Trailer Security - Goose neck

[rgood]

Guys - Sorry to post this question if it's already been discussed - I ran a search to see and spent 25 minutes without finding anything.

I have a gooseneck trailer I'm going to be parking and want to ensure it will be secure - I've checked out the net about reciever locks etc - It seems to indicate your trailer can still be stolen - I'm now trying to figure out wheel locks etc.

What has worked for you?

Thanks!

 

[zzvyb6]

You are correct to assume that a gooseneck hitch lock is worthless. Once they get it onto a standard pickup bed, a chain will hold it in place until they get it home to saw off the lock.

If you have spoked wheels, run a chain thru each wheel side to side. That way they will have to crack the chain to get it to move. Cross siding the chains means thay can't remove the wheels to unlock it. I made up a hydraulic plug to apply pressure to the brakes so they are locked tight when the trailer is parked. Need a socket wrench to unload the brake pressure if you can find the cylinder insert.

Take home the jack handle if nothing else....

 

[schmism]

the tow/trailer section might be a better place....

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/trailers-transportation/

 

[rgood]

Thanks for the replies Guys - I'll move this discussion there.

rgood, I consolidated your posts over here in the Trailer forum. RobS

 

[rgood]

Guys - Sorry to post this question if it's already been discussed - I ran a search to see and spent 25 minutes without finding anything.

I have a gooseneck trailer I'm going to be parking and want to ensure it will be secure - I've checked out the net about reciever locks etc - It seems to indicate your trailer can still be stolen - I'm now trying to figure out wheel locks etc.

I just verified the way my wheels are designed I can not get a chain through them.

What has worked for you?

Is there a way to put a lock through the Jack somehow so it can't be jacked up - It was mentioned I could remove the jack handle -



Thanks!

 

[Rara Avis]

Overton's - Trailer Keeper Anti-Theft Wheel Lock

 

[john_bud]

Barkless pitbulls.

jb

 

[rgood]

Paul, that is a good price on that Wheel lock - Have you used it?

 

[unreconstructed]

Noticed that the lock only accomodates up to 15 inch wheels--looks like a winner though.

 

[Rara Avis]

Here are the real deal...
Auto Security / Anti Theft and Parking Enforcement Products - Boots!

Here's a cheaper alternative...
Equipment Lock Co. Heavy-Duty Wheel Lock, Model# HDWL | Machine Locks | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[tommu56]

lock the hitch and take 2 tires off on the same side and take them with you.

that would slow most people down.

tom

 

[rgood]

Ya, tires gone would slow me down too though

I was going to buy that cheaper wheel lock - But my tires are 16" so that's a no go - The other ones are pretty steep! But so is losing a trailer and the items in it!

 

[rgood]

I had another idea, but I checked it out and it costs too much - And that is GPS security.

In theory a guy could leave a cell phone in it and it could be located as long as your battery didn't go down - But that's not real feasible.

If I had a cast iron bathtub, I could chain it to the axel. Chaining it to a fence would just pull the fence down.

I've got it, I could chain it to a tree - I've got transport grade chain - Now I just need to figure out a lock that will fit through the chain.

 

[john_bud]

Large bolt cutter, 3.42 seconds and the chain is gone - along with the trailer.

 

[rgood]

Can bolt cutters cut through that Transport chain?

I have some that I know would not do the job - But maybe there are bigger cutters.

 

[sandman2234]

...anything can be stolen if one has 5 days to work at it, stinks don't it?

I had a Cannonball safe UL rated at 40 hours to get into by a competant locksmith with knowledge of the safe. Only took a friend about five minutes to get into it, he just wrote me a check and I gave him the combo.
The amount of security is controlled by how much you want to spend to protect it. You have to make it less of a problem for them to steal it, than go down the road and steal someone else's trailer. In sight, well lighted, multiple locking mechanisms all help. Nothing will prevent it, but all you have to do is make it harder than the next guy's trailer.
David from jax

 

[Mahana79]

My grandfather used to tell me "that a lock will do nothing but keep an honest person honest" if a theif wants it he will get it one way or another.

 

[mocassincreekranch]

I have been a locksmith for over 20 yrs and THERE IS NOTHING that you can lock a trailer with that cant be removed by a thief! You can make it to tough for them to try, take ALL the tire's off,take your gooseneck coupler off, use a cut resistant chain and also a cable, buy only shielded padlocks. Best advice, make sure your insurance payments are paid up.

 

[Flywheel]

Yep - i've thought about this in the past - getting a lock for the GN.

But - the whole torch thing makes any device useless.

I agree - the best think is to remove the coupler. just measure down from the sleeve and unbolt the two bolts and take it with you.

you may also try getting a yellow lockout/tagout that prevents hookup and write on it "Cracked Subframe - Do not Tow" or "Cracked Suspension Mount"

Then it'll at least look like it was parked until fixed - might be anough to make someone forget about it.

On my flatbed - i can also disconnect the wiring harness in about 5 seconds.

That miight make someone wary of pulling it around at night with no lights....

Another thing I started doing is tack welding license plate nuts - you'd be suprised at the amount of plate swapping that takes place...among friends even.....sucks to get ready to go and have to find te plate on another rig on the lot....thanks buds...

Maybe even get a couple of old rims with flat tires that can't be filled.

There will be a point that somebody won't want to put the work into it....but a chain of device just makes it a 2 minute job...