Modifications to Eggscape

[Eggscape]

The Short Story…I repurposed an oxygen tank to make a security cover for our hitch.

The Details…The landfill/dump in the area of our Cabin does not have a security guard protecting the contents, which saves a lot of still useful stuff from being buried. This is where I picked up an old oxygen/scuba tank. It’s future was sealed as soon as I laid eyes on it.

Being rated for pressures of 3,000 lbs means this tank is thick. Before adding the stuff inside, the 10 inch long end I used weighs over 10 lbs. The other end will make another hitch cover for my cargo trailer.

I began by measuring the tank and guestimating the inside diameter to see how far it would fit up the tongue. With an inside diameter of 6.5 inches I found that I could slide 10 inches worth of tank/dome over the hitch. By wrapping the tank in a sheet of paper and aligning the straight edge, I was able to mark and cut the tank with a thin cutting disc on my angle grinder.

After a test fit I was ready to build the magic locking mechanism inside. Best explained with the aid of photos but since there is a limit of 8 photos per post, you will just have to make due with what’s there. Some things just have to be left a mystery. I will say that there is still enough room under the dome to have both the latch lock and ball lock in place. So if a person does defeat the dome they will still have some more surprises to deal with.

After sandblasting and priming the dome it was ready for paint. The big decision of the whole project was what colour to paint it. Maybe a bright red or yellow so people see there is something out of the ordinary that they have to defeat….or black, so it blends in and they show up ill-prepared.

With all the other anti-theft deterrents available on our trailer, I doubt that I will be lugging this thing around for every day camping. However, for off season storage…it is perfect…especially for the price.

[Ron in BC]

Interesting. I take it the last photo is the clue. I'll be pondering it for awhile. The actual mechanism still eludes me.

Ron

[MyronL]

It must be for sure a magic locking system -- now you see it now you don't. I don't, either.

[wackyburggeezer]

To MASTER how it's locked....The KEY is in the 4th image. Not everything is apparent, but the CHAIN of logic prevails.

[Eggscape]

The KEY to the lock is the knowledge of how it works.
Similar to the lock in the last picture in the way that once you know the secret, it is basically useless.
If you want to build your own dome, you will have to create your own puzzle inside or incorporate a traditional lock.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by wackyburggeezer

To MASTER how it's locked....The KEY is in the 4th image. Not everything is apparent, but the CHAIN of logic prevails.

I looked at that image 3 times before I saw IT. That shows that you should keep an open mind when exploring puzzles and not have a preconceived idea of what you're looking for.

Ron

[HABBERDABBER]

And what is it? The thumb? A finger?

What, OH what can it be?

I am mere novice in this arena.

Edit:
Duh! I looked at the 4th image. And here I thought this was a visual mind twister.
Easy peasy, if you do as suggested. Duh!

[Eggscape]

The Short Story: I drilled a hole in the propane tank hold down bracket to install a lock so the release handle can’t turn.

The Details: Not a new idea, but cheap and easy to do. The hole does not allow the release handle to turn. I had a spare keyed-alike padlock that I wanted to have on hand, so what better place to store it. Due to the designed thickness of the bracket the holes have little bearing on it’s strength.

I have been thinking of this modification ever since I read that someone who stores their trailer in a compound would come back to pick it up and find their tanks have been replaced with empty outdated ones. As a lot of people are putting their trailers into storage this time of year I thought it appropriate.

Personally I don’t want to end up at a remote camp site to find my tanks were taken 4 hours earlier when we stopped to pick up some groceries. I have also put my name and license plate number on the tanks as an add deterrent. They are my tanks and I will be using them until they time out…as I don’t use the exchange service depot.

My hope is someone looks at the lock and moves onto some other tanks that are not locked. I am sure what I have done would only increase removal time from 2 mins to 4 mins for someone that seriously wants them.

If you want something better you can add holes in the handle and put the lock through both.

[gbaglo]

You can also just run the safety chains through the handles and padlock.

[Eggscape]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

You can also just run the safety chains through the handles and padlock.

That is perfect for storage!

[ghosthunter]

I have often wondered which is better cable or chain?

Seem like bolt cutters could cut one link. But might be tougher using 1/2 inch cable. .?

[Iowa Dave]

Here are a few observations from securing gates to keep motorized vehicles off of public walking and biking trails for 32 years.

1/2 inch cable is not easy to work with. And it scratches things up unless it’s vinyl coated. The loops on the ends are usually secured with a padlock. An that’s the weak link because a battery operated 4 1/2 inch grinder with a cutting wheel will cut either cable or a lock.

There is some real good chain on the market. My favorite is a chain made by Pewag. The 3/8 or 1/2 inch link size are very tough and will roll the cutting edge over on a $100 pair of bolt cutters. But again, the grinder comes into play either on the chain or a lock used to hook the end links together.

Personally, although I have good cable and good chain, I do not use either to secure our trailer when we leave for the day. If there’s a camp host I let them know I’ll be gone and tell them there’s no real reason anyone should be around the Escape. I would as soon park near the host as not. I have, on occasion, put a cable lock on the spare tire and I have three security lug nuts on the tire mount.

We do have a “hidden” switch on the power tongue jack and I leave the coupler closed and have a keyed pin lock on the yolk lever. Just keeps the kids from messing around.

Pay your insurance, make friends in the Campground including the host. Don’t camp in sketchy places if you’re going to be gone all day if you can help it. Leave a couple cheap bag chairs out when you’re gone. A cheap tablecloth on the picnic table etc. can’t hurt. Others may have other opinions and experiences and be willing to take greater measures. Don’t let worry ruin your trip.
Hope this helps
Iowa Dave

[dfandrews]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

The Short Story: I drilled a hole in the propane tank hold down bracket to install a lock so the release handle can’t turn ...

I've done the same. I also took the precaution of double-nutting at the bottom of the threaded rod, then I peened those threads over for good measure. With all the locks and little deterrents around our Escape, thieves will just go to a easier trailer down the way. That's the theory!

[Chasing Trials]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

The short story...I installed some sandpaper style grit tape over the holes in the step.

The details...The topic came up on another thread how care should be taken so that your dog’s claws do not get caught in the holes of your trailer step. My simple fix was to cover the holes with some adhesive grit tape.

I used a combination of 1 and 2 inch wide tape that I had on hand and the existing tape on the front of the standard Escape step. I had to trim off some of the original tape to make the 2 inch wide fit properly. If you were to buy tape, I would suggest that 1.5 inch wide would work better.

This original Escape step is now going to be installed on our cargo trailer camper conversion that my daughter and family use. I spray painted both the top to seal it and the bottom to seal the exposed glue through the underside holes.

On my new 2 step unit, there are 8 drain holes that look very likely to snag a claw. 4 strips of 1 inch wide tape now cover them but still allow drainage.

Now the Granddog is safe with both trailers.

Thanks for the heads up. It is taking me forever to go through all that's here.

[Eggscape]

Thanks…I am glad you got something that you could use out of the modifications.

I have a list of things to do this year as soon as the snow goes.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

I have a list of things to do this year as soon as the snow goes.

Is getting your tool belt and box together and heading to Calgary to do renovations at the top of the list?

This would sure help me finally get time to get at the loooong list of mods I have to do on my trailer.

[Chasing Trials]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

Thanks…I am glad you got something that you could use out of the modifications.

I have a list of things to do this year as soon as the snow goes.

I know I'll be tearing apart the dining area & raising it like yours, is another Modification, not sure what else is from yours, I've saved some others, in case searches don't pull them up. A major thing, will be to shrink the queen bed to a full. Which isn't on your list, and one I'll have to take slowly. Collect what I think I'll need, & support as I go.

[Eggscape]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

Is getting your tool belt and box together and heading to Calgary to do renovations at the top of the list?

This would sure help me finally get time to get at the loooong list of mods I have to do on my trailer.

I don’t think that I will have a lot of extra energy left by the time spring rolls around Jim.

I am building a Trolley Top Square Drop for my daughter so they don’t have to camp in a tent. Square Drops are a thing and have a big following just like Tear Drop trailers. As some of us know…if you want it done right, you have to do it yourself.

Sort of a father daughter build of which I welded up the frame late last fall. Just beginning the body work now. Here are a few pictures of the build so far including the model I built.

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

I don’t think that I will have a lot of extra energy left by the time spring rolls around Jim.



I am building a Trolley Top Square Drop for my daughter so they don’t have to camp in a tent. Square Drops are a thing and have a big following just like Tear Drop trailers. As some of us know…if you want it done right, you have to do it yourself.



Sort of a father daughter build of which I welded up the frame late last fall. Just beginning the body work now. Here are a few pictures of the build so far including the model I built.

Okay then, Ed. Family definitely comes first. [emoji4] That sure looks like a fun project, something she will love.

What do you use for joining panels for strength? I sure look forward to seeing more as it progresses.

I know that Trillium rebuild I did for my daughter sure took a lot of time. I enjoyed it though, and three of them (four coming) sure do enjoy it.

[Eggscape]

Biscuits, waterproof glue and Robertson screws (of course) will keep it together.

We did a test joint with just glue and nether of us can break it apart with our bare hands. The feeling is the plywood will break before the joint.