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Old 05-29-2014, 12:07 AM   #1
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Locks for front storage box?

Anyone use locks on their front storage box? Type?

Locking the front storage box crossed my mind because there are occasional vehicle break-ins in my neighbourhood. While the trailer is parked at home, there is nothing of value in the box except my batteries. I don't even know if the batteries would be an appealing target for thieves. However, it's about $400 to replace the batteries if they did vanish, so locks seem appealing.

The hole on the latch of the box is too small to accept a typical shackle. Smaller locks with thinner shackles will fit. I contemplated drilling out the hole, but am delaying on that move.

Just wondering if and how anyone locks their front storage boxes.

On edit, I could just remove the batteries and put them in my garage, and plug the trailer in if we're hanging out there and need some power. Although that might get tiresome if we're camping every weekend or every other weekend ..... still curious though about others' techniques.
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Old 05-29-2014, 01:14 AM   #2
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I lock mine with smaller, inexpensive Master Locks...just enough to discourage any looky-loos.
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Old 05-29-2014, 02:37 AM   #3
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I'd recommend the smaller lock too. If you drill out the latch you might weaken it too much. Karen is right, a small lock will keep the less determined thief out. A determined thief will get in anyway and it would be cheaper to have a lock broken than the latch. I had something similar happen in a burglary many years ago. I spent more on repairs than I lost in property.
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Old 05-29-2014, 08:21 AM   #4
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If the only thing in the box are heavy batteries maybe leave the lock off. The thief might damage the storage box getting around the lock. But it would suck to loose $400 worth in batteries

Locking something up implies there is something of value inside. I bet locking it while in campgrounds would be a good idea. Other thieving campers, of course not an egg camper.

I'm with Karen and WestEnder. I think we might just use a lock that fits through the hole.
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Old 05-29-2014, 08:44 AM   #5
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I also use a small lock on my front box.

We have found that with the front box, you can lock the smaller kids and dogs in it when you go out for the evening and not have to worry about them getting into things while you are away. I do avoid placing the cat in with the kids and dogs as I have found that this results in an awful screeching noise that doesn't let up for hours.
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Old 05-29-2014, 09:04 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ice-breaker View Post
I also use a small lock on my front box.

We have found that with the front box, you can lock the smaller kids and dogs in it when you go out for the evening and not have to worry about them getting into things while you are away. I do avoid placing the cat in with the kids and dogs as I have found that this results in an awful screeching noise that doesn't let up for hours.
I might follow your suggestion. First day trailer was home, 5 yr old set up the rear dinette counter extension ( you know, the fold up table?), tried to stand on it, and broke one of the hinges.....
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Old 05-29-2014, 09:45 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KarenH View Post
I lock mine with smaller, inexpensive Master Locks...just enough to discourage any looky-loos.
I do what Karen does. Found a set of 5 small master locks with plastic coating. They are all keyed the same. Plastic coating cushions them and prevents locks from chipping the paint on the latches. They are discouragement only (just like our door lock!) Maybe I will post a list on the outside of my box e.g. "Dirty sewer donut, cheap plastic chocks, etc."
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Old 05-29-2014, 09:59 AM   #8
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a "Dirty sewer hose" label should do the trick.
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Old 05-29-2014, 10:07 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by J Mac View Post
a "Dirty sewer hose" label should do the trick.
I like that idea. I thought about putting a lock on there but it might just make someone think there is something really valuable in there.
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Old 05-29-2014, 10:08 AM   #10
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a "Dirty sewer hose" label should do the trick.
Ohh, how about:

CAUTION!! DIRTY SEWER HOSE! Remember to use disinfectant after opening box!

This might work better than locks.
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Old 05-29-2014, 11:21 AM   #11
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Did the same as techfan, bought a set of smaller Master locks with a soft plastic edge and also cut a piece of the soft side of a velcro strip on the side of the lock that contacts the latch. I purchased a set of 4 locks from Home Depot with one key that opens all 4 locks. We use the other two locks on the BAL X chocks so they cannot be removed, also locks the trailer in place.
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Old 05-29-2014, 09:34 PM   #12
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I opened up the holes with a Rotary tool and a grinder stone for the larger locks. A drill bit will just grab the bracket and twist it and your wrist as well . The clasps are just soft mild steel and the hinge points are showing rust after only 2 seasons. I would like to change them to a stainless steel some day soon.
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Old 05-29-2014, 10:41 PM   #13
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Southco probably has a stainless version; I used to buy a lot of similar products from them. I'd research myself but won't get my 21 until 8/22. I did send Reace a note about a possible source for a stainless model.

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Old 05-30-2014, 06:16 AM   #14
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Southco on Amazon

It looks like Southco has lots of stainless stuff on Amazon. I filed a sample in my wish list for future use for mods and around home. The stuff you buy at Home Depot rusts in about 5 minutes.

Thanks Charlie!
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