Locks on LP storage doors

[Montana_10714]

DO YOU HAVE KEY LOCKS ON THE LP TANK STORAGE DOORS ?
I never had my trailer in storage - had room on the drive way for it.
Due to a downsizing move - I now have it in a public storage yard. I knew the two LP tank storage doors do not have key locks on them. So I stopped by the dealers to pick up two locks. I was told by a service tech that they are not permitted to put locks on these doors because of fire safety issues.
I would appreciate your input/experience.
Thanks

[Krusher]

Your dealer is correct. Is actually regulated by the DOT, both Federal and State. (Department of Transportation).

[helmick]

I think he was right, that`s what I was always told. Never talked to anyone that lost their tanks.

[Art-n-Marge]

You can't lock the doors as reminded by others because of safety but maybe you can find a way to lock the tanks in place with chain or cables around and through the propane tank handles.

If this is that much of a concern can you remove them and store them at home somewhere? I would put some plastic held in place with a rubber band to keep anything out of the fitting on the trailer. At home I have many propane tanks and spares at home for BBQs, heaters, patio lights, deep fryer and 2 more 30# in the mix wouldn't bother me, but I have the room. Just an idea.

[Lambchop]

I've used the bicycle lock cables from Wally World...about 4 bucks each.

Roy

[Montana_10714]

Thank You
You guys sure are helpful!!

[Parts Ed]

I was told by the dealer that they (the manufacturer or dealer) can't install locks on the doors, but as the owner you can.... But I am with Art, I would remove them and take them home and store them until you head out on the road.

[stiles watson]

I vote for storing the tanks at home if you fear they will be stolen.

[ExPatNW]

I was thinking about how easy it would be to take my tanks and recently when I took the tank out to get it refilled I noticed that I could use a small padlock on the clasp of the metal strap that holds them in place. I would say the clasp is designed to take a padlock - at least on the straps I have. Taking them home certainly is an option, but if I remember I will probably get two small padlocks...

[BB_TX]

Have had mine in public storage since new (4 yrs). Facility has been broken into twice in that time. Once they got in my basement and got a few things. Other time they skipped me. But they did break into quite a few others both basements and inside, 5th wheels, TTs, and MHs. Got TVs, other electronics, tools, etc. But as far as I know, no one lost a propane tank. 30# propane tank is probably not something they would have their eye on.

[Emmel]

I think if you're worried about the tanks being stolen, I'd keep them at home. As for putting a padlock on them, I wonder if something(another camper in storage) caught fire and you couldn't get your camper moved, if the tanks could be quickly removed, then they wouldn't explode.
As for the tanks being stolen, they could easily take them from the camper stored beside the house as mine is.

[CORattler]

Ruh Ro... I put locks on my propane access doors. Didn't want my tanks stolen. They're expensive. I may have to rethink my strategy. Thanks to all for the safety tip.

[bigmurf]

If you are really worried and want to spend money, here you go.

http://www.propaneproducts.com/propane-tank-lock.html

My money is on the thief who won't notice the locks,

BTW: I don't think carrying a 30 lb. LPG tank makes sense when there are more high dollar items around. JMHO

[Montana_10714]

Storing at home is not an option.
We just moved into a small senior apartment from a large house. There is no storage! Sold 90% of our belongings.
This is the middle step in our down-sizing plan.
1) Sell the house
2) senior apartment for a year
3) Full time in the 5er (workamping).
I retire August 31...
Thanks for your response.

[bobsals]

Whelp,,, because of the high price of propane, just leave them there EMPTY! They will never take them if they have to be filled!

[timandsusan]

I have had my Monty in storage for the past 5 years with nothing ever touched. Of course our storage has closed circuit video as well as good lighting next to a busy highway. I don't think most theifs know much and are only after stuff for drugs. They probably look at the small doors and think nothing very good could behind them. If they tried to move the propane bottles, the weight was stop them also--Televisions, microwaves, and electronics are their area of "expertise"--THE BUMS.

[MrLeavingAK]

quote:Originally posted by ExPatNW

I was thinking about how easy it would be to take my tanks and recently when I took the tank out to get it refilled I noticed that I could use a small padlock on the clasp of the metal strap that holds them in place. I would say the clasp is designed to take a padlock - at least on the straps I have. Taking them home certainly is an option, but if I remember I will probably get two small padlocks...

This is exactly what we did. A small padlock fit right in there and didn't affect the door movement at all.

[richfaa]

Asked our city fire chief who lives a few doors up from us. It is a safety issues but knows of no law that prohibits it. If you look at many propane refill stations many are locked.. We have no locks on ours and have never had a problem with theft or the doors coming open. If it made me feel better I would install a lock but remember one can break into that door or any compartment door with a small screw driver.

[steves]

IMO - locks, etc, etc, will not stop a thief if they want in your rig. They may make you fell better but a hammer, screw driver and bolt cutters will get a thief most anything they want in an RV.

[Wheelhouse]

Just a thought with the price of fuel going up everywhere. Your fuel tanks will be looked at like your GPS, laptops and other electrical items. People still syphin gas as well. Just close off the valve, disconnect hose, unsnap the strap and its gone. I put one on each bottle door and a second lock on the front storage. Hate to come home and find no fuel for the night.