Do you worry about your vehicle.....

**Silverlion** · 02-25-2011, 01:49

when you leave it and hike to a camping spot for a couple of days? I've heard horror stories here in Oregon about people's vehicles being stolen, stripped and even burned. This has been my second big obstacle preventing me from hiking to a nice spot away from people. (The other reason has been foot problems, but that's another story).
So, What does everyone do about this issue?

**JohnSawyer** · 02-25-2011, 03:02

Happened to me some years ago, somebody broke the wind-wing on my old truck to take change and a blanket... At least they were nice enough to lock it back up when they were done, and didn't break a big window...

I figured it was a group of immigrants coming up from Mexico and they needed that blanket more than I did.

Could you find alternative transportation? Maybe a local ranger station to leave your car next to?

Of course, you always hear about the horror stories, and never hear about the hundreds of people who do that a lot and never have a problem...

You COULD always RENT a car! "Gee.. I parked it here for 2 days, came back and it was gone!" Here's the $50 deductable...

**Bubba** · 02-25-2011, 03:47

I think there is always a concern when a vehicle is left whether its at a trailhead or a mall. I've never let it stop me though. The only concern for me would be if I left my car somewhere very remote where I couldn't easily access help or other transportation. All the times I have left it in the past have been in a provincial park and parked by the side of the road near a small town.

**Danvandanne** · 02-25-2011, 05:18

I worry about my truck when I'm out camping, but I worry about it in my garage too.

When camping, I'm just so happy to be out that I don't think about it until it is in sight when I return. The best thing that I think I do is to remove anything not needed for the trip before I leave so that there is nothing in sight to cause the temptation to break into it. I also mainly camp at hike-in sights at state parks so that the rangers help keep an eye on the truck.

I realize that if someone wants it bad enough they will try it anyways, but the same thing could happen buying groceries so I make sure I keep a phone with me that is charged along with excellent insurance.

-Dan

**oldgringo** · 02-25-2011, 05:27

Yeah, I worry. My truck was the target of smash and grab while parked at a boat ramp in a state park a few years ago. My fellow Americans...

**Lorax** · 02-25-2011, 05:34

I worry about it but although I spend 40+ nights on the trail and water each year ,mostly weekends, meaning parking at many different trailheads and put-ins, nothing has happened ever.
I've heard a few horror stories though. That's got to suck to come back from some great time out to find your vehicle trashed.

**Gnome77** · 02-25-2011, 07:31

+1 on the remove everything from sight and a locking fuel cap. Vandalism happens but it like winning the Lottery, you hear about it but it seldom happens to you. Don't let it stop you, Take precautions and Hope for the best.

**Mountain Gout** · 02-25-2011, 08:49

Yep, here in Mich. some of those state land pull offs are easy pickins for thieves..
They are usually the locals sorry to say.. Not too bad when hunting for a day, but leaving my truck over night is my biggest worry.. But at some point you have got to take the chance..

**Shug** · 02-25-2011, 09:10

I park it ..... leave all my food wrappers thrown around in it .....and hike on and put it out of my mind.
I used to worry but the worry bogged me down.
You can try and get dropped off at the trailhead.... I do that from time to time.
Shug

**lazy river road** · 02-25-2011, 09:28

I don't worry about it. That's what insurance is for :0). But Hey I figured if I worried about every place I park my car I would never get out of it. I hide all valuable. Park under where their is the most light. Leave it looking dingy. And keep all electronics and wires put away. I figure if my car is missing when I get back it only extends my hike.