Securing a generator

[moondog2000]

When I'm camping I have a 20' cable that I put through the handle on my Honda 2000 that has a steel cover and I run the other end around the back bumper or the front hitch area or through a shackle between the tires. 2 days ago they caught a low life in our parking lot with a battery powered sawzall cuting catalic converters off some toyotas. That got me thinking about a better place to put the cable. I would hate to find a shackle cut while I'm 400 mi from home. Friends have warned me to not drill a hole in the frame as it migh give me a weak spot. One friend that goes to the dunes all the time where thieft is high said he has seen a lockable clamp that goes on the frame and the cable was secured to it. Does anyone know of this or a better Idea to safely secure a cable to the frame. Thank You Mike

[BarryD0706]

Isn't it trivial to just cut the cable no matter where it's attached?

[OldCoot]

Regardless of where you attach it or what you use, cable, chain, whatever, if they want it, they'll get it.

[R Whitlow]

I have seen gens attached to service trucks. Some had a flate plate made that the gen could bolt to and that would fit into the resse hitch that had a locking pin. This I might work if you have a hitch on the back of yours.
As far as drilling a hole or welding a ring to your frame. You can go by a local metal fab shop that prefabricated structural items and stairs. They will know the calculations on what can be done.

[moondog2000]

I know if they want it they will get,I just got to make it hard for them.The cable and lock I have are very strong,Special from a company that makes them for the goverment.To cut this cable it needs to be in a vise and you will need a grinder. My generator has a hardened steel handle cover that honda sells so I think the rear bumper would be easier to cut if I'm not around. I boondock in the AZ desert and leave the trailer all day while I prospect.I was just looking for something that bolts on and clasps the frame. I can fabricate and weld but I was looking for something easy.my friend saw it on a toy hauler so maybe offroad shops might have something.some say bolt it to a plate and put the trailer tire over it,maybe a weaker cable so they don't cut my frame.thanks for the replies Mike

[Mister]

I think they'd still go for the cable over a solid frame. Today's battery powered grinders are pretty powerful and will have little trouble with stranded steel. Solid steel channel / bars are a little much for them.

It's layers of protection your after. Make it too difficult or too dangerous to take. Sometimes that's not possible if you're in an are too remote.

[fonzie]

Secure generator as best you can to trailer and then you can add this to help in theft prevention......or you can make your own system.

LockAlarm: Secures and Alarms any large items from theft in seconds [E TIP, Inc.]

[moondog2000]

Thanks for the link fonzie, I will be buying one of those,maybe 2 , one for the bicycles also . Mister you are right on the steel frame but the bumper is thin wall tubing and a sawzall will zip through that and the shackles arent much thicker. we had to cut down a cable for a certain application with a 4 1/2 Dewalt grinder and we broke 2 cutting disks before we got through.A lot of very fine tempered strands that just seem to pinch cutting disks and saw blades. Mike

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by moondog2000

Thanks for the link fonzie, I will be buying one of those,maybe 2 , one for the bicycles also Mike

Fonzie beat me to it

In my experience, these things work - and at $30 or so a pop are inexpensive as well! When the LOUD alarm goes off, it is sure to attract attention in the campground!

And if I am around when the alarm goes off, my Glock 23 makes a great backup theft deterrent

[HONDAMAN174]

I run my cable thru my wheel. Hopefully deters taking the geney or trying to hook up and taking the whole trailer.

[BarryD0706]

Thanks for the link to LockAlarm! Looks neat.

[moondog2000]

I never thought of running it through the wheel to keep the trailer from being stolen. When I leave my trailer for the day while I'm boondocking I have an anti theft clamp on the hitch and locking stabilizers between the tires.This is great as I have people camping near me and I'm sure they will hear it.

[HONDAMAN174]

Yes I understand. We too have a hitch lock but it is "economically challenged" and probably easily defeatable. So I decided to run my cable thru the wheel.

I too am always concerned about the safety of my family and carry for that reason. Fortunately, only reason to even pull it out was for coyotes coming into the campground and began to circle my dogs. They are large dogs so they could hold there own but I had their back!

[moondog2000]

Several years ago a man and his wife drove on a claim by mistake and a guy walked up and pointed a gun at the wife .The other guys at the claim pulled the driver out of the truck and pushed him around ,threatend him and sent him on his way.Do that to me and you will think the devil came to town. Turns out the scumbags at the claim did not own it, they were claim jumping. They were arrested is all I know of the case.I hope I never have to use a gun but I got them and it gives me piece of mind.

[ependydad]

Just a friendly FRF moderator reminder...

Before we get too much further down the path of who carries what and why, please re-familiarize yourself with the rule regarding gun discussions here on FRF.

Originally Posted by Community Rules

General discussions of politics, general government policies, weaponry, gun rights and religion are not allowed in ANY areas of the forum. Discussions about current or pending legislation or regulations, weapons and religion that directly pertain to RVing are acceptable but will be closed or removed if they wander off topic or become disruptive.

[HONDAMAN174]

Thanks dad! 😊

Just a couple of guys talking about what they pray they never ever have to do.

[kz08h5]

If you are really worried about someone making off with your Honda 2000 just put it inside your RV. I have one and that is where I put if I am worried about theft. Normally I use a security cable through the handle and around the frame. But when in doubt I put it inside. I use a plastic tray that is sold to put wet winter boots on when it is inside. With the fuel shutoff it has and the valve on the gas cap keep fume out of the RV. Fortunately I haven't been staying in places where I have to worry too much. Mostly I do this in unfamiliar camp sites

[moondog2000]

Mine still has a slight gas smell and my wife would have a fit. I put a 5' table next to the trailer under the awning with the generator stored there at night. If a storm blows in I retract my awning and if its raining its protected under the table.The cable is looped through the shackle or to the back bumper.I think I will be ok with an alarm and a cable lock. If I ever find the device I'm looking for I'll post a picture.

[l001952119]

Originally Posted by moondog2000

When I'm camping I have a 20' cable that I put through the handle on my Honda 2000 that has a steel cover and I run the other end around the back bumper or the front hitch area or through a shackle between the tires. 2 days ago they caught a low life in our parking lot with a battery powered sawzall cuting catalic converters off some toyotas. That got me thinking about a better place to put the cable. I would hate to find a shackle cut while I'm 400 mi from home. Friends have warned me to not drill a hole in the frame as it migh give me a weak spot. One friend that goes to the dunes all the time where thieft is high said he has seen a lockable clamp that goes on the frame and the cable was secured to it. Does anyone know of this or a better Idea to safely secure a cable to the frame. Thank You Mike

The below web address will display a generator mount for Hondas. Somewhat expensive, but available!
LowPro LockDown security mount system for Honda EU2000i generator

[moondog2000]

This might be something to consider if I decide to carry the generator on my rear bumper.I like the padlock and the way it covers the locking pin. Thanks, Mike