Theft Prevention

[Tomterrific]

We are leaving in about two hours so I won't be trying this idea until I return. My wife brings up the idea of our trailer being stolen. Now I'm obcessing on the thought. I came up with the idea of a locking boot around the wheel. I would make it out of wood with a plywood front covering the tire and chocks at the bottom. The back would hinge to the chocks with a locked latch on the other end. The boot would double as a chock and a tire cover.

New Tom

[lrrowe]

I cannot visualize your design. Can you sketch it out or post a photo when you return?

[Talia62]

If it's wood, I wouldn't think that would be a lot of deterrence. Too easy to just cut it off.

[Tomterrific]

I have a cutting torch too, so even a police boot can be cut. Ease/speed of construction and a deterance is the idea. I guess i could just take the wheels with me when I'm not in camp. :-)

Thinking further, if the coupler and chains are not secured, a thief could be dragging the trailer down the street with the boots attached.

Tom

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

I don't think much can stop a determined thief; however, with that said... the time it would take the thief to overcome the locks and or theft prevention methods used is also a factor...


-- There are some serious hitch/coupler locks out there; the better ones are increasingly more difficult to overcome ...
-- Wheel locks also help ...
-- Lights are also a great deterrent ...
-- Noise is also a great deterrent, e.g., alarm systems ... Noise and lights are great together ...
-- Security camera/s might help catch the thief and even get your rig back ...
-- Parking it out of site, out of mind, e.g., back yard, shed, garage, etc.;

AND a layering of these is even better ...


Remember, the lock usually just keeps the honest guy honest ... safes can be picked, but place it in some inconspicuous place adds another level of security...

BTW, most folks I know with TD's, park them in a garage, shed, etc. for trailer protection and security...

Anyway, you get the idea ... I hope this helps you come up with an idea/s ... Remember security is best kept to yourself, people talk and it doesn't take long for others to know the basics of your security methods ...

[wiseguydirk]

I have large chain that I put through the wheels that loop around the axle on both sides.

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

I have large chain that I put through the wheels that loop around the axle on both sides.

I do the same with a very large lock!

[Java Jack]

May not be much of a help for you given your timeframe but I just did a 2 part blog on how I am trying to prevent theft.

http://cre8tiveapps.blogspot.com/2015/09/stop-crime-before-it-starts-securing-my.html

[lrrowe]

I like the combination of the chain thru the wheels and around the axle along with the Proven Industries coupler lock. Overkill maybe, futile maybe, but then again, why not if it makes me feel better?

[Shadow Catcher]

Anything you can get a bolt cutter on is toast and if they want it badly enough they will get it. One reason for unique graphics.
If you are really paranoid and GPS tracker can be incorporated.

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Java Jack,
Nice Blog article and I like the Proven Coupler Lock!!


I sent them an e-mail to see where I can find one near me...

Thanks for the information...

[lrrowe]

Java Jack,
Nice Blog article and I like the Proven Coupler Lock!!


I sent them an e-mail to see where I can find one near me...

Thanks for the information...

AZ-Desert_Rat, I did that and got a very nice response from the owner (I believe). He said to send him a photo of my coupler and he could send me the right one. It sounds like there are no retailers.

[lrrowe]

Anything you can get a bolt cutter on is toast and if they want it badly enough they will get it. One reason for unique graphics.
If you are really paranoid and GPS tracker can be incorporated.

If one were to put a hefty lock on the inside of the wheel, I believe he/she increased their potential of having a harder to cut lock. I believe it would be very difficult for a thief to lay under the trailer and get the required bite and leverage on the cutter.