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Toasty's Dad · 03-03-2008, 11:03 AM

Tryin to prevent our little Toasty from going home attached to someone else's truck.

I've tried two coupler locks so far. Neither fit. The coupler on our Bambi (and I assume most other recent AS) has an upcurved, almost doubled lip which makes it very strong, but WAAAYYY large. Is anybody using a lock that actually fits this darn thing?!?!

Note, I don't mean the latch handle, into which any old padlock fits, but the actual ball coupling itself.

Also, anybody using any of the boot-style wheel locks? Do they fit? Are they a pain? Looking at the "Magnum Wheel Lock", but not sure if it'll work or not.

THANKS!
jon

Fyrzowt · 03-03-2008, 11:12 AM

Here are a couple of threads.

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...one-36970.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f464...cks-25496.html

I don't have any experience with wheel locks.
Dave

ROBERT CROSS · 03-03-2008, 03:54 PM

There are Quite a few options......Hitch Lock - Compare Prices, Reviews and Buy at NexTag - Price - Review

Mikethefixit · 03-03-2008, 04:33 PM

Hey there TOASTIES DAD
I have that rolled up coupler edge also. I got one from Lowes would not fit Took it back. Ordered one out of Georgia would not fit Sent it back. Finally found the coupler lock that fits of all places U-HAUL. They carry the one that will fit . I got the lock that goes thru the latch and the ball coupler for about $30.Hope that will help U so U dont have to search like I did. I have also been considering one further measure "a boot" we may not stop em but we will surely slow em down.
Roger
PS Although we are just up the road I HOPE we see U down the road.

ROBERT CROSS · 03-03-2008, 04:46 PM

Here's another one that looks pretty tough!!!

Equipment Lock Co. Ball and Ring Hitch Lock, Model# BRHL | Machine Locks | Northern Tool + Equipment

Excella CM · 03-03-2008, 05:11 PM

A simple solution can be to cut the threaded shank off an extra hitch ball and lock into the coupler with the normal ball lock. No way to hook onto it then.

Toasty's Dad · 03-04-2008, 08:56 AM

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

I now know what to order. Our local U-Haul had nothin

.

I like the extra hitch ball idea, but I like the idea of TWO locks on the hitch even better (a coupler lock + a coupler latch lock). Figure it might slow 'em down a little more.

We've also ordered one of the wheel lock thingies, which should arrive tomorrow. Will post if it fits.

I know I'm probably being paranoid, but we tend to leave Toasty on empty dirt roads in the middle of nowhere and hike all day, with our precious Helix-cat snoozing inside.

Of course, parking like that gives potential thieves plenty of time to work on all those locks....

jon

Fyrzowt · 03-04-2008, 09:04 AM

You can only do so much.

I suppose you could leave a note on the door saying something like "Jeff, we'll be right back, go ahead and set up your camp. We ran into town for more ammo".

Toasty's Dad · 03-05-2008, 07:25 PM

Hey Fyrzowt ,

That's hilarious, and it just might be the one thing that would work best...

Said I'd post if the wheel lock device I purchased fit, and it does, so here are some pics.

The device is the Lock'Em from Rack'Em Manufacturing. The pics are of the two ways I managed to make it fit. First photo is the "harder but intimidating way". This is kind of hard to install _and_ remove, but looks pretty effective. The second is much easier to install, but doesn't look as tight, though I don't think it could be defeated without blowing the tire.

The lock itself is circular, which I know some people here have dissed.

$99 bucks at E-trailer. We'll probably keep it, and keep our fingers crossed. Holler if you want more exact measurements to see if it'll fit yours....

Peace,
Jon