luv2skyski
Stockbridge, Georgia
Senior Member
Joined: 05/30/2006
View Profile
 Offline
|
Finally got rid of the lock on my propane bottle compartment door (a major no-no). It was quick and simple "keeping the honest people honest" solution at the time but not a good idea from a safety standpoint.
So I came up with different quick and simple idea (based originally from Spott's idea):
The main component of the "honest people staying honest" is a Hi-Lok fastener.
For those not familiar with the Hi-Lok it uses and internally wrenching (allen key) holder in the shank of the fastener to keep it from turning while tightening (ideally it's an interference fit when installing the fastener thus preventing rotation while tightening):
Bottom of Hi-Lok fastener:
Then I removed the threaded end below the nut thus removing the anti-rotation device:
Plenty of clearance to slide the tray in and out:
Happy camping.
Dave.
2004 Northern Lite 10-2000RR, 1999 F250
luv2skyski.com
Northern Lite Owners
Truck Camper Enthusiasts Map
4 out of 3 people have trouble with fractions.
|
bka0721
Republic of Colorado
Senior Member
Joined: 03/19/2008
View Profile
|
Is there a lot of theft of propane bottles?
Would a bicycle cable lock threaded through the two bottles, making it really difficult for someone to carry it away, for the casual thief, make just as an impact?
Looks good, just the same.
|
skipnchar
Topeka or somewhere else
Senior Member
Joined: 12/17/2003
View Profile
|
MOST of the time it's not honest people who steal LP tanks. It's those cooking meth.
2004 F-250 SCREW Long Bed 20,000 towing miles (MANY REPAIRS)
OR 2004 F-150 HD 85,000 towing miles (No repairs)
2007 Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
We have enough YOUTH...how about a fountain of SMART
|
RCMAN46
NorthWest
Senior Member
Joined: 02/24/2008
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
|
bka0721 wrote:Is there a lot of theft of propane bottles?
Would a bicycle cable lock threaded through the two bottles, making it really difficult for someone to carry it away, for the casual thief, make just as an impact?
Looks good, just the same. I use the bicycle cable lock. Then when I have a tank in the back of the truck to be filled I can use it to lock the tank to the truck. When it is in the bed of the truck is when I believe I am most vulnerable.
|
mowermech
Billings, MT
Senior Member
Joined: 06/28/2003
View Profile
Offline
|
I, too, wonder about the frequency of propane bottle theft. Is it REALLY something to worry about?
Nice use of Hi-Locs, but why not use the standard collar? Once the self-torqueing nut is twisted off, most people would have no idea what to do.
For that matter, use a standard bolt, and upset the threads on the end so the nut won't come off.
But, hey, nice installation, whether it is warranted or not, and even if there are other ways to accomplish the same thing.
Nicely done!
CM1, USN (RET)
'94 Dodge 3500 4X2 CTD, 5 speed, 4.10 LS diff., Jacobs Rambrake, 274,000 Miles
'99 Monaco McKenzie 32' triple slide
'95 Tioga 29H Ford-based Class C
Daily driver: '08 Subaru Outback
Towed: '06 Jeep Rubicon Unlimited/Load Trail 16' flatbed
|
|
|
bka0721
Republic of Colorado
Senior Member
Joined: 03/19/2008
View Profile
|
This is why I like the Truck Campers Forum; I learn something all the time. Better yet, the group is industrious and does a lot of their own work, rather than ask where they can find someone to pay to do it.
Working in rural and wide open spots in the west, I have learned one thing, when you are looking for a key, you don't have it. Since the master lock shown is not that solid, would not a combo master lock serve the same purpose and provide that access when a key is not available, like in an exigent circumstance?
|
jim87vette
Arizona
Senior Member
Joined: 07/25/2008
View Profile
Offline
|
I just ran my chain around my frame same result and access was easy in my case.. It will slow someone down or at least make them think about it and hopefully move on?
08 GMC 3500 Dually Duramax
96 Chevy 2500 6.5
05 Yamaha Rhino
04 Gearbox 335FS 5er 14k wet
|
RJ's RV
Washington
New Member
Joined: 03/05/2010
View Profile
Offline
|
bka0721 wrote:This is why I like the Truck Campers Forum; I learn something all the time. Better yet, the group is industrious and does a lot of their own work, rather than ask where they can find someone to pay to do it.
Working in rural and wide open spots in the west, I have learned one thing, when you are looking for a key, you don't have it. Since the master lock shown is not that solid, would not a combo master lock serve the same purpose and provide that access when a key is not available, like in an exigent circumstance?
I like the combo lock idea. And I might use a coated bike cable.
RJ
2007 40ft Country Coach Allure 470
Towed: 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
|
sleepy
Oak Ridge,Tennessee
Senior Member
Joined: 04/07/2003
View Profile
|
I have to say, in the last 50 years I don't remember a Propane bottle being disconnected and stolen from a truck camper or any other RV for that matter.
I would personally follow the fire code.
In the event of a fire or explosion... this might affect an insurance settlement...
... I'd rather file a claim for a lost propane bottle than be denied a claim for a lost camper.
Sleepy
2003 Lance 1161,/slideout/AGM batteries/255W Solar/propane generator/Sat dish/2 Fantastic Fans model 6150/AC/winter package
AirFoil, Trimetric, LED lights
2003GMC K3500 LT/Crewcab/duramax diesel/allison/dually/4x4/OnStar/front reciever mounted spare
|
Jumbo Jet
Ozark Mountains, Arkansas
Senior Member
Joined: 04/29/2005
View Profile
Good Sam RV Club Member
Offline
|
Having an older Lance without the slideout propane bottle tray, a thief would look for easier pickins before trying to remove the LP bottles from my Lance 1030.
2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Cummins Turbo Diesel - 2007 Lance 1055 - Torklift Tiedowns, Stableloads, Derringers, Pigtail - Hellwig Anti-Sway Bar - Rickson 19.5" Aluminum wheels - Michelin XRV tires - 2003 Keystone Laredo 29BH
|
|
|
