Gasoline thievery

[VernM]

They're beginning to drill holes in gas tanks to get at the fuel now that it's price is running up so high. Anybody done any mods such as locking gas cap door, etc? I know you can't stop drilling a hole in the tank, but a locking cap or door and watching where it is parked might help. Who makes the best locking caps? Fuel door mods?

[Mike]

I probably got mine at Canadian Tire up here Vern (can't recall, but I'm sure they have them).
I usually get one for every new vehicle I buy as a matter of habit, I guess. You can get one at
AutoZone/Napa/PepBoys/Carquest. Mine didn't cost more than $20 and has 2 keys. Looks
like this one.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/ ... id=1603838
When prices start to jump up, I think it makes sense to try to establish a deterrent. However,
if the gas vampires are set on stealing your gas, a locked cap probably won't stop them, but
it might make them move on to the next car that doesn't have a locking cap. If they drill a
hole in your tank, how would they get more than a bucket or so of gas? Seems a bit weird,
but desperate times, desperate measures?

[Photog]

Unless they have some HD jacks, no Roadtrek owners have to worry about someone drilling the tank. The van is so low to the ground, they can't get a drill under their to start drilling. If they do have a jack, and it is not HD enough, they might just get crushed. Awww.

[VernM]

Photog, you guys who wear long skirts don't have the problems us "more exposed" vanners do. My 44-gallon US tank sticks out there invitingly. But, the van is generally not far from where I am when I'm using it away from here and here is a long way from anywhere when home.

I did, finally, find about the one and only after-market cap with a lock that'll work. From JC Whitney. Van is a 1994 version, so choice a lot more limited than you "young" guys. I was hoping for more sturdy and stouter lock, but something is better than nothing. And, it was time for something, I guess.

Look for you guys out on the roads one of these days again? I've already gotten one overnighter x2 in and planning on the High Country this summer, health allowing.

It's greening up down here, Mike. Really. I planted my garden today. It's over there on the window sill.

[Mike]

There's always a noisy alarm/starter system with a shock sensor like the one I've got.
$500 installed by the Geek Squad, with a 2 way "smart" remote, that has a range of
around 3000 ft. (the book says 5000 ft., but that's in a perfect world). Even the vibrations
of a heavy truck or loud motorcycle passing nearby, when it's at max sensitivity, will elicit a
very loud reaction, with flashing running lights thrown in for effect.
At gas prices today, it'll pay for itself in no time.
btw, on really hot days ,or really cold days, the remote start alone, is worth the price.

[Davydd]

One advantage of a B is you are around it and in it almost all the time. You sleep in it which is better than being in a hotel with an unattended car.

Since we have a Sprinter we have two nice advantages. One, is diesel is probably not a fuel some young punk will be cruising around looking for. Two, the filler cap is secured by a closer door locked by the driver's door.

[visionquest]

Full timing does take most of the worry out of this. I have a locking gas cap and yeah the low ride height and skirting helps too.

-Mike
97 Roadtrek 170P "Taj Ma Trek"
http://WWW.VanTramps.Com

[Johnny R]

Originally Posted by Davydd

diesel is probably not a fuel some young punk will be cruising around looking for. Two, the filler cap is secured by a closer door locked by the driver's door.

1. I'd really be surprised if it is the young punks - I mean, young people - who are the majority of thieves. Could well be older folks, say say 30-50, or whatever.
2. I have a lock on my gas filler door, but I just found out I can open it with a coin or a flat screwdriver. Hope no one else knows that

[Davydd]

30 to 50 is a young punk now to me.

[Mike]

I just hope they know what they're doing with those drills.
I think my propane tank is approximately where a normal vehicle's gas tank would be.