Trailer hitch locks... what are you currently using?

[Dadnatron]

I recently purchased a new Dump trailer and realize the ease at which it could vanish.

There is an 8-9yo thread, but I wanted to find what people are using now.

What are you using as a lock to keep it from rolling off?

I purchased a 'Blaylock' thinking it would be pretty good, but when I received it, I'm thinking I could knock this off a gooseneck hitch with a sledge. ( I haven't tried it obviously, but it began me thinking.)

At this point, the Ganderlock looks promising, but this requires removal of the connection from the trailer. Which is easier than purchasing a new trailer, now doubt. The Blaylock can be defeated by removing and reinstalling a new gooseneck connector. As can any such lock. The locks over the bolts to prevent this might work, but I have no information. I've thought of just tack welding the connector, since it is only used on one truck and is set. I've seen people use those 'uncuttable' Stanley lock chains and a high end padlock.

But... What are you using in this day and age?

Also, my trailer doesn't have the typical junction box, that I see in PJ trailers. (I have a Load Trail) so the hidden GPS tracker wouldn't work, although I find it intriguing.

 

[4570Man]

I insured my trailer.

 

[Diamondpilot]

My barn!

 

[bigtiller]

My barn!

Same here;

 

[bcp]

My barn!

Out of sight, out of thief's mind.

Bruce

 

[dodge man]

I have similar wheels to you. I ran a chain through the holes of both wheels on one side and put a lock on it. I also have a very low dollar lock on the hitch.

 

[fried1765]

My barn!

You ALWAYS keep your trailer in your barn?

 

[ronaldbeal]

Around here, I have seen a lot of people using wheel boots (like what parking enforcement uses to "boot your car")
Just make sure it covers the lug nuts or someone can take the wheel off (especially for a tandem axle trailer)

 

[Travelover]

No matter which lock you use, it can be quickly defeated with something like a cordless grinder with a cutoff wheel. But a lock is a deterrent for the unprepared, impulsive thief.

 

[Diamondpilot]

You ALWAYS keep your trailer in your barn?

100% of the time. In 22 years I've owned a home not a single vehicle or trailer has sat out overnight.

 

[Travelover]

100% of the time. ..........

Doesn't it make it hard to use?

 

[Diamondpilot]

Doesn't it make it hard to use?

Ok, when not in use.

I even park my cars inside at work.

 

[boggen]

re-wire trailer plug and your truck plug. so wires are swapped around. chance cops to pull over, due to turning on right blinker, but left blinker goes on, instead of brake lights, they get tail lights or some such.

see if one of your wires will keep trailer brakes on, if you re-wire the trailer plug and truck plug

granted makes for pain in rear if you let someone else use trailer, or use multi vehicles to deal with trailer.

==========
toss a lock on the jack, so you can not raise/lower without taking off lock. (jack welded on to frame of course) and keep end of trailer high up off ground. so they can not just go over and lift end of trailer on to truck but are actually required to let jack down a few inches to get it attached to a truck.

it been some time since i have seen them. a "ball lock" when you disconnect from vehicle. a ball that slips in, and then a U that drops down from above. like a muffler clamp.

i have never been to crazy about getting on hands and knees to put a chain through tires, or dealing with a tire locker. more than likely wet/muddy / dew on ground. when i need to deal with it.

 

[downsizingnow48]

All the dealerships around here raise the dump trailer into dump position, lower it onto the safety prop up arm, and lock the pump box and/or remove the dump controller. A battery operated grinder can quickly defeat any chain or lock, but the thief is not likely to want to drive off with a raised up dump trailer. I do the same and also usually drape the backhoe over the trailer tongue.

 

[coobie]

Good old pad lock when in use and not in use.Mine also stays in my barn.

 

[r porter]

i run a cable from the hitch to the jack so a truck can not back under the trailer [ unless you cut the lock or cable]

 

[Luke'sScreenName]

I have similar wheels to you. I ran a chain through the holes of both wheels on one side and put a lock on it. I also have a very low dollar lock on the hitch.

X2. You won't stop a determined thief anyway

 

[4570Man]

This lasted about 35 seconds against my cordless grinder.

 

[MossRoad]

Ok, when not in use.

I even park my cars inside at work.

We weren't allowed to park in the hangar.

 

[George2615]

I use a Reese hitch lock and a cable lock through the wheels and try to keep them blocked in. Keeps the honest people from stealing them. Plus they are insured.