Trailer security

R

RonInSD

Well-known member
This spring/summer (April to June) my wife and I will be looking to store a trailer in the Denver area and the question of trailer security came up.

I am looking at different locking systems (youtube has too many videos on how to break/pick/bump locks) and also trailer security/GPS tracking systems. Wondering what other people are doing for trailer security.

A couple trailer tongue locks that I am looking at:
https://www.megahitchlock.com/product/2 ... ler-locks/
http://www.provenlocks.com/index.html

I am also looking at wheel locks but they can be easily removed with a portable grinder/saw or just unbolting and replace the wheel. I am thinking a harden chain that is looped through the wheel and around the axle may be a good option.

The other idea is a security/GPS tracker system.

http://trackandgps.com/trailer-gps-tracking.html - includes 3 years of service and 5 year battery.
http://www.dewaltmobilelock.com/ - has a $20/month fee and other costs if you GPS locate more then 5 times a month.
http://www.electroflip.com/products/gps ... ps-tracker - Uses a prepaid SIM card
http://www.tommyjohnsonjr.com/Alarms.html

As with any security, you are just slowing down the people that really want to take it. The hope is that you will slow them down enough that some one will see them and they may get caught or just move on to the next trailer.

Again what are people doing for trailer security?

Also if anyone in the Denver area knows of a good secure trailer storage let me know.
 
Ron contact Bob Boileau at Pikes Peak Raceway. They have helped out racers over the years. I don't know what the cost would be but it'd be very reasonable.

http://www.ppir.com/

It's a little over an hour south of Denver proper, plus rush hour.

You can drop my name if you like, but I don't think it'll help any. Try saying Jon Goodale :) :)
 
Big identifier on the roof a great idea. Also, take all the wheels/tires including the spare and put them somewhere else. We have stored our 20ft long term with the wheels AND drums somewhere else. Our trailer has the large drums with the bearings in them. On the lighter axles the hub stays when the drum comes off but still would really irritate anyone trying to haul it off.

Bob
 
I like the puck locks for the doors: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hidden-Shac...ash=item35ba047e71:g:HFkAAOSwGWNUXpOB&vxp=mtr

I have seen chaining the tires together by running a chain though the wheels so that you cannot rotate the wheels.

Look into theft insurance to cover the trailer when stored. Be careful on content theft as it may not be covered in the trailer insurance. Insurance may be cheaper if the trailer is stored at a residence.

+1 on the tag number on the roof, BIG.
 
Please keep in mind, locks are to keep honest people honest. The Master lock Doug posted looked to be a 6 pin and as long as the key slots are shown, picking a 6 pin lock may take 30 seconds. Very easy to pick with simple $10.00 lock pick tool kit.

EDIT:

6 pin lock cylinder, good stuff at approx. 1 min 30 seconds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4GQbCjo0Zdg
 
Dug89":vzes3t2i said:
I like the puck locks for the doors: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hidden-Shac...ash=item35ba047e71:g:HFkAAOSwGWNUXpOB&vxp=mtr

I have seen chaining the tires together by running a chain though the wheels so that you cannot rotate the wheels.

Look into theft insurance to cover the trailer when stored. Be careful on content theft as it may not be covered in the trailer insurance. Insurance may be cheaper if the trailer is stored at a residence.

+1 on the tag number on the roof, BIG.
Click to expand...

How to pick a Master Lock Puck lock in a couple seconds.
https://youtu.be/m81-5NiRSzM
 
If your trailer has an electric tongue jack just lower the leg then remove the in-line fuse....unless they've got a spare fuse they'd have to tow the trailer with the lift leg still dragging on the ground. Mine also has a manual hand crank(in the event of electrical malfunction) but not sure what you'd do to disable that feature.

When I travel with my tow truck and have to park over night, I do this plus remove the fuel pump relay from the engine compartment.

They may steal everything inside but they ain't get'n the whole rig.

Just don't lose the fuse or relay (lol).

regards
Tom B.

BTW, Master makes a lock which slides over the tongue then you secure it with a long allen- head set screw from underneath ,then lock it with a key. I guess you could defeat it but I suspect it would take more time than a thief would want to spend.
 
RonInSD":369qs0rx said:
mcfoo":369qs0rx said:
BTW, Master makes a lock which slides over the tongue then you secure it with a long allen- head set screw from underneath ,then lock it with a key. I guess you could defeat it but I suspect it would take more time than a thief would want to spend.
Click to expand...

This one???

https://youtu.be/4kWmyZlh6Hg?t=1m48s
Click to expand...

Nope.

I don't have a picture but its called a "Master Tongue Lock #34". Pretty stout piece of goods.
Having been in the hardware business I could have acquired just about any lock I wanted. This is the one I chose at the time albeit 15-20 years ago.
Still have and use it today...and haven't lost a trailer yet (lol)
 
20 years in Law Enforcement has taught me a lot of things. You are correct, locks are for honest people. Most times the thieves don't touch the lock and just cut the poor quality metal hasp the lock goes through. (I made my own guards for this, I'll get pics tomorrow.)

Painting anything on the roof sounds like a great idea, but most departments got rid of their helicopters a long time ago except in California so it would be a long shot at best. Also the cost per hour to look for your trailer isn't in the budget, sorry.

I use 2 removable key master switches on my box truck and any time it's parked they come out and clip on the key ring. Most times, depending where I park, I'll leave the trailer hooked to the truck and put the electric jack down just enough to take some pressure off, then disconnect the power.

The slide through hitch pin locks are a joke. Hit it once or twice with a hammer, slide it out and stick anything through to replace the pin.

I also have used a chain through the wheels, hard to drag off.

Most trailer thefts are crimes of opportunity, remember thieves are lazy and looking for an easy buck, so some deterrent is better than nothing.

Most trailers are stolen for whats inside, landscaping trailers with mowers are popular. That's one reason why I have a small SCCA and Mazda sticker on the back of my trailer, nothing saying "Hey, I have a lot of cool expensive stuff in here." (Insert your Mazda jokes here)

An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top