New Coupler Hitch Lock

[Hiwheel Joe]

After seeing a video of a cargo trailer being stolen from our business lot last week, I decided to upgrade my Airstream hitch lock. The stolen trailer had the same coupler lock that I have on mine and it was taken in about 45 seconds. I found a lock, though not cheap, that looks very hard to defeat and ordered one. It is from Megahitch trailers locks. I got it this week and it is a monster. Anyone have an opinion on this lock?

[tphan]

No info or opinion on that lock, but I was wondering if you could share what the video revealed- how was the cargo trailer stolen with a coupler lock on it? Did the thieves just tow it off by the safety chains, as has been suggested on this forum? Thanks, and good luck getting it back.

[Silver Goose]

I bought one last year. It obviously isn't vulnerable to bolt cutters and I think it provides better protection than other coupler locks I've seen. If someone was determined and had the time, opportunity and equipment, they could still make off with the trailer. I believe this lock will discourage most to move on to easier pickings.

http://megahitchlock.com/images/coup...eam%20With.jpg

[Hiwheel Joe]

Video does not show how they actually got the lock off. The sharp turns they made to get it out of the lot probably could not have been with the safety chains, but anything is possible. They pulled in beside it and after about 45 seconds, pulled up, backed up to it, hooked up and drove off. Lock was not found there, or any pieces of it?? Trailer found two days later about 90 miles south of here minus 95% of contents and no lock. They even swapped the wheels on it. Megas video shows how easy the type of lock could be defeated, so it just got me to thinking about loss while in storage, since I can't keep it at home. I know it could just as easily disappear from the drive of my house though.

[Jammer]

They've been out for a while. Expensive. They are reasonably effective at what they do, but I believe that most trailer thefts entail a short tow on chains or a hoist to a location nearby where the perpetrators can remove any security devices at their leisure. I believe a security chain through the wheel spokes is more effective because it protects against thefts that don't involve use of the coupler.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, what type or brand of coupler lock did you have before the theft? Do you have a picture of it? Just curious.

[Fishfinder]

I have heard the tow it off with chains concept several times, but I would not want to get on a freeway with just chains holding all that tongue weight and what happens when you go over a bump with just chains won't it go thru the back of your vehicle? with a coupler lock on it it would not ride well on the bumper so maybe these would actually help. Just a thought

[Inland RV Center, In]

Originally Posted by Jammer

They've been out for a while. Expensive. They are reasonably effective at what they do, but I believe that most trailer thefts entail a short tow on chains or a hoist to a location nearby where the perpetrators can remove any security devices at their leisure. I believe a security chain through the wheel spokes is more effective because it protects against thefts that don't involve use of the coupler.

Your absolutely correct.

Chains can be used to haul the trailer a short distance, and then get rid of the lock, by whatever means.

A chain thru the wheel would offer some resistance, but not that much.

I am thinking more of a "spill type switch" that when activated, and the trailer is moved, the switch spills and activates the brakes.

Problem though, especially when extra batteries are installed, the brake magnets will burn up.

But, maybe a sensitive switch that applies the trailer brakes on and off as the trailer moves?

In either case, that would more than likely cause attention, but not at 2 or 3 in the morning.

So what is a real sure way to stop a trailer theft?

Probably the only sure way, is a barracade, a guard, or a vicious dog.

Andy

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by Fishfinder

I have heard the tow it off with chains concept several times, but I would not want to get on a freeway with just chains holding all that tongue weight and what happens when you go over a bump with just chains won't it go thru the back of your vehicle? with a coupler lock on it it would not ride well on the bumper so maybe these would actually help. Just a thought

If you're talking about chaining the tongue to the bumper and dragging the trailer away, it is horribly dangerous. Don't even think about it.

[AirsDream]

I think that trailer theives are already far in to risk taking, so "horribly dangerous" probably won't deter them all that much ...

[Al - K4GLU]

Well I've had and used a MegaHitch lock for the past 6 months and no one has stolen my trailer. Then again I've had trailers for 12 years and none were stolen in the 11 1/2 years I didn't have a MegaHitch lock either. Does this help?

[Fishfinder]

I guess the best reply is did you use to leave your front door at home unlocked and now you don't because somenone in your neighborhood had a breakin? We all need to adjust to the changing environment. There were less people on drugs and less people out of work over the last 12 years. I choose to lock everything up that I care about If is worth something and is easy to get why help em out. My deductible is $1500 and I am sure I would do some hagling with the insurance company to get replacement value equals. I have better uses for my time. A good lock just makes sense. I think they will tow a boat away with just chains but not an Airstream.

[Snedwid]

I belive in layering security,,, coupler lock, chains and padlocks on one side and a Rhino on the other side ( Wheel locks, Parks and Recreation Equipment, Parking Meters, Decontamination Equipment ) add a LoJack and you've done about all you can to prevent a loss.