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ReneeG's avatar
ReneeG
Explorer
Jul 28, 2022

Generator Security

We just purchased a second generator to parallel with our existing one to run our AC. One is stored in the front bay of our FW and we plan to carry the second one in the bed of our pickup. We're currently researching how to secure it and lock it to guard against theft. It has the theft deterrent bracket on the handle, and we found a theft proof cable, but am wondering what others have done to secure theirs in the bed. It shouldn't make any difference, but it's a Honda eu2000i. Thanks.

27 Replies

  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    There us no such thing as a "Theft proof cable" though I do admit most thieves do not carry the tool or tools needed to cut the cable.. I do. but I'm not a thief.

    I once lost a key.. Took me less than a minute to slice through the cable like it was properly cooked linguini.
  • When our two Yamahas are in my truck they are chained together along with gas cans, tool box, and other items. Sometimes I will use two or three separate chains and locks around each other grouping it all together.

    When boondocking the generators are set 30' away from the trailer and chained together and through my spare tire for the truck.
  • Securing the generator with either a stout chain or heavy duty cable, as well as a "bolt cutter resistant" padlock will do the job. Most thieves are after targets of opportunity and will grab the generator cleverly hidden under a picnic table, under a tarp, or in a pickup bed with no 'tether'.

    Last time I went to Quartzsite I saw all kinds of generators with nothing securing them and some that had nothing more than a dog tether chain that could be cut with diagonal cutters.

    Just remember, thieves will first go for the easy score. Then, if they really want something, you can't secure it well enough. For that event, there's insurance.
  • Been carrying a pair 2000 watt on a rear carryall. Locking pin, 10 ft of 3/8's chain 5 years their still there chain long enough to keep them away from the trailer. I'm not rich but if someone wants them that bad what can you do.
  • Concealment also helps - i.e., a non-descript vinyl cover that doesn't scream HONDA!!! on the outside.

    (Someone needs to manufacture a generator cover that looks like an old, stinky blue sewer toter on the outside - Nobody's gonna want to steal that!)
  • Skibane wrote:
    There are a bazillion different bicycle alarms available for reasonable prices, some of which would also work great with a generator.

    There are also some good bike locks out there.

    Also, consider hiding an AirTag somewhere inside the generator - They're only around $25, and do a surprisingly good job of tracking the location of items. Basically, as soon as anyone with an iPhone wanders by it, you know its location.

    (You don't actually have to own any Apple devices to program or track an AirTag - Any friend or relative with an iPhone, iPad, etc. can do it for you.)


    Thank you. We've talked about the air tag and think it's a good idea, but securing it to the bed is part of the issue.
  • There are a bazillion different bicycle alarms available for reasonable prices, some of which would also work great with a generator.

    There are also some good bike locks out there.

    Also, consider hiding an AirTag somewhere inside the generator - They're only around $25, and do a surprisingly good job of tracking the location of items. Basically, as soon as anyone with an iPhone wanders by it, you know its location.

    (You don't actually have to own any Apple devices to program or track an AirTag - Any friend or relative with an iPhone, iPad, etc. can do it for you.)

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