Trailer Security

[N80]

This is an add-on to my recent post about trailer storage. I'll be leaving my trailer in my tractor shed down on my property about an hour from home. In 10 years or so we have never had a theft because we are way off the highway in the middle of nowhere, but there have been major thefts from one of the farms about 2 miles down the road. And the trailer sits right next to my tractor which would make stealing both rather easy.

I will also be dropping my trailer in un-secured areas at racetracks for short periods of time.

So I need to be able to secure it. The tongue jack comes off so it can be locked away while the trailer is hitched. There are hasps to lock the pull out ramps. I'll have to get a spare tire lock. Was disappointed that the spare tire carrier did not have a 'stud' welded on with a hole for a pad lock.

The bigger issue is securing the whole trailer. I've seen wheel locks like the boots the parking cops put on cars. I've seen the locks that fit in the hitch ball mount.

Right now, I have a padlock through the latch that locks the hitch onto the ball. Is there any reason that this wouldn't work just as well as one of the locks that fits in the ball mount. I currently have it locked in the closed position so it cannot go onto a 2 5/16 inch ball. I guess someone might be able to get a smaller ball in there but they would not be able to lock it down.

I would also think a padlocked chain through the spokes of both wheels would prevent theft as well.

Is there anything I'm missing with my homebrewed security measures?

Of course none of this would stop a determined crook with bolt cutters, etc.

 

[RedNeckRacin]

Of course none of this would stop a determined crook with bolt cutters, etc.

How much time do you want to spend un-securing your trailer when you need it? I saw a really neat trailer lock for a GN that replaced the entire coupler and you couldn't insert a new one into the tub without some serious torch work. I think the steps you have outlined would do well. Short of maybe taking the tires and wheels with you.

 

[BKBoiss]

You know the saying, "out of sight out of mind". Is there any way you can hide this stuff in the bush or something like that. If you leave an old wreck of some sort in plain sight and hide the good stuff my theory is the "majority" of thieves will take a quick look and not see anything valuable and move on to your neighbour. I have a homemade gooseneck so I just take the kingpin out of the neck when I leave it. It would take an awful lot of work for someone to rig one up that would fit.

 

[BKBoiss]

One other option I see all the contractors around here do is they park their equipment be it a skid steer a zoom boom or excavator in front of the hitch or doors if it's a tool trailer. If you park your tractor in front of it and set the loader on top of the hitch it will make it a little harder to steal.

 

[bcp]

Right now, I have a padlock through the latch that locks the hitch onto the ball. Is there any reason that this wouldn't work just as well as one of the locks that fits in the ball mount. I currently have it locked in the closed position so it cannot go onto a 2 5/16 inch ball. I guess someone might be able to get a smaller ball in there but they would not be able to lock it down.

To keep someone from dropping a locked coupler onto a smaller ball, get an old ball of the correct size, cut off the stem, and put it in the coupler socket before you lock the latch.

Bruce

 

[Diamondpilot]

Chain through the tires works.

Chris

 

[bcp]

Out of sight, in an awkward position, locked, insured.

Bruce

 

[FatTire]

Doesn't prevent a theft, but a trail cam might help catch someone if you have a decent mounting spot.

 

[N80]

Out of sight, in an awkward position, locked, insured.

Bruce

It is insured through my cabin homeowner's policy.

It is a quarter mile off the road, which is a small country road, so it is out of sight.

Unfortunately there is no way to position it awkwardly in the tractor shed.

 

[N80]

To keep someone from dropping a locked coupler onto a smaller ball, get an old ball of the correct size, cut off the stem, and put it in the coupler socket before you lock the latch.

Bruce

Good idea. I think I actually have an old one with buggered up threads which would work great.