Coupler locks

[shortgmanp]

Does anyone have an opinion on the best way to secure your trailer. Wheel locks, coupler locks or both. I have not experience at all with these items. So I would appreciate any advice I can get. Thanks Greg

[revbigjohn]

I'm very new at this too but I use both and more. I also have a 3/8'" chain attaching the other tire to the frame.

I know it sounds like overkill but it makes me feel better leaving it all alone. If somebody really wants it they are going to get it, but it's going to take them a little while.

[ERV]

Hey Greg
About the only thing I do is keep a lock on the coupler. But we still live in the country in a pretty good area.

My yard is fenced for the dog too. Although he would not hurt anyone coming in, he is just a big Newfy.

Ands most everyone in the area knows the boys and I have guns because of the noise that happens around the house every so often.

Out at the campgrounds, just the lock. So far so good. Worry more about the bikes and all the other stuff we have sitting around the camp site.

But we have been camping for 35 years or so, and no problems so far. Times are changing tho with the state of things.

Erv

[bobhenry]

I think the best for the little light 4x8's is the removable tongue. Could you just see a would be thief trying to figure out how it was towed there in the 1st place.

I am getting ready to modify the tongue on "Chubby" this summer and it kinda makes me think about a slip in coupler that would slide into the main tongue tube just like the drawbar slides into the receiver and pin in place.

[Oasis Maker]

I have a hitch pin lock and coupler lock... but ya know, I spent big bucks ($425 + shipping) on a Pitbull Tirelock "Wolverine" and still haven't used it? My tear is garage kept while home so no problem there, but when camping, I just have not found the Pitbull necessary there either.

I rarely unhook the trailer from my TV because once at a location I ride my bike to venture round. So that's a lot of money for me to spend on something I'm not using and I'm not too happy about that, but the reality is that with the instant community of your neighbors and other people at most campgrounds, that's all the security you need.



Scott G.

[Karl]

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[Oasis Maker]

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Hi Karl, funny, I was trying to remember this thread to reference Greg to.

Greg, I think you should specify what kind of scenarios you are talking about securing your teardrop in. If you have an attached garage to your house as in my example, don't sweat it too much. If you are at established campgrounds with security and lots of eyes in the community... I wouldn't worry too much there either. BUT, if you are leaving your teardrop out ALL ALONE AND EXPOSED, than something like the Pitbull becomes very useful.

Knowing the environment you are leaving your teardrop in is key really. I miscalculated initially with mine.

Scott G.

[shortgmanp]

FIrst I would like to say thank you for all of the ideas. I also need to tell you that my tear will be kept in my garage unless in use. Also my tounge is welded 2 x 3 steel chanel. So I can not remove it. I was wondering about campground security. The main reason I have ask this question is because my dad and I have done the whole camper together. Loosing it would be like loosing part of my father. Thanks again. Greg

[fishfinder]

This thread came up at just the right time. I am getting ready to make an extended fishing trip away from home and was worried about how to secure my rig.

First I hunted around the shop and found an old ball. I got out the trusty Sawsall and cut off the threads. I already have a coupler lock so now I have a ball for the coupler.

Next I went over to Lowes and picked up a lockable cable. I can cable my wheel to the axle.

Short of putting a full time armed guard on the trailer I have done about all I can do. I will call my insurance agent tomorrow.

Thanks for all the great ideas.

Mike

[Wild Bill]

In most campgrounds you have no idea who owns what camper so unless they pull away with the awning still up then who would question? I am going to make a detachable wiring cable for two reasons, ever pulled away without unplugging the harness? and two to make them tow it without lights, hopefully an alert cop would pull them over for no tail lights. The best Idea I have seen is the removable tow bar, Unless they become common that makes it hard to just hook up and pull away with it.
As they say locks are for honest people, they deter thieves but do not prevent theft if they really want it. Bill

[Oasis Maker]

In most campgrounds you have no idea who owns what camper so unless they pull away with the awning still up then who would question? Bill

I tend to disagree with this statement based on experience. I pull into a campground and my teardrop (and consequently my tow vehicle too) get so much attention, it's ridiculous. Then this "cute little teardrop" gets adopted by the entire campground like a kid brother/mascot or somethin. Conversations are guaranteed to start immediately (right at the front gate upon your arrival) and soon you know everyone of your neighbors names.

Instant security.

Most importantly, I have found most all people at campgrounds to be very nice. I started off on high alert when I first got my teardrop, but I would say I'm at DEFCON 4 now with my experiences at campgrounds. I do however lock my bike and outside items that I have on my platform rack, and I'll store my chairs, lantern, etc. away in the teardrop if I leave for the day on a venture. That's a given. I'm no fool either.

... by the way, pulling away with the awning still attached is exactly what a thief would have to do with my set up.




Scott G.

[cuyeda]

Harbor Freight

[synaps3]

I use a padlock that is just wide enough to go on either side of the hitch latch.

At campgrounds -- not sure yet. I'll probably chain it too.

When it is on my car, my hitch itself has a lock on it (someone has stolen the tongue and ball off of my CR-V before). Between the padlock and the hitch lock, it should be deterrent enough.

I might use a GPS tracker as well, once the build is complete. I will use an old cell phone, and program the application in Java (if I ever get around to it). I'll make it so that the phone, when activated, will send me text messages of its current location. Alternatively, I can put a phone in the car, call 911, and tell them the situation and the number of the phone. They will contact the police, and track the stolen trailer with the phone inside to the thief's house.

The idea is similar to this: http://www.accutracking.com/, which would work great for most people.

[8ball_99]

Look on Amazon.. I bought a 3 lock set made by master.. One locks your hitch reciever in. Has one that replaces you coupler pin so it locks the trailer to the hitch ball. And the 3rd lock is for when the trailer is unhooked it has a ball that goes up in the coupler and locks it in place. All three locks take the same key so when hooking and unhooking the trailer I can remove and install any of the three with the same key.. Works great for me.. Here is a Link http://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-3774D ... 266&sr=8-6[/url]

[canned o minimum]

Lotsa great ideas here ! I will git a cable lock fer my wheel/axle...and a hitch ball lock. Thanx fer all the ideas !