You can go camping without a generator, but why would you want to?
With a generator, you can run appliances, the converter charger on your RV, or extra lights around the campsite.
A generator is a handy item around a campsite, and those without them think the same.
The problem with generators is they are the most commonly stolen item from campsites. They are designed to be portable, making them easy to grab and run with unless secured.
Securing a generator seems like it would be an easy task, right? Well, if you’re clever at securing it, rest assured someone will be creative, overcoming your efforts.
Because there are ways to make it secure enough to make stealing challenging, a would-be thief will move on to easier pickings.
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How to Secure Generator While Camping
Generators for your campsite or located in your RV can be secured with a cable, chains, alarms, and mounts to which they are bolted. You can bolt your generator on a unique rack, a trailer hitch, a trailer, or a mount in the bed of your truck.
Lock and Chains
A chain is locked to your generator, and the bumper or axle of your car will deter most who would eye your generator with envy. However, someone with a bolt cutter and a pickup truck can get off with your generator in a jiffy.
This is why it is essential to look at all options when considering securing your generator while you are camping.
The more difficult you make it to get your generator, the better your chance it will be where you left it when you return from the lake or shower house.
Many RV’s have a locker built to hold a generator, and chaining your unit in this location may be effective.
However, even if it is located in a locker, you still need to provide the best security you can. An RV without a generator will not be able to run all of its appliances, which is why you use an RV for camping.
Security Bracket
Many generator manufacturers have developed security brackets that make cutting a chain or cable secure your generator. These are designed to make it harder to cut the chain or cable holding it in place.
Security brackets fit over the handles of your generator, bolt in place, and give the cable or chain you are using for securement a place to run.
The brackets make it harder to get to a cable or chain but are by no means foolproof.
Cables
Cables are more difficult to cut than chains, and bolt cutters will not get the job done.
However, someone determined to relieve you of your generator can bring a battery-powered Dremel tool with a diamond-cutting wheel that will cut that cable like butter.
However, chains or cables will make easier pickings and look more appealing for someone who wants an easy grab. It will be hard to deter someone who makes a life of relieving campers of their belongings.
They come prepared and have the tools necessary to quickly remove your generator, no matter how you have it secured.
Alarms
Adding an alarm to any of the above measures will give you a heads up if someone messes with your generator and provide you with time to respond. However, it, like the other security measures listed, is not foolproof.
However, by adding a GPS tracker, you may be lucky enough to locate your generator if it does go missing. If you can track it, you can find where it is.
If you are in a tent, camping does not leave your generator running at night unless it has an alarm. If it does not, you may not realize it is gone until it is too late.
If someone wants your generator, they do not care what time of day it is when they get it.
Hide It
It is unlikely that you will leave a generator running while not at your campsite. So, you can hide your generator under your RV or on the edge of the tree line.
Some campers have gone so far as to dig a hole under their vehicle to hide their generator. They dig a hole, then place their generator in it and park over the top of it.
Bolt it to a Bracket
Although a generator bolted to a bracket in your RV or pickup truck can be unbolted, it takes time. You can also mount a generator bracket to your vehicle in such a way that unbolting it would take a lot of time.
The longer it takes to relieve you of your equipment, the less appealing it is to a thief.
Brackets are made for generators that fit RV’s and trucks or can be custom-made to fit your generator. Either way, the harder you make it to take your generator, the more likely it will be where you left it when you return.
Frequently Asked Questions about How to Secure a Generator While Camping
Can I put my generator in my tent?
You can, but not while it is running. Generators produce carbon monoxide and should only be used in ventilated areas.
Will removing the wheels on my generator help secure it?
It can help, but even if you remove the wheels, you should secure it with a chain, cable, and a security bracket if you want to keep it.
Securing your Generator While Camping
Whether camping in a tent, trailer, or RV, a generator gives you many of the comforts of home.
Not everyone likes roughing it, and a generator adds enough luxury to an outdoor experience that your reluctant friends will come along.
Keeping your generator secure means you can use it now and will have it to use later. So, don’t rush and take your time to secure it properly.
It will provide electricity for you on many trips into the wilderness.
