Protect your fuel tank from night-raiding gas suckers

While the price of motor fuel certainly stings at the pump, imagine the insult to have that precious liquid gold siphoned out of your RV fuel tank?

Some communities, including political center of the universe, Washington, DC, have seen a big increase in gas boosting thieves.  What’s to be done to protect your fuel?

It could be as simple as something as locking your gas filler neck with a locking gas cap. It’s not difficult nor expensive to stick one on your motorhome or your tow vehicle. If you’re not sure of a fit from the “replacement parts book” at the part store, simply take your existing fuel cap in to match one up.

But not all fuel thieves are put off by a locking gas cap–maybe only the “honest” ones. Some brazen fuel filchers will go so far as to punch or drill a hole into your gas tank. With the larger fuel tanks found on motorhomes and tow rigs, RVers could become a more desirable target.

Like a lot of would-be thieves, gas suckers are fearful of the light. It’s likely a diesel weasel will come calling in the daytime, but a night, that’s a different matter. One outfit, Starlights Inc., thinks they have the solution: Equip your RV with a motion detector light to scare off the boogies before they get your goods. For around $100 the outfit will sell you a 12-volt motion sensor light that easily mounts where an existing outside RV light goes. Equipped with a control microcircuit, you can adjust the light to come on when it senses motion within 15 to 25 feet of your rig.

To keep your coach batteries up to snuff, the Smart Light, as the company calls its baby, won’t turn on if the battery voltage drops below 11.5 volts, but a very-low current draw LED will indicate what the problem is. The light is set up with an adjustable angle, so the light will (hopefully) not disturb a camping neighbor should it go off on “seeing” say, a skunk or other camp robber. The whole rig is set up with easily replaceable (and widely purchasable) 1003 automotive bulb.

Sadly, company has few actual retail outlets, but will sell you a unit by mail. Call them for more information at (800) 883-5444.

DVD: RV Safety Features, Tips & Tricks
RV expert Mark Polk walks you through the step-by-step process of understanding the safety features on your RV, and what you can do to enhance your personal safety when using it. Learn all about LP gas, water and electrical system safety, RV fire safety, carbon monoxide safety, RV emergency escape plans…and more!