Trailer security

[bluski]

Newbie here, first post. Just picked up a homemade 4x8 and looking forward to all the challenges. While I'm "wintering" away from home, my trailer will be stored in the parking lot of the complex where I'm staying. Besides the "ball socket lock", what other reasonable steps can be taken to prevent the trailer from disappearing. I sure don't want to haul jack-stands, but removing the wheels would probably be good. What works reasonably?

[les45]

I wrap a chain through my wheel spokes and around the axle but if someone is really bent on taking your trailer they will find a way.

[swoody126]

in addition to what les45 said i use a separate/longer chain wrap'd around a lamp post and put a pad lock thru the hitch lever when i am leaving a trailer in questionable surroundings

separate chains for the wheels & post make it just a hair more difficult/time consuming to escape w/ the prize

thatsa total of 3 locks

MASTER LOCK makes a commercial unit that can usualy be had from ACE HDW, or any good lock shop, keyed alike and they are s'post2 be tougher to cut

you may have to run a drill thru the hitch lever for the lock bail(¿sp?) to pass thru it

not leaving the dolly wheel on the tongue jack makes it harder to get out of tight spaces

removing the license plate will make it more obvious to law enforcement if towed away

and as everyone knows a true thief bent on having your trailer WILL steal it

sw

[PKCSPT]

Locked in our garage when not in use. Otherwise a cable and padlock run through the wheels, frame and a tree if available when camping. Padlock one the hitch. Cable and padlock are supposed to resist being cut.

[djohnsonnv]

Has anyone used/considered a trailer boot? They lock onto your wheel some even cover the lug nuts. Cities use them to impound vehicles in place so they must have some merit.

https://www.grainger.com/product/39C426 ... 14180012:s

[swoody126]

Has anyone used/considered a trailer boot? They lock onto your wheel some even cover the lug nuts. Cities use them to impound vehicles in place so they must have some merit.

https://www.grainger.com/product/39C426 ... 14180012:s

VERY EFFECTIVE butt harder to store/carry taking up valuable space whereas chain can be strung out along the wall/edge of the bed w/o affecting sleeping comfort, taking up relatively no space and the weight can be distributed as needed

also, boots will likely have to be bought new at a retail outet and chain can be found at flea mkts & garage sales for le$$ than retail...

sw

[lfhoward]

I just got this in my email from eTrailer.com today.

Discreetly track your trailer with these WHRZT! GPS trailer tracking devices.
www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer_GPS-pm-WHRZT.aspx

Breakaway and junction box lid styles hide tracking device on your trailer to track trailers in your fleet or ensure that your stolen trailer doesn't get far.

Has anyone installed something like that before?

[bluski]

OK. Some really good ideas here My trailer has the spoke-type rims, so the chain/axle thing will be a really good start. Anything to up the degree of difficulty will help. Thanks for the ideas.

[lrrowe]

Type "trailer security" in the top right search box and see many previous posts on this topic.

[absolutsnwbrdr]

I just got this in my email from eTrailer.com today.

Discreetly track your trailer with these WHRZT! GPS trailer tracking devices.
http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Trailer ... WHRZT.aspx

Breakaway and junction box lid styles hide tracking device on your trailer to track trailers in your fleet or ensure that your stolen trailer doesn't get far.

Has anyone installed something like that before?

Looks like that would definitely work. First year subscription is free, $120/yr after that.

[QueticoBill]

Could look at Spot Trace https://www.findmespot.com/en/index.php?cid=128 $50 right now plus $100/yr subscription.

[TimC]

If you won't have to move the trailer on a short notice I suggest putting it on jack stands, blocks, whatever is secure, and removing the wheels. It won't go anywhere. I know this is more of a storage method to secure the trailer. If you are concerned about camping season security you might want to lean toward the other folk's suggestions. Wheel removal will give you some time to research the other methods.

[DrCrash]

Removable tongue .

[noseoil]

Tongue lock, alarm system & Itraq tracker. Too close to Mexico where I live......

[DrCrash]

One of these stickers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmpBYcM06Sk