Trailer Guardian

Justin · 07-12-2003, 10:50 PM

www.trailerguardian.com

It makes it so you will not decouple anymore, and it fits onto your existing setup, and much more. They are still being produced and are not in the market quite yet.
Opinions ?
Also im pretty sure you can buy them at www.safetyhitchguard.com

Rog0525 · 07-13-2003, 07:34 AM

At a glance, these look like modified C clamps or U bolts.
The problem I foresee is added friction on the ball, causing wear and tear.
If the concern is the nut backing off, why not just tack weld it?
As for security, I don't see how these are any more theft-proof
than a padlock in the locking mechanism.
Add 37 cents to this opinion and you will have enough to buy a postage stamp.

Rog

Pahaska · 07-13-2003, 07:37 AM

As far as I can see, this product is not suitable for use with weight-distributing hitches and is not applicable to at least 98% of Airstreams (or any other SOB trailer of any appreciable size).

It would work on the trailer for my little 14' sailboat or something like that. However, for $100, I can think of a lot other ways to keep my trailer secure.

**john hd** · 07-13-2003, 07:58 AM

i'm with john on this one!

a heavy duty padlock on the safety chains would achieve the same end result.

if it's sole purpose is to prevent theft one could just cut the reciever pin and get the whole works.

if it's other purpose is to keep your trailer on the ball, one could rebuild the coupler for about 25 bucks.

john

Rog0525 · 07-13-2003, 08:35 AM

I haven't seen any on the market but a castle nut with a dowel pin through the shank would keep the nut in place moreso than just a lockwasher?

Pahaska · 07-13-2003, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Rog0525
I haven't seen any on the market but a castle nut with a dowel pin through the shank would keep the nut in place moreso than just a lockwasher?

Trouble with a dowel pin or cotter key is that in most the cases, the ball would have to be backed off to insert the pin. In other words, the ball would not be tight.

It's a lot more secure to use a lockwasher. A properly tightened and lubricated ball will not come loose. if you have ever removed a ball, you will find that the lock washer will cut a sizeable sliver of metal before letting go. It takes a serious wrench to remove a properly applied ball.

Rog0525 · 07-13-2003, 09:05 AM

It also occurs to me that a hose clamp attached snugly over the hitch/ball connection would keep the hitch on the ball just as effectively as the Guardian.
Hey, maybe I'm onto a multimillion dollar invention here.
Pretend you didn't see this. I'm on my way to the patent office.

Rog