protecting a trailer

[Sikpper Dan]

Hi,I'm brand new here,I looked over the subjects and didn't see any thing on protecting a trailer from theft. I was looking around the web for ideas and found wheel locks, has anyone hear ever used one? and if so, what kind. <br />Thanks.

 

[SlowlySinking]

Re: protecting a trailer

Hi Sikpper Dan, about the only guaranteed way is to lock the trailer in the police station garage. However, thieves generally like to quickly grab and steal something, so, if you make it difficult they will look some where else. One simple trick is take an extra ball and cut the threaded portion off, then lock it in the trailer hitch using a decent quality lock, don't forget to record and then remove the lock key code number from the lock or they can easily obtain a key and return tomorrow, thieves aren't all stupid. Ever notice the untended flashing message signs with generators used in construction zones, well, they have the same theft problem. What we do on long Island is put it on jack stands and remove the tires/wheels/lug nuts. Not fool proof, but makes it a lot harder and time consuming unless the thief brings a set of tires/wheels/lug nuts/wrench and a jack; same principal, make it time consuming to steal. Back in the 50's some Chrysler cars had reversed lug nut threads, so we used a combination of right and left threaded lug bolts and nuts, drove the tire thieves crazy as they loosened some and tightened the others, almost as effective as razor blades under the fender skirts. Good luck, Ken

 

[Sikpper Dan]

Re: protecting a trailer

Hi ken, I guess the modified ball would work as well as a hitch lock, but the determined thief could just chain up and go. the wheel thing sounds like work especially when you have dual axels that means two tires. what I trying to figure out is, I can get some kind of discount or rebate on my boat insurance if an approved theft deterrent is used. as is the case in some auto insurance policies. every buck I save on land, is buck I can spend on the water.

 

[Ross J]

Re: protecting a trailer

I guess it's easy for me to talk of deterrants to theft as I asked a thief at a ramp (he was a client) which trailor he'd steal. He chose mine last. When I asked why he'd go for all the nice shiney ones that all had anti thieft devices on and leave my 20 year old trailor without any security.<br />His answer was simplicity itself, he could sell those ones but would have difficulty with mine. To identifiable because of age, rust, style, and the name welded onto the side of it.<br />I do have a simple anti thieft device at home. Two large well trained dogs that obey commands yelled from within the safety of the house.<br />Ross

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: protecting a trailer

I keep mine in the garage when it's not on the road to the lake or in the water, but a lot of my neighbors keep their boats out. They typically chain it down and pull/deflate at least one wheel and put blocks under it. These never disappear, cause it takes too much time to steal it...even though they are nice boats (nicer than mine). If you want an insurance saver, install a motion detector that sets off an alarm. You might pull an insurance discount, but your neighbors will really love you when it goes off at 2 a.m. and your not home to shut it off. If you discover the mystery, fool-proof, thief-proof antitheft device let us know. I volunteered to park my boat at my insurance agent's house, but he wouldn't go for it. When you think you're getting too racked on policy price, tell them you're going to shop around. That generally spurs a modest discount of some sort...specially if you insure boat/home/cars/etc. with one firm.

 

[SlowlySinking]

Re: protecting a trailer

Hi Sikpper Dan, some interesting answers, having a trailer that nobody wants seems like one way to go, kinda reminds me of the time my wife found out that her Ford Taurus wagon was at the bottom of the most often stolen cars list, talk about mixed emotions. It appears that making your trailer/boat as hard to steal as possible will also help. Given enough time a thief can steal about anything, hummm, maybe that's why some politicians need a second term, Ken

 

[BJM]

Re: protecting a trailer

I remove and hide one wheel. I also welded the hitch to the toungue so that no one could just unbolt my locked hitch and use there own. Its also cabled to a tree that if cut down can only fall on the boat.

 

[Sikpper Dan]

Re: protecting a trailer

Thanks for the suggestions, and please don't take any offence I'm just not set up like most of you guys my parking is a little limited at home. I have one spot right beside the garage. My dog princess. 150 lb rottweiler wouldn't harm a flee, the only time she makes a noise is when the police or a ambulance goes buy. I don't have any trees to nail it to, and really don't like messing with the tires every time we take off. We like to travel a little some times spending a night in a hotel. It's difficult to always find just the right one with parking close to the room. Most of the time, I'm up a couple times a night having a look at things. I'm looking at wheel locks,wheel boots, they look kind of interesting I found a few different types. They Look simple, and would give the trailer the look that precautions have been taken.

 

[93evinrude]

Re: protecting a trailer

A couple of things to do in addition to any locks and or alarm systems:<br />1.place with tongue forward so that boat will need to be turned around to be removed<br />2.park a vehicle in a way that it blocks the trailer in

 

[93evinrude]

Re: protecting a trailer

Also,here is a link to a couple of wheel lock suppliers that you were asking about.Unfortunately,one is in the uk but may have local reps.<br /> http://www.trailerlock.com/ <br /> http://www.devamarine.co.uk/security.htm

 

[Sikpper Dan]

Re: protecting a trailer

I found quite a few,lots in the UK here's one fill out the pole and could get a free one<br /> http://www.immobilize.com

 

[6MISFITZ]

Re: protecting a trailer

The less expensive method I use is a chain about 5 feet long and loop it through the wheel and over the frame of the trailer with a big padlock.<br /><br />Of course for winter storage, I remove the wheels altogether and store them in my basement.<br /><br />Mike.

 

[MJC]

Re: protecting a trailer

I agree with most here - if someone wants it there is no lock that will stop them. <br />As an aside - I use FULTON's locks on my reciever, trailer coupler and outboard kicker. Lost one of the sets of keys. Called the company, gave them the key #'s and they are sending out 2 replacement keys for each lock AT NO CHARGE!. <br />Some companies know how to keep customers.

 

[ndemge]

Re: protecting a trailer

.....grind that # off the lock and write it down someplace.....