Coupler locks and other trailer security

[RayCo]

I picked up new cargo trailer this week, and I'll be going no a ~2,000 mile trek with it next month. I stopped at Lowe's yesterday to look at locks and what not, but didn't really like anything they had, if for no other reason, there wasn't a kit where the coupler and hitch pin locks would use the same key.

Do y'all have any favorite things you use to secure trailer? Favorite sources? Maybe just what's on the shelf at my closest Tractor Supply?

Additionally, imagine a scenario where I leave the trailer at a rest stop or truck stop while I venture off in the tow vehicle for a few hours. Would y'all call me insane, or would you say, that's fine, as long as you own device XYZ to secure the trailer in place? The trek will be from PA, down to Louisiana, then over to Florida, and then back to PA.

 

[dodge man]

I’ve chained and locked the tires together on one side. I also have a hitch lock.

 

[RayCo]

I’ve chained and locked the tires together on one side. I also have a hitch lock.

I like that. I have some big logging chain that I will take along for this purpose. Thank you.

 

[Fixastuff]

With battery powered impacts and cut off wheels locks don’t mean much. All my trailers have bolt on hitches so even if they had locks on them 3mins with an impact gun a new one is bolted on.

 

[John0829]

Fact is no matter what lock you use if they REALLY want it they will have it. A basic lock will keep the casual thief away since they want quick and easy.

 

[RjCorazza]

I use the Master Lock matched key receiver pin and coupler lock.
They are not going to prevent even a slightly determined thief from taking my trailer. Realistically, they can wrap some chain around the entire thing and drag the trailer off without even bothering with the locks. At least with the chain wrapped between the wheels they would have to do some cutting, and hopefully someone would notice.

I would NEVER leave a trailer during a trip unattended!

 

[Runner]

You can also unbolt the hitch ball from the drawbar to take the trailer. For that reason, some people string a chain through the trailer frame and the vehicle frame, then padlock.

Again, couple of seconds with cutoff wheel and it's gone anyway....

 

[4570Man]

Chain or cable is more of a feel good measure and maybe stops a crime of opportunity but a cordless grinder cuts chain in just a second.

 

[BleedingOrange]

If you leave it unattended, make sure you have it well insured, before you unhook it. Not a chance I would ever leave a trailer unattended. Up here in Ontario, Canada, you need a rider on your vehicle policy which covers a trailer. Without it, the vehicle insurance only covers the trailer while it is attached to the vehicle.

 

[newbury]

Yup, in the day of the cordless angle grinder your best solution IF you HAVE to leave it is to remove wheel(s) from one side and take it/them with you. That will slow them down dragging it away.
And I've NEVER been able to cut through a good 1/2" chain in

couple of seconds with cutoff wheel

Usually takes me at least 20 or 30.

 

[4570Man]

Yup, in the day of the cordless angle grinder your best solution IF you HAVE to leave it is to remove wheel(s) from one side and take it/them with you. That will slow them down dragging it away.
And I've NEVER been able to cut through a good 1/2" chain in

Usually takes me at least 20 or 30.

This was a 1/2” grade 70 and it didn’t take long at all to cut with a cordless grinder.

 

[calfal]

I would invest in a gps tracker to put inside your trailer at least you will know where it is going when a thief takes it..

 

[sandman2234]

Since leaving dropped trailers in rest areas is prohibited in most places, you will also have to contend with the legal removal of your trailer from rest areas.
David from jax

 

[319Quahog]

You can also unbolt the hitch ball from the drawbar to take the trailer. For that reason, some people string a chain through the trailer frame and the vehicle frame, then padlock.

Again, couple of seconds with cutoff wheel and it's gone anyway....

I've done that with a 3/8" coated cable before. Keeping the lock hidden up under the vehicle.

Harder to cut with bolt cutters, but still no match for a cutoff wheel.

 

[319Quahog]

I would invest in a gps tracker to put inside your trailer at least you will know where it is going when a thief takes it..

Even something as simple as an airtag hidden on the frame will help.

 

[Runner]

I've done that with a 3/8" coated cable before. Keeping the lock hidden up under the vehicle.

Harder to cut with bolt cutters, but still no match for a cutoff wheel.

My empty boat trailer was worth more than with the boat on it....

 

[AnotherBueller]

I would invest in a gps tracker to put inside your trailer at least you will know where it is going when a thief takes it..

Apple air tag?