Awning thefts

No I did not get my awning stolen because I haven’t even installed it yet…

I was hoping that people could point me in the direction to keep my awning safe while on my truck since I live and work in a not so pleasant city.

The awning will be mounted to a prinsu rack I just don’t know what people have done to make sure it stays attached to their vehicle. Any ideas would be helpful

 

Move

 

Not possible at this current stage of life

 

I had an awning attached to my bed rack for about 2 years and parked in not so pleasant areas. I never had an issue.

 

You can get security bolts and nuts for most anything these days, but really, if your area is that bad why invite it in the first place? Maybe leave the stuff off the truck and put it on when you use it?

 

Don't attach it until you intend to use it.

The homeless need material for shelters................

 

I second the "dont mount it till you use it" suggestion. I never understood the dudes driving around town all year with maxtrax on their truck, a hi-lift , and pretty much never going anywhere.

But, who will even know what it is? Just some thing mounted to the truck. Paint over a logo on the cover if there is one.

 

I use these security screws with Yakima track nuts to hold my awning to my Rhino rack. They could still come off if someone with some vice grips was determined enough, and since I live in Albuquerque I don't leave the awning on the truck normally.

 

Don't leave it on when you're not using it (you definitely loose overlander instagram points though). Otherwisewise you can buy security nuts and bolts from places like McMaster-Carr.

Example:
https://www.mcmaster.com/security-bolts/

 

It’s not overlanding… it’s easier camping then laying on the ground hahaha

 

I understand your concern. Awning aren’t cheap. According to the folks one county over, who live life through a lens of abject fear about their neighbors and anyone not in their direct circle of associates, I live in the worst city in the state. I’ve had an awning strapped to my roof rack for 16 months.

For metal scavengers, the amount of metal in an awning is so minimal and there are far more expensive things that are quicker to remove on my truck than an awning (looking at my catalytic converter).

Homeless encampments are regularly raided by the police and everything on sight is junked by park officials so they pack very light. I don’t see my 6x8’ 20lb awning being something that can be toted off quickly as the cops are moving in. Basic tarps are bigger, lighter, cheaper and more adaptable to camping on the DL.

You can probably get locking nuts or something if it makes you sleep better. All in all, I wouldn’t worry about it too much.

 

You'll be bummed when you use security nuts to install the awning and they just unbolt the rack and take that with the awning still attached to it.

FWIW, the awning should be covered under your homeowners/renters insurance.

 

Hmm, 2nd gen section, but awnings aren't gen specific.

I've had mine on for months, and have parked in many a "not so nice" cities without issue.

My vehicle would get stolen before the awning itself does.

 

x2. OP, you should be more concern with thieves taking the whole truck or your wheels. What good is stealing an awning if the buyer's demographics is narrowed down to a very small group of truck/suv owners? Most of the population don't even know what it is.

 

Leave it - and the rack - at home until you intend to use it.

 

Security screws is a good plan. Add some locktight. Even better would be a good security system with motion detector. A dog that barks helps.

 

I mean I keep recovery gear in my toolbox in the truck at all times because quite often I go on spontaneous adventures in some wild and wacky places and often need to self recover, but yeah the actual base camp and sleeping supplies stay at home unless I'm heading out for the trails proper.


And again the recovery gear (to include my bumper shackles) all stay in the box locked up and out of sight.

Never understood why people leave the shackles mounted or even paint them, they're too easy to steal, don't need to be in the elements if it can be avoided and I can only imagine the clanking and rattling driving me crazy with them mounted all the time.

 

Take all that goofy shit off until you need it.

I can install and remove both of my awnings in under 5 minutes.

sure. You’ll lose all your overland point at the mall but no one’s gonna steal em.

 

im trying here to walk a thin line

U dont have to live like U crawled out from under a rock

U can be understated such that every accessory............antennae.......LCD / LED doesnt have to shout ‘ look at me ‘

‘ i got bank ‘

i wuz the last person in line when radio shak went out o business

curiosity .............envy...........they want what U got heavy discount motivate thieves

i go for the inconspicuos po boy thing

 

not looking for “overland points” as I actually use my truck to camp and off-road

I only asked this question because a lot of my trips are spur of the moment