locking up a progressive ems pt30c

[riven1950]

Did a search but did not find an answer. I know you can't stop a determined thief, but, I looking for a good, simple, hopefully inexpensive way to put a lock / cable / etc. on my new ems pt30c. Any creative ideas?

[riven1950]

Yeah, inside mounting would have been nice but with an 18' TT my space is pretty limited. Same thing with a long extension cord, just not a lot of room. Although, I will likely pick up a 15' 30A cord just in case I need it sometime.

I'll just lock up the EMS ( with the lock I mentioned a couple of post back ) and not worry about it. If it cost 2500 instead of 250 I would be a lot more concerned. Heck, our new chairs cost about that and we'll leave them sitting outside.

Thanks for all the input.......

[GMCPU53]

I put mine inside the TC, right by the access door, I connect a 50' 30 amp cord from the Progressive unit to the pedestal. The door is way too small for someone to get it out of the camper. Progressive unit cost a lot more than the extension cord.

Joe

[riven1950]

lock


Here is what I bought to secure the EMS. The cable actually slides through the built in lock so that it will fit in different situations requiring more or less cable. It is a bit longer than I could get by with ( 8' ). I think I will also use it to lock my propane tanks to my TT when I put it back on my storage lot rather than removing them.

PS: the one I linked to is 6', the one I bought is 8', same price

[riven1950]

Thanks folks. Think I will go with some sort of cable and lock for now. Maybe a combo of the osha lock that was posted, seemed like a good idea. won't be camping in the hood so I should be ok.

[otrfun]

If you have a 25-30 ft. 30 amp RV electrical cable, you could cut it into 2/3 and 1/3 lengths and attach appropriate male/female connectors on the opposite ends. Plug the 2/3 length into the pedestal, the other end into the EMS input. Tuck the EMS underneath your TT (above a frame member) out of sight. Then plug the 1/3 length into the EMS output, and the remaining end into your TT.

If they can't see it (tucked underneath the TT), they won't know it exists, and can't steal it. But, if it's hanging in plain site anywhere on the outside of your TT, IMO it's free, effective advertising. Especially if it's locked. Something hanging on the outside of your TT with a lock is a dead giveaway to a thief that they should stop and investigate.

My two cents . . .

[loggenrock]

"I don't need to outrun the bear, I just need to run faster than you!" As long as mine is harder to take than someone else's, I figure I'm good. I use a bicycle cable and lock that I secure around the pedastal and lock into the metal plate on the cable. Still have mine after 6+ years. Can't say it's 'cuz I lock it, but.... ST

[Duck]

Mandalay Parr wrote:
I have a PT 50C for 10 years out in the open and never stolen.

Same for me but something that I have is a small plastic container that covers the EMS. Not permanently installed just sort of leans against the EMS. Cut holes for the cables. Not perfect but out of sight from the road.
Don

[Old-Biscuit]

AN Honest person don't need a lock to keep them honest.

We have a portable 50A that is plugged into power source and then we plug our 50A power cord into it which plugs into out rig.
Even if I used a lock/clamp device to secure the surge/power device to power cord the whole set up could be unplugged at rig and power pedestal.

So it isn't locked. Been hanging out in the open for 7 yrs. are 100's of CGs.

I just don't worry about. Lucky? Maybe. But I find that folks are pretty good about watching out for each others stuff....especially when you make a point in meeting them/introducing yourself to them when you arrive and set up. Being friendly with your neighbors goes a long way.

[mlts22]

At the extreme, you can have a metal shop fab you a clamshell steel box that padlocks and attaches to the frame of your rig via a high-test security chain (Grade 70.) Done right, bolt cutters won't be chopping that anytime soon, and the box will protect not just the EMS, but the two cables going into it (or at least make them unusable to a thief unless they bother adding new fittings.)

Long term, I've thought of having the EMS be a permanent install in the RV, and the external power item end up being "just" a surge suppressor. This way, less stuff sitting outside, and the same protection, plus, no matter what happens, the inside stuff is protected.

In general, if I feel like a place needs more than a theft-deterrent (which is what a Kensington lock is), I move on down the road. Life is too short to spend time and money for an arms race against the low-lifes.

[Led_67]

A lock will only keep honest people honest and only slow down a determined thief. If you really are wanting true protection from dishonest people then get a built in like the HW30C which will be out of temptations sight.
Good Luck.

[riven1950]

Thanks for the ideas. I can take care of it with a trip to Lowes I think.

[PenMan]

The little metal piece in the picture is used with a chain and padlock to lock it to the park pedestal. A heavy duty wire cutter would take it but it would keep honest folks honest.

[Mandalay_Parr]

I have a PT 50C for 10 years out in the open and never stolen.

[doxiemom11]

We've been on the road for 3 years now at a variety of places and have never had a problem or even any attempt by anyone to steal anything. We just put ours in a bay so it's out of sight.