RV'er Situations

ACEroad · 08-11-2018, 10:37 PM

RV'ers have the opportunity to be in endless situations on the road and even in campgrounds. The most serious and possibly dangerous are the ones where bad actors may prey on RV'ers, especially elderly, during refueling or rest stops. Not the mention the dreaded highway break down especially after dark. But never fear as we have learned many if not most RV'ers are willing to assist others and these seasoned travels are prepared and carry protection. We would never leave home without some protection. I already know of a few situations were self protection meant the difference in a good day or a really bad day. Any comments or stories?

cpmath · 08-11-2018, 10:48 PM

I have traveled across this country numerous times, from east to west and north to south. I have stayed in rest areas, truck stops and campgrounds, I have also traveled all over the world and not once, never, not once have I felt fearfull of my surroundings or the people in my area. Never. Do I carry protection? No, I don't and neither does my wife. Am I licensed to carry? Yes I am, I can carry in all 50 States. Do I feel it's necessary to carry for my protection? No I don't. Not everyone will agree with me, but that's okay, everyone has an opinion. You've heard my opinion so now on to others.

Bob Denman · 08-11-2018, 10:58 PM

How'd you get around New York's lack of reciprocity with every other State?
I'm licensed to carry here; but I'd never dare cross State lines...

But I do always always carry a condom: does that count?

Seriously: the best way to survive the situation that you never want to experience:; is to never get caught in one!
"Situational Awareness" is your best friend!

ACEroad · 08-12-2018, 01:22 AM

Not necessarily carry but travel with protection just in case.

Lt Keefer · 08-12-2018, 01:34 AM

I am a big believer in situational awareness. I am also a big believer in knowing where I am going and only going to places I will be safe. When I need to carry a weapon for safety while travelling I will quit travelling.

ACEroad · 08-12-2018, 04:09 AM

Since the chance of a bad situation is multiplied after dark maybe we should travel only in the daylight. Having broken down near midnight on an interstate before does not give a person that warm and fuzzy feeling. Nor do fuel stops off interstates where people approach you for money.

mcr1010 · 08-12-2018, 10:17 AM

All these comments about safety from mostly two legged critters are good. I will throw my 2 cents in and say if you are lic. to carry, know how to use it proficiently and are comfortable with it, go for it. I carry a spare tire just in case, others don't; all a matter of choice.

Guns are a very political hot topic these days and I don't want to stir the pot, but will say that we did not get to be the greatest country by not having guns.
Also, those who have used a gun to save lives, their own or others, will most likely not freely relate those stories in an open forum.

mark4Jesus · 08-12-2018, 11:46 AM

Sometimes mistakes are made and you end up somewhere you didn't intend on being. Sometimes thugs frequent high traffic areas looking for an easy victim. Whether you have a firearm with you or not, as Lt Keefer said, you need to be aware of your surroundings. Is someone looking at you more often and intently that a passing glance at your coach? You can tell if someone is "sizing you up" by the way they look at you and around you. As I said, thugs look for an easy victim.

Broke down on the side of the road? Another RV'er stopping to assist would be a comfort. There is always strength in numbers! I haven't made any long trips yet; however, I will always plan on traveling in the daylight. But, plans don't always go the way we plan!

Sk8nmike · 08-12-2018, 12:21 PM

I carry insurance on my RV, don't intend on ever being in an accident but you never know. Also carry a fire extinguisher I never plan to use. The normal sane person never plans on being in a bad situation, but just like the other tools it doesn't hurt to have and know how to use them...

pstandiford · 08-12-2018, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpmath

I have traveled across this country numerous times, from east to west and north to south. I have stayed in rest areas, truck stops and campgrounds, I have also traveled all over the world and not once, never, not once have I felt fearfull of my surroundings or the people in my area. Never. Do I carry protection? No, I don't and neither does my wife. Am I licensed to carry? Yes I am, I can carry in all 50 States. Do I feel it's necessary to carry for my protection? No I don't. Not everyone will agree with me, but that's okay, everyone has an opinion. You've heard my opinion so now on to others.

How are you licensed in all 50 states? I’m not saying you are not but really want to know how you accomplished this. I don’t carry when traveling simply due to the lack of reciprocity in almost half the states. PM me if you don’t want to discuss on public forum.

**16ACE27** · 08-12-2018, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pstandiford

How are you licensed in all 50 states? I’m not saying you are not but really want to know how you accomplished this. I don’t carry when traveling simply due to the lack of reciprocity in almost half the states. PM me if you don’t want to discuss on public forum.

The Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act (LEOSA) is a United States federal law, enacted in 2004, that allows two classes of persons—the "qualified law enforcement officer" and the "qualified retired or separated law enforcement officer"—to carry a concealed firearm in any jurisdiction in the United States, regardless of state or local laws, with certain exceptions.

Bob Denman · 08-12-2018, 01:15 PM

We don't know if this is the situation or not...

I know the rules here in New York; but I'm not nearly as familiar with those in other jurisdictions...
And ignorance of the Law is never an excuse!

If you're travelling with ANY firearm: know the rules!

Personally: I prefer a simple .410 shotgun that's loaded with 8s...
If you're in a campground, and trouble comes calling: you have all sorts of innocent folks who you could be putting in peril. Use something with MINIMAL penetrative capabilities!!

pstandiford · 08-12-2018, 01:20 PM

Thanks Tcryman. I am aware of this but as Bob says we don’t know if this is the case. I was expecting this to be the answer but thought maybe there was some other method.

Bob Denman · 08-12-2018, 01:35 PM

I think that if you pick up enough licences in various States: you can link them together through reciprocity, and make it work:
But I've never tried to figure out which States, or how it's done...

pstandiford · 08-12-2018, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

I think that if you pick up enough licences in various States: you can link them together through reciprocity, and make it work:

But I've never tried to figure out which States, or how it's done... [emoji5]

I believe some states have NO reciprocity. I believe CA, HA, NY, NJ are among those without reciprocity.

https://www.gunstocarry.com/ccw-reciprocity-map/

jwcorry · 08-12-2018, 03:51 PM

Since one can never fully know what unanticipated situation you may find yourself in, being prepared is generally a good idea (just like having insurance, fire extinguisher, etc.). For my part, I carry under the auspices of LEOSA as explained above. Our son lives in Chicago and we visit there often. Even so, I'm not a native Chicagoan and, therefore, could potentially be somewhere I would not otherwise want to be.

Even though I can and do carry nationwide, I have found through my career a highly developed situational awareness is by far your best defense. It also makes a difference on how you interact with unwelcome strangers approaching you. In potentially unfriendly situations (e.g., persons asking for money) I don't engage as well as project a dismissive "don't bother me" demeanor (in other words; don't look like the injured gazelle to the lion approaching the herd) and get out of harm's way as expeditiously as possible.

Bob Denman · 08-12-2018, 04:47 PM

I wholeheartedly agree: Make yourself appear to be unapproachable, and they'll go find an easier target...

It's just like the old joke:
Two Hikers are in the Mountains. They round a corner in the trail, and find themselves staring into the eyes of a pretty mean-looking bear...
One hiker drops to the ground, and starts putting on a pair of sneakers.
"What are you doing??", his friend asks. "You know that you can't outrun a bear."
"I don't have to outrun the bear: I only have to outrun you...", was the reply.

Mr Sunshine · 08-12-2018, 11:44 PM

Many years ago at a RV rally, a retired cop gave a program on self-protection for RVers. He pointed out that even well-trained professional law enforcement officers have difficulty hitting a target under pressure with a hand weapon.

His suggestion for firepower was a short barrel shotgun. He made a good case for going instead with a simple household product, wasp spray. They shoot a long ways and will temporarily blind an assailant. Cheap and readily availble. Longer shelf life and range than pepper spray. And as an added bonus, you can kill wasps with it!

m1noel · 08-12-2018, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pstandiford

I believe some states have NO reciprocity. I believe CA, HA, NY, NJ are among those without reciprocity.

https://www.gunstocarry.com/ccw-reciprocity-map/

and Oregon.

Bfdchief24 · 08-13-2018, 12:39 AM

I would rather have one and not need it than...... need one and not have one! Situational awareness is the key.

You may also like: