1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Securing Car and Camper from Theft

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Toastedtaco, Sep 7, 2021.

  1. Sep 7, 2021 at 9:31 PM
    #1
    Toastedtaco

    Toastedtaco [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 26, 2018
    Member:
    #245727
    Messages:
    50
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    NorCal/SoCal
    Vehicle:
    2003 DCSB V6 Off Road
    I’m moving to Santa Cruz from Southern California, and have heard quite a bit about the car theft. I have a large camper shell, with the interior windows knocked out in-between for access between the cab and bed. While there’s not much I can do to stop someone from smashing a window, I’m wondering if anyone has any advice to secure the shell and to deter theft in general. From what I’ve heard, the common occurrence is smash and grab for literally anything, like spare change and duffel bags and maybe some cat theft but I’m not sure I qualify to be worried about that with my ‘08.

    I’m mainly concerned because in SoCal, it’s generally not a concern whatsoever to me personally. As well as the fact I keep 3-4 surfboards in my car at all times along with other shit I probably shouldn’t, like a guitar and a camera. The purpose of my set up was to have my things conveniently in my car at all times so I’m not shuffling everything back everyday.

    There is a garage door mechanic that is secured by 2 deadbolts, and the handle has a bolt lock as well.

    This is a picture of my last truck, but my new one has the same shell on it. Its an ‘08 V6 off-road, but I don’t imagine the security is any different than stock.

    1607D70D-5AC7-413D-96AF-3F06F33E4A63.jpg
     
  2. Sep 8, 2021 at 6:38 AM
    #2
    charles08tacoma

    charles08tacoma Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 18, 2011
    Member:
    #51401
    Messages:
    495
    Gender:
    Male
    Santa Cruz, CA
    Vehicle:
    08 Prerunner SR-5 Access Cab
    White Snug Top shell
    I am a lifelong resident of Santa Cruz. Theft from vehicles is a problem, we do have tweakers and meth heads wandering our streets all hours of the day and night looking for opportunity. I don’t keep anything valuable in my truck. Theft from vehicles is especially prevalent up along the coastal beaches up highway 1 where law-enforcement is sparse. Up there, they usually smash a window and grab everything in sight. Your best bet is to keep the vehicle locked at all times and everything out of sight, or not left in the vehicle at all. I don’t think theft from vehicles any worse here than anywhere else though.
     
  3. Sep 8, 2021 at 6:48 AM
    #3
    Knute

    Knute Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2020
    Member:
    #337515
    Messages:
    5,148
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    '06 4.0L Tacoma TRD Sport
    Stock, 4WD, Access Cab, White,
    Step 1. Keep nothing in the truck or camper. Just deal with the inconvenience of loading/unloading.
    2. Keep it locked.
    3. Insurance coverage needs to be sufficient to cover truck, camper and contents.

    Otherwise, take steps to make your truck/camper a difficult target. In other words, someone else's stuff is easier to smash and grab.
     
  4. Sep 8, 2021 at 8:18 AM
    #4
    Bajatacoma

    Bajatacoma Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2010
    Member:
    #47503
    Messages:
    1,930
    Gender:
    Male
    SC
    Vehicle:
    05 TRD Off-Road, SR5, 6 speed
    3M makes some very good window film in various levels of protection. The lighter weight stuff will at least help hold the glass together so you don't get shards everywhere, the more expensive film is a PITA to break but you'll want to know how to defeat it in case you ever have to self extricate. You can put some sort of bars or expanded metal screens over your camper windows (fixed or removable) and a bar across the back but that might encourage some miscreants who think you might have more valuable stuff. Putting bars on the inside is less obvious.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top