How are you guys keeping your generators from walking off while running them next to your rv? I'd like to keep ac on while doing other activities away from the camper. We just purchased a Honda 3200i as a back up to our on board Onan 4000. We've never had an issue with theft but why invite it? Thanks.

Good question. There has over time been many discussions on this topic and maybe a forum search will yield the answer. Also certain to be youtube videos on how others secure their gen sets. I use a wound steel locking cable and secure it to the bumper or hitch carry all receiver or to a very heavy duty picknick campsite table. Run the cable thru the plastic carry handle (that can be easily broken) is my only method so far.

Thanks. Hadn't thought about You tube.

Ours is on the tongue of the trailer in a tray and is held in place with a grollilla cable. If they really want it they can get it if we are away for a while. If we are nearby they are likely to get more than they bargained for.

I use a stainless-steel cable with crimped eyes on both ends. it is about 10 feet long and has plastic coating. Pad lock secures ends. I find a nice tree or MH wheel to loop the cable around and through the handle of my 2000 genset. Might find a dog tether that works.

Securing generator while running | Good Sam Community

valhalla360
Navigator
Nov 28, 2022
We use the 10ft bike cable too but it's really about keeping honest people honest.

If we will be away from the camper for any significant period, we generally put it away.

Is there a reason, you are running the air/con when you aren't there?
mgirardo
Explorer
Nov 28, 2022
pianotuna wrote:
A regular cutoff wheel will make short work of a Kryptonite cable/lock DAMHIK

All one can do is slow the thief down--so they will go to some one else.

A cutoff wheel is overkill on these locks.

Funny story, we were at Disney's Fort Wilderness for Halloween this year. We were tent camping and brought our 5.5' x 10' single axle trailer with most of our gear on it. We parked it in overflow parking after unloading it. I ran a Kryptonite bike lock through one wheel and attached it to the frame of the trailer. I figured at Disney it wasn't necessary, but better safe than sorry.

When it came time to move it to leave, I found I couldn't get the combination to work. I hadn't used the lock in awhile, but I did test it before we left and it worked fine. I always keep a set of 4.5" side cutters in my laptop bag and always have my laptop bag with me. I figured I would have to cut each wire strand individually with those little cutters, but I was wrong. I cut through the steel wire like it was nothing. It was actually more difficult cutting through the rubber/nylon coating than it was to get through the wire.

To the OP: Anyone that can get a set of Catalytic Converters off a car could easily cut through a bike lock or chain. Your best bet would be to keep it out of sight and out of hearing range.

-Michael
Grit_dog
Navigator
Nov 28, 2022
These are all great suggestions or discussion, but what am I missing about the obvious solution….
Use your onboard generator.
Not sure where you camp that backup generator to the generator is necessary. But anywhere I’d even consider that to be possibly needed would be a VERY remote location which in itself is good site security.

But in the absence of removing the temptation from the equation, the proverbial big ole logging chain and big ole pad lock is your best bet.
Like Michael posted above, most bike lock type cables even the expensive ones aren’t that big nor very hard steel and can be picked away at and cut with small hand tools fairly quickly.
Step up to a real chain like 3/8 Gr 80 or heavier or heavy rigging cable choker if you want to eliminate the tweakers who aren’t even smart enough to have stolen a cordless grinder yet…

What I can tell you is a shiny red Honda 3k genny is right up there with F250s and Toyota Camrys on the tweakers Christmas lists. Unlike some of the rvnet folks who sit around here and say how the cheap china gennys are so great and just as good as Hondas, the “pros”, those who are powering homeless encampments and/or hocking them at pawn shops 100% realize the additional value of obtaining a quality generator…lol.
pbitschura
Explorer
Nov 28, 2022
Grit dog wrote:
These are all great suggestions or discussion, but what am I missing about the obvious solution….
Use your onboard generator.
Not sure where you camp that backup generator to the generator is necessary. But anywhere I’d even consider that to be possibly needed would be a VERY remote location which in itself is good site security.

But in the absence of removing the temptation from the equation, the proverbial big ole logging chain and big ole pad lock is your best bet.
Like Michael posted above, most bike lock type cables even the expensive ones aren’t that big nor very hard steel and can be picked away at and cut with small hand tools fairly quickly.
Step up to a real chain like 3/8 Gr 80 or heavier or heavy rigging cable choker if you want to eliminate the tweakers who aren’t even smart enough to have stolen a cordless grinder yet…

What I can tell you is a shiny red Honda 3k genny is right up there with F250s and Toyota Camrys on the tweakers Christmas lists. Unlike some of the rvnet folks who sit around here and say how the cheap china gennys are so great and just as good as Hondas, the “pros”, those who are powering homeless encampments and/or hocking them at pawn shops 100% realize the additional value of obtaining a quality generator…lol.
I'd bet you have spent some time in Slab City. Ha Ha.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Nov 29, 2022
pbitschura wrote:
I'd bet you have spent some time in Slab City. Ha Ha.

Ha, no! I had to look it up actually!
Never even driven past the AZ state line on I-10 or I-40.
pbitschura
Explorer
Nov 29, 2022
JBarca wrote:
pianotuna wrote:
A regular cutoff wheel will make short work of a Kryptonite cable/lock DAMHIK

All one can do is slow the thief down--so they will go to some one else.

I use the same Kryptonite cable through the handle and then through a stabilizer jack. I keep it stored in a Rubber Made bucket with a cover, the cable goes on when it is in the bucket. And the genny is in that bucket all the time, other then when it is running or it is cooling down after running, then goes back in the bucket. And, I roll up the shore line cord.

I "never" leave the site when the generator is running. The genny is unlocked when it is running, but I am in camp then. And when both wife and I take the truck and leave the site, the genny goes back in the truck bed with us in the same Rubber Made tub.

I go by the, out of site, out of mind theory. I do not advertise the genny being left out when it is not running.

And, as was said above, any of this is only going to slow down a real thief wanting it, if they know you have it. If they do not know you have it, as they can't see it, then it betters the odds they will not hit you.

I often see many campers leaving their genny out in the open, shut off, not running, for days on end in the same spot. Their bad luck may run out sooner then mine, I hope.

I'm not sure there is a thief proof way to do this.

Hope this helps

I guess since I live in a place that doesn't require infinite vigilance, protecting against crimes of opportunity are all I'm going to prep for. Thanks.
John
2oldman
Explorer II
Dec 02, 2022
Vulcan chain
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Dec 02, 2022
Lay an empty .357 magnum ammo box on top?
deltabravo
Nomad
Dec 08, 2022
Well, I would never leave my portable generator running if I left the RV to go do other activities.
valhalla360
Navigator
Dec 08, 2022
MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
Lay an empty .357 magnum ammo box on top?

Ammo is expensive. Why give them a bonus when they take your generator?

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