Storage of Camera Equipment During 1250 mile 2 nights 3 day travel?
Dec 16, 2015 16:47:52 #
In a few weeks we will be traveling 1250 miles from New England to Florida in our Chrysler van, spending 2 nights on the road. Last time we did this trip I would take all my camera equipment and lenses into the hotel each night, along with other gear. Add to the mix 2 dogs. I'm trying to cut down on some of the gear into the room, it's a lot of extra work, I'd rather not do.
My question is this I'm thinking of storing the cameras under the so called stow and go seats, so the cameras would be under the floor boards of the van's interior and above the undercarriage of the vehicle. I'm not so sure that's a good idea since there will be some cold temperatures, naturally as we approach Florida the temps will rise. Any thoughts as to whether I just do the work and haul the equipment in each evening or take the risk of leaving the camera equipment in the van?
Thanks
My question is this I'm thinking of storing the cameras under the so called stow and go seats, so the cameras would be under the floor boards of the van's interior and above the undercarriage of the vehicle. I'm not so sure that's a good idea since there will be some cold temperatures, naturally as we approach Florida the temps will rise. Any thoughts as to whether I just do the work and haul the equipment in each evening or take the risk of leaving the camera equipment in the van?
Thanks
Dec 16, 2015 16:57:36 #
steveo52 wrote:
In a few weeks we will be traveling 1250 miles fro... (show quote)
Taking the gear with you to the room is the safest option.
Motel parking lots are regularly prowled by thieves looking for valuables left in cars and they know all the nifty "secret" hiding places. I agree that it's a pain lugging stuff back and forth between the car and the room, but it's not as big a pain as having things stolen.
Dec 16, 2015 16:58:33 #
I always take mine in when I travel too. So if someone steals my car...
I had a 35mm camera I left in the car for a few days several years ago. It was winter and very cold. It took a while before I could use it but it was ok. You might have problems with battery drain.
I had a 35mm camera I left in the car for a few days several years ago. It was winter and very cold. It took a while before I could use it but it was ok. You might have problems with battery drain.
Dec 16, 2015 16:59:21 #
steveo52 wrote:
In a few weeks we will be traveling 1250 miles fro... (show quote)
Just do the work.... suggestion by a three time loser, theft in all cases.
Based on your history you are a careful person with your equipment. You won't be happy about the money you spent on stowage equipment if you lay in bed wondering if you should go check the car.
Of course my exposure is considerable as I travel the Coast frequently, and my three losses were all at waysides on the Oregon Coast, and all done while the car(s) were parked for short periods (in parking areas with other cars).
I switched to a scruffy old suburban with a metal stowage box welded to the floor in the back. Still lost a window after that. Car trunks can be "popped" about as easy as any other part of a vehicle.
I travel the West Coast central CA to upper Wa regularly. Most waysides are posted for theft warning along the Coast highways.
Dec 16, 2015 17:03:32 #
Not even counting in theft -- simple old rule I've always followed. "Never leave your gear anywhere you wouldn't want to be." I have travelled in a van numerous times with 300 plus pounds of dogs.
Dec 16, 2015 17:50:43 #
quixdraw wrote:
Not even counting in theft -- simple old rule I've always followed. "Never leave your gear anywhere you wouldn't want to be." I have travelled in a van numerous times with 300 plus pounds of dogs.
I used to have a dog that weighed as much as I did. He was a Mastiff St Bernard cross.
Dec 16, 2015 17:59:25 #
jethro779 wrote:
I used to have a dog that weighed as much as I did. He was a Mastiff St Bernard cross.
Must have been a dandy. I try to outweigh the biggest by 60# at least!
Dec 16, 2015 18:06:19 #
Depends on GAS...If your kit is insured..!!!
I have old kit so it regularly sits in my car in the boot out of sight. Its an old car too so not exactly secure. I find that by leaving the camera in the boot it's 'ready to shoot' on cold and misty mornings without the lens steaming up like it does when I first bring it out of the house. My camera bag is generic so no big name plastered on it however the tripod is harder to disguise....
Another answer would be to convert your van to an RV and then you wouldn't need the hotels Plus you have many more hiding places to put things in.
I have old kit so it regularly sits in my car in the boot out of sight. Its an old car too so not exactly secure. I find that by leaving the camera in the boot it's 'ready to shoot' on cold and misty mornings without the lens steaming up like it does when I first bring it out of the house. My camera bag is generic so no big name plastered on it however the tripod is harder to disguise....
Another answer would be to convert your van to an RV and then you wouldn't need the hotels Plus you have many more hiding places to put things in.
Dec 16, 2015 18:10:26 #
steveo52 wrote:
In a few weeks we will be traveling 1250 miles fro... (show quote)
Easy answer. Take it into the room. you will sleep better
Dec 16, 2015 18:10:42 #
I prefer to bring my gear into my room,but for a cheap enough price I put a rider on my homeowners policy for theft anyway.
I would not be concerned with the temperatures you will encounter.
I would not be concerned with the temperatures you will encounter.
Dec 16, 2015 18:10:58 #
S-O-L-D!!! The cameras will come in the room with me!!
I have a rider via my homeowner's insurance on the equipment but rather not go thru the problems with putting in a claim.
I have a rider via my homeowner's insurance on the equipment but rather not go thru the problems with putting in a claim.
Dec 16, 2015 18:37:07 #
Dec 16, 2015 18:40:45 #
quixdraw wrote:
Must have been a dandy. I try to outweigh the biggest by 60# at least!
I got a real kick out of him. He had this bark that sounded like the hounds of hell. If anybody came near the house and he was outside he'd bark and start running toward you. It was enough to scare most people to death. The only problem was when he got to you he'd flip over on his back and want his tummy rubbed.
Dec 16, 2015 18:45:07 #
I always bring my cameras, lenses, flashes and other electronic hardware into the room. I leave the tripods, light stands, backdrops, and other non-electronic hardware in the car.
I travel during the winter, and don't want to leave the gear out in the cold. And I don't want it stolen. So it comes with me.
I travel during the winter, and don't want to leave the gear out in the cold. And I don't want it stolen. So it comes with me.
Dec 16, 2015 18:53:19 #
jethro779 wrote:
I got a real kick out of him. He had this bark that sounded like the hounds of hell. If anybody came near the house and he was outside he'd bark and start running toward you. It was enough to scare most people to death. The only problem was when he got to you he'd flip over on his back and want his tummy rubbed.
My dogs are only 22 pounds each they are Bichon Friese. I got a kick out of your story........many years ago I was a runner as in jogging, one day while running on a country road near home 2 huge black New Foundlands come charging at me and I think I'm dog meat :lol: The owner came running after them but when I stopped they proved to very friendly.
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