how to secure a generator while camping？
- BY BISON
Table of Contents
You can go camping without a portable power generator, but it’s not a good idea. You can run appliances, a converter charger on your RV, or extra lighting around your campsite with a generator.
The problem with generators is that they are the most commonly stolen item at campsites. They are designed for portability and are easy to grab and run unless secured.
Securing a generator seems like an easy task, right? If you’re smart about protecting it, rest assured someone will be creative and overcome your efforts. Because there are some ways to make it secure/safe enough to make stealing challenging, a would-be thief will move on to easier stealing.
Be safe before you travel
Whether it’s protecting your RV generator or camping generator, it always starts when you’re planning a trip.
Before heading out, do in-depth research online and offline about where you will be dry camping. Ask friends, family, and colleagues about campsites. In addition to information about hiking locations or activities, look for information about vandalism or other threats to previous campers.
Avoid campgrounds with many comments about theft and other crimes, especially when traveling with family.
If you’re an experienced dry camper, plan two different sites so you can move to another one in case you would like to change the way your campsite is.
Talk to campers around you once you’ve settled in at your desired campsite. Try to figure out what kind of people you’ll be camping around. Neighbors have been known to steal things many times. If you notice your neighbors acting strangely, move your campsite.
Now you’ve settled in, made friends, and enjoyed the outdoors. Next, learn how to protect your portable generator from scammers looking to take simple steps.
how to secure/protect your generator when camping
Generators in your campsite or RV can be secured with cables, chains, alarms, and bolt-on mounts. You can mount the generator to a unique rack, trailer hitch, or bracket on your trailer or truck bed.
#1 Lights
Let’s talk about lighting for a moment. You may need to make sure you have adequate lighting around your RV and generator at night to deter potential thieves and prevent you from accidentally tripping while out checking for noises you hear.
#2 Chain
Generators used in campsites or located in RVs can be secured with cables, chains, sirens, and bolt-on brackets. You can attach the generator to a unique rack, trailer hitch, or bracket on the trailer or truck bed.
That’s why it’s important to consider all your options when it comes to protecting your generator while camping.
The harder it is for anyone to access your generator, the better.
Many RVs have generator storage cabinets, and it may be effective to hook up your RV in this location.
But even if it’s in a locker, you have to provide the best security possible. An RV without a generator will not be able to run all of its equipment.
#3 Safety Bracket
Likewise, BISON generator manufacturers have developed safety brackets designed to make it more difficult to cut the chains or cables that hold them in place.
The safety bracket mounts to the handle of the generator bolts it in place, and provides a location for the cables or chains used to secure the generator’s operation.
Brackets make attaching cables or chains more difficult but are by no means foolproof.
#4 Cables
Cutting a cable is more complicated than a chain, and bolt cutters can’t do the job.
However, a chain or cable will be easier to pick up and look more attractive to those who want an easy grip. It’s hard to stop someone who makes a living helping campers unload their belongings.
They are prepared and have the tools to quickly remove/steal your generator no matter how you secure it.
#5 Alarms
While there is no 100 percent perfect way to protect your generator, the more you make it difficult for someone to get to it, the lower the chances of someone stealing it.
In the worst-case scenario, you can purchase a GPS tracker so that when your generator is stolen, the police can find it and return it to you if the thief is close enough.
Many trackers are small tags that you can lock onto your generator, and some can even be glued to a surface. Whichever method you choose, remember that your generator is not worth your life and the police will have a better chance of returning it safely.
#6 Hide it
The location of the generator helps prevent theft. Keeping the generator out of sight when it is not in use and making it less visible when it is in use can help deter thieves.
It is unlikely that you will leave your generator running all the time you are away from your campsite. Therefore, you can hide the generator or place it under your RV or next to a tree.
Some campers even dig a hole under their vehicle to hide the generator. They dig a hole, put the generator in, and store it.
#7 fastened to the bracket with bolts
While it’s possible to remove a generator bolted to a rack in an RV or pickup truck, it takes time. You can also mount a generator mount to your vehicle, which would take a lot of time to remove.
The longer it takes to unload your gear, the less attractive it will be to thieves.
Mounts are made to fit generators in trucks and RVs or can be custom-made to fit your generator. Either way, the harder it is to take your generator away, the more likely it will be right back where you left off or placed when you return.
Best practices to keep you and your generator safe
Now that you know how to protect your generator outdoors and while traveling, let’s discuss safety best practices. Nothing scares me more than carbon monoxide. You might think this is silly—snakes, scorpions, and black tanks that refuse to drain are scarier—but let me tell you why.
carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide is completely odorless and can cause coma and eventually suffocation. It does this by replacing oxygen in red blood cells. If you breathe in enough, you won’t even feel short of breath or dizzy before passing out.
No matter where you place your generator, make sure it’s well-ventilated and away from where you spend most of your time to avoid breathing in carbon monoxide. You should have a functioning detector inside your RV, and if your neighbors happen to be nearby, you’ll also want to pay attention to where they place their generators.
choose a silent generator
Choosing a silent generator will not only not disturb others around you, but it will also allow you to hide the generator. Thieves won’t even know you’re using a generator. Browse online reviews and choose a generator that doesn’t make any noise or is entirely silent. No one can steal anything they can’t see.
get a dog
Dogs are used to guard our homes for good reason.
They are strong and alert and can distinguish their owners from other humans. This also makes them great companions for your boondocking travels.
Just like in your home, if a dog senses an intruder around your camp, it will bark, chase and attack with impunity. This is sure to scare away the bravest of thieves.
Plus, you can leave your dog in your RV to watch over while you’re away for a short time. However, open the windows and turn on the ventilation fans to keep your dog comfortable.
Many breeds of dogs make excellent choices as guards.
secure your generator while camping
Whether camping in a trailer, tent or RV, a generator can bring you many of the comforts of home.
Only some people like to be rowdy, and the generator adds enough luxury to the outdoor experience that your reluctant friends will come over.
Securing your generator means you can use it now and use it later. So, take your time and take the time to secure it properly.
It will give you power during your many trips into the wild.
secure a generator while camping FAQ
can i put the generator in the tent?
Yes, but not at runtime. Generators produce carbon monoxide when operating and should only be used in ventilated areas.
would removing the wheels on the generator help protect it?
It can sometimes help, but even if you remove the wheel, it should be secured with chains, cables, and safety brackets if you want to keep it.
how to lock a portable generator?
There are two ways to lock the portable generator. You can link it to a permanent structure and padlock the chain. Also, you can build/create a box around the generator. You'll put the generator in the box and lock it up. However, it would help if you cemented the box to the ground, making it difficult to lift. If not, thieves may be carrying boxes containing generators.
are enclosed portable generators safe?
Yes, you can install a portable generator, but you must leave enough space for air circulation. We recommend a cage made of sturdy metal. If the enclosure is poorly ventilated, the generator may overheat. Additionally, smoke may accumulate.
can you build a box around the generator?
Of course, you can build a box around the generator. Before making a box slightly larger than the generator, measure the dimensions of the generator. Also, it would be helpful if you create vents through which air can flow in and out of the box while the generator is in use.
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