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Open Roads Forum  >  Do It Yourself Modifications and Upgrades (DIY)

 > Help from anyone who can think like a thief

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mikestock

Vestavia Hills, AL, USA

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Posted: 12/29/11 01:34pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I am headed to New Orleans next week and will be boondocking not far from the Superdome. We will be using our EU2000i for three nights and will be there most of the time. They will have security but in N. O. that is often the ones you have to worry about.

I have been trying to come up with a way to feel relatively secure leaving the Honda out and have read so many stories about how measures are thwarted by generator thieves.

Looking for comments and ideas or support for this idea. Pictured is a 23/32" piece of plywood which I drilled out for the feet and replaced the 6 mm foot bolts with bolts all the way through the plywood, counter bored with fender washers. I plan to either park my fifth wheel with one wheel or one front jack on the plywood.

If anyone can think of a flaw in this idea or a way to improve it please post. I don't think any thief will want to spend a lot of time trying getting it free.




2005 F250 Crew Cab LWB Power Stroke, 2007 Montana 3500RL Fifth Wheel,Honda EU3000IS, Twin Honda EU2000i's, S&W security system


Mitchellg

St.Louis

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Posted: 12/29/11 01:38pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Get a thick chain. Secure the chain from the generator to the camper as best as possible.

Francesca Knowles

Port Hadlock, Washington

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Posted: 12/29/11 01:49pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Here's an idea I saw once:

Put the generator inside your tow vehicle.
Sitting in/on a tray is good in case of fuel spills.

Use that plywood to make an insert for your pickup window that has a cutout for the power cord and a piece of flexible exhaust ducting.
The insert is held securely in place when the window's rolled up.
Tip:
Situate the generator so you can access it from the vehicle side opposite to this arrangement for turning on/fueling etc.


" Not every mind that wanders is lost. " With apologies to J.R.R. Tolkien

Pangaea Ron

Anacortes, WA, USA

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Posted: 12/29/11 01:50pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I think that thieves are using these to cut chains, padlocks, and plywood flat against the ground.

But I like your thinking about the plywood under the tire.

cordless grinder


2008 Itasca SunCruiser 35L
2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo


93Cobra2771

East Tennessee

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Posted: 12/29/11 01:59pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

The problem I see with the setup you have now is it doesn't look much different than a generator sitting out in the open. I would definitely run some chain around it as well. On top of that, I would try to get it "out of sight/out of mind" as well. Perhaps a nice potted plant in front of it or something?

Pretty much any security device can be defeated, but if you have several there, it will take more time/risk.

Could a 6' crowbar pry the generator loose from the feet bolts themselves?


Richard White
2011 F150 Ecoboost SCREW 145" 4x4
Firestone Ride-Rite Air Springs/Air Lift Wireless Controller
2006 Sportsmen by KZ 2604P (30')
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Son of Norway

Denver, Colorado

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Posted: 12/29/11 02:01pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

A thief who wants your generator will have no trouble with almost any method you can think of. The only good solutions are to keep it locked up in a safe place out-of-sight when you aren't using it. When you are using it, place it where you can keep an eye on it as you would a small child.

Happy New Year;

Miles


Miles and Darcey
1989 Holiday Rambler Crown Imperial
Denver, CO


2oldman

Winchester WA

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Posted: 12/29/11 02:02pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Put it away, out of sight.

SWD

Land of Living Skies

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Posted: 12/29/11 02:09pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Trolly jack to lift vehicle and then a cordless saw would make this an ideal new years gift for someone.

Verne

Carson City, Nevada

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Posted: 12/29/11 02:10pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Got to agree with Son of Norway . . . there isn't a foolproof way. Just make sure you're insured and enjoy the game!!


-Verne, Brenda and
Latté, a Welsh Corgi
Carson City, Nevada
2010 Tundra 5.7L
2010 Jayco JayflightG-2 23FB
eu2000i Honda generator and Companion
Equalizer WD System


coolmom42

Middle Tennessee

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Posted: 12/29/11 02:12pm Link  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I would do that, plus chaining it with a VERY large chain and good padlock.

Nothing is thief-proof, but you will present a less attractive target than others.

You could also put some metal plate over the lumber to make it harder to cut.


2006 Toyota Sienna
Single empty-nester in Middle TN

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