Visit our Popular Forums

walter1 · 10-09-2007, 10:37 PM

Has anyone installed a lock on an aluminum propane tank cover box with plastic lid such as the tank covers used on newer Airstreams?
It has a spring loaded catch to close the lid. I’d like to install a lock to keep honest folks from even looking inside.

Does Airstream sell a locking mechanism or has anyone retrofitted a locking clasp?

Ganglin · 10-10-2007, 05:38 AM

Inland RV has the clasp in a slightly different style that has a slot for a lock. Bought one this summer but net yet installed - looks like you'll have to drill a couple new holes - no big deal. Best part is it's stainless.

lewster · 10-10-2007, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walter1

Has anyone installed a lock on an aluminum propane tank cover box with plastic lid such as the tank covers used on newer Airstreams?
It has a spring loaded catch to close the lid. I’d like to install a lock to keep honest folks from even looking inside.

Does Airstream sell a locking mechanism or has anyone retrofitted a locking clasp?

Walt,

I have a lock that installs directly over the center threaded rod that holds down the tanks. Very clean and installs in about 5 seconds. Let me know if you would like a photo of it. I'll probably put it back in the classifieds in a week or so.

THANKS!

halimer · 10-10-2007, 08:31 AM

I'd like to see it.

**azflycaster** · 10-10-2007, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lewster

Walt,

I have a lock that installs directly over the center threaded rod that holds down the tanks. Very clean and installs in about 5 seconds. Let me know if you would like a photo of it. I'll probably put it back in the classifieds in a week or so.

THANKS!

I wanted to get one of those from you at the Fiesta, guess we were having too much fun. I'll get back with you after you get setup again in Florida. It was really great to meet you Lew!

crazylev · 10-10-2007, 09:24 AM

I've heard of some people using a long bike cable and running it through the handles of the tanks and around the frame and locking that. I need to do this, since my storage place is sort non secured, and I'd hate to go out there sometime to find my tank(s) pilfered.

Jonathan

walter1 · 10-10-2007, 10:02 AM

Thanks for the help.

Yes, Lewster I’d like to see a photo and would be interested in purchasing a lock that installs directly over the center threaded hold down rod.

Also planning to cable those puppies down inside the box.

Sounds like Ganglin found what I want from GoodBuddy Andy. A stainless latch with lock slot to lock the box lid shut to keep curious eyes out.

I’m figuring if I lock the box, lock the tank mount rod AND cable lock the tank handles to the rack, the campground thieves of the world will walk on over to the next trailer to see what they have (sorry neighbor). Or they’ll break something.

Thanks
Walter

thecatsandi · 10-10-2007, 10:13 AM

post photos!

lewster · 10-10-2007, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecatsandi

post photos!

Just as soon as I get back to FL. I'm pulling out at 0:dawn:30 tomorrow morning..........BACK ON THE ROAD AGAIN!

At least this is just a little hop........only 2000 miles to SW FL.

2dabeach · 10-10-2007, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walter1

Has anyone installed a lock on an aluminum propane tank cover box with plastic lid such as the tank covers used on newer Airstreams?
It has a spring loaded catch to close the lid. I’d like to install a lock to keep honest folks from even looking inside.

Does Airstream sell a locking mechanism or has anyone retrofitted a locking clasp?

I solved the problem on my 2007 Safari by drilling a hole through the steel wingnut and the cover's aluminum cross-member and placing a padlock through the holes. Picture attached.

cosmotini · 10-10-2007, 08:57 PM

Locking the tank cover seems like a bad idea to me.

How would you or emergency personnel get to the valves to shut them off in the event of a fire?

The lock Lew has is a much better solution IMO.

walter1 · 10-10-2007, 10:55 PM

Thanks for the ideas. 2dabeach’s lock setup looks great. Simple form following function.
My "wingnut" is a ‘70s solid cast aluminum piece.

This gets me engineering. For now the tanks are cable locked.

What is the white bracket inside the box under the cross member for?

Would like to see photos of what Lew’s lock setup looks like.

Thanks for the thoughts
Walter

**azflycaster** · 10-11-2007, 12:05 AM

I remember seeing Lew's post in the classifieds some time back. It was a little like a wheel lock for your car. It attached to the shaft and prevented the removal of the nut without a key. It was small and did not look bad at all. I am upset that I did not get one from Lew at the Balloon Rally.

Lew, I have not been to Costco for the LED flashlight either....

lewster · 10-11-2007, 07:54 AM

Richard,

Better get crackin'

!!

2dabeach · 10-11-2007, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walter1

Thanks for the ideas. 2dabeach’s lock setup looks great. Simple form following function.
My "wingnut" is a ‘70s solid cast aluminum piece.

This gets me engineering. For now the tanks are cable locked.

What is the white bracket inside the box under the cross member for?

Would like to see photos of what Lew’s lock setup looks like.

Thanks for the thoughts
Walter

Walter

The white bracket is the mounting plate that holds the outdoor sensor for our indoor/outdoor wireless thermometer mounted inside our trailer.

extiger · 10-11-2007, 10:22 AM

What a clever place to put the sensor! Does it read true there or does enclosing it in the box raise the temperature?

2dabeach · 10-11-2007, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by extiger

What a clever place to put the sensor! Does it read true there or does enclosing it in the box raise the temperature?

Extiger
The temperature may run a little high if the trailer is parked where the sun is hitting the front of the tank cover. We haven’t noticed any unusual readings on the outside temperature while living in the trailer for 3+ months. The main thing is that the unit is out of the way and is keep dry. The holder is attached to the cover with Velcro and we take the sensor out of the holder when we're traveling.

hazegrey · 10-11-2007, 06:46 PM

I just got my airstream and have not road tested the pictured system. I used these locks on my old trailer to lock the tanks and looks like they might work here as well. By the way the two locks are keyed the same and the black is just electrical tape for padding/insulation.

Sorry, I do not have the photo on the net so I am not sure how to attach it. Basically I took two long shank locks and hooked them through one another and then one on each side of the threaded upright. Advantage is no drilling required and fairly cheap. R/ Dave

ROBERT CROSS · 10-11-2007, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2dabeach

I solved the problem on my 2007 Safari by drilling a hole through the steel wingnut and the cover's aluminum cross-member and placing a padlock through the holes. Picture attached.

THAT WORKS FOR ME!!!