Preventing trailer theft

In addition to using the various means to lock the hitch we also place a lock on our Bal X chocks (through the ring with holes in it where you attach the ratchet). With the lock in place you can not remove the chock and the wheels on the trailer will not turn. Another way to slow a thief down and secure the trailer and Bal X chocks.
 
For security on my Escape, I do use several types of locks, all of which could probably be circumvented quite easily by any determined or innovative thief. These are what I use:
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They are simple to use, but provide no guarantees that things are secure.
2Q==
Just discovered this sobering video demonstrating how little time it takes to disable these devices. Is the coupler on the 17 welded or bolted to the frame? I can't tell from photos I have been able to see.
 
I have a similar one like the Gorilla Guard, and concur it could be defeated after time, but I think it has deterrent value, if nothing else. It's too bad we even have a topic like this to discuss. But it is one not to ignore in any event. I saw an idea on the Casita forum where a large decal was placed on the roof in the event of theft. It then could be spotted from the air. Obviously that wouldn't help if it was hidden; just an added inexpensive measure.
 
Amazon says shipping weight for that model is 20 lbs. Despite the name California Immobilizer is a Canadian company based in Nanaimo.
 
This is the trouble with using a tow vehicle without a lot of reserve towing capacity: I'm taking a spaceship approach to adding items of significant weight.

OTOH, if the trailer is stolen, that becomes a much bigger problem than what it and its contents weigh.
 
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Lock Right Up

I have a 5.0 TA, and I wrap a chain around the pin and then padlock it. It's on the pin tightly, and is a deterrent.

For longer periods when we are away, I run very heavy chain thru the 2 wheel rims, and lock the chain together. I also park the tow vehicle in front of the trailer, so it would also have to be moved or stolen.

Plus we insure the trailer.


And then I stop worrying about it.
 
the video of the guy takeing the trailer with the hitch lock on it was concerning -just towed the trailer with the hitch chains -left the lock in place.
 
does the Alpha lock prevent them from removing the tire?
No. They can then use the spare - or they can bring their own wheel and tire which might be practical due to the common nature of trailer wheels - and tow it away, but it will take time to do that.

There are other wheel-mounted security devices which cover or otherwise secure the wheel nuts/studs, of varying effectiveness and quality. One is the Trailer Keeper product, discussed earlier in this thread.

The best wheel lock design I've seen (but just online) is the AL-KO Secure, but it is specific to the wheel design, and specific to the AL-KO suspension (which is not sold in North America and specifically not used by Escape). One could custom-fabricate something similar, but it would be a lot of work.
 
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Just discovered this sobering video demonstrating how little time it takes to disable these devices. Is the coupler on the 17 welded or bolted to the frame? I can't tell from photos I have been able to see.

Sorry, never posted the link I referred to.

 
Is the coupler on the 17 welded or bolted to the frame?
Couplers which mount on a straight tube or channel are commonly bolted on, but A-frame couplers which complete two sides of the frame meeting at a 50-degree angle are almost always welded on. All Escapes - as far as I know - have the A-frame design with a welded coupler.
 
Glad I saw how easy it is to defeat those hitch locks. Now I'd like to see a competitor show how easy it is to defeat the lock they are trying to sell.
 

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