Ways to deter generator theft?

[Fireman560]

I’m looking for ways everyone is securing their generators to prevent them from walking off while set up camping. Im new to fifth wheel camping and plan to get a generator for the times we won’t have shore power. I know the vast majority of campers are honest folks with a common goal, to have a relaxing good time. However, I also realize the reality that there are some not so honest folks in the world, and an expensive generator with a carry handle on top seems like easy prey for someone with ill intent.

 

[stlcardbesties]

We used to use 2 Honda generators and a cable lock through the handles and attached it through the bumper of the trailer.

 

[Doppleganger]

We'll probably use our toy lock that our trailer comes with. Gotta see how secure it is, first.

 

[ependydad]

LowPro LockDown was my preferred locking device. It was as close to theft proof as you could get.

 

[Fireman560]

LowPro LockDown was my preferred locking device. It was as close to theft proof as you could get.

I have a fifth wheel and had considered building a small tray for the rear bumper to mount the generator. I’m sure it would be fine being transported there, but would it be safe to run the generator that close to the camper? Carbon monoxide and vibration transferring through the frame were my main concerns of leaving it mounted while in use.

 

[Hatchdog]

I use a single Honda 2000 and use the best quality braided cable lock I found. I bought the cable at a local high end bicycle shop and the braided cable is supposed to be cut resistant. I used a holesaw to cut a hole for the cable in the bottom of a plastic storage bin that fits upside down over the generator which keeps it out of sight when not in use. My cable is pretty long which allows me to place the generator away from the trailer when in use. When not in use it stays at the rear of the trailer under the bumper. Fortunately for me this location is right under my bedroom window so if anybody messes with it at night I should hear them.

 

[NJKris]

I'm leery of anything spewing CO right next to my living space. If you really needed it, I'd move it closer to the tow vehicle and secure it to vehicle. Less noise too. I don't take chances with stuff like that, and don't stake my life on a CO detector either.

 

[Blackrock]

They do make a metal theft deterant device for the little Honda generators as thieves are known to saw through the plastic handle if they are secured with a cable.
I have had my two little Hondas since 2010 and never had a problem. they are either in the truck bed or on a rack on the rear bumper secured with a cable and lock. When boondocking I run the generators out to the limit of the 30a power cord and almost always have a tree nearby to run the security cable to.

 

[NJKris]

I think that would be more of a concern if you were out and about with nobody in camp. Didn't even think they would go that far, but junkies are garbage in human skin, so anything is possible. I'll make sure I lock them up in the bed of my truck when not being used now. Geeze. Can't have anything nice!

 

[5picker]

I have a fifth wheel and had considered building a small tray for the rear bumper to mount the generator. I’m sure it would be fine being transported there, but would it be safe to run the generator that close to the camper? Carbon monoxide and vibration transferring through the frame were my main concerns of leaving it mounted while in use.

I do that all the time.

Just be sure the exhaust doesn't point towards the wall. A buddy of mine melted his hard side doing so.

 

[14apex]

...generator theft deterent

+1 on the "Bicycle cable/lock". While it's probably still simple for the low-life thief to grab and take, it'll maybe deter the "semi-honest or lazy thief"(?). Keep in mind that if in parts of California...maybe other states now...if a thief takes property worth "only" a few $100 bucks, it's "OK"...and, so, encouraged!

 

[Dakota 1120]

We used to use 2 Honda generators and a cable lock through the handles and attached it through the bumper of the trailer.

That is how I secure my 2 Honda inverter generators and use a cable with an alarm if the cable is cut.

Amazon sells them here: https://www.amazon.com/Ideal-Securi...=2025&creative=165953&creativeASIN=B07MLXHSX9

but may be available other places too.

 

[frank4711]

I have a fifth wheel and had considered building a small tray for the rear bumper to mount the generator. I’m sure it would be fine being transported there, but would it be safe to run the generator that close to the camper? Carbon monoxide and vibration transferring through the frame were my main concerns of leaving it mounted while in use.

My Predator 3500 sits on fold down rack rear of 5th wheel works great ... BIL has a receiver hitch carrier and puts his Predator on there no worries ... only smallest amount of vibration puts me to sleep ....

 

[hankpac]

Generator protection

I used Tattletail alarm system. Has a cable lock sensor that can generate an alarm to your phone and the monitor system. It’s a heavy cable! Requires cell signal but that is a back up anyway, the cable deters.
My generator on the 5th wheel is where it belongs, in a forward bin. It would take 3 guys at least. Day to unship if from where it is mounted.
ThT is right under my bed, so I use a Vent-turi that I built myself to blow exhaust up over the rig.
When I had an up mounted generator, I kept it chained to the rear bumper of the RV.
Since all efforts are only “detergents”, if we are boondocking, we always leave one person in camp.
In 30 years of Elk Camp, in remote Eastern Iregon, we’ve only lost 1 can of gas.

 

[bedubya]

Mine gets padlocked with a chain through the D-rings in my truck bed. When not in use, it's hidden by the tonneau cover. I know a determined thief with a knife and bolt cutters can still get it. But that's enough for me.

 

[JimMorrell]

Secure Generators

I lost a Honda while camping. I used a bicycle cable which they easily cut. I now have a cable which is guaranteed not to be cut by any existing hand held cutter. In addition, I hang a cow bell under the rig, attached to the generator by a clear monofilament fishing line.

 

[jimmoore13]

Allowing for the fact that NO lock is perfect, Kryptonite makes a SERIOUS bike lock that uses both hardened chain and a hardened lock that can only be cut with a grinder. No universal key (bolt cutter) or saw will touch this. A hammer won't break the lock.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001JPQ0HC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can also register for insurance to go with the lock.

If you want more, here's more: https://smile.amazon.com/Kryptonite...6CDNNQFJGKH&psc=1&refRID=PVA64JEE36CDNNQFJGKH

The NY Noose chain design is efficient in that it can noose around the genny handle then the remainder of the chain can encircle a tree or post.

I bought one to protect my son's $1600 electric bicycle in the city of Denver. So far so good. Buy a second chain if you need it.

My genny is "protected" with conventional 1/4" trucker's chain and padlocks. A universal key would make short work of this, but ONE MUST BE CARRYING A BOLT CUTTER or a big hammer to break the locks. 5 years and no loss so far.

Gennys don't like to get wet. I have a first line of defense, and that is to "tent" the genny with a 42 gallon lawn and leaf bag. See photos. The fiberglass driveway marker makes a good ridge pole, held in place by a couple of knob bungees. Three stakes hold three corners of the bag. A large rock holds the 4th corner to enable easy access to the start pull and controls. The tent design keeps the genny dry but allows more than adequate ventilation, and the bonus is that the bag serves as camouflage for the genny to any but the most observant eyes. (Vs. bright orange or tempting Honda red.)

P.S. I don't need much power, so I locate the genny at the far end of a 100' 12/3 AWG extension cord, so the noise is far from camp. (we boondock exclusively, so the genny is VERY far from neighboring sites).

 

[dsiegler]

To Blackrock

What "highway" were you on when you took that picture of your rig? Cuz I don't ever want to be on that road!

 

[milton_w_herron]

Add a remote audible motion detector as well on a tree or RV.

85 dB should scare off most before sawing through the cable or chain.

 

[McRabbet]

Securing my Champion Dual-Fuel Generator

I use a MasterLock cable (available in several lengths) that I loop around the left rear wheel of my trailer and then secure through the handle on the inverter-generator. The 3/4" PVC frame is for a rain shelter that keeps the unit dry in the event of rain. I've included pictures showing the cable arrangement and the full rain cover (PVC unit is easy to make and stores in my TT basement storage).