Propane/Battery Lock

The manufacturer, Pleasant Valley, cannot put a lock on the tub/tongue box, because, as you said, PXLated, due to being able to have quick access to the shut off for propane in case of a fire. 

The end user, or owner, can be made aware of this law for the manufacturer, but the law does not apply to the end user/owner. 

I can put a lock on mine, but I have experienced a grill fire at home and I know how scarey it was to reach in and shut the propane valve off. 

I carry a couple of long of long bike cables and padlocks so I could lock the cables around the box if I felt the contents were in danger.

Not sure how hard it would be for police/fire to break into a plastic tub if needed, but understand.  I added a combo lock to mine so that I don't need to have key on me to access. 

Jenn - Mine has a latch, it just doesn't lock.

I had asked the factory about this about a week ago as to whether the front tub came with a lock.  They responded that there isn't the ability to lock it since NFPA disallows locking due to an LP tank. 

I certainly understand people's concerns via theft, etc. as we have seen incidents of battery theft reported in the LG units from time to time.  

jkjenn said:

My lock, as a lock, I think is fairly worthless. As a matter of fact, it needs to be replaced. I wonder if the rubber do-dads would fit that hole?

If you happen to get the rubber do-dad, Jenn, warning....there is elasticity in the rubber and it pulls my hand back and I almost have a permanent cut in the web of my hand between my thumb and finger. I'm trying to re-educate myself to push the do-dad into place, rather than stretching it into place. Try it, you'll understand. Guys, your hands are stronger than mine, so this may or may not happen to you. 

My lock is close to being shot so I need to some up with something else to keep the lid down. It doesn't have to be a lock. I would like to see if I can fit something for that hole, though, even if it is just a rubber plug.

PXLated said:

The simplest would probably be to just get a replacement part if LG has any - or directly from the mfg

I asked Marvin and Austin at Tearstock. They can't sell them.

It seemed to be a reluctant conversation, PXLated. I know Pleasant Valley was surprised to find out about the regulations. I don't know anything else.  

You could find a lock similar to the one pictured above in hardware stores, or you could find locks like the ones on the galley hatches ( just like what is on my truck camper shell). 

I think one like what is on my truck camper shell would last longer than the conventional lock, as pictured above....but that's my personal opinion.

As I said, I use a combo lock.  Usually leave it unlocked.  If I'm concerned, I just switch number and have a little more security (note use of term little  -- nothing on mine will do much to deter).  I generally subscribe to leave it unlocked ... most they can grab from one is the propane and random blocks that I store in the area, since batteries have been relocated.  And no that is not the combination to open it.  I locked it for the picture.
  

Naw, I shifted everything.  And as a thief, yes, I'd actually just pop the rubber thing that hold the '06 lid to the tub and go for it.   The combo is incredibly simple if you know me, but random if you don't.

I assume if they have to think how to do it, it may make them think twice.   Best I can hope for.

ChanW said:

I like the combi lock idea - one less key - but then I'd have to find my glasses to open it... B-)

I did when I first saw it and then remembered that twice, I just wanted to get and open up the propane bottle ASAP, as it was pouring rain.

My father always said locks are for honest people!

mash2 said:

Again, unless I'm concerned, I leave it unlocked.  Under normal circumstances, it's not in the way.  

Could also use some paint colors to create cover numbers and then just remember a color sequence (wouldn't need glasses).  

Does it latch if unlocked? I am looking to make sure it is secure while I am driving.

mash2 said:

It has held on mine for 3 years....  Not sure how the new one's attached.  On the DM's, it fits well.  I have it tightened so that it has a positive hold that I need to rotate to open (not hard but it doesn't move unless I twist it.  I could lock it, but it has been fine.  If you want, I can try taking a picture of the reverse side of the mechanism so you could get a sense of the setup.

That would be really awesome, if you have the time. Thanks!