilting mount arms. Placed the online order Saturday night and faxed a copy of the charge receipt to the claims lady at Foremost. I called this afternoon to be sure she got it and was told the check was in the mail.

Once we get out of this deep freeze we're in, I'll make arrangements to haul the rig over to General RV to fix the door and do some other maintenance stuff.

1/27/2011: Received the check for the televisions and mounts today. Full reimbursement, less my deductible and a small amount for "depreciation." I'm happy with it.