Visit our Popular Forums

J Goertzen · 08-19-2008, 08:35 PM

I hope the webmaster of this site knows where to put this request,I am not sure if this is the right place. What is a good way to lock up your AS at a campground while you are away hiking,maybe for a few days? I don't mean the doors and windows, but how to lock up your rig so no one can hookup to it and drive off with your AS??? I have a small trailer hitch lock that goes through the hole in the latch you use to tighten down on the trailer hitch ball, but that does not seem enough. It locks with a key, but I bet a good bolt cutter could go through it. I thought I heard of something that locks the wheels. I also heard of some item called rotochock, but it sounded more like something to keep your AS from rocking and moving while you were inside and not much of a lock. What do you folks do??? Would hate to hike around for a few days to find the AS long gone. My AS is a 22' International CCD, 2003, thanks,Jim

Mexray · 08-19-2008, 09:05 PM

There are any number of hitch locks around...check th net...

We use an old Master Lock #35 type that slides over the hitch opening...a key is used to open a small port in the bottom where you insert an Allen wrench to screw a set screw up into the hitch to keep the lock housing in place.

It looks like Master Lock is only selling their newer style locks these days. You can see our lock at the top of this page, and the newer locks at the bottom:
http://www.masterlock.com/cgi-bin/pr...3&template=app

You are correct that any kind of padlock you place on the top of the hitch lever hole could be removed with a bolt cutter....get a lock that covers the hole the ball fits into, for more security.

2dabeach · 08-19-2008, 09:31 PM

When we leave our 25' at the storage yard I install a Master Lock Marvel #35AT lock that covers the bottom of the coupler, a Lifelong SS coupler lock that goes through the small hole on the coupler and large diameter locking cables through the wheel spokes on both side of the trailer and locked with a padlock. I had to grind down the aluminum casting on the Master lock so it would fit on the Airstream coupler.

2airishuman · 08-19-2008, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Goertzen

...What is a good way to lock up your AS at a campground while you are away...

hi jim

u r correct the roto' is basically for reducing small motions, while parked.

it can be locked but the nylon belt isn't really a security device and the trailer can be pulled with enough force to eject it.

there are a few threads on this topic, here's one with lots of pix and ideas...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238...ers-29301.html

i've considered buying and using a 'denver boot' type device, many versions available online.

gps/lowjack type tracking gadgets keep multiplying and the cost for monthly plans keep going down.

of course ne1 that really wants it can take it, but the goal is to discourage them some.

cheers
2air'

TBRich · 08-19-2008, 10:09 PM

We use the same couple lock as SilverGate...this thread: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f238...ers-29301.html ...post #58. I think it's a great lock to keep the Bambi safe... Oops..this is the same thread 2air' sent you to... it's a good one...

purman · 08-19-2008, 10:12 PM

This is a picture of the master Lock one. I use it... The ball part slides forward and then locks. The key is on the other side, It works really well... I think there about 20-30 dollars....

bredlo · 08-19-2008, 10:32 PM

Wow purman, that one looks like the "David Winick edition" version!

J Goertzen · 08-19-2008, 11:15 PM

Lets see, seems like master lock makes a lock that fills in the area where the ball on the hitch would go, but, also folks are mentioning a "coulpler lock", is a coupler that lever that you pull down above the hitch ball when your hitching uP? A picture of a AS already locked would be great if someone would be kind enough to send one. Boy, I thought I had this one thought through, maybe its just late and I am not getting this right. Has anyone called a AS dealer and see if they sell such a lock? Thanks again to everyone who is helping me with this first long trip in my AS, Jim

**azflycaster** · 08-19-2008, 11:32 PM

I use this lock to slow them down a little.

J Goertzen · 08-19-2008, 11:40 PM

azflycaster, looks awsome, where do you get gorilla guard and, are there measurements I need to know before buying one, etc. Thanks, Jim

ZoominC6 · 08-20-2008, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azflycaster

I use this lock to slow them down a little.

We use this one as well. So far, so good.

wahoonc · 08-20-2008, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by azflycaster

I use this lock to slow them down a little.

Same method I use, the gorrila lock and the hitch lock. FWIW DO NOT loose the key to the gorrila lock, they take a while to cut off...been there done that

Aaron

wahoonc · 08-20-2008, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Goertzen

azflycaster, looks awsome, where do you get gorilla guard and, are there measurements I need to know before buying one, etc. Thanks, Jim

Jim,
One size fits all...for the most part

I have seen them at Wally Mart, Lowe's Tractor Supply, Northern Tools, etc. and I am sure they could be ordered on line.

Aaron

henw · 08-20-2008, 05:47 AM

Hitch locks are minor deterrents. A serious thief will drag your AS away with chains and ropes. If you have the right wheels, there is a company that makes a wheel boot for trailers.

Tom

Pick · 08-20-2008, 06:07 AM

Most foolproof way is to set trailer on blocks and remove tires!

BillTex · 08-20-2008, 07:05 AM

I had the same concerns about leaving the AS at “base camp” while out hiking for a few days. These are not high crime areas, but they are remote. I purchased a life long lock (http://www.lifelonglocks.com/) what a well made product. I bought the keyed alike combo (hitch/receiver) and also got an old trick off this forum; buy a spare ball, cut off the shank, and put that in the receiver when you put the lock on. This will prevent anyone from dropping your hitch on any sized ball. Don’t forget to take the ball out before you back your truck up to leave…don’t ask how I know this!
Some folks run cable etc through the wheels, etc. I have a 30’ long Master lock/cable, but to be honest I have not used it for the AS yet. I use the cable for kayaks/bikes. Other than that, cross your fingers, let the “Host” (if there is one) know you will be away for a few days (NF land/ST Parks in New England usually have a Host). And enjoy your hike.

Bill

willyd · 08-20-2008, 07:18 AM

Use wheel boot locks. If possible, turn off the 12 volt so the electric tongue jack doesn't operate. This will also help.

purman · 08-20-2008, 07:57 AM

Ok, Here is a pic of a way to double look the front end, I guess you could also rig a chain on the front jack. If it is electric you could disconnect your batteries if there locked up so they cant move the jack..

**moosetags** · 08-20-2008, 07:58 AM

All good suggestions; the best you can do is slow them down. The more difficult you make it for them, the less likely that they will mess with your trailer. Recently, Bal has come out with a new compresssion trailer wheel chock that has ring to put a padlock on. These would further serve to make theft more difficult.

Brian

garry · 08-20-2008, 08:23 AM

When my AS was in storage I went to check on it one day and found it had been relocated to another slot but the lock was still on it and I always disconnect the battery.

Manager said no big deal they jack it up to clear the post and wrap chains around the tongue. There were no scratches or indications they had done anything.

I'm not sure this would work for any distance but it sure surprised me.

Garry