Securing your trailer

[Spotman]

When you mentioned going to Google to find anything on lock picking, you should check out You Tube, those guys are posting everything there. When in a group gathering, I will try to hitch a ride with someone else and block mine or we all look out for each other. (Must be the Cop in me!)




Bob

[starleen2]

For the few trailers i have stored in my backyard - i take off one wheel - believe me - they don't want to have to take the time to find a wheel to place back on the spindle. If you are really THAT concerned about theft - maybe take a wheel with you when you leave the campsite - thieves will pass on by! if it's too much work for you to do to take it off - then its too much for a thief to do as well.

[Java Jack]

Can you please provide a link or source to some info regarding the redesign of the u/d-locks barrel lock? I've searched for it and can't find any.

Several online bike sources have published recommendations against that type of lock just last year due to its vulnerability.

The particular vulnerability you are referencing was with the Kryptonite locks that used cheap tubular keys (aka barrel keys). Keep in mind here the problem was with the locking mechanism itself (tubular lock) and not the style (D type lock). Kryptonite recalled those locks back in 2004 and redesigned their locking mechanism. This is why I say you are dealing with way outdated information because it was over 10 years ago that Kryptonite dealt with this issue. However, thanks to the internet, old data and rumors still live on. It was a MAJOR issue for Kryptonite but they did deal with it. I am guessing their sales probably still suffer from outdated information. Note the date on this old post...http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1225562/posts. Hopefully this clears at least this part up for you...if online sources are still beating up Kryptonite over this, then they really need to check their facts or reference a new vulnerability.

So, let's move the discussion to the design of the lock/key itself which is the tubular design. While there are still cheap tubular locks out there that contain this vulnerability, this is not common. Tubular locks are actually quite good and seen in use all over the place from vending machines to parking meters, coin operated laundry machines, and elsewhere. While they don't offer the highest level of security they are an effective lock design. If the tubular lock design were so easily hacked with a pen, you would not see it still so widely used. Tubular locks work by having the security pins set at different depths. The pins have to be pressed at the right starting and end depth so that you can then rotate the key.

However, my source on this was Greg Waugh, President of Pacific Lock Company (http://www.paclock.com/home.html). I spoke with him at length while researching information for my blog post on Securing My Trailer (see first post in thread). We discussed different types of lock designs, their strengths and weaknesses, how people bypass locks with everything from lock picks, key bumping, drilling, cold attacks, etc. I had similar conversations with a local locksmith when I was replacing a lost key for my camper shell that I was selling but it was more of a passing conversation so I did not document it.

So, are there cheap tubular locks that could be defeated with a pen? Sure, they still exist and found on cheap lock solutions. Are all tubular locks easily picked with a pen? No. As I stated in my blog post, a $20.00 lock will give $20.00 protection.

[anon1]

The particular vulnerability you are referencing was with the Kryptonite locks that used cheap tubular keys (aka barrel keys).
...
While there are still cheap tubular locks out there that contain this vulnerability, this is not common.
...
So, are there cheap tubular locks that could be defeated with a pen? Sure, they still exist and found on cheap lock solutions. ..

No, I was not referencing Kryptonite locks but the generic term for that type of lock, bicycle d-lock or u-lock with the round key.

And you just wrote that they still exist with that vulnerability.

[Java Jack]

The particular vulnerability you are referencing was with the Kryptonite locks that used cheap tubular keys (aka barrel keys).
...
While there are still cheap tubular locks out there that contain this vulnerability, this is not common.
...
So, are there cheap tubular locks that could be defeated with a pen? Sure, they still exist and found on cheap lock solutions. ..

No, I was not referencing Kryptonite locks but the generic term for that type of lock, bicycle d-lock or u-lock with the round key.

And you just wrote that they still exist with that vulnerability.

A cheap lock is a cheap lock. There are crappy locks of every design out there. A D style bike lock like any lock can be good or bad depending on how well they design the lock and how well it is made. A knock off of a Kryptonite lock that is cheaply made might very well use a poorly designed lock and suffer vulnerabilities. A high end D lock could be very good indeed. You are suggesting that all D locks are bad because there are cheap D locks out there that are bad. You can't just condemn a D style lock because someone decided to put a cheap lock on it. That would be like saying all cars are bad because of a poorly designed Edsel.

Your logic is significantly flawed here and now you are trying to defend a statement that cannot be reasonably defended. You specifically referenced Bic Pens being able to easily open a D style lock. The D style lock with this vulnerability that made all the news was the Kryptonite lock. It is what is LARGELY referenced in a google search. This is what started it and what everyone still talks about to this day. You are trying to qualify your statement by disassociating it from the Kryptonite fiasco.

I said that Tubular locks have since been redesigned and don't suffer this vulnerability which is true. Now, perhaps I should have been a little more clear in my original response because it could have been interpreted that every tubular lock is good and that there are no cheap tubular locks. Hence, I clarified my response in a more detailed explanation. You requested my source, I provided it. Yes, there are cheap tubular locks out there, I have had one key that opened 3 different tubular locks from different manufacturers. However, that does not mean that all tubular locks are bad, nor does it mean that all D locks are bad because they might have a tubular lock. You are drawing conclusions on a limited set of data points.

We can go back and forth on this topic but frankly, I don't see the point. I have provided factually correct information, I have clarified my responses to remove any doubt about the context or intent.

[halfdome, Danny]

I've purchased the PL342B-KD shrouded padlock for my coupler after watching a YouTube video on locks.
I hope it serves me well for $101.41 , made in Finland.
Danny

[dales133]

I havnt put to much time to thought over trailer security as yet but in my favor I have a tregg hitch witch isnt overly common and doubtful most would be thieves would be carrying one.
https://www.google.com.au/search?site=& ... OLz01HM%3A

I'm also going to make my safety chains removeable so it can't be towed by the chains and add a lock to the treg hitch
http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/UNIVERSAL-HEAV ... 0408.m2460

I've got another padlock with an inbuilt alarm I'll chain and lock a wheel with or something similar witch I think combined should give me a decent level of protection.
As Tony said most thieves are lazy opertunists (if they wernt they'd work like the rest of us) and usualy crackheads so I recon this is probably enough

[Java Jack]

Interesting, never heard of a Tregg Hitch. That looks very robust and great for serious off the beaten path kind of travel.

[Shadow Catcher]

HDD The Abloy did not stand up well to a bolt cutter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiaOSf2sQxM The chain however did well.

[halfdome, Danny]

SC, as one poster said:

I think we have to take into account them bolt cutters are real big and they also used the leverage of the ground to apply enough force to cut it. even then it wasn't easy I would still use that lock and I would make sure it was off the ground.

He also used the key to open it so it wasn't a real world test used on something like a coupler.
The common thief usually doesn't carry around monster bolt cutters like the ones he used and the bite area of the lock I ordered and my coupler is less than 1/4", much less than the area he had to work with.
I should have lock in hand next week.
Danny

[tony.latham]

I just bought one of these Bolt brand padlocks to lock the coupler to my hitch ball. I've already got one of their stinger locks. I really like the fact they use your ignition key.



On their website they post this about it:

2″ Chrome Plated 5/16″ Dia. Hardened Steel Shackle
Double Ball Bearing Locking Mechanism
Plate Tumbler Sidebar to Prevent Picking and Bumping

Of course I've got no idea about the "plate tumbler sidebar to prevent picking and bumping." And yeah, I realize there's a big nut on the bottom of my hitch-ball.

Perhaps what I really need to find is a realistic looking rubber rattlesnake. That'd keep the creetins away.

Tony

[Java Jack]

Perhaps what I really need to find is a realistic looking rubber rattlesnake. That'd keep the creetins away.

Tony

I actually like the alarm system that James Bond used in one of the movies. You try to steel the car and it electrocutes you. Of course if I remember correctly, the car blew up after that...I think that might have been a bug in the design

[tony.latham]

I just bought one of these Bolt brand padlocks to lock the coupler to my hitch ball. I've already got one of their stinger locks. I really like the fact they use your ignition key.



On their website they post this about it:

2″ Chrome Plated 5/16″ Dia. Hardened Steel Shackle
Double Ball Bearing Locking Mechanism
Plate Tumbler Sidebar to Prevent Picking and Bumping

Of course I've got no idea about the "plate tumbler sidebar to prevent picking and bumping." And yeah, I realize there's a big nut on the bottom of my hitch-ball.

Perhaps what I really need to find is a realistic looking rubber rattlesnake. That'd keep the creetins away.

Tony

This is what a locksmith just told me about the lock: "The sidebar will most likely prevent anyone from opening it without cutting."

T

[halfdome, Danny]

I've purchased the PL342B-KD shrouded padlock for my coupler after watching a YouTube video on locks.
I hope it serves me well for $101.41 , made in Finland.
Danny

I have the lock in hand and I'm not impressed.
It's difficult to use the one key provided , seems loosie goosie & is way too large for my coupler.
I'll call for a return authorization tomorrow.
My search goes on.
Danny

[booyah]

Going to throw in my $0.02

I pick locks. At one time I looked into becoming a lock smith, even apprenticed a little. I'm also friends with a few cops. I've shown them how to pick locks, bump keys, shim locks etc.

Asked the cops on a few occasions if they've ever encountered a scene where they suspect the lock was picked, shimmed or bumped.

"Shimmed yep, usually in locker rooms going after wallets. Otherwise the crook just breaks something up" was the answer I got. Cordless angle grinders, and bolt cutters seem to be the option in motorcycle and bicycle theft (more common than campers) but remember, you are just locking up something that has bolts holding the hitch on. If they want it bad enough, locks on the hitch aren't going to stop them from taking it.

That's the really hard part about teardrops, we make em light enough and small enough to tow with nearly ANYTHING... makes setting it so someone doesn't take it away a lot harder...