Locking Front Propane Box

Per code/practice in the RV industry, propane storage areas cannot be locked (not sure if there's a Fed regulation, someone here will know).

Well, ok then! Here goes!

I removed the lock I'd installed on my tongue box, because it made sense when someone pointed out that the fire department guys might want to be able to quickly confirm that the propane was shut off in my camper, in the event of an accident. (I'd prefer that they'd not use a crowbar! Those fire guys can be pretty handy with a crowbar, when they need to be!)

"Different states have different regulations concerning how propane containers are licensed, tagged, etc. Check with your dealer for detailed information. One of the concerns many consumers have is the fact that their propane compartment does not have a lock on the access door. This is correct as the RVIA code specifically requires they be readily accessible."

 http://motleyrvrepair.com/propane_safety_and_use.htm

@pthomas745, Are you looking to just secure your propane tank, or ALL the contents in the front tub? If you just want to secure the propane tank, a hole can be drilled in the bracket holding the propane tank to align with the holes made to secure the propane tank with a padlock. Not sure if that answers your specific question, rather just an idea.

We are fixating on the propane tanks.  How about the battery(íes) as a source of ignition/electrocution? Similar, but different: NHRA requires their be a battery disconnect on the exterior of all sectioned vehicals.  This is the first thing you will often see ppl reach for immediately following a crash during a drag race. It is always located at the rear of the car.

our trailers are equipped with a disconnect within the tub. Lock the tub, and the batteries can not be de energized from the trailer in the event of an accident.  

I beleive the “law of common sense” should prevail over any chapter & vs we can hunt for. Often times, they are one in the same...

Like everything in life, you have options.  

I store some items in our Outback propane/battery box, and feel better if it is locked.  A lot of people our converting their T@B’s to the RV digital door lock, I could not justify the cost of the lock. RV Lock also makes a replacement lock that is a whole lot cheaper (its is just a replacement door lock not digital); they also make cylinder locks keyed alike.  So, I purchased their RV Lock and three of their cylinder locks.  I then replaced the door and outside access compartment and added a lock to the storage battery tub, now everything on our T@B opens with one key.  I also found a company that offers a metal waterproof flip cover that I used on the propane cabinet to keep rain water out of the lock, since the lock is mounted in the top.

If the fire department needs to get into the front compartment they would pop that compartment open quicker than you could blink.  If their ever was a fire while on the road by the time the fire department got there that little trailer would be totally gone, locked or not....
Like I said you have options I chose to lock mine, you get to do whatever you want.

I'm not storing anything of real value in the tub beyond the propane tank & battery.
Am using about six feet of chain that snakes around the battery, frame, propane tank handle and locked with a padlock.

Of course someone with time and determination can take the tank/battery.

Chain means next trailer down the row might be easier pickings.

I told my RV dealer/service dept. of concern of propane and battery being stolen.  They had, on a few T@Bs, taken the original rubber hasp system, and replaced with a very secure lock. So, They did this for me for about $80 (pic) Recently, I went on my first TT trip.  Because of safety concerns, I did not lock it.  But now the hasp does not stay engaged and flies up (off ) the locking mechanism. Now I'm concern that the lid may fly open and rip off while traveling.  I have seen some photos of people attaching a similar locking device alongside the original system, so they can use the original while traveling, and while camping and using LP.   I called the service dept and told them the issues. Very testy, and he stated that NOW they probably would not replace the original when asked for locking solutions.  But they'll gladly attach the original alongside my new lock - for $60.  

pthomas745 said:

So, when you transport your propane in your vehicle, you can't lock the doors, correct?

Fire Fighters are very good at breaking windows...

I installed a similar lock on my tub (see photos below) and don't see a problem with it, if used responsibly.

I keep the tub unlocked while towing, but lock it when the camper is in storage, at a camp site (usually, but not always.....it just depends on the situation or my personal desire - - like maybe I want to be able to access it quickly and am not concerned about theft), etc.  I do this to deter theft of anything in the tub (e.g., battery.)  Although I leave the propane tank in the tub while it is in storage, I remove the battery so that I can put it on a battery maintainer at home.  Unfortunately, it is a no-win situation, because someone who really wants inside that tub isn't going to be stopped by an inexpensive lock.  Same goes for the camper's side compartment lock (although I have changed the lock on that as well so I am not using the standard CH751 key that is used on all RVs.)  However, it hopefully will deter the opportunistic thief, like someone who is trolling a campground for stuff to quickly steal.  

Best practice is to keep the tub unlocked while on the road, "just in case" fire personnel, etc., need access to it in the event of a collision, fire, etc.  They will likely assume that the propane is on, or it could be an additional hazard, so they may at least check to determine if it is "on" or "off," and turn it off if it is on.

I know there are opposing opinions about it, but the KEY (and responsible practice) is to always keep your LPG tank shut OFF while driving.  Don't use it to keep your refrigerator cold.  In the event of a collision or fire, or you pull in to a gas station to re-fuel your tow vehicle, you don't want LPG actively flowing to the camper, or an open flame present. 

Additionally, if you think about it, whether the tub is locked or unlocked, if your camper is on fire (and even if the tank is turned off), there is not much anyone will be able to do safely in an emergency except turn it "off."  You can't remove the tank quickly, and you wouldn't want to anyway.  First, you have to unscrew the wing nut that secures the tank in place, plus you would have to disconnect the propane hose screw-on valve.  You don't want to do that, because that potentially will expose any residual gas at the valve or in the hose and quite possibly lead to a disastrous result.

For what its worth, I just did a quick search regarding traveling with propane and found this article that may be of interest to some.  It applies more to larger RVs, but the points it makes and the suggestions it provides are worth reviewing:

https://www.aisinsurance.com/products/recreational-vehicle/rv-articles/traveling-with-propane.aspx