Theft Prevention of Airstream Trailers

[SilverGate]

Well our 2007 23’ Safari should have prep finished next week by my dealer.

Now I’m shopping for trailer coupler lock to prevent theft when unhitched.

Saw Guardian G-35 for 2 5/16" coupler at Camping World yesterday…
But wasn’t sure at the time if this was correct size, model, or make.

Spent morning searching forums here for more info…
Read about Master Lock Universal Trailer Lock, Product #379DAT.
Looks impressive… says it is for a variety of coupler makers including Atwood.

I’m pretty sure I want the 2 5/16" size...
Anyone know maker of the couplers used by Airstream in current AS models?

Also heard about the Blaylock and other locks.

Will also get a receiver hitch lock.

What recommendations do you have?
What other ways do you prevent theft of your trailer?

Thank you!
SilverGate

[yukionna]

Congrats on the new trailer! We just use a hitch lock. Here is another good thread on this very topic.

[Hawk_Man]

Silvergate, I lock my hitch with the gorilla brand coupler lock as well as

a hitch lock on the top , both can be purchased at Lowe's or Home

Depot. I hope you enjoy your trailer and happy travels.

Regards, Keith

[jimmickle]

I have used the Master lock for years, both on my Coleman Pop Ups and more recently on my Airstreams. They are excellent locks and almost impossible to defeat. Don't lose the key.

[thecatsandi]

I use a standard Master combination lock.
This proved invaluable when I had my accident. I called to find out where my trailer was going to end up. I ended up talked to the owner of the company who was just getting ready to pull my trailer out of the ditch. I was able to tell him the combination and save further damager to the trailer.

[S C Streamer]

about $24.00

[SilverGate]

Thanks, Mark, yukionna, Keith, jimmickle, Michelle and others to follow...
Looking for more postings on this cold night even here in San Diego!

Thanks, Michelle, for your recommendation of Master Lock…
I am leaning towards Master Lock Adjustable or Universal Coupler Lock.
Especially one that comes in Keyed Alike Trailer Lock Kit:
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200172124_200172124

Would like to hear from others who have Master Lock Coupler Locks.
Glad your choice helped you when you had your accident last fall.
Rich Luhr posted your link to it in today’s Tour of America blog*:
http://michelles-adventures.us/Truck%20Trailer%20Accident.html

*Tour of America

Glad you had a speedy recovery, and as a fellow PSD driver…
I’m sure you are enjoying your new F-250!

Happy Trails,
Bill
SilverGate

[S C Streamer]

Originally Posted by SilverGate

Especially one that comes in Keyed Alike Trailer Lock Kit:
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200172124_200172124

Nice combo, I wish I'd seen it before I bought the 3 locks separately.

[thecatsandi]

Bill,
You are welcome. I looked on Rich's site and could not find the link. I would liek to see what they said about me.

[CanoeStream]

Originally Posted by SilverGate

Thanks, Michelle, for your recommendation of Master Lock…
I am leaning towards Master Lock Adjustable or Universal Coupler Lock.
Especially one that comes in Keyed Alike Trailer Lock Kit:
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200172124_200172124

Bill -- I wasn't seeing Master Lock 2 5/16" coupler locks at Northern Tool. The price at your link seems to put it in the ballpark. I did find it more specifically spelled out on eBay through Google: eBay Motors: Master Coupler Lock, fits 2-5/16" - Trailer Locks (item 290060633314 end time Feb-07-07 19:16:30 PST)

[SilverGate]

Hi Michelle,

The link to your site with photos of the accident is contained in the following quote from Rich Luhrs’s Tour of America blog dated today (January 13) posted at 9:11 a.m. titled "Stalled" below the later posting of "Lucky break" at 9:45 p.m.

Here’s the quote… your reference and link is the phrase "an accident on ice":

"But "get-there-itis" will kill you. When you're on a trip, keep this in mind. No matter how many plans will be upset by canceling a trip, it's still less disruptive than an accident on ice."

Thanks again for sharing this with us!
SilverGate

[SilverGate]

You’re right Bob… that Key Alike Master Lock Kit will probably not fit.
But the Master Lock Adjustable Coupler Lock #378DAT just might fit…
On-line info: It fits 2 5/16" ball diameter of the following coupler brands:
Atwood, Reese, Fulton, Shelby, Valley, Dutton-Lainso, Putnam, Acme, Ideal.
(Note: Can not key the locks to match other styles of locks.
Key alike option will only match other #378DAT locks.)

I would still like to know if anyone knows what brand coupler AS uses now!

I’ll try another tact…
All Airstreamers with trailers made in the 21st century (2000 – present):
Please post how you lock your trailer coupler (tongue)…
And why you like or don’t like your lock…
And then I will go out and buy the best lock… and lock my tongue!
Thanks...
SilverGate

[GlenCoombe]

Having worked around a boat yard for some time, and a lake where boats had targets painted on them for a time it seemed I have a little experience. The receiver locks are great....at keeping honest folks honest. Notice the photo of the hitch and what keeps this hitch on the trailer. Too many are bolt on and can easily be swapped out for someone who has the means and method to dispose of your trailer fast. They come with their own hitch and just unbolt yours and replace with theirs. They did the same thing to the gate that was locked when they came into the yard where you had your heavy duty hitch lock on your trailer.
Make it a little harder for them and have someone weld the hitch to the trailer rather than just bolt on. Use wheel locks on tandems, put your stablizers down. Don't make it convenient.... take your tag home with you.
Theives, while not the sharpest group still follow the path of least resistance when choosing their prey.

[thecatsandi]

Bill,
found it. I was searching for my name. I would have never found it!

[Denis4x4]

I use a Cobra motorcycle cable and HD padlock through the wheels on my car trailer when I'm at car shows. The AS is in the garage when not on the road.

[Phil Gobie]

Does any one know how many AS are stolen a year? They don't strike me as a target?

[Silvertwinkie]

I don't think it's many, but if it's yers.....

I know that someone claimed Chris Deam, the designer of the CCD got his CCD stolen...I think it was a prototype or first copy that had a few things on it that even the production versions didn't...not sure if he ever got it back:

http://www.airforums.com/forum...ght=ccd+stolen

[Silvertwinkie]

I did a search using the word stolen and came up with a few trailers and some ancillary towing stuff that was swiped.....

[yukionna]

Originally Posted by Silvertwinkie

Here is but one of many theft prevention devices employed to protect the Airstream...oh, yea...it's got a HEMI!

Hmmm...not sure if I even dare to knock on your door!

[yukionna]

Yikes! All you gun-toting Airstreamers are scaring me!
Perhaps we should form a list of gun-toting Airstreamers so we don't inadvertently walk into their trailer without knocking!

Ya know, late at night, after an extended happy hour, the trailers can all start looking the same!