TorkLift Propane Tank Fortress Gas lock review (securing your propane tanks)

[Patriot]

I am considering this mod to help add a little more security to our propane tanks on our Ollie. The TorkLift lock has been around for awhile. Is anyone using anything different or more robust? Recently I have read on other RV/camping forums that there is a little up tick in propane tank theft grrr! 
It seems like a decent cable lock would slow a thief down or maybe force them to move onto a less time consuming or easier target. This lock appears like another possibility.  I need to check our Ollies tank mount thread size 3/8 or 1/2”? 
Thoughts, suggestions welcome and appreciated. here -  https://www.etrailer.com/RV-Locks/TorkLift/TLA7702.html

A vid review-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrJs_fq9yQg

 

Edited March 9, 2021 by Patriot

[John E Davies]

That looks very sexy, but I personally would prefer a stainless steel version rather than aluminum. It would be no work at all to cut it. Especially for the price! My bottles are not locked, I think having them under the weird doghouse provides a lot of “visual deterrence”. OTH I would probably just get a Master Python 6 foot cable lock ($13 at Amazon) and sleep well enough. The tumblers are not secure, but it is a lot better than nothing.

John Davies

Spokane WA

Edited March 9, 2021 by John E Davies

[Patriot]

9 hours ago, John E Davies said:

That looks very sexy, but I personally would prefer a stainless steel version rather than aluminum. It would be no work at all to cut it. Especially for the price! My bottles are not locked, I think having them under the weird doghouse provides a lot of “visual deterrence”. OTH I would probably just get a Master Python 6 foot cable lock ($13 at Amazon) and sleep well enough. The tumblers are not secure, but it is a lot better than nothing.

John Davies

Spokane WA

Good points....it is pricey. If you find a SS version let us know. An Oliver owner on the Ollie FB page recently had his tanks stolen. I think the cable lock may be enough deterrent for a snatch and grab thief. 👍🏻 Thanks!

Edited March 9, 2021 by Patriot

[topgun2]

I've always used a cable that is just long enough to feed through both bottles and then down and around the frame.  All of this is secured with a decent padlock.  Certainly the cable could be cut with a hefty pair of cable cutters but the thief would first have to figure out that the bottles were locked down and then have to take the time to cut the cable or lock.

Having said all this - I've never noticed any sign of tampering with anything around my Ollie to include the dog house.

Bill

[Patriot]

AT $84 for the above lock I opted to go this route.
Well it took a few minutes to drill a pilot hole and then again a little larger to accommodate the cable lock. (I happen to have few firearm cable locks handy😎). Will it prevent a random snatch and grab hopefully and possibly.

Will it stop a determined thief?...absolutely not. But this is what I am rolling with. And the price was right. 😄

 

 

 

Edited March 9, 2021 by Patriot
Photo edit

[BackofBeyond]

I'm thinking a few lifelike rubber snakes - If they get over the fright - after lifting the hatch, well, have at it I say. Course a lock of some sort may also work☠️😳

[rideandfly]

4 hours ago, Patriot said:

AT $84 for the above lock I opted to go this route.
Well it took a few minutes to drill a pilot hole and then again a little larger to accommodate the cable lock. (I happen to have few firearm cable locks handy😎). Will it prevent a random snatch and grab hopefully and possibly.

Will it stop a determined thief?...absolutely not. But this is what I am rolling with. And the price was right. 😄

 

 

David,

Looks good!

[Patriot]

30 minutes ago, BackofBeyond said:

I'm thinking a few lifelike rubber snakes - If they get over the fright - after lifting the hatch, well, have at it I say. Course a lock of some sort may also work☠️😳

Perfect idea, I will zip tie a few rubber snakes onto the tanks inside the dog house for added effect..😂

[Mountainman198]

Has anyone tried this approach?

[Frank C]

4 minutes ago, Mountainman198 said:

Has anyone tried this approach?

I’ve had that same idea, but can the one wing of the big sheet metal wing nut be bent or folded over, by hand or with pliers, to allow the lock to just slide off? 

Edited March 10, 2021 by FrankC

[Mountainman198]

1 minute ago, FrankC said:

I’ve had that same idea, but can the one wing of the big sheet metal wing nut be bent over, by hand or with pliers, to allow the lock to just slide off? 

I have not tried it yet either.  Whomever tests it first should post results.  I am not against spending $ to secure the tanks but if a simple solution is possible I'd rather spend the $ on campground fees or gas. 

 

[Patriot]

30 minutes ago, Mountainman198 said:

I have not tried it yet either.  Whomever tests it first should post results.  I am not against spending $ to secure the tanks but if a simple solution is possible I'd rather spend the $ on campground fees or gas. 

 

This option only cost me a firearm cable lock and 5 minutes to drill (2) holes. I agree $84 is a lot for the TorkLift tank lock.
Just a thought.

 

Edited March 10, 2021 by Patriot

[rideandfly]

22 hours ago, Mountainman198 said:

Has anyone tried this approach?

Going to work on Ollie over the next couple days, will give your approach a try!

Thanks,

[Geronimo John]

This is my $5 solution.  Not real high security, but it would sure slow down the bad guys.  The three pack costs about $15 at Home Depot.  Nice part is that I use the other two on my generator.  If I need the third one, it is in "storage" at the propane tanks.  🙂

GJ  

[SNY SD UP]

I feel like a "High School Custodian" with all the Keys I now carry.  I try to group them, Drive time, Setup, day-to-day camping.  Maggie has dups in case I cannot find my Prevagen...

[katanapilot]

Is propane tank theft really an issue at campgrounds?  We seem to spend a lot of time worrying about trailer theft, etc. I haven't camped as much as most of you, so maybe I'm just naive or ignorant.

[Mike and Carol]

48 minutes ago, katanapilot said:

Is propane tank theft really an issue at campgrounds?

In my limited experience, no.  There are plenty of RV’s with an exposed 20 lb tank or two tanks.  They might be more of a target.  I’m not sure a thief would want 30 lb tanks or go through the hassle of getting them out of an Oliver.  My impression is that theft, either propane or the entire trailer, is more common when in storage, not camping.  Mike

[Landrover]

A simple theft deterrent for us is to break down camp and put every thing away if we are going to leave for some time. Some will argue that it makes it more inviting for theft.  It has been in my experience that if your in the area were there is other campers and they see your camp stored away they will pay more attention to your camp while your gone. For us it is important to at least say hello to fellow campers, most campers will look out for each other. It has worked well for us. Then again we are in changing times.

[Patriot]

3 hours ago, katanapilot said:

Is propane tank theft really an issue at campgrounds?  We seem to spend a lot of time worrying about trailer theft, etc. I haven't camped as much as most of you, so maybe I'm just naive or ignorant.

As Mike mentioned and I agree LP tank theft is not a big issue, and  likely will never be if you secure your tanks. For a 5 minute mod why not? We always make it a point when the opportunity presents, to kindly great our camping neighbors and say hello. As for RV theft...very rare, so no worries here. 

Edited March 14, 2021 by Patriot

[Maverick]

3 hours ago, katanapilot said:

Is propane tank theft really an issue at campgrounds?  We seem to spend a lot of time worrying about trailer theft, etc. I haven't camped as much as most of you, so maybe I'm just naive or ignorant.

In over 50 years of camping in travel trailers I have never known anyone to have a propane tank taken.

[Ray and Susan Huff]

I think LP tank theft is more prevalent while the RV is parked at home, depending on your location.  My SIL had her tanks (with no cover) stolen while parked in her driveway in town; we live in a rural area, on a private road, so not too concerned.  

I agree with @Mike and Carol that 20# tanks are more vulnerable.