I'll be picking up a Sport 22 in about 2 weeks, and I'm wondering what people do for security. What are the thoughts about hitch locks, wheel locks, etc.?
2017 25' International
Niagara-on-the-Lake
, ON Canada
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,838
I use the BOLT locks. They have a coupler lock and a receiver pin lock that you can key to your TV ignition key. High quality locks and very convenient - needing to carry fewer keys.
I'll be picking up a Sport 22 in about 2 weeks, and I'm wondering what people do for security. What are the thoughts about hitch locks, wheel locks, etc.?
All those devices are easy to defeat. If they want your trailer they will get it. That said I don't think too many trailers are being stolen. Maybe I'm wrong. Best is to have insurance. Its not expensive.
A cheap solution (which I saw in an old Trailer Life magazine back in the 60's) , and I have been using all along is a hitch ball with the threaded portion cut off and a padlock.
This is just a deterrent; it won't stop a real professional thief.
2010 30' Classic
Vintage Kin Owner
South of the river
, Minnesota
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,169
Generally, trailer theft happens in two places:
i) industrial/commercial areas inside a locked gate that provides a false sense of security. These areas usually have no one present at night since they are separated from residential areas due to zoning
ii) remote yet accessible sites where the trailer is left unattended long-term i.e. weeks or months
Typically the theft is planned, they show up with a battery powered angle grinder and a tow truck, and move the trailer in the middle of the night to a nearby indoor location where any hitch locks, security devices, and unique identifying marks can be removed at their leisure. The best thing of course is to avoid leaving your trailer in these locations and the second best thing is insurance.
Theft of an entire trailer is ordinarily not a crime of impulse but if that is your concern then for most tandem axle trailers a security chain between the spokes of the wheels with a stout lock is probably the most effective. Even if they use a tow truck that will slow them down. tulsachain.com has security chain, and you can get good padlocks anywhere.
Any of the hitch locks are limited by the fact that even without much planning anyone can jack up the a-frame and chain it to the bumper of a truck and drive away.
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We use Equipment Lock BRHL Steel Ball and Ring Hitch Lock and remove the emo chains. When we are in storage we also add Trimax TCL275 Medium Deluxe Keyed Alike Wheel Chock Locks Both on Amazon (both US & CA)
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Short Answer: Don't go cheap on security for your $50k plus rig.
I see people buying the cheapest thing they can find.
What I have:
1. Proven Industries
2. Spot Trace
3. Wheel Lock
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I have a Brahma lock. Not cheap, heavy quality (35 lbs), takes a little practice to install quickly, but it's effectively and visually intimidating. The peace of mind is worth the cost. Not sure if my photo will attach, so here's their URL: brahmalock.com
The most important thing is removing it BEFORE you pull out. That may seem obvious, but has to be added to the checklist.
I think any lock can be overcome, but they are deterrents, some more so than others. We use a hardened steel Master Lock with a 4-digit combo. Not concerned about theft where we live. Not concerned about theft where we camp mostly, as I usually make a habit of getting to know those around us, especially streamers. And I would no more leave our unit unattended someplace for several days any more than I would leave our rural home unlocked in our absence. I have maintained that the best protection is a stated value policy. I'd be upset, chapped, PO'd were the trailer stolen, and likely very inconvenienced. But, it is a trailer, and it can be replaced.
Another vote for the Proven Industries Model 2516-AS with the Stainless Steel puck. If you are not GMFL and are not able to manufacture the masterpiece he did, it is as secure a hitch lock as there is. Combined with some sort of Denver Boot wheel lock, you will have a pretty secure unit that will disuaid at least the opportunistic thief, who will move on to easier pickings. A determined thief will have it regardless. Up to date insurance is the only peace of mind you can get.
Proven Industries Hitch Lock with their additional chain pad lock, plus Brahma Wheel Lock. Still, nothing will beat a planned heist...so add insurance as well... Joys of ownership!
I don't have a trailer, but I have a custom hitch carrier which does not have as high a monetary value, but which arguably is easier to sprout legs.
Along with a regular hitch lock, we use a length of Pewag chain to doubly secure the hitch-able cargo to the chassis.
The chain is locked on both ends, but the padlocks that secure it (which in many scenarios would be the weak links) are tucked up into the workings, so that it would be impossible to get most tools up in there to cut them.
These things are extremely difficult to get through. No casual thief would bother tackling such a project:
2012 25' FB International
Trent Woods
, North Carolina
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 3,120
I am another vote for BOLT. I have one on my hitch pin and one on the trailer coupler, both keyed to my truck ignition key, reducing the number of keys on my key ring by two.
I use the California immobilized coupler lock for my own peace of mind. I know people who don’t use anything and have never had anything inside or outside the trailer stolen.
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