Protecting fuel tank from theft

[thompson60]

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

[RLS7201]

free radical wrote:

Get an electric bus 🙂

https://youtu.be/exDrahDrLzo

KEWL.......
What's the initial cost and the conversion to RV cost?
Then watch the power grid fail when we get over loaded with EVs........


Richard

[Gooma]

You could spend thousands of dollars to protect hundreds of fuel and the tank from something that rarely happens. Take normal precautions and keep your insurance paid up/

[free_radical]

thompson60 wrote:
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

Get an electric bus 🙂

https://youtu.be/exDrahDrLzo

[RLS7201]

valhalla360 wrote:
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.

It's been many years since thieves could syphon fuel. The government mandated anti roll over valves to keep fuel from spilling in case of a roll over accident. This valve prevents syphoning, and eliminates the need for locking gas caps to prevent thieves from syphoning.

Richard

[Lwiddis]

Come to California, thompson, gasoline is only $5.659 a gallon in my area.

[rlw999]

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-international/taking-a-stab-at-your-wallet-and-gas-tank-the...


https://www.the-sun.com/motors/4877960/warning-thieves-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/natomas/thieves-steal-gas-from-natomas-couple-truck/103-d0c20...

And many more:

https://news.google.com/search?q=thieves%20steal%20gas%20drill%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/

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.

[thompson60]

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

[Lwiddis]

"...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.

[bgum]

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.

[midnightsadie]

good idea,

[1492]

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

[valhalla360]

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.

[rlw999]

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.

[jdc1]

Park in a safer place.