Security for the propane tanks

[smoky]

We will probably be leaving our new Camplite 21RBS unattended at a trailer park for weeks at a time in the future. I have been trying to secure items that might easily be removed from the trailer. An inexpensive way to slow down someone from "borrowing" the propane cylinders is to use a 12 inch long chain and a padlock. The vertical rod that holds the bar securing the top of the tanks is placed through the center link in the chain, with the chain placed below the bar. The bar and auto switch-over control are reattached to the bar above the chain and tightened with the large wing nut. The chain is pulled up on top of the wing nut and the padlock put through links to tightly hold the chain. The "borrower" will not be able to rotate the wing nut to release the tanks without removing the lock or chain. A hose clamp was put on the vertical rod to keep the chain from falling when I take the lock off. My total cost was under $4 for the chain and a hose clamp (I already had the lock.) I think this should work. . . let me know if I am wrong.
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[admin]

While I like the idea and I agree that it will slow down someone wanting to 'borrow' the tanks I would also point out that a lock really only stops the honest and the lazy. In this case, if it only ever stops just one attempt it sounds like a good investment with the minimal time and cost. I especially like the simplicity, it solves the problem without adding complexity.

I will throw this out there https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pU9MB5XPsp4
Defeating a traditional padlock takes seconds with only a hammer.

[leslie]

We have stored our Camplite several times at different RV parks, with no problems. I know, there will always be a first time for everything, but so far so good.

We have been careful about where we store it, mindful of security, such as if it is stored inside a locked fence and the nature of the other campers - are they down on their luck with RVs that have seen better days or are they active retirees with nice RVs.  We have stored our trailer in an RV park without a locked fence, but we got to know the seasonal campers, management resided there, and there were a lot of eyes. I need a new lock for my battery box as the previous one was rusted, and nothing was disturbed.

The only problem that we have had with an RV park occurred earlier on this trip, in a park filled with children running all over the place. We got to the dump station, and just as soon as we removed the cap, water poured out. Someone, we think a child, had pulled out the grey water valve. Oh, joy.

[admin]

At least it was only the grey water...

[charliem]

[font size="3"]As Sean's video shows, locks are for honest people. Also I think a pair of ViseGrips on the top of the threaded post will remove the whole thing. As Ronald Reagen said, "Trust, but take it with you." Otherwise you just have to take your chances.

Camp on!
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[fasteddieb]

[quote source="/post/22690/thread" timestamp="1467307588" author="@charliem"][font size="3"]As Sean's video shows, locks are for honest people. Also I think a pair of ViseGrips on the top of the threaded post will remove the whole thing.
[/font][/quote]Not to mention that the actual bracket holding the tanks down could be bent up with a pair of large pliers.

This is just not the kind of thing I spend a lot of time worrying about.