Trailer Security

[OkieG]

Ouch!!

 

[Egon]

This is very logical. They have a trailer to haul the tractor. In my case leaving the trailer hooked up to the truck would even simplify things more.

Egon

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

I saw that one. I'm in NE Indiana where, according to the NWS, we have fewer than 70 days of sunshine per year. While I don't know what the criteria for "a day of sunshine" is, I'm sure it's for places like here that the text on that opener reads, <font color=blue>"Operates on low-voltage 12V battery connected to a transformer that plugs into a 110V AC outlet."</font color=blue> /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[MossRoad]

If its any consolation, I have solar powered electric fencer and solar powered battery charger for truck. The batteries are always up to charge. I only live about an hour and a half from you with the same great weather /w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif. When we move to our land, I'm planning on getting a gate opener with a solar charging system and some low voltage trail lights that are solar powered as well /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

David,

While it is, in fact, some consolation, I'd rather have read that you have one that you bought four years ago and it's still working just great on the original battery with at least a dozen uses per day. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif I am, however, encouraged by your faith in and enthusiasm for the system. I know St. Joseph County isn't particularly known for being any sunnier than Allen.

Since I don't live on my property, I do have a practical question. I'm assuming there's some little solar panel so here's what I wonder. What keeps snow off it so when the sun does come out the rays can get to the panel. I ask because I won't be there cleaning it off as I won't be living there.

 

[MikePA]

<font color=blue>What keeps snow off it so when the sun does come out the rays can get to the panel.</font color=blue>
If it's like the one on my fence charger, i's angled to catch the sun, it's primarily black and smooth, so the snow melts quickly and slides off.

 

[MossRoad]

The solar panel on the electric fencer is dark and is mounted a few feet above the ground. It is at an angle of about 45 or 50 degrees and what snow does stick to it seems to fall off rapidly. The solar charger for the truck is only about 2 inches by 6 inches and sits on the dashboard. As far as uses per day.... I can't help you there. My truck only gets used in emergencies or for really heavy hauling. About 6 or seven times a year. But it starts every time, even in 20 below blizzards( with a shot of starting fluid ). Of course, we haven't had any 20 below for a few years, right? /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif


Errr, like Mike said /w3tcompact/icons/tongue.gif

 

[Loges1]

You can help out even more by doing what I do, and leave the keys in everything. The tractor, the truck, the wifes car, the daughters car. Heck I even leave the house unlocked in case they get hungry while they are taking my stuff!

 

[Egon]

Well; one could do that, but I would prefer to offer just a tad more challenge to the operation.

Egon

 

[Hoeman00]

grease the door handles

 

[DocHeb]

Found a lower priced <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&langId=-1&catalogId=4006970&PHOTOS=on&TEST=Y&productId=1036473&categoryId=0>Wheel Immobilizer Lock</A> at Northern Tool.

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

I think that one would only cause them to remove that wheel and toss it on the bed of the trailer and pull it away on just one axle. Still, it would take more time and effort so you'd probably accomplish your goal of making them want to go down the road and steal someone else's. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[OkieG]

Hey Doc,

You are finding alot of good sites for security devices. Are you looking for something for yourself or just sharing your discoveries? How do you secure your trailer?

I'm still not sure what I might add to my trailer to further the deterence effort. The ideal item needs to be very effective AND easy to use. Not too expensive would be nice, too. Since I have a coupler lock (muzzle) on the bullnose hitch, your focus on disabling tires sounds good to me as an additional measure.

The past day or two I've thought about maybe placing a sturdy gate right in front of the trailer and a strong fence panel right behind the back side of the trailer. I don't think fence along the sides would even be necessary. I guess that still isn't a bulletproof solution. Hmmmm. Have to think some more.

OkieG

 

[DocHeb]

I'll see your removal of my locked tire, and raise you one <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mcgard.com/automotive/>Set of Locking Lug Nuts</A>. /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

But I guess I'm just bluffing, cause you would raise me one <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&langId=-1&catalogId=4006970&PHOTOS=on&TEST=Y&productId=382409&categoryId=0>Emergency Wheel Lock Remover</A>, and then I'd have to fold. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

 

[OkieG]

RedDog,

How do you lock up your hitch once the old hitch ball is in? I use a coupler lock (muzzle) on my bullnose hitch and it covers the opening where the ball goes. Having a ball in there would make no difference with this kind of lock.

OkieG

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Doc,

My Dad was a mechanic by trade and encountered locking lug nuts on more than a few occasions. While your suggestion of the Emergency Wheel Lock Remover is good, he preferred what he referred to as his <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&langId=-1&catalogId=4006970&PHOTOS=on&TEST=Y&productId=47735&categoryId=0>Universal Wheel Lock Remover</A>. /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif/w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

 

[Soundguy]

I have solar fencers for my property, both for a hog pen, and for a dog pen. Both have operated for over a year with no problems.

Soundguy

 

[Hydraman]

Black Lab-Pitbull-Blue Heeler cross works real good for me!!!!!

 

[RedDog]

OkieG,

Most bumper pull trailers that I have pulled are 2" ball. I have an old 1"7/8 ball with no threads on the shank that I stick up in, and then put a padlock on the lock down mechanism of the trailer.

RedDog

 

[OkieG]

Gotcha, thanks.