Concern

[Big_Geek]

My neighbor (who works in his yard quite often and is outside most of the day) informed me that there are vehicles stopping in front of my house to take pictures of my truck. Though I'm flattered that they find it interesting, I am a bit concerned about security of my vehicle. It is likely that I'm just used to driving and wrenching on beaters as opposed to new vehicles and this is part-and-parcel to the whole overland rig ownership gig, but I would feel better knowing if this were a common experience for other vehicle owners as well.

Thanks!

 

[soonenough]

Pics of said vehicle? :sombrero:

Not sure if a front license plate is required in your state or not, but if it isn't, you could try parking the car with the front facing outward, so at least the casual passer-by doesn't get your plate in their picture.

 

[p nut]

Not sure what the license plate has anything to do with it, since they already know where he lives?

I'm fortunate to have a garage to park in, so I don't get drive-by's. Not sure what I'd do in this situation. Sad reality I've learned with Honda's is that if they (thieves) want it, they'll get it. You can do things like an alarm, hidden fuel kill switch, but all they have to do is hoist it up on a flat bed and drive away. Maybe have the neighbor take a picture of the vehicle if he/she sees it again.

 

[dblosch]

I've never had a car stolen. I did have things stolen out of my jeep a couple times though. Once at home in San Diego, once on campus in the SF bay area. More recently I had my garage broken in downtown San Jose, CA. Not much can make a man feel more violated than having his home/vehicle broken into.

Being interested in overland/offroad vehicles myself, I'll slow down to take a picture of a sweet rig in a grocery store parking lot, etc... But I won't in a neighborhood. Just seems like a bad idea/disrespectful. My advice is talk to your neighbor some more... if he's getting a bad vibe, I'd do something about it. Not sure how well you know him, (or how ballsy your neighbor is) but maybe you could get him to take some pictures of the people taking pictures? A license plate would be good information to have just in case something bad does happen.

Dan

:::Edit::: P Nut - I agree. If they want it, they'll take it. Usually at night, and they'll just roll it a block or two away, and started it up down the street. If I ever get a bad vibe from a drive-by where I live now, I'll chain my truck to a tree every night!!

 

[duckhunter71]

We do not have front license plates in Arkansas, but I'd think that people just like his rig and want to show their friends. There aren't too many purpose-built overlanding style vehicles in Arkansas, so to see one done right is kind of a rare sight.

If it is different people/vehicles, I don't think I'd be too concerned about it. Take it as a compliment maybe? Probably wouldn't hurt to have your neighbor try to pay attention to what the vehicle is just in case something happens.

 

[Clutch]

has your rig come up the "spotted" section of this forum or others?

I get people taking pictures of my VW all of the time, even get offers to buy too...

 

[NitroRoo]

I've snapped a pic or two of a well built rig in a neighborhood before. If your rig looks really tough or unique I would think it's just people thinking that it looks cool

 

[soonenough]

Not sure what the license plate has anything to do with it, since they already know where he lives?

I was thinking in terms of people taking pictures and posting them online.

 

[Mrknowitall]

If it makes you sleep better, throw a club on the wheel at night- you might even get an insurance discount. Speaking of insurance, if you have significantly more $$$ into your rig than a basic claim would pay, consider talking to your agent about that as well. Its a short list of people who ever complain about having good insurance.

 

[Big_Geek]

Fortunately, my neighbor did get a great description of the vehicles that stopped. No one I knew. The truck is not overly built at this point. The only really noticeable difference is the Softopper. Lifted trucks are a dime a dozen in AR, and mine is only 2-3 inches over stock, so I don't think that would draw attention. I'm going to have to mount a motion camera and get an insurace rider if I add more goodies.

 

[Harmgrissom]

I'm one of those people who if I see something that strikes me I'll stop and get a picture. I have an Evernote file filled with elements of different things I want to put together. Overland Rigs, remodeling ideas for my house etc. Being cautious is wise however, so I'd say an Alarm, a club, a cable anchored to a 2 ton boulder?

 

[STREGA]

If someone taking a picture of your truck concerns you (which could be a legit concern) DO NOT buy a teardrop. You will have more people taking pictures of your rig not to mention all the questions you'll be asked. RTT's garner a lot of attention as well.

 

[will]

I had this issue in my NAS 110. I'd come out of work or somewhere, and people would be standing in front of the rig, and their friend taking a picture. It was worse with the RTT on it. That's kind of what happens when you drive something out of the norm. I miss the 110, but not the attention it got.

 

[dblosch]

If someone taking a picture of your truck concerns you (which could be a legit concern) DO NOT buy a teardrop. You will have more people taking pictures of your rig not to mention all the questions you'll be asked. RTT's garner a lot of attention as well.

I've got a sort of unusual (not glamorous or exotic) rig, with an RTT- and I welcome people asking questions and taking pictures when we're out camping. But if my neighbor told me people were stopping to take pictures when it's obvious no one is home, I'd be wary.

 

[robert]

Unfortunately Tacomas have a lot parts that thieves like to grab- especially tailgates and catalytic converters. Both are easily removed and flipped for cash. You can add a tailgate lock or do the hose clamp mod for the tailgate but the catalytic converter is harder to secure without one of those high dollar mesh things. TRD wheels are also popular with thieves.

If you get a camera make sure it produces a good picture, many of the so-called security cameras out there aren't worth the money due to the low resolution grainy photos they produce.