Steel trailers are quite cost-effective and an easy way of transportation. But, the problem with the trailer is it never merge with other vehicles which becomes an advantage for thieves. Hence, to secure a trailer from theft we have some verified methods below.
Ways To Secure A Trailer
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It is worth noting that every lock can be broken. There is no one size fits all anti-theft solution. However, it all comes down to risk and return on investment. The more difficult it is to steal your trailer, the less likely it will be stolen or become a target. You want thieves to spend too much time and effort so they don’t care.
Here are some of the ways you can secure the trailer:
1. Original Equipment Manufacturer Lock
Secure your vehicles’ loading compartments by automatically closing the standard vehicle locks when the doors are closed.
2. The Fundamental Lock
A basic electronic lock can be used to secure the loading compartment of your vehicle.
3. System Of Intelligent Blocks
The Intelligent Block System protects your vehicle’s ignition with a keypad and an ignition code. With the correct use of the above tools, you can secure the trailer in an hour or maybe relatively less time.
4. Clutch Lock Or Air Cuff Lock
A high-quality lock with a stable shackle is the solution. Professional thieves these days can easily break regular locks, so it is advisable to invest in combination locks. All that remains is to secure the coupler and the box (if any). However, use this method only for small trailers.
5. Tongue Lock
This is a beneficial device in case you plan to put off the hook and pass the trailer to some other place for observation. Attached to the trailer hitch, prevents other vehicles from being hitch. Using a padlock as described above makes it even safer. Remember to also lock the vehicle clutch.
6. Chock Clock
In my opinion, this is a very safe item for both heavy vehicles and trailers. It is fixed to the trailer and locked with a combination lock. However, it is not only expensive but also not easy to find. You should use and keep track of your followers.
7. Coupler Lock
The REESE Towpower Universal Coupler Lock is a top-rate lock built with an aluminium frame and a heavy-obligation metal lock bar.
8. GPS Monitoring Devices
For massive trailers that regularly ship precious goods, that is a vital approach in horrific situations. It`s additionally beneficial if you`re a forgetful character and you can find your trailer in more than one click.
However, this approach of trailer protection won’t assist you to capture the thief, however, the following manner will.
9. Alarms
It’s similar to a turn signal on your car. The sensor beeps if any movement is noticed. Additionally, some alarms can notify you when someone attempts to move or unlock your trailers.
When purchasing an alarm system, look for one that includes LED lights to alert thieves that the trailer is secure.
When an impact is detected, the horn usually emits a tone and blinks the LED light, surprising the thief and drawing the attention of everyone in the vicinity. If you’re lucky, someone will call the cops and the thief will be apprehended.
10. Fluorescent Spray Paint
This is a method of scaring off and discouraging thieves from approaching your trailer because it is easily detected and difficult to conceal. There are numerous ways to customize it.
Draw a picture, your favourite text, your name, your logo, or a coat of your favourite colour of paint. However, this method has only psychological effects and is ineffective against persistent thieves.
It works with 1-7/8″ and 2″ couplers. The rugged construction prevents someone from mounting the trailer on the vehicle’s hitch and driving.
11. Locking Lugnuts
Locking the lug nuts provides additional protection for the wheel. It’s not impossible to get rid of them, but it definitely slows down the thief.
The reason you want locking lug nuts installed is for more than just the wheels. Of course, if the thief is unable to steal the trailer, they may decide to take whatever they can get, such as the wheels.
Theft Tactics Used By Thieves
Here are some of the theft tactics different types of thieves use to target the trailer:
A. Stealing Without Preparation
This is a common type of theft among inexperienced thieves. Their target is often trailers located in the desert, regardless of location, such as parking lots, bus stops, or vacant lots during quiet hours such as weekends and nights. These trailers are small and have poor security.
Their usual way is to attach the trailer to the vehicle and drive away. Still using the same method, more sophisticated thieves are looking for items loaded on cameras and trailers.
B. Prepared Theft
With the development of science and technology, criminal tricks are becoming more and more sophisticated. Unlike the types above, these criminals often target more valuable followers with goods. They frequently collaborate and plan in groups.
They may plan to scam the owner, for example, by initiating a conversation to steal personal information or impersonating a customer to deploy a tracking device.
These promotions are usually performed when the store is about to close, with little attention, or when you are busy with scrutiny.
C. Stealing with technology
These types of crimes are usually knowledgeable because they are planned and executed remotely. As mentioned above, the more sophisticated the trick, the higher the value of the target.
They place remote monitoring devices directly on the trailer and the cargo itself and use the media to make the scam look more effective in the form of scams, stealing personal information and interfere with GPS systems. These criminals use different types of disinformation to deceive owners or carriers.
Securing A Boat Trailer:
Here are the quick steps to protect your boat trailer from theft:
a. Trailer Wheel Lock
Trailer wheel locks or trunk locks lock the wheels to prevent them from moving, making it virtually impossible to tow the trailer.
b. Install The Hitch Lock
Pair locks, also known as hitch locks and tongue locks, protect the most endangered boat trailers in the hitch. Combined with a wheellock, the trailer is optimally protected.
c. Get A GPS Asset Tracking Device
If a thief can escape from a boat trailer despite these precautions, a GPS Asset Tracker can help. You can safely pay here. Now that you know what you need to do to protect your boat trailer, get out there and get a security device.
Securing A Utility Trailer :
Here are the quick steps to secure a utility trailer from theft
- Remove the trailer and park in a location with adequate lighting and visibility. If at all possible, park your trailer in an area that is empty or devoid of shortcuts.
- Remember basic trailer information such as serial number, price, manufacturer, etc. This appears to be superfluous, but it comes in handy when a problem arises.
- Remove the ball mount from detachable trailers if not in use for an extended period. It not only protects the coupler from environmental damage but also makes it difficult for petty thieves to steal it.
Securing A Travel Trailer :
Here are the quick steps to protect your travel trailer from theft
- Make use of a hitch lock.
- Make use of x-chock locks.
- Make use of a wheel lock.
- Set your exterior light(s) to a motion sensor.
- Pull into your campsite rather than backing in when camping.
Securing A Kayak Trailer:
Here are the quick steps to protect your kayak trailer from theft. Simply thread the cable lock or lock cord around the hole in the scraper plug or the kayak handle to maintain the lock.
To protect the kayak from potential thieves, place it in a protective storage bag and cover it with a tarpaulin.
Securing An Enclosed Trailer:
Here are the quick steps to protect your enclosed trailer from theft
a. A tow bar lock is an easy way to prevent trailer theft
A good hitch lock is very effective in preventing theft. If a potential thief roams the parking lot looking for a target, the presence of a hitch lock is often sufficient to prevent the thief from stealing the trailer. it’ll help you protect your U-haul trucks and trailers.
b. Doorstop Alarm Reuse
Trailer theft protection does not require an expensive digital security system. One way to add a layer of security to crowded areas such as campsites and showgrounds is to place a doorstop (like Amazon’s) under the tires.
Securing A Lock Trailer :
Here are the quick steps to protect your locked trailer from theft
- Use a hitch lock to secure the ball mount.
- Use a hitch lock to secure the latch.
- Keep your spare key in a secure location.
- Attach a strap or chain to the pendant
- Drive to your destination and remove the trailer hitch
- Lock the trailer while parking
- Store the hitch lock with the ball mount
- Put the best high-security door lock on your cargo trailer.
Final Talk
There are numerous convenient ways to secure a trailer from theft, ranging from low to high security. My advice is to select the best trailer locking method based on its size and value. Using a combination of tools will improve trailer security, deter thieves, and keep your trailer safe.
How to secure a trailer against theft. Step 1: Secure the coupler with a padlock. Step 2: Install safety chains, straps and regular chains. Step 3: Adding a wheel or tire lock.More tips for touring with a trailer. Tip 1: Secure the keys in the locks. Tip 2: Be careful where you park. Tip 3: Install digital devices.
There’s always a chance of thieves hitching up your trailer whether you’re on vacation or even when you want to secure a trailer in your driveway. Although many stores offer anti-theft trailer locks for maximum protection, you should make sure you buy heavy-duty products as there are some that are easy to beat with a few tools.