Security - trailer wheel locks

[Jerry_NJ]

I would like to improve the security of my parked boat/trailer. All I have is the usual hitch lock which can easily be worked around or sawed off...

I did a search on "wheel locks", which may not be the right name... I didn't find any threads...so

Looking for experience and what others think a wheel lock would add to the anti-theft protection for a boat/trailer parked in one's yard. In may case the boat can not be seen from the road, but that means if I'm not home one could work on the the lock without being seen from the road.

I also like to park my boat on a slight upgrade so the stern and stern drain hole is lower. Thus I need to block the wheels, a wheel could provide one wheel block to protect against the trailer rolling down the slope.

 

[MRS]

Re: Security - trailer wheel locks

Maybe this?

Trimax TCL65 Trailer Wheel Chock Lock-79937 - Gander Mountain

 

[pevaguy]

Re: Security - trailer wheel locks

The only problem I see with "Trimax TCL65" is if the thieves bring a lug wrench, jack, and spare, it wouldn't be much of a deterrent.

 

[Jerry_NJ]

Re: Security - trailer wheel locks

Yes, I've seen a lower cost unit that extended through the wheel to the trailer, locking the wheel from turning while locking the wheel to the trailer. This design, however, exposes the strength to easy sawing.

I think I'd be happy with anything that would deter the the quick grab thief. The professional can't be stopped with anything less than an armed guard with back-up who is awake and sees the crook coming.

I too would like to lock a wheel to prevent the trailer from rolling around or down a slope when a "bad" wind comes up.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Security - trailer wheel locks

I would like to improve the security of my parked boat/trailer. All I have is the usual hitch lock which can easily be worked around or sawed off...

I did a search on "wheel locks", which may not be the right name... I didn't find any threads...so

Looking for experience and what others think a wheel lock would add to the anti-theft protection for a boat/trailer parked in one's yard. In may case the boat can not be seen from the road, but that means if I'm not home one could work on the the lock without being seen from the road.

I also like to park my boat on a slight upgrade so the stern and stern drain hole is lower. Thus I need to block the wheels, a wheel could provide one wheel block to protect against the trailer rolling down the slope.

Ayuh,.... Locks only stop Honest people,....

My pickup is a rollin' repair shop, If I wanted yer boat, 'n trailer, it would be goin' With me,....
Even from a busy Wallyworld parkin' lot, muchless yer hidden backyard,..

If yer that concerned, take the tires Off the wagon when parked,...
That way a Thief would need to bring his own wheels, 'n Hope they fit,....

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Security - trailer wheel locks

The only problem I see with "Trimax TCL65" is if the thieves bring a lug wrench, jack, and spare, it wouldn't be much of a deterrent.

Thats a lot of work and thieves are lazy

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Security - trailer wheel locks

a simple "smile, you're on camera" sign would likely do more than a truckload of locks

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Security - trailer wheel locks

A friend had his snowmobile chained to the trailer with a very stout chain. The trailer was chained to a light pole with another very stout chain. The wheels were locked with a spring leaf through the slot in each wheel. Yup - the entire rig gone! Police followed the black tire marks to a nearby alley where they found the still locked trailer, but the sled was long gone. If they want your boat, they will get it. I have an alarm that will go off if the trailer moves one inch in any axis. The system is not visible and no -- I won't share the details.

 

[Jerry_NJ]

Re: Security - trailer wheel locks

I strongly believe in passive security.. the appearance of security. I have motion sensing lights on all sides of my house. Fact is if I'm asleep I'll not know they were tripped on, but the prowler doesn't know 1) I am asleep, 2) there is no alarm inside the house, and that they haven't already been picked up by a security camera.... I think all these possibilities makes them run for it.

Who knows, I've never seen them run, but I've never had anything taken or the house broken into.

Just in case and if I'm home in bed I have a loaded 357 magnum revolver that I practice enough with to make a head shot a near certainty if the head is within 30' of me.

I have a Terrier too, too bad he is deaf otherwise he'd be a good alarm. When he does sense something a deer or whatever he is very prone to barking.

My boat and trailer with fishing equipment on board couldn't be worth more than $2000 maybe much less as they titles would have to be faked. Still, safe rather than sorry. I am considering some cameras... they are not expensive.

The advantage of being way off the road, along with disadvantages, is the number of people who know there is a house back here is next to zero when the postman and other delivery (UPS. FedX...) are eliminated. Anyone wishing to come back to investigate has to drive up about 500 feet of private road, enough to put them on edge I think...unless it is an "inside" job.

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: Security - trailer wheel locks

I agree with Bondo just take off the wheels.

 

[Jerry_NJ]

Re: Security - trailer wheel locks

Sounds good for long term storage, like over winter. NJ gets cold enough to put the boat away for a few months, December-March.

How about when the truck/trailer is parked at the boat launch. A wheel lock there would be an extra safeguard.

I do not know of any such thefts, but the though occurs to me, and thus the interest in a wheel lock.

When I purchased my first boat, a Grumman in about 1985, I purchased insurance that included fire and theft. I still have that boat and trailer. That insurance was dropped after a couple of years of ownership. When the Grumman was damaged in the strom of last October I found it was not covered for even one penny under my Homeowner policy. It would have been covered (limited to only $1,000) if it had be inside a bulding that came down on it... a tree coming down on it was not covered. Lots of risks associated with boating, with life in general. For my part I have been lucky and cautious.

 

[BrianNJ]

Re: Security - trailer wheel locks

I use a cable lock through two tandem wheels and around the trailer frame. The lock is probably easier to cut than the cable, but I latch it to a shackle to make it a little more difficult to get to. As said above, locks are just a deterrent. Hopefully thieves will go after a newer, nicer, easier to steal target. I happen to have insurance to cover the more determined thief. ;-)

Another benefit of the cable lock, if things should start rolling for some reason, it will only roll so far. Yes, I use chocks too, but it is surprising what a tandem trailer will roll over with a little more than a nudge.

 

[Jerry_NJ]

Re: Security - trailer wheel locks

Northern NJ, do you use Spruce Run and Round Valley... the Delaware river, Hopatcong (sp)? Sounds like you have a larger boat, "tandem trailer"... 4 wheels? I've never had a boat trailer roll, but that is because I parked it on a lot of pine needles and level ground, and that's what ended the life of my Grumman, big White Pine coming down during Sandy. I park the Discovery more in the open and on a slope to help gravity drain any water that sneaks in.

I use Spruce Run most often, but not often.... only 4 times this year, and three of those were in the last 5 weeks.

I think both SR and RV are relatively safe, but with the budget cuts I will say I very rarely see a park Ranger.

 

[Cannondale]

Re: Security - trailer wheel locks

The lock is probably easier to cut than the cable...

You'd be surprised how easy and quick it is to cut a cable. 2-3 hits with a semi-decent set of bolt cutters and the cable is done for....and more quietly than cutting a lock. It'd be the easiest $25 we'd make....worked as a bike mechanic and invariably students would lose their keys to their cable lock. We charged $25 to cut the cable....$35 if we had to pick up the bike and store it for the owner to retrieve.

 

[BrianNJ]

Re: Security - trailer wheel locks

Northern NJ, do you use Spruce Run and Round Valley... the Delaware river, Hopatcong (sp)?

Mostly Hopatcong and Hudson River so far. Yes, it is a bigger boat.

I've never had a boat trailer roll, ...

Neither have I. Hope it never does.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Security - trailer wheel locks

I sort of like this method.

 

[Jerry_NJ]

Re: Security - trailer wheel locks

It took me a while to spot the dog on the truck roof, or is it woof? He doesn't look very mean : )

As I parked my truck on the side yard I though it is sort of blocking the way between my boats and the driveway. If I parked it sideways it would block the easiest tow away path.

 

[theBrownskull]

Re: Security - trailer wheel locks

I sort of like this method.

View attachment 212765

That is funny..

 

[NewfieDan]

Re: Security - trailer wheel locks

I park mine inthe back yard. The only vehicle that I can use to move it is the small tractor. A truck would take down the fence or the garage. Either would make too much noise. Read as angry armed neighbour when I'm not home. Or very angry armed home owner when I am home.