Anti theft devices for 17B

[Pandamom]

Hi all. We are about to submit our build sheet. Yay!!

We want to get as much theft protection as we can and have decided on a few things. I need advice on

1. What model of proven industries hitch lock fits the 17B?

2. What GPS tracking device do people use?

Thank you. I’m finding lots of great info on here.

Julie

[HABBERDABBER]

I just added an Apple Air Tag to my rig for some possibility of geo-location. My rig is stored in a off-site lot, under fabric cover. For $30, it's a meager move on my part. Besides locking everything up tight, having insurance, I cross my fingers. Visibility seems to attract riff-raff.

Search the forum with keywords...this topic has been gone over extensively quite a bit here. The info is here and findable.

[Doug2000]

I have good insurance and store it at a high security compund with lots of cameras. I use the little latch lock that came with the trailer because I can cut any locking device off in 30 seconds. Another forum user noted his boat was stolen from their driveway, on video, they put chains around the frame at the hitch and towed it out similar to a tow truck, gone in 1 minute.

Have it insured and leave it somewhere safe.

Another thing is I never leave the trailer at home, it screams away on vacation when the trailer is gone, that's mainly why we store it.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Pandamom

What model of proven industries hitch lock fits the 17B?

It should be the 2178-A
www.provenlocks.com/products/model-2178-a

[Eggscape]

Personally I would go with this Altor lock. But your chains their chains can all be used to haul it away.

https://youtu.be/2P6Rs6MHC6g

There are also other things you can do once you get your trailer and you can find them scattered about in the link below.

[ghosthunter]

On our 15 B

I have a air tag
Proven hitch lock
I lock my chains to the jack handle
And I have wheel locks both sides.

At home in drive all the above plus.
Motion cameras which alert my devices
Motion lights
Driveway chime

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Pandamom

What GPS tracking device do people use?

I like the Trak-4 but haven’t pulled the trigger yet
www.amazon.com/dp/B07KDZ57HC/ref=emc_b_5_t

[Vermilye]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

I like the Trak-4 but haven’t pulled the trigger yet
www.amazon.com/dp/B07KDZ57HC/ref=emc_b_5_t

I have, and so far happy with it. Hope I never have to use it to find a stolen trailer!

One nice function - you can use the map to draw a circle around the trailer's location & Trak-4 will text you when the trailer moves out of the "Geozone".

[WillyB]

Place this sign to the front jack facing forward. For added fun, add a big yellow cord with exposed raw wires connected to the frame right by the hitch with the (NOT CONNECTED) end hidden under the propane cover.

Thieves will be thieves but maybe this will make them think twice. It will at least make for good conversation around the campfire.

Be Safe and Insured.

[DGLP]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

Personally I would go with this Altor lock. But your chains their chains can all be used to haul it away.

https://youtu.be/2P6Rs6MHC6g

There are also other things you can do once you get your trailer and you can find them scattered about in the link below.

The OP may refer to this thread on the forum:

https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...ock-22320.html

I looked into the Altor lock for the 21 NE. We have this coupler:

Braber 64.800.726 coupler

https://www.brabereq.com/5000-lb-a-f...ler-64-800-726

I emailed Altor to check compatibility. Their response:

Spoke with engineers about the fit compatibility of your style coupler and The SAF Trailer Lock. Unfortunately, the SAF Trailer Lock is not compatible with this manufacturer. The trailer lock was designed to fit the more common styles for our first iteration. There are plans to expand the locks fit compatibility to include other style couplers but this does not solve the problem for you.

We regret that our lock does not suit your coupler. Our only recommendation is to consider changing to another coupler brand. If you have any questions, please let us know. We do appreciate your interest in our new trailer locks.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by WillyB

Place this sign to the front jack facing forward. For added fun, add a big yellow cord with exposed raw wires connected to the frame right by the hitch with the (NOT CONNECTED) end hidden under the propane cover.

Thieves will be thieves but maybe this will make them think twice. It will at least make for good conversation around the campfire.

Be Safe and Insured.

I've seen a lot of those signs on boats in Marinas in Europe. Not sure how effective they are when the boat's not plugged into shore power.

Ron

[Mike G]

Originally Posted by Doug2000

...Another forum user noted his boat was stolen from their driveway, on video, they put chains around the frame at the hitch and towed it out similar to a tow truck, gone in 1 minute...

What about a padlocked chain or cable wrapped around the axle and through a wheel? At least it would slow them down.

[HABBERDABBER]

Originally Posted by Mike G

What about a padlocked chain or cable wrapped around the axle and through a wheel? At least it would slow them down.

Everything helps to slow 'em down. I assume nothing prevents a determined, intelligent, well equipped thief, with adequate time and cover to do their deed.
Reputable Insurance is your best back-up.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Vermilye

I have, and so far happy with it. Hope I never have to use it to find a stolen trailer!

One nice function - you can use the map to draw a circle around the trailer's location & Trak-4 will text you when the trailer moves out of the "Geozone".

Thanks Jon. Just curious what subscription package you chose which determines the timing of location updates.

[DT6]

We went with the Ft. Knox tongue box and also the puck lock they recommended. If you go with Proven Industries, please ensure you are getting an improved puck lock from them. Over the past year or two (maybe more) the puck lock they had could be easily drilled in about 30 sec. They make a great tongue box, but that won't help if someone can drill the lock so quickly.
I thought I heard they are offering a new lock, but I cannot confirm that.

Secondly, we use one of the wheel locks that also acts as a wheel chalk.

You might also think about locking your propane tanks. All you have to do is drill a hole in one of the "wings" on the nut you tighten on the spindle, and also through the brace that holds the tanks in place, and then put a long-neck padlock on it. It won't stop someone with bolt cutters, but it will stop someone from just casually walking away with a free full propane tank.

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by DT6

If you go with Proven Industries, please ensure you are getting an improved puck lock from them. Over the past year or two (maybe more) the puck lock they had could be easily drilled in about 30 sec. They make a great tongue box, but that won't help if someone can drill the lock so quickly. I thought I heard they are offering a new lock, but I cannot confirm that.

See info here. The upgrade applies to their hardened stainless lock, not the standard aluminum.
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...tml#post434809

[Vermilye]

Originally Posted by rubicon327

Thanks Jon. Just curious what subscription package you chose which determines the timing of location updates.

I have their basic service which reports daily, hourly when moving. $9.99 per month. I can give permission to friends & family via email address so that they can check where I am when on a trip.

[Eggscape]

Originally Posted by Mike G

What about a padlocked chain or cable wrapped around the axle and through a wheel? At least it would slow them down.

As mentioned everything helps.

I chain up all my trailers through the rims. I even drill a hole through the jack so it can’t be easily lowered for towing. I also attach the chains to that lock.

[Iowa Dave]

If you are going to spend the money on chain I would buy a piece of Pewag chain. A grinder will cut it but it will roll the cutting bits on a set of bolt cutters,
Especially those Chinese metal jobs that dumb thieves buy or steal. Get 3/8 or 1/2 inch links. It’s good chain. If not a puck lock I like those rekeyable masters with the “hardened” stamp on the shackle.
Iowa Dave

[George Johnson]

DT6's suggestion regarding locking your propane tanks in place is one I have been using since my first trailer, which was an A-Liner. However, I have recently learned that locking your propane tanks on the trailer is actually illegal because emergency personnel may have to remove the tanks in a hurry when responding to a fire or accident.


I'm still locking mine, but it is something to consider...