One way to steal a trailer

[wmtire]

I had saw this youtube video promoting a trailer gps tracking system. They are trying to show how fast someone can take off with a trailer, just using the safety chains. I don't guess I ever thought about that. Anyhow, just posting this as a tidbit of learning.

I'm in no way promoting or even suggesting the tracking system.... but just showing a way someone can "easily" take off with your trailer even with the coupler locked....that I have never considered.

Guess I would be a bad thief. (but aren't all thieves bad)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9vv6PXJKEM

[f5moab]

I use one of these....Not foolproof, they can break them too, but it will slow them down and that means they might move to the next trailer....
As a last resort....Allstate full replacement insurance.

[vinmaker]

WOW. Very scary.

Time to remove our tow chains when we park the unit.

the video is a bit of theater in that they stole a lightweight trailer. I would like to see how they manage with a 36' monster. Granted the tow chains on the 36' is rated for it but it might still be a difficult tow.

The best thing all around would be to simply remove the wheels. Only talking about 5 or 6 nits to turn. lol.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by vinmaker

WOW. Very scary. Time to remove our tow chains when we park the unit. the video is a bit of theater in that they stole a lightweight trailer. I would like to see how they manage with a 36' monster. Granted the tow chains on the 36' is rated for it but it might still be a difficult tow. The best thing all around would be to simply remove the wheels. Only talking about 5 or 6 nits to turn. lol.

Removing the safety chains wouldn't stop them, they would probably have their own.

[f5moab]

My safety chains are installed on a welded loop!

I've heard some will carry extra tire/rim assemblies so they can yank off the wheel where the boot is and install a new wheel.

They really want it, they will get it. Secret is to make the next trailer easier to get.

[Ford Idaho]

I had a boat here for a little while, all I did was take a 4 foot chunk of 5/16 chain stuck between two wheel spokes and then wrapped around the spring perch and pad locked it.

[Kilday4]

If a thief wants something bad enough they will get it. They usually have an unconventional way of thinking which makes it difficult for us normal people to combat them.

[Herk7769]

I have a kill switch on the 5th wheel's landing gear. Very difficult to steal one (though not impossible) if you can't raise it enough to engage a hitch. If you are aware of the "manual extension" option a thief could carry a spare handle, I suppose.

Travel trailers seem a better target.

X-Chocks with a lock might also slow them down enough to raise the alarm.

[jevanb]

They would have to remove my capture plate If we were camping , and hook up battery if someone tried to steal while at my house that would be almost impossible also since my battery is removed, and no way to raise the gear ,plus the private road and long driveway and my gun would deter them

[mud yapster]

I need to get a pin lock for my 5th wheel this is something I have worried about for a long time. I've also looked around camp sites and not many have one so it would make theirs easier to steel than mine if I had a pin lock. I never thought about the tow chain thief when I had my 35'TT I just locked the ball. Thanks for the heads up

[dannyabear]

tHAT IS WHY i PAY FOR INSURANCE.

[mud yapster]

I also pay for insurance but I don't want to come back to my camp site and see my trailer is gone either.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by mud yapster

I need to get a pin lock for my 5th wheel this is something I have worried about for a long time. I've also looked around camp sites and not many have one so it would make theirs easier to steel than mine if I had a pin lock. I never thought about the tow chain thief when I had my 35'TT I just locked the ball. Thanks for the heads up

Made this pin lock for mine.

[prairiecamper]

How about one like this! Approx $15.00.

[asquared]

this is what we use on the fiver. Locks really only keep honest people honest. If they want it, they will take it. The question is how much damage are they willing to do to make it theirs?

[TimNJTA]

With my car trailer, I sometimes add a cable and lock through both wheels. Like said with everything else, its not 100% effective, but will add time or help even deter unmotivated thieves.

[Ninemmsig]

Originally Posted by prairiecamper

How about one like this! Approx $15.00.

X2

[OldCoot]

The reason I made mine is I wanted to use the same padlocks we've used for years for everything which are all keyed alike.

[Cowracer]

No lock, system, or measure will prevent a determined crook. If they want your things, they will take them. All you can do is discourage the casual crook, and carry enough insurance.

I say this with experience after my beloved Excursion was stolen.

Tim

[Cowracer]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Made this pin lock for mine.

30 seconds with my battery powered sawzall will open that like a book.

Tim