Any ideas on locking batteries and propane tanks?

[Cdn Camper]

We recently purchased an Airstream travel trailer and store this at a RV / Boat storage place. While it is secured I have noticed that a few trailers have chain locks around their outside battery compartments.
I would hate to pick up the trailer and find the batteries gone and tanks removed - all very easy at this big site.
Any ideas on securing the battery cabinet and propane tanks?
Thanks

[GMFL]

The battery box latch can be changed out to a key lock pretty easy and tank locks are available for purchase online.
For my tanks I just drilled a hole in through the large wing nut and the aluminum cross brace and put a padlock through the hole on both preventing the wing nut from being able to spin, thus locking the tanks in place

[Ariz-Pacer]

I have always locked my safety chains through the propane tanks collars.
That solves any problem.


AZP

[DaveP]

Try this product from Tork Lift for the propane tanks.
https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Locks/To...kaAkV3EALw_wcB

[TSchleff]

I don't know how long of time you leave your Airstream at the storage lot, but when I know I'm not going to be using the trailer for any extended period of time I remove the batteries so I can trickle charge them every 6 weeks.

[PKI]

If your storage lot is not secure, you may need to continue searching for a better solution. There is always a way to add a lock or at least make everything look more secure, but as mentioned here numerous times, a determined thief with a battery operated grinder makes quick work of locks, chains, and heavy metal devices.

There is a philosophy that car convertible owners develop. Leave it unlocked so the thief does not ruin an expensive top to access something of much less value. Never believed that approach, but understand it.

Fellow who sold me a boat had painted the outboard with primer and a splotchy pattern to make it look old. That too seems wrong for a nice shiny Airstream trailer.

Best idea may be to add a decent looking padlock, worry less, and replace what gets removed if such does happen. A good reason to use Walmart flooded cells or move your high priced spread inside the coach.

The really smart folks never park the rig long enough for bad people to find it. You are looking for a solution. That sounds smart. Travel safe. Pat

[DRBusse]

Check out immobilize.com They make a nice battery box lock and an Airstream-specific hitch lock.

[kdinnar]

We got ours like DaveP said from eTrailer. Just make sure you get the version made for Airstreams. (Torklift Fortress Gaslock For Propane Tanks On Airstream) Easy to install and looks pretty solid.

[Rocinante]

We’ve decided that if someone steals our propane tanks, that will be our excuse to upgrade to aluminum tanks and buy one of those locks.

[VT Wanderer]

After having 2 tanks stolen while in a storage facility a number of years ago, I purchased a Fortress Propane Tank Lock. I am very pleased with the way it works. As for the batteries, our AS's battery compartment came with a lock. My theory is: the locks are not fool-proof, but they may be an annoyance to a thief, and he/she may just choose to move on to an easier target.
PS the tank replacements were not cheap. There's the cost of the 2 tanks - the initial purging process - and then the fill.

[james.mileur]

Double nut x2, double big-o washer, chunk-o chain, UHaul lock. Done with gas bottles.

[guskmg]

If you chain secure propane tanks be sure and use a plastic covered chain. Quite often there is gas escaping due to pressure vent off or leaks. Any chain can produce sparks when moved. Adios!
guskmg

[PKI]

Is that another Pro for replacing the steel with an aluminum tank? Really must get some aversion theropy for these thoughts. Pat

[Mollysdad]

I hear the key lock for the outside shower can directly swap with the turn screw on the battery door.

My concern with any lock is it faces up into rain and road debris.

[Cdn Camper]

Thanks for the suggestion on locking the propane tanks. I followed what you had done by drilling a hole into the large wing nut and using a large padlock to the main bracket for the tanks.
This was a quick solution and an easy deterrent .
I am sure if someone really wants the tanks they will get them but just wanting a deternt for them to go look elsewhere.

[StreamDog]

Originally Posted by GMFL

The battery box latch can be changed out to a key lock pretty easy and tank locks are available for purchase online.
For my tanks I just drilled a hole in through the large wing nut and the aluminum cross brace and put a padlock through the hole on both preventing the wing nut from being able to spin, thus locking the tanks in place

What he said. And I swapped the outdoor shower door lock with the battery box latch.

[cazual6]

This is how I lock my propane. I drilled through the wing nut with a 3/8 bit.

[Rocinante]

Just so everybody knows, the amount of security provided by the shower door "lock" is pretty close to nil. The lock has a number on it. If you have a key with that number on it, you're in! There's a reason they use that cheap lock on the shower door - it slows down silly people with silly ideas, but that's about it.

[kendrick.l.j]

As I sit here and read about having to add extra locks, chains, etc, i’m wondering if I am totally naive or y’all are all hanging out in some really bad areas. Unless I am out site seeing or hiking or otherwise having fun, I am only a few feet from my propane tanks and batteries. Are tanks and batteries really stolen a lot? When I am not using my Airstream it is parked in the back yard in a reasonably safe neighborhood. So should I be that concerned?

[tjdonahoe]

Originally Posted by GMFL

The battery box latch can be changed out to a key lock pretty easy and tank locks are available for purchase online.
For my tanks I just drilled a hole in through the large wing nut and the aluminum cross brace and put a padlock through the hole on both preventing the wing nut from being able to spin, thus locking the tanks in place

Not good.....just turn the wing nut and the long all thread will screw out of the bottom nut....