Trailer Coupler Safety Pin Mod - drill out from 5/16" to 3'8" to fit a padlock???

[CADplans]

Re: Trailer Coupler Safety Pin Mod - drill out from 5/16" to 3'8" to fit a padlock???

In about the time it takes you to kneel down to look I'll have the lock cut off with my cordless angle grinder.

View attachment 479689

Absolutely correct,,, if it is to be stolen,, it will be stolen.
BUT, the lock will make ME feel better,,, :thumbsup:

 

[aczlan]

Re: Trailer Coupler Safety Pin Mod - drill out from 5/16" to 3'8" to fit a padlock???

In about the time it takes you to kneel down to look I'll have the lock cut off with my cordless angle grinder.

View attachment 479689

True, or you could do it quieter with a small prybar to pry it open...

Aaron Z

 

[4570Man]

True, or you could do it quieter with a small prybar to pry it open... Aaron Z

Or you could drop it on a smaller ball and pull it a short distance. Then you could use any means needed.

 

[dieselcrawler]

Re: Trailer Coupler Safety Pin Mod - drill out from 5/16" to 3'8" to fit a padlock???

I also just use a long shank standard padlock on the latch of my box trailer. No drilling required, works fine...

 

[JJZ 109]

Re: Trailer Coupler Safety Pin Mod - drill out from 5/16" to 3'8" to fit a padlock???

I also just use a long shank standard padlock on the latch of my box trailer. No drilling required, works fine...

That's how my empty 7x18 enclosed bike hauler sits in the lot next to my house. As previously noted, if someone is determined, they're going to steal it. But many thieves aren't that ambitious and will move on to find an easier target.
I have another trailer that is exactly the same as the bike hauler for my business. So when I take my annual spring vacation I take 2 tires off one side of it and leave it on blocks. 1) makes it harder to steal. 2) gives me 2 spares for my trip.

 

[Dftodd]

Re: Trailer Coupler Safety Pin Mod - drill out from 5/16" to 3'8" to fit a padlock???

I have customers just unbolt and remove the hitch when using my rental pumps and generators in questionable areas. On occasion we have jacked up the equipment and removed the tires as well in really bad areas. No issues with the equipment disappearing. Just gotta remember to take the hitch and tires with you to pick up the equipment

 

[Turbys_1700]

Re: Trailer Coupler Safety Pin Mod - drill out from 5/16" to 3'8" to fit a padlock???

I've never had a trailer stolen. At one time I did have several nice boats. I chained the trailer axle to my pole shed. The chain was hardened. I used a heavy duty master lock. Foolproof? No. But better than nothing.

Can You Buy a Bolt Cutter-Proof Chain?

 

[mikegt4]

Re: Trailer Coupler Safety Pin Mod - drill out from 5/16" to 3'8" to fit a padlock???

I also just use a long shank standard padlock on the latch of my box trailer. No drilling required, works fine...

Same here. My padlock is brass so if never rusts, a shot of Super Lube aerosol once or twice a year keeps the lock working smoothly. It won't stop a thief but it keeps the latch from popping open out on the road.

 

[sklunk]

Re: Trailer Coupler Safety Pin Mod - drill out from 5/16" to 3'8" to fit a padlock???

Or you could drop it on a smaller ball and pull it a short distance. Then you could use any means needed.

Exactly. This is why you should buy a trailer lock that fits up into the ball socket. Also if they remove the coupler because of the ball lock it will still be difficult to pull the trailer away.

 

[jk96]

Re: Trailer Coupler Safety Pin Mod - drill out from 5/16" to 3'8" to fit a padlock???

Exactly. This is why you should buy a trailer lock that fits up into the ball socket. Also if they remove the coupler because of the ball lock it will still be difficult to pull the trailer away.

I use a hole drilled through the side of the trailer coupler and padlock so that they can't drop a ball in. I can put the lock on the safety chain when in use so that it always stays with the trailer. Agreed above that a true trailer lock works better and I have a few that I use on occasion.