Locking batteries

JandJ · 04-15-2015, 09:40 PM

Hi. Being new to tthe world of trailers it never occured to us to consider a way to secure our batterries from theft. It has been pointed out to us a few times by experienced rvers that we need to consider this. We have the 17B with the dual batteries. Jose said he can make an aluminum bar to run the width of the trailer to anchor down with locks. It sounds a little complicated and I am wondering if this is really necessary or if there might be a simpler solution? What do other people do?
Thanks,
Julie

gbaglo · 04-15-2015, 09:51 PM

I count on thieves being too lazy to lug a 80 lb. battery off to a recycler where they will get nothing for their efforts.
I suppose another RVer could need a battery, but I think they would just buy one that they knew was in excellent condition and had a warranty.

JandJ · 04-15-2015, 10:07 PM

Good point. Thanks so much.

**Donna D.** · 04-15-2015, 10:10 PM

You need to do what you feel what makes you the most comfortable and let's you sleep at night, truly. The condition where I store Ten Forward (and camp) may be 180 degrees from you. There is no perfect solution.

gbaglo · 04-15-2015, 10:41 PM

An aluminum strap to secure the battery will make you feel good, until you start to worry about how easy it is to cut through aluminum...
It's the same with any security system. You always get to worry about whether it will work or not.

padlin · 04-15-2015, 11:09 PM

I've heard of, but never experienced, batteries being ripped off while in storage. If they are out where folks can see them I remove them in this circumstance but not worry about it when camping. The aluminum might well make a would be crook move on to the next trailer where their isn't one. Here's another route B & D RV Battery Lock For RV travel trailers and popup campers.

davescape · 04-15-2015, 11:36 PM

My wife came back from a book club where a about half the women had trailers with batteries that were stolen from our neighbourhood. After that she reminded we weekly

that we had to do something. I purchased a Larin box from Canadian Tire, adjusted the angle iron on the trailer frame and bolted the box in place. With careful positioning I was able to fit two 6 volt batteries with the plastic cases. I drilled a bunch of holes in the bottom for water drainage and ventilation. It has a built in lock but I also put in a couple of screws around the lid just to frustrate thieves. There wasn't a lot of slack in the existing battery cable but I made it work. I did have to trim the top of the plastic cases a bit too. I live in a nice neighbourhood, but things grow legs.

gbaglo · 04-15-2015, 11:39 PM

I can't resist.

http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2015/04/s...tings-45-days/

Ron in BC · 04-16-2015, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I can't resist.

http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2015/04/s...tings-45-days/

Not nice, Surrey's always getting picked on and besides I live in a high crime neighborhood also. Why just last week I saw someone who didn't pick up after their dog and the week before that someone threw a candy wrapper out their car window.

As far as batteries go, definitely an individual situation. A combination of location and type of trailer. Batteries on the rear bumper and not in a tongue box and visible to passerby's are definitely at greater risk.

Ron

Dave Walter · 04-16-2015, 08:45 AM

I have one of the last 19's produced with batteries installed in the front dinette bench. Theft of my batteries would require someone to break into the trailer first to do so. If someone chooses to break into my Escape, theft of my batteries is probably the least of my worries. I also have good insurance coverage.

MyronL · 04-16-2015, 09:27 AM

I've noticed in recent pictures of finished Escapes parked in the factory yard, no plastic shrouds casing the dual propane tanks. No shroud does make reading the gauge easier. Makes me wonder if these cases are only important for a streamlining look. Wouldn't tanks in the open be just as tempting to a thief? Out of sight, out of mind; thieves will steal. Think it's mostly a matter of what's sacred, who's lurking, and are you in the right spot or not.

techfan · 04-16-2015, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyronL

I've noticed in recent pictures of finished Escapes parked in the factory yard, no plastic shrouds casing the dual propane tanks. No shroud does make reading the gauge easier. Makes me wonder if these cases are only important for a streamlining look. Wouldn't tanks in the open be just as tempting to a thief? Out of sight, out of mind; thieves will steal. Think it's mostly a matter of what's sacred, who's lurking, and are you in the right spot or not.

I believe shrouds are added just at delivery time.

davescape · 04-16-2015, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I can't resist.

http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2015/04/s...tings-45-days/

Trying hard to come up with a witty retort but its difficult when the lead is flying overhead

Ron in BC · 04-16-2015, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davescape

Trying hard to come up with a witty retort but its difficult when the lead is flying overhead

Umm, couldn't you say living in Surrey is educational. When the inevitable video clip of a shoot out is played you can teach your children to count. 1 bullet, 2 bullets....

Ron