Lesson learned on propane tanks

[Robbie1947]

I had our two propane bottles filled in June before we headed out for a series of camping trips this summer. I use a hard propane tank cover to protect them as much as possible. Everything has been going well until this past week. I pulled our 154BH into a camping spot took off the cover and I saw that my propane guage was showing empty when I hadn't even used it. I then noticed that it wasn't even my tank, it was a Blue Rhino. Someone obviously took one of my tanks and replaced it with an empty tank. I also noticed that the clamp holding the tanks was loose and that the connection on the Blue Rhino wasn't even screwed on. I am now chaining my propane tanks to the tongue to prevent this from happening again. Next will be doing the same for the dual batteries.

[RedHorse1]

Originally Posted by Robbie1947

I had our two propane bottles filled in June before we headed out for a series of camping trips this summer. I use a hard propane tank cover to protect them as much as possible. Everything has been going well until this past week. I pulled our 154BH into a camping spot took off the cover and I saw that my propane guage was showing empty when I hadn't even used it. I then noticed that it wasn't even my tank, it was a Blue Rhino. Someone obviously took one of my tanks and replaced it with an empty tank. I also noticed that the clamp holding the tanks was loose and that the connection on the Blue Rhino wasn't even screwed on. I am now chaining my propane tanks to the tongue to prevent this from happening again. Next will be doing the same for the dual batteries.

You think that happened when you had them filled or at some other point? Either way what a dirt bag.

[Packerbacker_TX]

Originally Posted by Robbie1947

I had our two propane bottles filled in June before we headed out for a series of camping trips this summer. I use a hard propane tank cover to protect them as much as possible. Everything has been going well until this past week. I pulled our 154BH into a camping spot took off the cover and I saw that my propane guage was showing empty when I hadn't even used it. I then noticed that it wasn't even my tank, it was a Blue Rhino. Someone obviously took one of my tanks and replaced it with an empty tank. I also noticed that the clamp holding the tanks was loose and that the connection on the Blue Rhino wasn't even screwed on. I am now chaining my propane tanks to the tongue to prevent this from happening again. Next will be doing the same for the dual batteries.

Wow- yeah, that's unfortunate you still have people stealing things like that. I've seen locks you can attach to the LPG tanks to keep them from walking off. While you're at it, put a lock on the trailer hitch and the wheels.

[Tunce the traveler]

I’m sad to say that we’ve ( not me ) but Jayco owners have had their Hitch Pins stolen and just how many of us carry an extra one? I never thought I would see the day that I needed a lock for that too.

[Siamese]

Odd that they left you the empty Blue Rhino tank. Isn't the deposit on those things something like twenty bucks? Maybe they wanted to rip you off, but not to much.

[norty1]

Most thieves are not that smart! I have never heard that one, but I guess that is the bad thing about the LP covers.

Something else to check.

[LuckyDuck]

Sadly, I’ve got a locking hitch pin (Andersen), and cables and padlocks on my two batteries and propane tanks. Nothing a bolt cutter couldn’t defeat, but maybe enough to convince a thief to move to something easier. Oh and I lock a chain around my surge protector on the pedestal, too.

[Jagiven]

From Day one,, I have locked my propane tanks, but then for the 1st few years my tt, parked on the street in front of our house.

I use a ~5 foot bicycle cable, loop through both tank handles and locked to the under slung spare tire bracket. It is secure, and a bit of a pain to get a bolt cutter to the lock.

I did have someone steal, one of the steel L brackets that have a pin that secure my Equalizer bars to the tt. Luckily I have a spare set. This happened while in a CG

[kiknads]

https://www.jaycoowners.com/forums/f...ock-13703.html


super easy, doesn't add any dangly chains

[Mustang65]

Locked the LP tanks and Batteries...

inexpensive and easy. Used one length of towing chain cut to fit. May not work against the PRO's, but hopefully the amateurs will move on to the next unprotected TT.

Don

My Registry

RVing with SOLAR

[Parcany]

I have mine almost the same as Mustang has. Sad really sad people have to revert to doing crap like that. If you would have started your fridge then you would have caught it earlier. still wrong wrong wrong.

[wags999]

Originally Posted by Siamese

Odd that they left you the empty Blue Rhino tank. Isn't the deposit on those things something like twenty bucks? Maybe they wanted to rip you off, but not to much.

There is no deposit, you bring a tank in take a full tank out, at a huge markup on the propane. If you don't have a tank, than you purchase a tank at a high mark up. Either way, there is no deposit on any tank. Also they "fill" the tanks only to about 65% rather than 80% that you can fill a tank...so your paying top $$ for a partially full tank. Convivence is the only reason to every use that type of tank..

[mikegray]

I lock mine all the time. Never a problem just a precaution.
Mike

[jimp]

I use a locking hitch pin out of habit since I tow a boat. Have heard of many tales of guys coming back to the ramp, and their boat trailer was stolen, they did lock the trailer to the ball, but did not lock the tow bar to the TV. I use one of those bar type clamps on the TT battery, and a lock up the propane tanks as well. A pro can get 'em in 5 min, but someone else may only be 2 minutes. Peace of mind to some extent.

[bankr63]

JMHO, but since they left you a tank (hoping it's not expired) then you are only out the cost of a tank fill.

How much are you going to spend locking everything down, and how likely is this to happen again? Maybe more likely if you are at a seasonal site and have a (very) dishonest neighbor, but if you camp around I wouldn't think it is that likely.

I agree it is a complete slimeball thing to do, but personally I would probably just shrug it off and go get a refill at Costco for a few bucks.

BTW - if the tank is expired, just take it back and exchange for the newest one the rack. I'd pay the extra for the half-full propane exchange so I don't have to buy a new tank. I guess maybe I'm a bit of a slimeball myself...

[Robbie1947]

We keep our TT in our condo complex's private lot. I suspect it was someone who wanted the tank for their BBQ and found an opportunity for a quick switch. The Blue Rhino has a date if 8/07/16, so it was a few years old.

[norty1]

Originally Posted by Robbie1947

We keep our TT in our condo complex's private lot. I suspect it was someone who wanted the tank for their BBQ and found an opportunity for a quick switch. The Blue Rhino has a date if 8/07/16, so it was a few years old.

Sherlock Holmes would be proud. Your theory is logical. Look for your tank at one of your neighbors!

[Robbie1947]

I like your solution, Don. I bought 6' of chain and a Masterlock and chained the tanks to the tongue frame. Tomorrow getting more chain to secure the dual batteries and a lock for the hitch.

[Seann45]

My rule of thumb is if you dont lock it down it will disappear. Every lock can be defeated but you want to make it hard enough that the scumbags will move on to easier pickings.

[saunterr44]

On a related subject, is there an easier (but still accurate) way to check the fuel level for LP tanks ? I boil a huge pot of water, dribble it over the side of the tank, and feel for the cool spot - that's where the fuel level is.

Anyone ? It's 2019, for crissakes...