Locking Aluminum LP tanks on a "Classic"

[brownm3]

Any ideas or products that can be used to lock the 40lb. Aluminum LP tanks on newer Classic Limited trailers. If you fabricated a device do you have pictures? Commercial applications? Thank you!

[noreen&sal]

Sad to say, but locks only keep honest people out. Sal.

[dznf0g]

Sal is right...but.... I had an old Reese coupler lock, which was not that great of a coupler lock and was replaced with something beefier. I then that the bright idea that if I cut the "ball off of it, it would make a good propane lock.

[Silver Goose]

Search here for propane tank lock. There was a discussion about this a while back. It has links and photos to several solutions. All are good to deter opportunity theft. Any can be defeated with time and tools.

[Bluto]

Originally Posted by dznf0g

Sal is right...but.... I had an old Reese coupler lock, which was not that great of a coupler lock and was replaced with something beefier. I then that the bright idea that if I cut the "ball off of it, it would make a good propane lock.

Attachment 169120

That's a good idea dznfOg.

I lock mine by using a long plastic coated steel cable that I fish thru and along the bottles and around the frame and back again thru the openings in the bottles and loop it around the cover braces. I end up with a regular pad lock where both ends of the cable meet. A little more work but the price was right as I had the stuff laying around collecting dust.

[Joebanjo]

Agree with Bluto

I use a plastic coated cable (normally used to secure a bicycle to a telephone pole etc.) Simply snake the cable through the tanks, wrap around the tongue of the trailer and put on a pad lock. I also store my trailer at a commercial facility which is very secure....but I remove the tanks anyway and keep them at home..

[idroba]

I use the cable system also, and when gone in the winter, I put the tanks inside the AS and Argosy. The cable will not keep them really safe, but reduces opportunity theft situations when I camp in obscure Forest Service or NP campgrounds. AL tanks are now over $250 each, but probably would be taken for the propane only by most lo lifes. Any locking system will slow them down at least. With no lock, and the hand disconnect on the new POD valves I can have a tank off my rig in about 30 seconds. With a lock and key it takes me 2 minutes. Now, with cable cutters, back to 30 seconds, but not too many opportunity theft people carry the cable cutters with them.

[lewster]

An elegant design..........Torklift.com | Home of Torklift International

[Steamy1]

Originally Posted by lewster

An elegant design..........Torklift.com | Home of Torklift International

Lew,
Do you know which size would work? 3/8 or 1/2? Trailer in storage right now so not able to go out and check.

Thanks,

chuck

[wmarsha]

if ya gotta lock 'em, drill a hole through the bottom flange of each bottle, and through (at a matching position, of course) the 1/8 steel figure 8 bottle mount welded to the tongue-then place a good lock through the holes. after a thief delicately removed the aluminum cover, then unscrewed the wing nut holding the bottles down, and removed the lp lines and then unsuccessfully tried to lift the first bottle out, then maybe he'd give up.

[dsrtgrls]

sweet.

[lewster]

Originally Posted by Steamy1

Lew,
Do you know which size would work? 3/8 or 1/2? Trailer in storage right now so not able to go out and check.

Thanks,

chuck

I'll check on Monday............

[wkerfoot]

Lew,

Find an answer or price yet?

Bill

Originally Posted by lewster

I'll check on Monday............

[Mexray]

I use one of these 'cheapo' lug nut locks on the top of threaded rod that attaches the clamping handle...You can find them at most any auto parts store for under $5...

I know it's not much of a 'real' deterrent, but might cause the casual thief to move on - or make him use a hack saw or chisel to get the tanks off...

I use one of the same locks on the exposed battery box behind the tanks, and on an attaching bolt of the spare tire holder...

I have also used the coated locking cable method when I feel especially vulnerable, using a special lock that can't be cut with bolt cutters...

[lewster]

Originally Posted by wkerfoot

Lew,

Find an answer or price yet?

Bill

I have one ordered to check it out. I'll post photos and opinions Monday when I get it.

[wkerfoot]

Thanks,

Bill

Originally Posted by lewster

I have one ordered to check it out. I'll post photos and opinions Monday when I get it.

[brownm3]

Thank you to all who have responded. My findings:

1. Price on the Torklift lock was $75.00 (MSRP as marked on Package).
2. 1/2 inch bolt on a Classic.
3. Will not work on the cast aluminum tank holders on a classic.
4. Will definitely use the hole and some locking mechanism on the bottom of the tank.
5. Like the idea of the Reese ball lock.
6. If I come up with anything else, will photo and describe here.

Thank you for all the good ideas!

Happy Camping. Winter may end soon. Shoot the rodent!