Battery Security

[masterdrago]

Has anyone considered ideas for securing the battery/cover. When I took a look Saturday at the battery and box bolted to the frame, I noticed how quickly one could cut the strap and cables to make off with the battery. Doubt that they would get past the security at the house but a knife and wire cutters and about 15 seconds and poof. Anyone use some way to make it more difficult? Chain? Cable? Etc?

[huntr70]

Some people run a chain and padlock around the frame and battery box. Some also chain up their LP tanks.

[NB Canada]

Whatever you do they can still break so what is the point
Most are not out to steal a lead acid battery

[masterdrago]

Hopefully that's what the bad guys think is under the cover - lead acid

[MoonShadow_1911]

Whatever you do they can still break so what is the point
Most are not out to steal a lead acid battery

Unfortunately, back in 2016, here in New Mexico, we had a brand new lead acid battery stolen off the tongue of our brand new Kodiak hybrid. I moved that battery inside, under the dining booth bench and vented it. Then I chained the propane tanks to the frame, since the cop said that thieves were stealing those as well.

[Mjlebsa]

Has anyone considered ideas for securing the battery/cover. When I took a look Saturday at the battery and box bolted to the frame, I noticed how quickly one could cut the strap and cables to make off with the battery. Doubt that they would get past the security at the house but a knife and wire cutters and about 15 seconds and poof. Anyone use some way to make it more difficult? Chain? Cable? Etc?

This is what I did. Of course someone could just cut the locks, but it would at least slow them down

[masterdrago]

Thanks Matt. Yep, anyone seriously looking to snatch a battery can cut thru anything. That looks like a good rigging and should have a bad guy looking elsewhere. If you used a serious lock, they can still use a grinder or sawzall to cut the joint.

[Wileykid]

Several years ago at a storage lot, a number of batteries were being stolen from RV's, I bought a metal band that locks (http://www.b-drvbatterylock.com/) similar to Mjlebsa for my trailer, and never had the battery stolen. Sure it is easy to defeat with cutting the lock, but they usually are looking at the easiest target. I had a long bicycle cable lock around my propane tanks and frame, and they stole the hold down clamp on it.

[masterdrago]

Thanks Mjlebsa and Wileykid. I went for that one as seems simple yet fairly durable.

[Butcher]

Most catalytic converters are welded to the exhaust. Thieves are not stopping at that.

I'm not certain what is best. Put theft preventive measures only to have more damage to steal a cheap battery or just strap it in like all others. Less mess to deal with when the batteries are gone. I leave my car unlocked just because there is nothing in it worth of value. There is no dash, radio, carpet, headliner, just garbage. If I locked it, they would smash the window, look inside, and leave with nothing. What do I get from it? A smashed window. Try finding a window for a 40 year old car on the shelf.

I just don't see a real big issue with battery thefts in my area. Just remember, the hard it is to get to, the more damage will be done if they truly want it.

If I had LifePo4 batteries, I would not want them mounted outside.