30# dually propane tanks - locked & loaded

[Two To Tow]

Newb here, so be gentle with me.

Just took delivery of our new Serenity 27FB and HOA gave me one night in the drive before I had to move her to storage at the county fairgrounds (secure, level, nice spot). Since the fair comes to town tomorrow, I was in a panic as to how to secure the pretty new propane tanks in a right quick manner. After haunting the forums and finding one suggestion for almost immediate lockdown that didn't include an overnight $ delivery of a $85 lock, here's what I came up with:::

-two longshank keyed locks, one on each side of the center nut, leaving -0- room for moving them up and off the center bent flange

with

-a 6' vinyl coated steel cable wound in and around the tanks and over and around the center aluminum support and back into the locks.

Now I realize this is going to be a big pain in the patootie when I go to switch out an empty tank, but I'm hoping it will dissuade any carnies or rambunctious fair goers (who do not have access to the lots, but you never know who can climb over barbed wire after a few beers) from thinking my rig is an easy mark.

So here's the question: am I overlooking someway to loosen the tanks or do I have my tanks covered? Thanks in advance for any advice!

[slowmover]

Some one who wants them will take them. I didn't take time to analyze your setup, but if it's more difficult, then, good. You can just remove it when using the trailer.

Some folks take tanks and batteries home for reasons of security, safety and maintenance.

[leedav]

I'd like to see the guy climb back over with a 30# propane tank. If he can do that he can probably just rip the locks off

[CRH]

I would worry more about vandalism, than theft.

[AWCHIEF]

Locks only deter amateurs. A pro will laugh and take them in thirty seconds.

[idroba]

I use a cable and lock on mine, but if someone wants them bad enough, no lock will keep them safe. You can put them inside I guess. If they get in, you will not be a happy camper anyway.

If they are steel tanks they are not very costly for new ones. Aluminum tanks are a different story.

[m.hony]

A company sent me a product called Fortress Gaslock for free to test and review. I think the product is available for sale for $60.

[spclkaz]

Fortress Gas Lock...

Bing Images

My LP guy told me that the older aluminum tanks can be worth $300 each... yikes!

[B00merang]

I say relax and enjoy the fair....you have secured them the best you can...maybe bring the cable through the frame as well...and when the carnival leaves town just untie the locks and cable. I have never worried about it...and haven't had a problem yet (but maybe I should secure them). Also, it takes a long time to empty both tanks, so the problem of not having ready access is not as bad as you think. jon

[Two To Tow]

Thanks everyone! I know if someone truly wants to steal something, nothing I can do will prevent it, but maybe a carnival of locks and steel cable around the tanks will at least make them think about perhaps trying something that's a little less hassle to remove.

[woodfox45]

Make sure the bottle box is locked they cost $500. +

[cwf]

You could go buy a couple of 'exchange' bottles... they aren't worth most stealing. you can get the small ones.. that way they are easier for you to move. This will give you some LP while camping there... then, when in 'safe' area, put on the good ones..

[xrvr]

Theop is not camping there, only storing the etrailer there.