Safety chain removal

[cwf]

You can only slow down or make it too much trouble to steal.

Someone had a “boot” on their trailer tire. The thief removed lugnuts, replaced the tire and drove it off.

We have a special hitch attached and will cause some trouble for a thief, hopefully more than they want to deal with

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by czunc

I have a Provan Ind. hitch lock but I thinking about removing my safety chains when stored. I would reattach my chains using locking quick links. The links that are welded to the frame would remain as attachment points. These links are rated at 4,000 lbs each. This would prevent someone from using the safety chains to steal the trailer.

Has anybody done this before and am I over thinking this? My chains will not lock inside my hitch lock.

Do you think if someone had the means and tools to steal your Airstream, they be baffled by the lack of safety chains? They'd bring straps or chains.

[sheriff1]

Just another piece in the puzzle for them in my case. Pro Pride hitch held in place by a quality lock, no chains provided by me, x-chocks locked in place, might make them move on to easier pickings.

[Kay0]

The decision to not remove the chains on the trailer was based on the increased probability they would not be there when I needed them most. To secure the AS we use a good tongue lock, to make it difficult and GPS to hopefully locate it.

[czunc]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

Do you think if someone had the means and tools to steal your Airstream, they be baffled by the lack of safety chains? They'd bring straps or chains.

I started this thread 2 years ago when my airstream was stored in a random lot under a carport. Now I keep it inside a warehouse and I don’t worry about the chains. Hopefully it won’t disappear when left at a National park but if it does, I have insurance.

[LBelle]

Maybe I am missing something but I would think a "casual" thief wouldn't worry about the chains. The chains are not needed, just a safety asset and a thief isn't all that particular about the safety of a trailer, they just want to hitch it up and drive it away.

[rmkrum]

The issue with the chains is if you have a hitch lock or a Hensley design hitch, the easiest way to swipe a trailer is to use the safety chains.

I have a ProPride hitch. Without the proper stinger, it’s not going anywhere easily if the safety chains are also removed. True, if the thief has their own chains, it won’t slow them down much. That’s why people use several more layers of theft deterrent. Removing the chains is an easy one to implement (once I get them cut off from the tongue “loop” they are fastened to)

Ultimately, insurance is the final fallback position.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by rmkrum

Where did you find the hooks, and what is their load rating?

I’m planning something similar but have not found a good source for the hooks...

Hooks came from Tractor Supply. Forged G70 just like the factory ones.

[thewarden]

Originally Posted by cwf

You can only slow down or make it too much trouble to steal.

Someone had a “boot” on their trailer tire. The thief removed lugnuts, replaced the tire and drove it off.

Most boot designs completely cover the outside of the wheel itself so the wheel nuts are not accessible. Locking wheel nuts would also prevent/seriously delay thieves from removing the tire.