Trailer Security Devices

[Knightrider2]

I wanted to see if anyone has ever used this product. I leave my boat at my lake property and have a lock on the tongue of the trailer and several chains run through the wheels and locked to a solid tree. I feel like it is fairly safe this way but it is a hassle getting the chains unlocked and free from the boat each time I want to use it.

This product seems to be a nice option, so I was just wondering if anyone else out there has used them or if they think they will be sufficient theft deterrent.

Believe me I know that nothing is going to stop someone if they really want it. Just trying to make it as difficult as possible.

Thanks for any input.

 

[DBreskin]

Re: Trailer Security Devices

Just trying to make it as difficult as possible.

Making it difficult for the thief also makes it difficult for you. If it's convenient for you, it also becomes easier for the thief.

The device you show can easily be defeated by removing and replacing the wheel it's attached to.

 

[relocyo]

Re: Trailer Security Devices

Yea I hear ya on that, until just 2 days ago I had my boat stored elsewhere, in stead of chaining the wheels, why not just chain to the structure of the trailer, and maybe the transom eyes? And of course a nice beefy padlock on the coupler, unfortunately like DBresken said, easy for you is easy for the theif... Putting a bright motion light shining directly on the boat may also be a good deterent . Good luck!

 

[Trailerguy34]

Re: Trailer Security Devices

I agree with DBreskin . I would get a coupler lock and a "snakeable " item that could be fed through the rim and attached to the frame . A perfect example would be the Trimax brand ST-30 . It is a excellent product ... just dont lose your keys in the water !

 

[Knightrider2]

Re: Trailer Security Devices

Making it difficult for the thief also makes it difficult for you. If it's convenient for you, it also becomes easier for the thief.

The device you show can easily be defeated by removing and replacing the wheel it's attached to.

Good point, that is why I run the chain through the spoke of the wheels, around the frame of the trailer and then around the tree. I did think about someone changing the tire before, I don't know why I went away from that.

I do like the suggestion by trailerguy with the Trimax ST-30, that does look easier than try to work a thick chain through the spokes of the wheels.

Thanks everyone for the responses.

 

[Fishing Dude too]

Re: Trailer Security Devices

Take an old ball that fits, cut off flush to bottom of ball, lock into place, makes hard to just pull off.

 

[Knightrider2]

Re: Trailer Security Devices

Take an old ball that fits, cut off flush to bottom of ball, lock into place, makes hard to just pull off.

Sweet idea, I will definitely do this one as well. Thanks.

 

[rowlex]

Re: Trailer Security Devices

i use a silly little tongue bolt lock that i know could be removed pretty easily.. previously i had a master lock pad lock on it which is pretty useless. I ended up loosing the keys for it and had to cut it off. the thing snapped off with barely any pressure from a pair of 20" bolt cutters.

luckily my trailer also has a folding tongue. so I fold the tongue back and wrap a 3/4" x 6foot cryptonite cable lock around it. I have been meaning to research an alternate route to use two pins on the fold so that i can completely remove the tongue.

 

[Knightrider2]

Re: Trailer Security Devices

i use a silly little tongue bolt lock that i know could be removed pretty easily.. previously i had a master lock pad lock on it which is pretty useless. I ended up loosing the keys for it and had to cut it off. the thing snapped off with barely any pressure from a pair of 20" bolt cutters.

luckily my trailer also has a folding tongue. so I fold the tongue back and wrap a 3/4" x 6foot cryptonite cable lock around it. I have been meaning to research an alternate route to use two pins on the fold so that i can completely remove the tongue.

Another great idea, I have a folding tongue as well. You guys are great, keep the suggestions coming.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Trailer Security Devices

Any method you pick can be defeated in 10 minutes max... Want to know the best method? Look around at your neighbors who have similar boats. You don't need an unbeatable security system, you just need something better than what your neighbors have! Most theft is opportunistic, if they can steal your neighbors boat in 30 seconds, and it takes 5 minutes for yours, yours is safe. If it is actually a planned theft and not opportunistic, you can't protect from it.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Trailer Security Devices

I realize like everyone else does that IF they want it, they are going to take it. But, I still have a couple of different locks (on wheels and coupler) to slow them down a bit. But, more important, I think is.......making sure your insurance is paid up!

Good luck.

 

[beason]

Re: Trailer Security Devices

i use this thing,

in combination with a locking pin. Even if you can get the pin off, you cant get that thing out of the socket without the keys. Its heavy and solid to.

 

[Knightrider2]

Re: Trailer Security Devices

I realize like everyone else does that IF they want it, they are going to take it. But, I still have a couple of different locks (on wheels and coupler) to slow them down a bit. But, more important, I think is.......making sure your insurance is paid up!

Good luck.

Yes, the insurance is paid up. I would just hate to loose this boat because (1) I have become very attached to it and (2) it would be hard to replace for the amount I gave for it.

 

[Knightrider2]

Re: Trailer Security Devices

i use this thing,

in combination with a locking pin. Even if you can get the pin off, you cant get that thing out of the socket without the keys. Its heavy and solid to.

That looks good, similar to what fishing dude recommended. Who makes this? Can't tell from the picture, but it looks like MasterLock...

 

[jkust]

Re: Trailer Security Devices

Any method you pick can be defeated in 10 minutes max... Want to know the best method? Look around at your neighbors who have similar boats. You don't need an unbeatable security system, you just need something better than what your neighbors have! Most theft is opportunistic, if they can steal your neighbors boat in 30 seconds, and it takes 5 minutes for yours, yours is safe. If it is actually a planned theft and not opportunistic, you can't protect from it.

Yes but unless his neighbors also have a Chaparral they'll just stick around to steal his.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Trailer Security Devices

Yes, the insurance is paid up. I would just hate to loose this boat because (1) I have become very attached to it and (2) it would be hard to replace for the amount I gave for it.

Get some agreed value coverage and then don't worry about it.

 

[beason]

Re: Trailer Security Devices

That looks good, similar to what fishing dude recommended. Who makes this? Can't tell from the picture, but it looks like MasterLock...

you are correct sir. picked it up at academy for about $25. Not only does it lock inside the socket, but it has that beefy bar that overlaps the lip around the socket. its a two part setup.

I see you are in humble so you should have an academy close. here it is on there web site

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/s...10151_10051_13429_-1?Ntt=trailer+lock&Ntk=All

and here is the lock pin i use

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/s...10151_10051_13431_-1?Ntt=trailer+lock&Ntk=All

they also have this one that i didnt see when i picked up mine. Its a little more $$ but seems to be more secure.

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_10051_13427_-1?N=581132481+933739032

and a buddy of mine has this on his cargo trailer

http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/s...10151_10051_13327_-1?Ntt=trailer+lock&Ntk=All

it works pretty slick as well. plus its bright yellow so they see it and just keep driving.

 

[captainzac]

Re: Trailer Security Devices

Locks only keep honest people honest
If someone wants to steal you property then they will

Locks on the hitch works well for me and very convenient
IMO parking where it is very visible might be the best protection that you can get.
Most people are honest and your neighbors will look out for you and you should for them
They are the best protection that you have

 

[Trailerguy34]

Re: Trailer Security Devices

Beason - I have had one of those locks and I felt the tumbler was a complete piece of crud.

Personally , I hate flat keys and I have always vowed for tumbler style keys ( pop machine keys ) .

There is one that looks identical to the one you are advertising but it has a tumbler style.

It is made by a company known as Diverstech . Take a look at that .

I believe the part number is 25013 . Its pretty sweet and way worth the money .

 

[Knightrider2]

Re: Trailer Security Devices

Beason - I have had one of those locks and I felt the tumbler was a complete piece of crud.

Personally , I hate flat keys and I have always vowed for tumbler style keys ( pop machine keys ) .

There is one that looks identical to the one you are advertising but it has a tumbler style.

It is made by a company known as Diverstech . Take a look at that .

I believe the part number is 25013 . Its pretty sweet and way worth the money .

I looked this up and looks great, thanks. Again, I know if a thief wants something they will get it. I just want to make it hard as possible.

Thanks for all of the suggestions, they are all good.