How did you lock your utility box?

HardFault
HardFault Member Posts: 20
in Modifications & Upgrades
I want to add an access door/port on my utility box so I can access the propane tank after I install locks on the box.

I'm looking for advice from one or more of you good folk who have already done this
 
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Comments

  • AnOldUR
    AnOldUR Member Posts: 1,728
    Any regulations for locks on boxes that I've read apply to manufacturers, not end users. The reasoning is that emergency workers won't be able to check that the gas is off. The reality is that the lock will not stop their entry. They'll destroy your box is seconds to gain access. The regulations protect the manufacture from lawsuits from litigious owners who's boxes have been ripped apart.

    Leaving our box unlocked and the gas off while traveling has been good enough for us, but I like the idea of a separate small access door for the valve. 
    Stockton, New Jersey
    2020 nuCamp T@B 320S * Jeep Wrangler
    60,865 camping miles through the end of 2025

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  • SLJ
    SLJ Member Posts: 646
    Have never had a lock on any of my front boxes and never had anything stolen from them. The box costs way more than anything in it so having someone pry the box open (easy to do) and ruin it if it's locked would be way more money and hassle to replace it than say a propane tank, sewer hose, or a battery would.
    2021 T@B 320 S Boondock
    2025 KZ Sportsmen 130RD
    2025 Ford Ranger
    The Finger Lakes of New York
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  • TourDeForth
    TourDeForth Member Posts: 128
    I moved my propane bottle out in front of the utility box covered it with a white Camco propane bottle shroud. Then I installed a gym locker style lock onto the lid of my utility box and lock it with a combination lock. Now, I have plenty of room for my tools and trailer setup accessories.
    2023 T@B 320s Boondock, 2013 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4 2016 Toyota Tundra 1794 4x4
    John, Northern California
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  • AnOldUR
    AnOldUR Member Posts: 1,728
    edited September 2025
    SLJ said:
    ... The box costs way more than anything in it so having someone pry the box open (easy to do) and ruin it if it's locked would be way more money and hassle to replace it ...
    We all use our boxes a little different, but this is not true for us. When I replaced the plastic tub with a truck box it cost somewhere around $250 at Tractor Supply (yes, the prices have gone up). Two LiFePO4's, a 20 and 5 pound propane tank, shore and solar power cords, Ryobi power tools are just what comes to mind.

    I lock my box when away from the trailer. Not from the serious robber. They'll find a way in. I lock it for the more common opportunist snatch and run thief. 
    Stockton, New Jersey
    2020 nuCamp T@B 320S * Jeep Wrangler
    60,865 camping miles through the end of 2025

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  • HardFault
    HardFault Member Posts: 20
    edited September 2025
    @AnOldUR
    That's exactly how I feel, I'm not going to stop a committed thief but I will stop the casual person walking by wondering what's in the box. I'm willing to drop a little cash to put a lock on there for that purpose knowing full well that no lock will stop a committed thief 


    What sort of lock did you use? And how did you set it up? Or should I say hasp and lock if that was the case.
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  • TourDeForth
    TourDeForth Member Posts: 128
    Here is a picture of my modification. I wanted something a little more elegant than a lock hasp. It’s a gym locker style lock I got from Home Depot. I had to make my own spacer and gasket to get a good seal on the diamond plate but it works well. It’s won’t stop a determined thief but will keep honest people honest.

    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Richelieu-Hardware-1-7-16-in-Grey-Hasp-Furniture-Lock-1973022100/315133659
    2023 T@B 320s Boondock, 2013 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4 2016 Toyota Tundra 1794 4x4
    John, Northern California
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  • SLJ
    SLJ Member Posts: 646
    AnOldUR said:
    SLJ said:
    ... The box costs way more than anything in it so having someone pry the box open (easy to do) and ruin it if it's locked would be way more money and hassle to replace it ...
    We all use our boxes a little different, but this is not true for us. When I replaced the plastic tub with a truck box it cost somewhere around $250 at Tractor Supply (yes, the prices have gone up). Two LiFePO4's, a 20 and 5 pound propane tank, shore and solar power cords, Ryobi power tools are just what comes to mind.

    I lock my box when away from the trailer. Not from the serious robber. They'll find a way in. I lock it for the more common opportunist snatch and run thief. 
    If it's a newer box from the factory a replacement with shipping could be an easy $1,000+. Not going to risk it by putting a lock on it. 
    2021 T@B 320 S Boondock
    2025 KZ Sportsmen 130RD
    2025 Ford Ranger
    The Finger Lakes of New York
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  • pthomas745
    pthomas745 Administrator, Moderator Posts: 4,530
    I've had a simple lock on my front tub since day one.
    If anyone does "break the box", I'll simply replace it with a much more secure "truck box" of some type, that will actually have more room.

    2017 Outback
    Towed by 2014 Touareg TDi
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  • rcarlson1957
    rcarlson1957 Member Posts: 264
    Tubular locks for aftermarket tub and 2 drop down side boxes. Propane off when travel. 
    2018 TAB 320S
    2020 Honda Ridgeline RTL
    North Texas 
    Trips - 48  Mileage - @65k
    "Our favorite trip will always be our next one"
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