Locking the propane compartment

I was told that it is a D.O.T. requirement that it not be locked. In case of an accident it should be accessible to turn the propane off.
 
Yes, I added a lock. I was told the same thing, if the door was locked in a fire, they'd just use an ax to get it open. In that case, I don't care :)
 
I've also heard about the DOT requirement, however, I've never been able to find anything about it on-line, either at the U.S. DOT web site or using a general search for it. See if you can find anything about it on-line. Or, you may want to ask a local fireman about it.

After not finding any on-line reference to the DOT requirement, I went looking for a keyed lock to replace my latch. I was amazed how many vendors are out there. And, the toughest thing to figure out was the nomenclature of what the dimensions need to be for a replacement on their web site(s) or on Ebay auctions. There is the diameter of cylinder, which is pretty easy to figure out, then there is the depth of the cylinder, also easy to figure out and lastly the length of the rotating stop bar, again easy to figure out. However, it seems that each vendor lists those dimensions in a different order, or doesn't list all of the dimensions (they just give 1 or 2 dimensions, not all three).

The first one that I thought was correct, turned out to be too short. I then looked and looked and looked very carefully to find the right one, and when it arrived it actually fit.

So, if there is a DOT requirement, I'm in violation of it, however, I'd guess that most fire trucks have a tool and a method that will "pop" the door open, even if there is a keyed lock on the door.

Using a keyed lock on the propane locker door, I have a small amount of assurance that my $150 special horizontal propane tank will be there when I return to my camper. I always drive/travel with the propane tank valve turned OFF. If the valve or tank got damaged in the wreck, then no one should get close anyways and the sound of leaking propane is loud enough for people to hear quite a distance away.
 
Haven't locked mine nor do I plan to. You need a handful of wrenches to get it out anyway. The door is so flimsy I don't think a lock will slow anyone down.

The big question, have your or anyone you know ever had their tank stolen?
 
I asked FWC about getting one for me and they wouldn't do it. I have been wanting to get it done but haven't yet.
 
I carry a short length of chain and a padlock.
I have installed a long eye bolt to replace the bolt that holds the tank in place,and when needed just run the chain through the eye bolt and the "handle"area of the tank. Lock all together and i feel just as secure as a locked door.
If someone wants the tank than they need cut the chain.
Simple to secure and not an issue of the locked door.
That said I haven't heard about anyone having their tank stolen,but I am sure it could be an issue.
Frank
 
I put a lock on my propane door as well. A lock like FWC uses on the small compartment doors on the camper's driver's side. Propane tanks are easily stolen theses days and having a locked door will slow the bad guys down. That said, if one needed to open this type of door when locked, a screw driver will pop it open or a firemen's axe will do the job. DOT regulations?
 
When my Hawk was being installed, I was told that it is a California regulation to make the propane tank door without a lock. Those tanks are not the $25 common BBQ size. The ones I have seen are $50 or more.

One at $57
http://www.amazon.com/Flame-King-YSN011-Cylinder-Protection/dp/B00KOLF1IQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1418882243&sr=8-2&keywords=10+lb+propane+tank

Another at $90.
http://store.adventuretrailers.com/products/10-lb.-Propane-Cylinder..html

Every water door lock is probably the same key. I have seen the same key code for a couple of travel trailers. Little security but not an impulse open.

Paul
 
PaulT said:
When my Hawk was being installed, I was told that it is a California regulation to make the propane tank door without a lock. Those tanks are not the $25 common BBQ size. The ones I have seen are $50 or more.

<stuff clipped>

Every water door lock is probably the same key. I have seen the same key code for a couple of travel trailers. Little security but not an impulse open.

Paul
Click to expand...
On the four RVs we've owned over the years, every water door lock has been CH 751.

BTW, the Amazon deal ($57) is about the best I've seen. Most are close to $80.
 
K6ON said:
Those of us with older FWC's have horizontal propane tanks. MUCH more expensive than vertical tanks. The reason I locked my door.

http://www.amazon.com/Manchester-Tank-10487TC-Horizontal-Cylinder/dp/B003VBJZP6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1418919810&sr=8-2&keywords=horizontal+propane+tank+20lb
Click to expand...
Same here for my last Summer conversion/build installing a horizontal propane tank with the locker, door and plumbing I got from ATC. Even though I got my horizontal tank from a neighbor (at a lower cost), I saw the replacement cost of a NEW horizontal tank and decided to get the lock on the door.
 
I've never been concerned about loosing the tank but as always you guys got me thinking. I didn't like the idea of a door lock on that flimsy door. I could see paying for a new door as well as a tank if someone wanted it. I installed a 3/6-16 Torx Security bolt on the tank bracket. I figure it will stop or slow down the bad guys if they don't have the proper Torx bit. These are also referred to as Torx tamper resistant bolts.

IMG_1966.jpg
 
A good idea but I found myself getting propane one day and needing to borrow a crescent wrench. Forget or lose the tool....
 
craig333 said:
A good idea but I found myself getting propane one day and needing to borrow a crescent wrench. Forget or lose the tool....
Click to expand...
Craig,

You're a Jeep guy. You know you have to carry tools in your rig.

Dick
 
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