Secure generator compartment door

Just curious... do you think that there is a higher risk of theft when your generator is being used outside the camper (or between uses) while camping?

How do you secure it then?

I have a portable generator. It is not built in. The storage space and it's door are on the side. The door is made of thin aluminum.

Wazoo, I have the gas cans and generator locked to the frame of the camper with a steel cable. As you say, it's the best I could come up with so far.

thanks for all the input.

Desert Captain wrote:
Maybe I missed something but it sure sounded like the OP was describing a built in generator. He wrote: "I know I can change the lock on my "generator compartment door" to make it more secure."

No mention of a storage compartment where he just happens to have a portable generator. If I am right who is going to steel a bolted down/installed genny? Sounds like a lot more of a job than any thief is going to have time for. Hence my response to simply not worry about it.

:h

I agree with you IF he has a generator built in... I agree with Whazzoo if he has a portable

Basically... out of sight... out of mind.

The Outfitter Apex 8 has a compartment in the rear that was designed to hold a Honda eu2000i generator. Well, I say "designed" loosely. As noted, it is no more secure than any other RV outside storage area. And as already mentioned, changing the CH751 lock is a minimal security enhancement.

You can get replacement locks with longer barrels for thicker doors, how about getting a piece of 1/8" aluminum, drilling out the correct diameter for the new lock and thickening the area on the inside. Then I would thicken/strengthen up the area where the latch flips over.

Or Whazoo has very good idea. Can't stop them from getting in the door but they are going to have a HECK of a time pulling the generator out.

Personally I am not worried about things getting stolen where I camp, but where I stop for fuel or groceries in town. It only takes seconds for a thief to go through most cables.

Desert Captain wrote:
"Or don't worry about it and just go camping???? "

That is what I do. My generator door does have the usual flimsy lock but I really don't care enough to change it out. What is anyone going to do once they have access to the genny? I doubt they are going to unbolt it and walk off, vandalism of some sort perhaps.... but I doubt it.

:C

That is the best advice. Only thing I would add, is do not camp in a high theft neighborhood.

To add armor and make the compartment thief proof would probably not only attract a thief, but also cost more than the generator. Most thieves simply grab and run.

My Honda is in the open, with a cable lock. Does anyone really think a thief is gonna take 5 to 10 minutes (maybe more) standing at the back of my TC with a hacksaw to steal a used generator?

Wayne

Maybe I missed something but it sure sounded like the OP was describing a built in generator. He wrote: "I know I can change the lock on my "generator compartment door" to make it more secure."

No mention of a storage compartment where he just happens to have a portable generator. If I am right who is going to steel a bolted down/installed genny? Sounds like a lot more of a job than any thief is going to have time for. Hence my response to simply not worry about it.

:h

GeeWiz, I put an eyebolt thru the floor of the compartment at the very back of the compartment and run a cable lock thru it and the genny handle. Also have a lock pin thru the slide-out genny tray. Yeah, it might just slow them down but it's all I could think of.

okan-star wrote:
BTW... I have never heard of anyone using a CH-175 key to access anyones outside storage... Most of us don't store valubles there anyway.

Most rv manufactrers for some stupid reason use ch751 locks (not ch175) most people know to change out the cylinders

Please list valuable things that you might store there.

Yea please list them and make it easy on a thief who may read this:h

OK... you hasve corrected my CH751... thank you... and please forgive this old man for iritating your sensabilities when I transposed the numbers... I did get the Cap Key.

My question is valid... so I'll answer.

I have a half can of past wax, a half bottle of 409, a water hose... some cleaning rags, a pair of old coveralls from the time many years ago when I might have to crawl under the camper/truck to get the spare tire (I'll take them our, thank you... the spare has been on the front for years.) There are a few pairs of surgical gloves that I use when dumpmg the waste tanks... and some dry Calcium nitrate for use in the holding tanks.

I don't consider any of this stuff particularly valuable.

So, what do you have in your storage areas?

Most manufactures probably think they are doing us a favor... if the storage doors can't be openned with a key the criminal will just tear the door of with a screw driver... or bash it in with a rock.

I wish I could just give some people an "edit" privelage... solve their problem... and solve my problem too!


:B

thank you

sleepy

BTW... I have never heard of anyone using a CH-175 key to access anyones outside storage... Most of us don't store valubles there anyway.

Most rv manufactrers for some stupid reason use ch751 locks (not ch175) most people know to change out the cylinders

Please list valuable things that you might store there.

Yea please list them and make it easy on a thief who may read this:h

Is your generator built in?

Or are you storing a portable generator in the space?

Is the door on the rear or on the side of your truck camper?

Every bit of information you can give us helps us to help you find a good decision..

For example... my personal TC solution is:

I have a built in generator in my Lance 1161.

The access door is on the back of the camper.

I have a side entrance to the camper. I have a fold up cargo carrier in the hitch. I keep it folded up and a locking pin keeps it secured. It limits the generator door opening to about 8"... but it is only one lock from total access.



BTW... I have never heard of anyone using a CH-175 key to access anyones outside storage... Most of us don't store valubles there anyway.

Please list valuable things that you might store there.