Not a 'cruise' question, but still applies - Parking in Vanc. - Adding extra security

[dcsam]

We'll be driving to Vancouver for our 2 week cruise. We're staying pre-night at a hotel that includes the parking. However, I don't think it's a fenced lot or has much security. SOOO, how do folks recommend I add a bit of extra security to my Dodge Dakota truck? It doesn't have all those extra fancy anti-theft features. I believe there are several anti-theft devices that I could buy and install, just need some ideas which are the best. I'd really prefer to take our smaller car - it's the kind of car I wouldn't mind if somebody actually took (more of a 'beater'), but it's simply to small for our group of 4 and luggage.

Thanks so much!
Caroline

[vegasgirl00]

Which hotel are you staying at? Most of them do have underground parking or garages. The other option is to park right at the cruise ship terminal as they have underground parking. This is only applicable to Canada Place as I don't think Ballantyne Pier has underground parking. Probably not the cheapest but it could work.

I wonder if you might be able to park at the airport in long term parking and grab a cab from there.

[mudscraper]

It`s a Dodge. No need to worry about someone stealing it.:)


Rich

[jan can]

You could purchase a lock bar for the steering wheel for not much money. If you knew what you were doing (I wouldn't) you could disconnect something under the hood. My husband would sometimes do this in our carport when we were away from home for a few weeks. There were no alarms that would be disabled.

MOST IMPORTANT - DON'T LEAVE ANYTHING VISIBLE IN THE VEHICLE. Or anything of value in the trunk.

[dcsam]

Yes, It's a 'lock bar' I was thinking of. Will have to do some searching on these. I think my dad use to unplug some part in the car, but I'm not familiar with this. Perhaps my hubby can enlighten me. Unfortunately, he has to stay home and work while I'm cruising in Alaska. :-(

[Sprocket]

Do not leave ANY personal belongings in the truck, no visible spare change, empty your glove box (disable the light;)) and leave it open. It should be fine in the hotel lot but it never hurts to take precautions.

[pipedreams62]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_oFN5FV7Qr9c/SaZ7iNWenoI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/l2jyw_bRa1k/s400/car+lock.jpg

[oysterdam]

I wonder if you might be able to park at the airport in long term parking and grab a cab from there.

Great idea! I would use an off airport parking facility like Park n Fly. That way you get a secure facility with restricted access and a reasonable rate.

The hotel's free parking is not an attractive a deal when you factor in the cost of making your vehicle more secure and the worry that your vehicle could be vandalized.

Joe

[dcsam]

Anybody have an idea what the Vancouver airport long-term parking costs per day? We'll be away for 2 weeks.
Thanks much!
Caroline

[Atomica]

Anybody have an idea what the Vancouver airport long-term parking costs per day? We'll be away for 2 weeks.
Thanks much!
Caroline

It's about $10-$12 per day, depending on what lot you park in at YVR. We just got back from a week at Disneyland, and it cost about $100CDN to park the car at YVR for the week while we were gone.

There's a handy coupon on the YVR site that's worth having:

http://www.yvr.ca/pdf/parking/yvr_web_couponFeb09.pdf

Purchase a "club" for the steering wheel, and don't leave ANYTHING visible in the car - not even 25 cents. YVR is security patrolled, and they will periodically check the cars there and write up a little info sheet and tuck it under your wiper showing how secure your car is.

In downtown Vancouver, even in parking garages, leaving nothing in sight is essential.