Trailer theft security

[mep1811]

What are you using as a trailer theft security ? Since I normally use a pintle I would pull the ring out and run a locking pin through the receiver. I have read that that might not be a good deterrent.

In addition, I am looking at this for some extra peace of mind leaving the trailer in camp.

 

[john61ct]

Nothing will stop an actual thief with tools. Maybe taking the wheels with you, would deter most.

Some install a hidden mobile Internet GPS tracker, would want a hidden power supply good for at least a week I guess.

 

[rnArmy]

Maybe running a large chain through one of your rims (if running slotted or spoked rims) and through/around the trailer's leaf spring or suspension, and a large lock. It would make a thief looking for an easy target move on, but if someone was determined, they sell heavy duty battery operated tools that'll run a cutting disc that will cut chains and welded nuts and such.

Maybe get a little engraved plaque made that says something to the effect "If I catch you, I will shoot you" and have it mounted at the end of the trailer's tongue where it is easily seen might get them to think twice. Maybe.

I try not to leave it out of my sight.

I hate thieves.

 

[REasley]

While I pull the the Lock-n Roll hitch when I leave the trailer, the best security is a good insurance policy. You simply can't stop a determined thief.

I keep a detailed list of all the gear in the trailer and since I built my own trailer, I've already got lots of ideas for how I would do it post theft.

 

[dreadlocks]

I was thinking about going for something like a lock-n-roll, not really because I need the articulation but for quietness, and because its uncommon enough of a hookup it'd make a larger trailer like mine hard to get far with.

Right now I have a cheap tongue lock and some locked tandem axle stabilizers.. Been debating just buying something more robust like an amplock but converting to something like lock-n-roll would be roughly same price and be as effective at disabling oprotune coupling even w/basic tools like a power grinder, bolt cutters.

I'm about to build a garage to put my trailer in, thinking of putting a U section of PVC pipe in the foundation/floor right where a trailer axle should be and looping a section of hardened chain through the floor and around axle..

For my little 4x7 expo trailer I welded a trailer ball to top of a 3ft 1.5in water pipe that I cemented in next to house, since I could push trailer over there by hand I'd just dock it onto that hitch and lock chains to it, drilled out coupler pin a lil larger so it could fit a decent quality lock.. nobody's taken that in a decade.

 

[mep1811]

I was thinking more of in the field. I think the wheel lock and a lack of a hitch to attach to will be good deterrents.

Maybe running a large chain through one of your rims (if running slotted or spoked rims) and through/around the trailer's leaf spring or suspension, and a large lock. It would make a thief looking for an easy target move on, but if someone was determined, they sell heavy duty battery operated tools that'll run a cutting disc that will cut chains and welded nuts and such.

Maybe get a little engraved plaque made that says something to the effect "If I catch you, I will shoot you" and have it mounted at the end of the trailer's tongue where it is easily seen might get them to think twice. Maybe.

I try not to leave it out of my sight.

I hate thieves.

 

[jacobconroy]

I have a Max Coupler (like Lock-n-Roll) and it has worked so far. Just pull out the articulated part and put a locking pin in the trailer tongue.

Always thought the trifecta would be a non-standard hookup (like above), a car alarm with a siren and motion detector that will lock up the trailer brakes when triggered, and to make sure that the electronics for the alarm, siren, and brakes cannot be shorted out externally.

Heck, between all that I'd probably give up while trying to steal it. Not fool proof, but the goal would be to make somebody else's trailer look more inviting to jack than mine.

 

[old_CWO]

Got OBA? if so, deflate your tires. It's tough to tow away a trailer with dead flat tires, hopefully the scumbag will see that and move on.

 

[Model97]

Maybe running a large chain through one of your rims (if running slotted or spoked rims) and through/around the trailer's leaf spring or suspension, and a large lock. It would make a thief looking for an easy target move on, but if someone was determined, they sell heavy duty battery operated tools that'll run a cutting disc that will cut chains and welded nuts and such.

Maybe get a little engraved plaque made that says something to the effect "If I catch you, I will shoot you" and have it mounted at the end of the trailer's tongue where it is easily seen might get them to think twice. Maybe.

I try not to leave it out of my sight.

I hate thieves.

The inconvenient part of such planning is that the word "premeditated" tends to be thrown around in court.

 

[Teardropper]

On this new build, I'm going to remove the coupler.

T

 

[rnArmy]

The inconvenient part of such planning is that the word "premeditated" tends to be thrown around in court.

Good point. Don't you hate it when bad guys try to make you the bad guy when you catch them?

Then change "If I catch you, I will shoot you" to something not involving firearms. If I catch you... "I'll put a hurting on you"? "I'll kick ****************"? "You'll experience intense pain"? "You will have made a poor life choice that will have immediate consequences"? "You will have chosen poorly"? "I'll tell your Mom, and then you'll really be in trouble"? (will this last one be ok in court?).

Right now I have a 5/8" grade 8 bolt in place of the hitch pin shown securing the lunette ring into the trailer's tongue, and a 5/8" grade 8 bolt securing the pintle hitch in the 2" receiver. I need a better way to keep the pintle hitch locked closed.

Rarely do I have the trailer disconnected from the Jeep. I have a cheap hitch pin lock - I should get a higher quality locking hitch pin.

 

[john61ct]

The inconvenient part of such planning is that the word "premeditated" tends to be thrown around in court.

 

[BritKLR]

I know your talking about an Expo camper in the woods, but for the past five years I've used the common wheel claw lock, basic hitch lock and wheel chain with padlock on our event trailer all over the US. Now, the vast majority of the time the trailer is at an event so the likelihood of someone nicking it is low, but there is a number of times it's been left in NP's, hotels or offsite locations with this combination and no problems. While my confidence level is relativity low regarding these locks, particularly with a determined thief with a set of battery powered DeWalt cut-off tools and crappy truck, we haven't been a victim yet....(knock on wood). Also, statistically you're more likely to be a victim of trailer theft in your own driveway or in the parking lot of a hotel, so a good hitch lock system attached to your vehicle would be a good start. Good luck!

One of the more sleepless nights regarding traveling with a trailer...….I had to spend the night in a roadside motel while bringing my tractor home to the mountains. Knowing the risk associated with heavy equipment theft from hotel parking lots I backed the trailer up to the curb and a tree. Used two logging chains an four padlocks, wheel clamp lock, hitch lock, hitch chain locks and removed the starter and fuel relays from by ole Chevy, plus got a room that "overwatched" the setup......my poor wife didn't get much sleep cause I was up and down all night! So glad when morning came.

 

[mep1811]

I'll do what I can within reason. I'm also going to get anti-theft nuts for the RTT , Batwing ,Road Shower etc. Years ago I would have not be so concerned but there seems to be an increase of nefarious characters when out camping.

Heck at Expo East, in the terrible weather , vendors were burglarized. So no place is immune.

 

[rnArmy]

I'll do what I can within reason. I'm also going to get anti-theft nuts for the RTT , Batwing ,Road Shower etc. Years ago I would have not be so concerned but there seems to be an increase of nefarious characters when out camping.

Heck at Expo East, in the terrible weather , vendors were burglarized. So no place is immune.

That is sad that even at an event such as Expo East, vendors were burglarized.