thompson60

canada

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I have a Class A rv. The 75 gallon fuel tank is open underneath the floor.
With high fuel prices people are drilling holes in the bottom of vehicle fuel tanks and draining the fuel. Has anyone did anything to prevent the tank from being drilled Thanks
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jdc1

Rescue, Ca

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Park in a safer place.
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rlw999

Washington State

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I protect my fuel tank and catalytic converter by parking inside my locked garage. Not an easy option for many people, but indoor storage facilities are available, I've heard about people climbing fences at outdoor storage lots to take catalytic converters. Haven't heard of anyone breaking into an indoor facility, that seems like a lot of risk just to steal fuel.
Another weak point for gas theft is the generator fuel line (which on my RV is easy to get to and secured only by a hose clamp, but it'd be easy to cut if I didn't care about putting it back together).
If I ever needed to drain gas from my RV, I'd just pull that hose off and then I can drain 3/4 of the tank.
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valhalla360

No paticular place.

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If they really want it, not hard to pry a locking gas cap off and then a power syphon will make quick work of pumping out 10-20 gallons.
So other than urban legend, is there any evidence of the drilling method? I know catalytic converters are done but there's a big market and it's well documented.
As mentioned, if you are worried about it, find a secure place to store it.
Tammy & Mike
Ford F250 V10
2021 Gray Wolf
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1492

Arlington, VA

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Put a sticker(s) on it "Sewage Disposal Only".
This is a Signature test on RV.net forum portal.
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midnightsadie

ohio

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good idea,
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bgum

South Louisiana

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Had a kid in the neighborhood that was stealing a few gallons of gas from his neighborhood. Since he went to jail for other reasons we all get better gas mileage.
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Lwiddis

Southern California :(

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"...not hard to pry a locking gas cap off..."
I'd much rather the thief didn't bend up the gas pipe and just take the fuel.
Winnebago 2101DS TT & 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71, WindyNation 300 watt solar-Lossigy 200 AH Lithium battery. Prefer boondocking, USFS, COE, BLM, NPS, TVA, state camps. Bicyclist. 14 yr. Army -11B40 then 11A - (MOS 1542 & 1560) IOBC & IOAC grad
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thompson60

canada

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Thanks for all your info. Drilling fuel tanks is happening here by police reports and car dealers complaining. It is parked in a safe place in my yard. The thieves don't care they steal lawn furniture right off your deck. The Sewage sticker is a good idea. I thought of putting an outside cover of stainless steel. Please note I am in one of the better areas of the city. At $8.55 a gallon for regular gas some will do anything
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rlw999

Washington State

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valhalla360 wrote:
So other than urban legend, is there any evidence of the drilling method? I know catalytic converters are done but there's a big market and it's well documented.
https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/national........tank-the-dangers-of-gas-theft/2835840/
https://www.the-sun.com/motors/4877960/w........eves-drill-into-gas-tanks-to-steal-fuel/
https://www.10news.com/news/thieves-drilling-into-gas-tanks-to-steal-gas
https://www.abc10.com/video/news/local/n........103-d0c20b83-06b0-4854-a24e-741fe173e7d1
And many more:
https://news.google.com/search?q=thieves........drill%20hole&hl=en-US&gl=US&ceid=US%3Aen
Most modern cars have anti-siphon devices that make it nearly impossible to siphon fuel, so drilling the tank is the next best way to steal gas. I think they are designed more to keep gas from leaking out after an accident, but also stop siphoning.
https://theautoinsiderblog.com/what-year-cars-can-you-siphon-gas-from/
Quote: However, newer models of cars have anti-siphoning devices that prevent back-flow, tank pressure, while at the same time preventing the siphoning of gas. This is why you can no longer apply traditional siphoning techniques and tools. These may only cause damage to your vehicle.
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