Generator Security

[Glen]

I just purchased a Honda EU2000i. I do a lot of boondocking and I use it to charge my batteries, etc. I am gone from the trailer for long periods while I am hunting and fishing. How do I prevent a thief from stealing it?



I bought a 3/8 inch cable, looped it through the handle and locked it to my trailer frame. I was pretty happy until I thought about how easy it would be to cut the plastic generator handle!



Am I paranoid? Any suggestions?

 

[ralbert]

Honda

I just purchased the same generator and I am going to also chain it onto the fram when it is stored in the storage compartment in the 5th wheel. I guess if they ever go so far as to cut the plastic case of the unit to steal the generator no 1/2" chain would even stop that person. Most of us are honest people. Lets just hope for the best. Good luck enjoying the good life. Rob

 

[klenger]

You can only do so much. You might want to put it away if you are going to be gone awhile. I also had the wife make a cover for mine so that people walking by couldn't tell it was a Honda. I cured the whole problem when I installed an Onan and sold the Honda. Both great products.

 

[Briman]

An Eu2000 should be light enough to stick inside the trailer while your away. Now a 3000 would be slightly harder to get through the door.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Sooo Glen, where will you be boondocking?

Just kidding... I couldn't do that to a fellow member, er, I mean I would never do that to anybody

I think I hear my mom calling.

 

[Sarge]

Glen, I also have the Honda, and your right. I was at a campground at the beach this year, and a guy about 10 spaces up had his generator chained to the front of his trailer. Got up in the morning, and someone had cut the chain and it was gone. You don't like to thing another camper would rip you off, but it does happen. That is why I opted for a roll top bed cover that locks in the closed position. Add a tail gate lock and you have a great lockable storage area. You didn't indicate if you have a TT or a 5ver. I have a fiver and the roll top slides right over the top of my hitch keeping it clean when i'm not hooked up. I am in the law enforcement business, and I can tell you the best security is "out of sight, out of mind". Good luck, Sarge

 

[TowPro]

Also keep in mind if you lock in in a outside cabinet on your camper, all campers (well most) have the same keys for the cabinets.



I know the ones for my 2000 Terry also open our 75 Terry, my 83 Shadow Cruiser, My dads last 2 coachman motorhomes, but not sure about his new gulf stream. I even opened a cabinet for somebody in a campground once with my keys.



I keep thinking about replacing them with those round key locks like on soda machines. I think there like $8. 00 - $12. 00 each, maybe on my next camper.

 

[lizzyhermit]

mine is bolted into the bed of the truck and covered. we have had episodes of drive by's cutting chains and beating feet. even heard a first hand story from a 5er dude whose gen. got nicked at a cafe while he watched from the booth. he couldn't get there in time.

 

[GeneA]

I've got what lizzyhermit said, using locking bolts so it would take two people with one under the bed to get it loose. . I just think that much work would discourage the low lifes from even trying. They do surprise one at times, however.

 

[Hale on wheels]

Lizzy,



He couldn't get there in time? Isn't that what a . 45 ACP is for?

 

[y-knot]

There is only so much you can do without making it tough on you every time you want to use it. The chian with a cover sound pretty good. I have never had a problem when camping, but I am always suspicious and never leave anything out that i would like to keep. When you go camping, it sounds like you are in more on a remote area, and not in a camp ground. So maybe that is worse, maybe not? It would take someone with real nerve to cut someones chain and steel the generator while they were there. Someone like that would be determined enough to get it no matter what. I have a very large generator, it is a 6000W-12 HP monster that weighs around 350 lbs. It would take two strong guys, but that does not make it any safer. I useually do not use it, so it is locked in it's compartment. But like one poster said, just about any key will fit those looks.

 

[Glen]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I locked it in the bathroom of the trailer--a 24 foot TT--when I first got it. I suspect that is about as secure as you can get. There is a slight gas odor though. I usually camp away from the crowds but there is always traffic from road hunters and tourists. I think stealing from an armed hunter is foolish, maybe dangerous, but a fisherman? Maybe I could let them know that I have a concealed-carry permit. I guess I will just chain it and hide it as best I can.

 

[ImagesThatSing]

We bolted our 5500 watt honda powered generator through bed and through hole in frame, cover it with a tarp. We boondock every week, and so far both in town and in the mountains that seems to be good enough. . so far.

 

[TowPro]

Check the gas cap size. I replaced my generac gas cap with one from an outboard motor gas tank. the kind with the vent valve in it.



What I do is turn off the fuel and let the generator run out of gas, then bring it inside, let it cool, then close off the vent in the gas cap. Mine stays in my basement all the time and I never smell gas.



Just remember to let it cool first, if its hot and you close the vent, the tank will suck itself smaller as the gas cools

Originally posted by Glen

Thanks for the advice everyone. I locked it in the bathroom of the trailer--a 24 foot TT--when I first got it. I suspect that is about as secure as you can get. There is a slight gas odor though.

 

[GeneA]

If you're camping in the boonies or wherever, as a deterrent just post your NRA decals in some prominent places.

 

[The patriot]

In addition to chaining it up to the TT, can you chain a large dog to it on a 50' chain? Chain the dog to the generator, not the TT.

Eric:-laf

 

[CPG]

Saw a cute sign on a truck bumper a few years back. " Have rifle, don't trifle".





Chuck Goode ( NRA Endowment member)

 

[Jumbo Jet]

I have a Generac 5500 Watt generator.



Where is the best place to park so someone will come along and steal that loud generator??



It's reliable but annoying.