Tiny Home Security

Tiny houses sometimes get stolen. That’s right. Someone just hitches them up to their truck and drives away. Hard to believe but easy to do. Sometimes they are found, but what a hassle! Everything you own in one nice, movable package.

Tiny Home security is not hard, but does require some forethought.

• Tow-away deterrents can be as easy as parking a vehicle in front of your tiny abode.
• Putting your tiny home up on blocks provides both tow-away deterrent and a good foundation.
• Removing the wheels will deter a thief as well as keeping your tires in better condition.
• Simply chaining your trailer to a big nearby tree can do the trick.

It’s nice to get to know your neighbors. We have become friends with most of our neighbors, and one has a set of keys to our house. We watch each others’ properties when one goes on vacation, picking up the newspaper and bringing in the mail and packages. I’ve even shoveled their driveway. Makes the place look lived in.

Here are some security devices that you would be prudent to employ for your Tiny Home Security

Trailer Hitch Lock

One of the easiest and least expensive ways to deter the theft of your tiny home is to snap a lock on your trailers hitch.

Several Types of Locks

• Use a simple pad lock from the hardware store. Make sure it is brass or stainless steel so it will not rust or corrode in the weather. The trailer hitch has a hole made for this (see image). See the brass lock shown in the right column. This type can not be removed by a bolt cutter.
• A Trailer Coupler Lock prevents the hitch ball from being inserted into the coupler. It can only be used when the trailer is not being towed.

The Trimax UMAX100 coupler lock features an exclusive design that provides 360 degrees of hardened steel protection for your unattended trailer.

Wheel Chock Lock

• The KACENTOP wheel chock lock is an excellent way to protect an unattended trailer or camper. It is a quick and simple lock to apply, clamping over the wheel and remaining secure until it is unlocked using provided keys.
  

Decoy Tiny Home Security Devices

Effectively deterring theft is no longer expensive or time consuming with a decoy camera and alarm  sign. This package offers the essentials you need to help dissuade intruders. A sturdy Warning: Surveillance in Progress sign adds realism and gives would-be intruders a clear warning.

The two included cameras help protect windows and doors. Solar powered, saving your money on batter,y and you don’t need taking down the camera to change the batteries if you use rechargeable batteries. Just $26.97*

I use fake cameras and a security sign quite effectively on my home and have prevented burglaries and theft for years.

Real Security Systems

Tiny home security systems are available for a reasonable cost. The camera system shown here can record objects up to 130 feet away in HD clarity. It can record object up to 80′ away at night. The system is easy to install, and uses an app on your smart phone to monitor your property.

Internet and cell phone services are required. For most homeowners this does not present a problem, but if you move your THOW around a lot there may be some technical issues. Read the installation manually completely before purchasing. Available from Amazon for a very reasonable price.  Add up to 8 cameras.

GPS Trackers for Tiny Homes

Offering great peace of mind, these seem like a great idea but can be expensive. Insurance companies will frequently require them so they know where their “asset” is. If they require them, they usually have a source for them.

The Spytec GPS GL300 Real-Time GPS Tracker

Easiest & fastest GPS tracking: Spytec GPS offers the fastest GPS tracking for vehicles, valuables, and equipment using 4G satellite technology. Receive location alerts from the GPS tracker via their iOS/Android apps.

Small & versatile: Their GPS tracker is 1″ thick with 7-10 days of battery life (with 2 hours of movement per 5day). Simply set/activate and use as a GPS tracker for trucks, GPS bike tracker, motorcycle, RVs, and tiny homes. Just $15.26.*

Trak-4 12v GPS Tracker with Wiring Harness for Tracking Equipment, Vehicles, and Assets

Covertly locate vehicles, assets, and inventory. Silently locate teens, loved ones, and elderly persons. Simple to use – sign in and start using in minutes. Indoor/outdoor, Trak4 is weatherproof so you can mount or place it almost anywhere. Rugged commercial housing is durable and provides reliability and dependability. No GPS? No problem. Trak4 cellular trilateration gives approximate location when no GPS signal is available (inside garages, buildings, etc.). High-capacity rechargeable battery. Choose in-motion reporting frequency from hourly to every one minute. The Trak4 will check-in once daily even when not moving. Get text or email alert when person or asset leaves or enters a selected area (geofencing). Works in US only. Top tier cell network provides the very best coverage area available.

This tracker has some unique features:

• Charging – Connect to 12-volts on your equipment, trailer, or vehicle for continual trickle charge.
• Battery Duration – The internal battery is high-capacity and continues operation even when disconnected from the 12-volt power system or when the 12-volt power system itself goes dead. The Trak-4 12V can report for over 12 months without charging (daily reporting, starting from a full charge).
• Just $39.80* but needs a subscription too.

To keep track of your pet see dog tracking collars on this page.

Motion Sensor Lights

Motion sensor lights are good to have in any case. It’s good to have a light snap on when you pull into a dark driveway or walk up to your front door. These solar powered lights require zero wiring and are very bright. Installation is easy. Just screw them on the wall and you’re done.

I have motion sensor lights on each side of my house. Not only to deter prowlers, but to detect wildlife like bears and mountain lions. Good to know if they’re around before I let the dog out at night.

The Solar Outdoor Lights have a built-in replaceable 2200mAh battery, which can provide 1500 times illumination with full charge. Click on image to see more details from Amazon.

Smart Wi-Fi Video Doorbell

Technology is an amazing thing. Imagine being able to answer your doorbell even when you aren’t home! I think this about the coolest thing since sliced bread.

Stay connected to home with motion-activated alerts, HD video, and two-way talk from Ring Video Doorbell. Get alerts on your phone, tablet and PC when anyone comes to your door, so you can see, hear and speak to visitors from anywhere. You’ll also need to have a Smart phone and Internet. This RING Video Dorbell is one of the most popular on Amazon. $99.99*. Click on image for details.

I have installed these in my clients’ homes and they work great.

 

Secure your License Plate

Here’s one we don’t often think about until it’s too late. Your license plate is a valuable document.  Nefarious individuals who want to conceal their identity while committing a crime in their vehicle will steal your license plate. It’s simple to steal and just as simple to thwart the theft by replace the regular bolts with security bolts.

These bolts aren’t as secure as a bank vault, but secure enough to get a would-be thief to move on to an easier target. They come with the special tool it takes to get them on and off. Definitely worth it. Click on image to order from Amazon.

 

Securing Your Surge Protector

Surge protectors can be very expensive. These need to be locked securely to the power pedestal. The Python cable lock is the best way to do that. You thread the cable around the pedestal and your surge protector then pull it tight and lock it down. This works even if you have a surge protector with no lock hole.

 

You Could Just Get a Dog

All of this technology is great, but lets face it: a vicious dog barking is enough to deter most burglars. He’s a real sweetie but his bark sounds super-nasty. He will bite if he feels threatened (sorry Mike….and Yolanda). Do not wear a motorcycle helmet around him.

I’ve tried the electronic versions of a dog bark and was not satisfied.

I did like the idea of leaving a large water dish and food bowl by the door. The person also suggested leaving a muddy pair of men’s work boots on the front porch too. Wouldn’t hurt to try it.