Generator Security

I keep my gen chained in the truck bed along with a 2nd spare tire. It weighs 140lbs+. If someone really wanted to steal it no "special" cable or lock is going to stop them.
I agree that most thieves just look for an opportunity to grab something loose and easy to take.

MrWizard wrote:
I bought Vulcan brand Square Link Security Chain, and a boron steel hexagon shackle pad lock from Amazon , this stuff isn't cheap
But its a lot less than buying a new Generator or motorcycle,
Made my choices after watching some destructive testing videos online, a locksmith could not cut the. Chain using very large bolt cutters fasten down to his work bench , he used Ratchet Straps or hydraulic rams for applying force to the cutter handles, the cutter jaws gave out and broke with out cutting the chain,

Thank you. We're checking on the chain and lock right now. This may be our best option, with concealing the generator in our bays when not in use same as we do our current single one.

We are looking at Lockstraps. Check that out.

fj12ryder wrote:
With the availability of cordless angle grinders, no cable or chain is "theft-proof" anymore. A good cutoff wheel will go through any of them quickly. But they are LOUD, so if you're nearby you should be alerted, or somebody should. Cables and chains will stop the casual thief, but a determined thief will find away. All you can do is make it as inconvenient as possible.

Big grinders, yes, they are loud, small "die grinders" with 3" wheels, not so much. I haven't found many "quiet" campgrounds either, always a lot of background noise all the way up to "quiet time".

With the availability of cordless angle grinders, no cable or chain is "theft-proof" anymore. A good cutoff wheel will go through any of them quickly. But they are LOUD, so if you're nearby you should be alerted, or somebody should. Cables and chains will stop the casual thief, but a determined thief will find away. All you can do is make it as inconvenient as possible.

ReneeG wrote:
Thanks for all the feedback, all great. We've got a cable in mind, but the key is how to attach it to the truck's bed. We've been looking at a "cleat" that attaches to the inside wall, near the back, that is mainly used for securing motorcycle tie-down straps but most likely will do the job.

One might wish to think about the damage that might be imposed on your vehicle when a determined thief decides they need it more than you.

Don't know about your truck but forceful removal of the built in cleats could cost thousands in damages to your truck to repair..

Chains and cables are casual thieves deterrents, for determined thieves just a speed bump in the road that slows them down by seconds. A HF battery powered angle grinder outfitted with a metal cutting wheel can easily cut through most cables and chains withing a couple of seconds and pretty quietly. I have used angle grinder with metal cutting wheel to remove a rusted/stuck lock with hardened shackle, lock was no match for that cutting wheel and was off in less than one minute.

Heck they may even take a shot at your vehicles cat converters while at it just for spite of making it harder to take and you won't know the cats are gone until you start the vehicle.

Your best line of defense is to hide the gens in plain sight, hard bed cover reduces the off chance of becoming a target and even a soft bed cover most likely will be more effective than a big wire or chain. If they can't see it, they won't know it is there to take.

My gen sits under a hard cover..

Thanks for all the feedback, all great. We've got a cable in mind, but the key is how to attach it to the truck's bed. We've been looking at a "cleat" that attaches to the inside wall, near the back, that is mainly used for securing motorcycle tie-down straps but most likely will do the job.

I bought Vulcan brand Square Link Security Chain, and a boron steel hexagon shackle pad lock from Amazon , this stuff isn't cheap
But its a lot less than buying a new Generator or motorcycle,
Made my choices after watching some destructive testing videos online, a locksmith could not cut the. Chain using very large bolt cutters fasten down to his work bench , he used Ratchet Straps or hydraulic rams for applying force to the cutter handles, the cutter jaws gave out and broke with out cutting the chain,

Check out Kryptonite bicycle locks and chains.

Use a stout chain or cable and keep your insurance up to date and don't worry much beyond that. Like has been said, most thefts are ones of opportunity. At the end of the day, virtually nothing you do to secure it will stop a determined thief. A cordless angle grinder with a cut-off wheel will make short work of almost every chain or cable.