lakewoodgirl
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1954 Lakewood
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Post by lakewoodgirl on Jun 5, 2014 12:43:34 GMT -8
With these recent thefts in SoCal, it got me thinking and looking. Here's something I found. I don't know how good it is but it's a start to an important conversation! Please share what you have currently in place to protect your trailer! www.etrailer.com/Locks/Winner-International/WI491.htmlSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk |
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Jun 5, 2014 13:17:51 GMT -8
With these recent thefts in SoCal, it got me thinking and looking. Here's something I found. I don't know how good it is but it's a start to an important conversation! Please share what you have currently in place to protect your trailer! www.etrailer.com/Locks/Winner-International/WI491.htmlSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk First let me say that I live in SoCal, and I live "In the Hood"! And they would just laugh at that lock on a trailer.
All you need is a extra "spare wheel" with the same size bolt pattern, remove the pictured "wheel and lock" as an assembly, replace it with your spare wheel, and your "on your way". Less than five minutes to defeat. It's a total waste of money, IMO.
When I had my new driveway poured, I installed three heavy duty 3/8" locking chains, strategically located along the side edges, and back edge of the driveway. I lock my trailers to these chains imbedded into cement and tied into the rebar inside the driveway. I also use a lock that is custom to each type of coupler. Is it fool proof, NO! But it will slow them down, and keep the honest people, still "honest". Total cost for the chains, about $10.00, plus a padlock or two.
If a thief happens to get shot stealing your trailer, just make sure you drag them back into your yard before the Sherriff arrives! You would not want to waste your time in court hearings.
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Post by bigbill on Jun 5, 2014 14:02:02 GMT -8
john the important thing in a gun fight is make sure you are the only one telling the story or at least that is what my ole pappy always said.  |
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SusieQ
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'62 Shasta Compact
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Post by SusieQ on Jun 5, 2014 18:10:24 GMT -8
I wonder what they are doing with these trailers? They are bound to resurface unless they are dragging them out to some remote area for clandestine activity.
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SusieQ
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'62 Shasta Compact
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Post by SusieQ on Jun 5, 2014 18:11:40 GMT -8
And it's also a reason to watch eBay and Craigslist ads closely and NOT buy without a title unless you know the trailer's history.
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Post by schweetcruisers on Jun 5, 2014 18:15:44 GMT -8
Those locks only really work with spoked wheels, they need something to lock through. They won't work with a vintage steel wheel as they just spin around.
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azshastanut
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1957 Kenskill 16T
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Post by azshastanut on Jun 6, 2014 9:47:51 GMT -8
Those of us who live close to the U.S./Mexican border know exactly what happens to them. They are in Mexico before the original owner even knows they are gone.
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chametzoo
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1960 Mobile Scout
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Post by chametzoo on Aug 28, 2014 15:18:03 GMT -8
…..but it's a start to an important conversation! Please share what you have currently in place to protect your trailer! Would like to pick up on this thread. What ARE you using to protect your trailer? This is especially important when camping in remote areas without neighbors to keep an eye out. Right now, I'm using the yellow loop over type with the ball that goes into the coupler. It will be interesting to see how you are all deterring theft… and even more interesting when John Palmer tells us how each of your locks can be easily defeated!  Sorry John, you seem to know these things! But seriously, it would be nice to know what your experiences are. |
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SusieQ
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Post by SusieQ on Aug 28, 2014 17:23:25 GMT -8
I'll probably just not take mine West of the Mississippi. Just kidding, sorta'. I don't really think you can stop it if someone has set out with that goal in mind. Nothing would be easier to hook up and pull of than my teardrop but when camp is set up, it would be real obvious and not so convenient for someone to hook up and pull it away. It think it will be the same with the Shasta. When we camp in remote areas, we don't usually venture too far from camp unless it's a short hike. And having a barking Yorkie Terror in the trailer is the only deterrent I have.
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chametzoo
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Post by chametzoo on Aug 28, 2014 18:05:30 GMT -8
And having a barking Yorkie Terror in the trailer is the only deterrent I have. Well…. thanks Susie, but I won't be getting one of those too soon  . In general, I think it's a combination of the best armor on the coupler, insurance… and as other's have pointed out, the ability to track the location of the trailer. Does anyone have experience with that? I know iPhones are trackable through the Apple's cloud technology. But let's start with a good clever and strong lock. |
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Post by bigbill on Aug 28, 2014 18:08:28 GMT -8
I think a loaded Glock makes a wonderful theft deterrent.
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mobiltec
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1954 Jewel In Progress...
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Post by mobiltec on Aug 28, 2014 19:01:42 GMT -8
If I stop somewhere along the way I always try to park somewhere that I can keep an eye on my rig. That's an old habit and I do it with trailers and vehicles. I haven't heard of anyone puting a regular car alarm on a trailer but that sounds like a great idea to me. Might want to use a separate battery if yours is located outside. The small "Solar" dry cells from HF would work great.
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Aug 28, 2014 19:46:39 GMT -8
We can, and should take all of the precautions we can when leaving the rig unattended.
But the trailer should be insured for the full replacement cost. You will want a type of collector vehicle insurance policy called AGREE VALUE, not the more common type called STATED VALUE.
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chametzoo
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Post by chametzoo on Aug 28, 2014 19:58:31 GMT -8
We can, and should take all of the precautions we can when leaving the rig unattended. But the trailer should be insured for the full replacement cost. You will want a type of collector vehicle insurance policy called AGREE VALUE, not the more common type called STATED VALUE. Thanks John… insurance is an important aspect. I'll look into the distinction you point out. |
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John Palmer
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Hi, From a vintage trailer guy located in Santa Ana, CA. It's good to see lots of activity here.
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Post by John Palmer on Aug 28, 2014 20:16:10 GMT -8
We can, and should take all of the precautions we can when leaving the rig unattended. But the trailer should be insured for the full replacement cost. You will want a type of collector vehicle insurance policy called AGREE VALUE, not the more common type called STATED VALUE. Thanks John… insurance is an important aspect. I'll look into the distinction you point out. 99% (maybe higher) of insurance agents do not understand the difference in these two insurance terms.
It's easy to get a Agreed Value policy on a collector car, NOT so easy to get AGREED VALUE on a vintage travel trailer.
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Sorry John, you seem to know these things!
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