Newbies w/questions

[Terry1226]

Hello All,
My wife and I, Terry and Kim Adkins, are the proud new first time owners of a 2025 Flying Cloud23FB.
We realize among many other things that we need to create security levels. Is there a preferred Trailer hitch lock?
Also, is a covered storage area the best and only way to protect our investment in southwest Ohio winters? Are Calmark covers (or similar) adequate if kept outside?
Thanks for any guidance!

[JJTX]

Originally Posted by Terry1226

Hello All,
My wife and I, Terry and Kim Adkins, are the proud new first time owners of a 2025 Flying Cloud23FB.
We realize among many other things that we need to create security levels. Is there a preferred Trailer hitch lock?
Also, is a covered storage area the best and only way to protect our investment in southwest Ohio winters? Are Calmark covers (or similar) adequate if kept outside?
Thanks for any guidance!

Never put any cover on an airstream that touches the outside. It will scratch it and damage the aluminum.

The only cover you should use is a carport. OF course, in your area, something with a snow load rating.

I use AMPLOCK trailer hitch locks. Theres no other choice, in my view.

[jeffb831]

First, no cloth covers as they will scratch the aluminum finish.

As to hitch locks, Proven Industries is one of the top brands, with specific models for AS couplers.

Finally, as to general security, the best plan is to have sufficient insurance coverage. Any dedicated thief could easily steal or break into a AS trailer so all you can do is make it slightly harder for them so the move onto an easier target.

One thought is that too much locking/protection could cause extra damage if the thief tries to pry open the doors and hatches vs just taking the water hose, etc... When leaving my trailer for extended times, I don't leave anything in the trailer that is valuable.

[ROBERT CROSS]

As noted above...forget the cover, it's really not needed.
The Hensley hitch we use is our deterrent. Very difficult to hitch to without the needed gizmo.

I use a Master tongue lock on the boat trailer.

Bob
🇺🇸

22 Buffalo NY Winters...
SFSG

[moosetags]

Hi Terry. Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us. As to your questions, I would have to agree that a cover will result in more damage than protection. Covered (under roof) storage would be preferable.

We keep Lucy (our 25FB) uncovered in the alley behind our house. We use her as a guest room when needed. She is always plugged in. She does take a bit of a beating in the Florida sun and being three houses off of the ocean. Lucy is now eleven years old and still looks presentable with a thousand nights on the road. We do not own a hitch lock, so I can't help you there.

Don't overstress about about these things. Use the trailer as much as you can and have some fun.

Brian

[Terry1226]

Thanks all for the great insight and advice!

[jeffmc306]

Hi Terry and Kim! Welcome to the Airstream Community and Forums. Great trailer to start with. It was our first before we decided we wanted more room (it happens a lot!).

We’ve been using a Megahitch Coupler Vault and it’s done the job so far. Add a lock for the latch. You might look at Proven Industries too. They make another style hitch lock that’s highly reviewed.

As others have mentioned, don’t put a cover on your Airstream. Best solution is some type of carport cover or inside but that’s not always possible. Ours is stored next to our garage. I say a prayer every time there’s hail in the forecast.

You missed “the big one” that hit Jackson Center a few years ago and totaled many customer trailers outside waiting for service. We have Progressive Insurance and hope we never need to file a claim.

[aftermath]

Terry, welcome to the forum. I have an older 25FB that I picked up in 2009. One of the big selling points for me was that I didn't have to worry about covering it during the winter. Up here in the NW we get snow and sometimes lots of snow. My white box trailer was covered and I had to go out to the storage lot with a ladder and broom when the snow got deep. Now, no cover and the snow is not an issue. Have been doing this since 2009 without any issues. The lock is a simple Master padlock. I suppose they could cut it easily but then what? Are they really going to tow it away? I suppose that is why I have insurance.

[LNBright]

Originally Posted by Terry1226

Hello All,
My wife and I, Terry and Kim Adkins, are the proud new first time owners of a 2025 Flying Cloud23FB.
We realize among many other things that we need to create security levels. Is there a preferred Trailer hitch lock?
Also, is a covered storage area the best and only way to protect our investment in southwest Ohio winters? Are Calmark covers (or similar) adequate if kept outside?
Thanks for any guidance!

As others have said, a carport is good, but I'd suggest avoiding a cover that touches the camper.

I like our Proven hitch lock.

[AgBullet]

Ditto on the cover...don't use.

Coupler lock...you can spend a lot of money, yet there are videos that show how a determined thief can defeat even the most expensive lock. We just put a cheap dogbone lock through the coupler to prevent a quick lift and let it go at that...insurance takes over if it is stolen.

[akarakos]

I’m on AS number 3 and live in a golf course community. I load and unload the trailer at the house but store it in town at a facility that has a gate that I can access with a remote and there are video cameras and the RVs/trailers are completely covered by a lighted roof and we have power. I always put the shades down after storing it. Ifa thief can’t see in a window, they’re not likely to be interested in breaking in. There are plenty of other RVs and travel trailers that a thief can actually look into and see something they might want to steal however the high fence and security cameras are a good deterrent. Enjoy your trailer and always safeguard your keys. It’s pretty difficult to get in without them.

[NutmegsCamper]

Welcome to Airstream from another Ohioan! Did you go through Mark Wahlberg Airstream?

For us, we use the hitch locks from WeighSafe - it allows us to use one key to secure the tongue and lock the shank onto the tow vehicle. We really like the WeighSafe Middleweight hitch.

As far as a cover goes - don’t do it. Too many scratches in the clearcoat. If you’re so inclined, build a car port, but it’s not necessary at all.

Now for the fun stuff - what has been your favorite Ohio campground so far?

[ForteePlus]

We have one like in the picture but a different puck color. Also opted to get the locking hitch pin which is keyed the same as the hitch lock to reduce the keychain clutter.
I'm guessing any decent assembly will work fine. But I do like this one and how easily it attaches. Great customer service when I called with questions and arrived quickly once ordered.
Happy Travels!

[djabl]

As others have mentioned I would not put a cover directly on my AS.
Growing up we had an AS in Wisconsin and never covered it and it was fine.
Some cover theirs in a garage or carport but I think that is for avoiding hail and falling debris. If you don't have that, I wouldn't worry about it too much. They are meant to be out in the weather. Just my 2 cents.

[rjerz]

I have been pleased with the "Master Lock - Universal Size Fits 1-7/8", 2", and 2-5/16" Couplers - Trailer Locks #389DAT," available on Amazon for around $30.

[Hilljeman]

Last fall when I dropped off my AS for service in Houston, the owner of the shop told me voluntarily what had happened the week before. Two trailers had been stolen night and one had an AirTag. The owner of the trailer with the AirTag was immediately able to track it. The police were able to find both trailers in a nearby lot and the bad guys were arrested.

[Hans627]

Originally Posted by Hilljeman

Last fall when I dropped off my AS for service in Houston, the owner of the shop told me voluntarily what had happened the week before. Two trailers had been stolen night and one had an AirTag. The owner of the trailer with the AirTag was immediately able to track it. The police were able to find both trailers in a nearby lot and the bad guys were arrested.

Fortunately I had not had my AS stolen and hope it never happens. But I do have an AirTag hidden inside. Nothing is foolproof but maybe it will help locate it if someone steals it.

[yesitsmedoug]

I second this. Locks only delay if somebody really wants it. I consider locks to help keep honest people honest.

I could see the Hensley being useful as one person posted because of how it is connected and would likely take much longer to remove than picking a Proven Industries lock (search youtube for fun)

We use a GPS tracking device that is 100% independent of nearby iPhones or Wi-Fi. If you want more info IM me and I'll be happy to share.