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thenewkid64 · 03-30-2005, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomW

My personal fear is that someone (and it will probably be my five year old) will pull the breakaway brake line, and either run my battery down or smoke my brakes, or both. To that end, I'm thinking about putting some sort of buzzer on the system to let me know.

Tom,

If I may make a recommendation. Get a backup alarm and wire it to the output side of the breakaway. If the pin is pulled it would set off the alarm. The only question I would have is if the voltage to the brakes when they are working as normal back feeds into the wire that is fed by the breakaway switch.

Just a random thought....

Anon · 03-30-2005, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eljay

Is it paranoia if they really are out to get you?

Just becasue you're paranoid, doesn't mean that they aren't out to get you...

I am not paranoid.
The other voices in my head are the paranoid ones!

TomW · 03-30-2005, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thenewkid64

...The only question I would have is if the voltage to the brakes when they are working as normal back feeds into the wire that is fed by the breakaway switch...

Yeah, that's the part I'm struggling with. It appears that I will need a black box of electronic parts that will sound the alarm only if the juice comes from the battery wire, and NOT the brake wire.

Now that I think about it, I'm surprised I haven't seen such a device for sale. Maybe I will make one; I could list it on AirstreamBrakeLanyardPulledAlarm.com.

I hope Mr. Champ doesn't catch wind of it.

Thanks,
Tom

yukionna · 03-30-2005, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pahaska

...I keep a padlock through the release lever on my hitch at all times...

Keeping the release lever locked while in transit seems to me to be quite dangerous -- I wouldn't want to be scrambling for a key in the event of an emergency where I would need to quickly release the hitch.

TomW · 03-30-2005, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yukionna

...I wouldn't want to be scrambling for a key in the event of an emergency where I would need to quickly release the hitch.

Actually, my plan, in the event of an emergency, is to pull the pin holding the drawbar in the receiver, disconnect the safety chains, and hit the gas pedal. My Overlander will be left with the release lever still locked to the drawbar.

Granted it is tough on the trailer jack, but at this point I would be trying to save the tow vehicle.

Tom

balrgn · 03-30-2005, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yukionna

Keeping the release lever locked while in transit seems to me to be quite dangerous -- I wouldn't want to be scrambling for a key in the event of an emergency where I would need to quickly release the hitch.

I use a lock in the lever. You need to have a pin in there anyway to prevent it from opening while your driving down a bumpy road. (so you don't watch it pass you!) My plan is the same as TomW

overlander63 · 03-30-2005, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Theo

Nice world we live in, isn't it. Makes me wonder if the 27 years I put in, for the military, was wasted time.

It is a cumulative thing. many individuals together can make a big difference.

Hippo · 03-30-2005, 05:06 PM

I haven't had any problems traveling out here in the northwest. No one has bothered our rig. But I will keep an eye out. Thanks,
Chuck
WBCCI#7854

Jim & Susan · 03-30-2005, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by balrgn

NEVER wonder that! Your efforts make our world livable, can't imagine where would wouuld be if not for the sacrifice so few have made!

Hear, Here! Thank you for your service to our country, Theo.

**jcanavera** · 03-30-2005, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TomW

Jcanavera made some excellent posts on these topics in a variety of threads a while back. I found what he & others had to say enlightening. I have not seen him online of late, so I will summarize in case he does not see this thread to comment.

Tom

Tom,

I'm still around but don't have much time to devote since I'm busy getting the dome and convention center ready for the Final Four tournament.

Yes I did talk about this topic some time ago. There had been reports from some folks who stopped at resturants who had receiver hitch pins pulled while they were inside eating.

We always stay with the trailer when traveling and don't go to eat inside at resturants when towing. Our biggest reason is due to the fact that we travel with 2 dogs.

In many cases though we will overnight and will not unhitch. I always recheck everything prior to departure just in case something happens overnight while we sleep.

Folks who do this type of sabotage are pretty sick. If you are one who stops at resturants during travel time, you might consider carrying an extra hitch pin with you as a backup. Even if you catch a theft prior to departing the parking lot, it still would require you coming up with a temporary pin while you attempt to get a replacement.
Better to keep a backup. They aren't expensive.

Jack

Silvertwinkie · 03-30-2005, 09:40 PM

I bought a Master Lock hitch pin. I love it. It not only locks the hitch in, but also any hitch plugs (Airstream has a real fancy $50 one that dubs as a step). At any rate, it can't be removed or modified without a key or a cutting torch.

Over59 · 03-30-2005, 10:09 PM

I like Tom's plan but it would break my heart to dump her. Don't travel with propane on, ever. I put cold food in a fridge prechilled the night before. A few frozen items keeps the whoel thing cold for a day of travel. I wonder if they make that snake alarm for trailers. Or better yet get a real good looking rubber rattlesnake and wrap it around the hitch.