We have had alot of break-ins and stolen generators in my area. I thought $150 wasn't too bad to have a locksmith come over and secure everything. We snugged the lock on the genny with washers and it doesn't vibrate at all. Just wanted to share an idea on one way to lock up a built in generator.
I have the deadbolt on the door and use it over the regular door lock. But the idea for the genny is great! Never thought of using a lock like that. Thanks for the idea. Hmmmmmmm,,,,,,, wonder what else I could lock up?
Great idea. Care to post the info of the Locksmith company? May not trust just any company to do that install, especially the front door deadbolt.
Good stuff, thanks for sharing...
'08 Country Coach Inspire, 36' w/425 ISL
'05 Chevy CCSB LT D/A 4x4 (the TV becomes the "pusher")
Toys are a crf 150r, couple of old superjets, and a rzr s le.
The break-ins that I am aware of are happening in RV lots. Their is a toyhauler parked 4 spaces away from me that had his built in genny stolen. They cut the wires and unscrew a couple of bolts and off it goes. They laid carpet over the barbed wire fence and got into the lot that way. The locksmith said they are selling the gennys on craigslist. I also read on this forum that another toyhauler owner 15 minutes away had his built in genny stolen in a lot.
I get the generator lock, one of many good solutions. I question the dead bolt on the door though. to me, that screams "break my door down cause I have things inside that are of better value than that guy over there that only has a stock lock." that wouldn't even slow a good thief down on an RV door. Can't help but try to avoid giving the undesirables a reason.
Years ago, when my trailer was broken into, they went down the row and broke into every trailer. In my case, they tried to pry the door open with the screwdriver. The cheapo RV lock dead bolt stopped them, but not after they did a lot of damage to the door and frame. In the end, they broke a window and climbed into the trailer. IMO, I would rather have them break the window than damage the door. If the dead bolt will stop them from damaging the door, it will be worth it.
Now on the generator lock I would think of that is a mild deterrent. Hopefully it will be enough to get him to move on. If the crook shows up prepared, mainly with a hand grinder, that lock will be toast in less than a minute. I think the generator lock should just be the beginning. You need to throw them a curve ball that they are not expecting. I think I would consider welding in the unit in a few areas so it is not easily coming free. Or, maybe add a few more of the locks. You need to make this generator too much work to bother with. Also, get an engraver out and mark the generator in a few areas with something that can easily be tied to you or the trailer. If it does get stolen again, I would want it to look suspicious enough to a buyer than it may be stolen. Secondly, this would be a good opportunity to ID the unit if you do find it for sale. In order to get the cops to act, you will need some good proof that someone is indeed trying to sell a generator stolen from you. I learned this from experience when I found the stereo stolen from my son’s car on CraigsList and the Phoenix PD would do nothing about it. I could not prove it was from my car. They insisted on a serial number or some sort of engraved markings before they would investigate. The picture of the stereo even showed the broken mounting plate, that would have matched with the remainder of the mount still in my Mustang’s dash, and that was not enough.
Last, IMO, your best defense may be to get out of the large, “Secure” storage lots. There is actually nothing secure at all about those lots. In my case, I found a retired couple advertising on CraigsList that had a 1.5 acre lot and leased out the back of the property for RV storage. Basically, they we making $75-$100/month per trailer for just looking at them. This was the best RV storage setup I found. They were usually home, and I had zero theft or damage issues.
Jim
2003 Dodge Ram 2500, 4x4, Quad Cab, Cummins HO, 48RE trans, 3.73 ratio
2006 Rampage 327 Toy Hauler
2009 Polaris RZR-S
2004 Kawasaki KFX-700
2005 Suzuki LT-Z400
Phoenix, Arizona
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