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 > Protecting fuel tank from theft

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thompson60

canada

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Posted: 05/13/22 11:01am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

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

jdc1

Rescue, Ca

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Posted: 05/13/22 11:51am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Park in a safer place.

rlw999

Washington State

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Posted: 05/13/22 11:54am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

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.

valhalla360

No paticular place.

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Posted: 05/13/22 12:27pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

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.


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1492

Arlington, VA

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Posted: 05/13/22 12:29pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Put a sticker(s) on it "Sewage Disposal Only".


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midnightsadie

ohio

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Posted: 05/13/22 12:39pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

good idea,

bgum

South Louisiana

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Posted: 05/13/22 12:56pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

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.

Lwiddis

Southern California :(

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Posted: 05/13/22 12:57pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

"...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.


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thompson60

canada

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Posted: 05/13/22 01:00pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

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

rlw999

Washington State

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Posted: 05/13/22 01:04pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

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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