Generator security

[Max M4X WW]

Hi all,

This is probably a bit of a stupid question but we have a generator for the first time this year, it only cost £200 but I'd still rather it didn't go walkies!

I thought about locking it to one of the the cars with a chain, but would someone really want it so much as to try and remove/cut off a wheel or the chain? I'm probably being overly paranoid but have heard many stories.

Otherwise, I thought about disguising it as a chemical toilet as to make it less desirable!

Cheers

[gt6]

I think it all depends on where you are, in some campsites it will be safe as long as it secured to something but in the totally open sites if someone can just pick it up and walk away with it they will,

[Max M4X WW]

Should have said, Bleu Nord

[Rick Cutler]

I would take a long chain and lock it up at the back of the gazeebo or put it in a tent at night.

People could remove your wheel yes but really carrying off a wheel and a generator is going to weigh a bit and you will look obvious.

Chain it round your wheel and hope for the best.

if you can't chain it to the wheel get two of those dog screw in posts one either side of the generator and two chains. You cant unscrew the posts with the chain attached and with two chains you cant spin the generator either.

Also be aware if you run it un-sociable hours you will find the HT lead cut or sugar in the tank.

[White-Noise]

Been taking ours for a few years and always lock using a proper motorbike lock and chain to a chassis or wheel of something we have driven down. Not worth the risk!

[Max M4X WW]

Rick Cutler said:

Also be aware if you run it un-sociable hours you will find the HT lead cut or sugar in the tank.

What would this be classed as? I was going to go off the noise of everyone else to be honest.

Operating Noise Level: (AT 7M) 56dB(A)

I think this is fairly quiet anyway? Its not a big crate thing.

Thanks

[Rick Cutler]

It wouldn't be me that's for sure I am over on Speedchills Blue Sud, never seen a generator there (Other then the speedchills one).

In the past some people have put generators as far away from their tents as possible, often next to their neighbours tent! They run it until 2am every night and fire it up at 6am every morning.

If someone only got 4 hours sleep a night after the first night they should ask nicely but I wouldn't count on it. I have heard of generator vandalism before at Le Mans.

Blue Nord is a very open site and easy for people to walk around. If you are near the edges of the site take security very seriously.

EDIT: AT 7m its 56db, your pitch is 5x7 so someone is going to have the generator right by them (unless you have lots of pitches of course), I doubt its under 100db at 2ft.

I just giving my best advise.

Edited by Rick Cutler on Tuesday 27th May 21:09

[Max M4X WW]

It will be run for a few hours a day, when we are 'at camp' only. We have 5 cars/pitches so it will be far enough away to keep the fumes away from us/our neighbours.

If it seems at all dodgy I guess it will have to go in a car.

[Troubleatmill]

Chain it. At night - keep it in the car.


The 3.14 keys take a an interest in such things

eg. Last year they managed ro take about 1/2 ton of fire logs from a group of Danes camped 50 yards from security.

I had stuff nicked last year also ( 6 consecutive pitches got raided)

[FraMac]

As m'learned friends have said, big fk off shackle welded chains and sold secure padlocks.

As for what's acceptable behaviour, chat to your neighbours, feel their bumps (metaphorically) and agree between yourselves.

[matboyslim]

if they pop a high viz vest on while they are taking it im sure no one will even notice!

[RobbyJ]

I don't know about your genny's but the problem with mine is there is nothing to chain to. Mine just has a plastic handle that I chain through to a car wheel but you could saw through the handle in a few seconds. I've bought an alarmed cable lock now so if you move it, it will sound. As others have said though, chain it to something whilst in use and put it in your car overnight (after it's cooled down!)

[Rick Cutler]

RobbyJ said:

....., chain it to something whilst in use and put it in your car overnight (after it's cooled down!)

....and don't then sleep in the car!

[chrisjpartridge]

I've been there and done that with the noisy generator and got fed up with the racket myself over the years.

Now I run a large inverter from the car. The only sound then is however loud the car is at idle. Though it's not the best on fuel it saves a lot of space and hastle and of course does not get nicked.

[lowdrag]

The scrotes are well prepared nowadays and carry big bolt cutters. A motion alarm might be a good thing. Last year bikes were cut off the car racks. Anything that moves will move if you aren't careful. I've said it before but all valuables locked in cars at night or in the bottom of your sleeping bag before retiring.

[surveyor]

We are planning to build a pit for ours as it's a little industrial. Also gives me the opportunity to park on top of it,....

[MonkeyRacing]

If not taking your P&J how about in the car and lash up a temporary exhaust out the sunroof.

[Max M4X WW]

It's 3 months old and owned by a lease company so not the best idea!