Lock For Trailer Hitch? Does It Exist?

[katie16]

Never really gave it much thought until recently when thefts have been up in my area (I am sure due at least in large part to the poor economy). I have a "like new" (2yr old mint condition) Hawk trailer that is in a location on my property from which it could very easily be stolen. Moving it to another location really is not an option. Wondering if anyone knows if there is some sort of lock that I could get for the hitch to prevent (or at least make difficult) hitching up my trailer and driving off with it?!

[Lady Counselor]

Yup. There are several different ones available. Try Google, or check places like Northern Tool online, or look in Home Depot for starters. You can get the type that has a ball that is locked up into the couple to prevent anyone from taking off with it.

[thatmoody]

We got one for the gooseneck from a tractor supply company in Ocala (not THE TSC). I'm glad to have it, as trailers are freakin' expensive!

[jengersnap]

http://www.trailerlocksonline.com/index.shtml

But I have also seen one in a catalog I have at home that's a plastic ball that goes up in the coupler then has a metal band go across the top. I can't remember the name of the company but it was probably cheaper then this system.

[yankeeclipper]

Lowes sells them.

[Invested1]

Lowes sells them.

This one?
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=117659-382-377DAT

That's great--I've been needing a lock for my gooseneck!

[tx3dayeventer]

If you have a gooseneck, remember that the thieves can just as easily replace the coupler (the one that has your coupler lock on it). It is very simple to removed and replace a coupler with the right sized wrench.

I saw on this forum a trailer boot (like the ones the cops use). I will go search for it b/c I need to buy one for my gooseneck.

[katie16]

I have a bumper pull that I would like to keep in my posession!

[Invested1]

If you have a gooseneck, remember that the thieves can just as easily replace the coupler (the one that has your coupler lock on it). It is very simple to removed and replace a coupler with the right sized wrench.

I saw on this forum a trailer boot (like the ones the cops use). I will go search for it b/c I need to buy one for my gooseneck.

Well, crap, I hadn't even thought of that! Dang, creative thieves!

Definitely post the boot if you find it!!

[tx3dayeventer]

Well, crap, I hadn't even thought of that! Dang, creative thieves!

Definitely post the boot if you find it!!

I am hunting for it, but cant find it. I will keep looking.

It is yellow and looks just like a boot used by the police. Someone on COTH suggested it. Can't find the thread. grrrrr.

[2bee]

Ive got a coupler lock, but it is only used in the rare situation when the trailer is actually unhooked from the truck. If my trailer sat "stored" somewhere this boot style (http://www.tirelock.com/product_p/8-00077-spk.htm) is what I would use.

Most "coupler" locks are next to useless, a big hammer and your on your way. Any GN coupler lock is completely useless for reasons I will not post so as not to give anyone ideas.

All you can do is hope to slow a thief down, or cause them to make noise and be noticed. If they really want it, they will get it.

[Lucassb]

I agree that most locks can be defeated if someone really wants a particular trailer. However, coupler locks can deter someone from taking *your* trailer (rather than the unlocked/unprotected one sitting next to it.) Thieves will consider the time/hassle factor when selecting a target, especially if you are trying to deal with a situation like off-site parking during a show.

My trailer lives at the farm where I board and I don't usually lock it up there; the property is private and well supervised, and I want the BO to be able to move it around if they need to. However, when we go places like VT, where the trailers are not allowed to park on the grounds... I will use one as a deterrent. If it is sitting in a sea of other trailers, I don't want mine to be the most attractive target, and I think the coupler locks help.

[yankeeclipper]

I got one several years ago and it is different style. Coupler lock - I don't recall who the manufacturer is.

[draftdriver]

If you have a gooseneck, remember that the thieves can just as easily replace the coupler (the one that has your coupler lock on it). It is very simple to removed and replace a coupler with the right sized wrench.



I have a lock which covers the opening, and the coupler bolts as well. I think it was custom-made locally for the trailer company I deal with.

On the opposite side of it, I've had the GN hitch stolen right out of the bed of my truck! I've now secured it with a cable and padlock.

[grandprixjump]

If someone is out to steal trailers they will have tools with them that will get thru them within minutes. Bolt Cutters up to and possibly a Torch... Lettering on a trailer gives something for even a person that knows NOTHING ABOUT TRAILERS (most police) to look for, how many would know the difference between a 2 horse bumper Hawk, and a 4 horse Gooseneck Tracer?...

It it has the name on it, EVERYONE can look for "XYZ STABLES" in 6" Hunter Green Lettering on the sides of the Trailer.......

[jn4jenny]

Ive got a coupler lock, but it is only used in the rare situation when the trailer is actually unhooked from the truck. If my trailer sat "stored" somewhere this boot style (http://www.tirelock.com/product_p/8-00077-spk.htm) is what I would use.

JEEBUS what a price tag.

For those who are looking for the boot style on a budget, this is the kind I have. Costs about $80 shipped:
http://www.trailerlock.com/

Better picture of the product:
http://www.trailerlock.com/photo.htm

Yes, a professional trailer thief will probably have fancy tools to cut through it, but they're the reason that I have trailer insurance. Petty thieves, however, will be mightily deterred by the boot. Not to mention that you don't have to be impossible to steal, just significantly more difficult to steal than the other trailers sitting nearby. :lol: Even a professional trailer thief would prefer not to attract attention with power tools or spend extra time stealing a trailer.

To answer some questions that I had about the product before buying it:

1. Yes, you can leave the little silver part attached to your wheel all the time. It is not big enough to affect aerodynamics. If you tie horses on the driver's side of your trailer, it would be wise to block that wheel to avoid leg accidents. I only have one horse, so I just tie him on the opposite side of the trailer.

2. Obviously to make it work, the little silver part needs to be aligned so that you can stick the black part through the silver part. This may be a PITA depending on where you park your trailer. I have actually considered ordering a second little silver thingie from the company so that I have two chances to park correctly!

3. If you don't place it on the driver's side front wheel, there's a damn good chance that the thief won't see it, and then they'll do something even worse than stealing your trailer--they'll just BREAK your trailer by trying to drive it away with the boot. Plan to have it on your driver's side tire, which they'll see when they go to operate your trailer jack.

Make sure you call before you buy. They have been doing a brisk business since the economy sunk and may be out of stock!

[2bee]

JEEBUS what a price tag.

For those who are looking for the boot style on a budget, this is the kind I have. Costs about $80 shipped:
http://www.trailerlock.com/

Better picture of the product:
http://www.trailerlock.com/photo.htm

Yes, a professional trailer thief will probably have fancy tools to cut through it, but they're the reason that I have trailer insurance. Petty thieves, however, will be mightily deterred by the boot. Not to mention that you don't have to be impossible to steal, just significantly more difficult to steal than the other trailers sitting nearby. :lol: Even a professional trailer thief would prefer not to attract attention with power tools or spend extra time stealing a trailer.



True, but you get what you pay for. A visible deterrent is great, but I could have that "Trailerlock" off the wheel in a matter of seconds (and I'm not a pro), I looked into it and was not overly impressed. If visibility was the only thing I was after, then I would go the cheaper route with the coupler locks. The boot I linked to should take at least several minutes to remove and would require power tools to do so, meaning noise and attracting attention.

My trailer was not really expensive at only 8K, I don't think $500 is that much to make sure it is still where I left it when I get back???


Speaking of a price tag.......dont you have a Brenderup ;)

[jn4jenny]

True, but you get what you pay for. A visible deterrent is great, but I could have that "Trailerlock" off the wheel in a matter of seconds (and I'm not a pro), I looked into it and was not overly impressed.

Well aren't you precious for thinking you're the only one who could figure it out. If I'm thinking of the two methods you could use to break into it, they're the same ones you could use on any other lock mentioned on this thread short of the full-scale boot. It's a visible deterrent that will be a PITA for anyone other than a calculated thief who's determined to get in, and for that kind of person, $500 will buy me nearly 10 years of comprehensive insurance coverage for the trailer.

I also live in a state where it's iced over for 6 months of the year. The last thing I need is to be wrestling an 18-pound iced over wheel boot with SPIKES sticking toward my wheel. I suppose that's less of a problem where you live.

My trailer was not really expensive at only 8K, I don't think $500 is that much to make sure it is still where I left it when I get back???

You might feel that way, but others don't. We all make our own value equations about how much protection is enough. For me, $500 is way too much. I would feel differently if I had a huge rig with living quarters or a massive price tag.

Speaking of a price tag.......dont you have a Brenderup ;)

This is so rude that it almost doesn't dignify comment. But if you were just dying to know, I got the deal of the century on my Brenderup and clearly didn't pay as much as you think I did. Furthermore, I live in a state where people have hardly even heard of Brenderup, much less seen one. If I were a trailer thief, the last thing I'd take would be a Space Pod Thingie that's probably the only thing like it for 100 miles in any direction.

[ksetrider]

http://www.southwestwheel.com/store/p-1971-universal-coupler-lock.aspx

Bought this exact one for $30 at my local trailer supply company. Like others said, if they really wanted my trailer, they would cut it off. But, mine is lined up with about 10 others that aren't locked up, so I'm guessing they are going to step over mine.

[HighFlyinBey++]

I have a 2" Receiver and Coupler Security Combo Kit
http://www.cargogear.com/OneItemInfo.aspx?partnum=REDLOCKKIT and a Universal Trailer Hitch Coupler Lock http://www.cargogear.com/OneItemInfo.aspx?partnum=REUNIVCLOCK. I figure, while not perfect, the combination of all those locks would at least make a would-be thief look elsewhere for a less troublesome target.

[2bee]

Well aren't you precious for thinking you're the only one who could figure it out. If I'm thinking of the two methods you could use to break into it, they're the same ones you could use on any other lock mentioned on this thread short of the full-scale boot. It's a visible deterrent that will be a PITA for anyone other than a calculated thief who's determined to get in, and for that kind of person, $500 will buy me nearly 10 years of comprehensive insurance coverage for the trailer.

I also live in a state where it's iced over for 6 months of the year. The last thing I need is to be wrestling an 18-pound iced over wheel boot with SPIKES sticking toward my wheel. I suppose that's less of a problem where you live.



You might feel that way, but others don't. We all make our own value equations about how much protection is enough. For me, $500 is way too much. I would feel differently if I had a huge rig with living quarters or a massive price tag.



This is so rude that it almost doesn't dignify comment. But if you were just dying to know, I got the deal of the century on my Brenderup and clearly didn't pay as much as you think I did. Furthermore, I live in a state where people have hardly even heard of Brenderup, much less seen one. If I were a trailer thief, the last thing I'd take would be a Space Pod Thingie that's probably the only thing like it for 100 miles in any direction.

Wow, forget your medication today?

The "I'm not a pro comment" should have indicated to you that I was in no way indicating I was the only person who could figure out how to get the Trailerlock off.

Yes the same basic techniques would remove most locks mentioned so far........except YOU were the one who brought up price and the Trailerlock costs three or four times more than the other easily removed locks.

It seems pretty simple to me; get the cheapest visual deterrent, or spend the $500 and get a boot.

And what in the world is rude about referencing the fact you paid good money for your Brenderup and it should be worth good money to secure it? Ive never seen one that was "cheap", so even if you got a good deal on yours, then it would cost more $$$ to have it replaced, would it not?

:rolleyes:

[Bluey]

Don't know if anyone mentioned this, but I have a lenght of chain I run from one wheel to the other on one side, with a lock.
Easy to take the lock out and slip the chain out and drive away, but hard for someone to steal, unless they have some way to cut the chain.

Thieves generally go for the unprotected ones, so most anything will help you, if there are others easier to steal.

[Kota]

A couple options here:

http://www.horsetraileraccessorystore.com/trailer_locks.htm

[Invested1]

What do you guys think of this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CAR-Anti-Theft-Wheel-Clamp-ATV-BOAT-Trailer-Tires-Lock_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem370165455070QQitem Z370165455070QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fA ccessories

[Beasmom]

Wow. Interesting and informative thread. And here I thought a GN would be less likely to be stolen. Call me naive!

I like the idea of some sort of lock, even better having some identifying lettering applied to the trailer. Good food for thought.

[copper1]

Anyone know any stats on trailer thefts? Kind of scary when you think of all the trailers parked at all the horse shows around the country!

[2bee]

What do you guys think of this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CAR-Anti-Theft-Wheel-Clamp-ATV-BOAT-Trailer-Tires-Lock_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem370165455070QQitem Z370165455070QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fA ccessories


It would be of no use on a trailer. The lug nuts are exposed, the wheel can be removed and the trailer driven away on three wheels......or the thief could have a correct size spare tire to install.

[Invested1]

It would be of no use on a trailer. The lug nuts are exposed, the wheel can be removed and the trailer driven away on three wheels......or the thief could have a correct size spare tire to install.

Dang. So you pretty much need to go with something like this:
http://www.horse.com/Gooseneck-Trailer-Lock-BRL07.html?scode=hnextag ??

Honestly, I figure if someone wants the trailer, they'll take it but if mine has a lock whereas others don't.....

[2bee]

Dang. So you pretty much need to go with something like this:
http://www.horse.com/Gooseneck-Trailer-Lock-BRL07.html?scode=hnextag ??

Honestly, I figure if someone wants the trailer, they'll take it but if mine has a lock whereas others don't.....

GN coupler locks are COMPLETELY useless. They do not even count as a visual deterent. PM sent.

Best bet for a GN in the cheap/visual selection is some type of landing gear/jack lock.

[Invested1]

Best bet for a GN in the cheap/visual selection is some type of landing gear/jack lock.

Any suggestions/links to examples?
Thanks!

[2bee]

Any suggestions/links to examples?
Thanks!

The Trailer Bullet (http://www.trailerbullet.com/trailer_bullet.htm) is around $70, I would have to paint it yellow or some other color though.

I have also seen the crank handle removed, a sturdy padlock placed through the bolt hole with chain attached to something to keep the padlock from spinning.

I knew a guy that took a piece of steel rod, welded a head on one end and put a lock on the other. He placed the rod through the jack leg after he jacked up the trailer......couldnt jack the trailer back down with the rod in place.

[CoopsZippo]

I take the pin out of my emergency brake box... Locks up the wheels up. I also have a hitch lock. It wont stop the determined thief but it will make their lives rough and draw a bit of attention to them selves.

[RAyers]

I take the pin out of my emergency brake box... Locks up the wheels up. I also have a hitch lock. It wont stop the determined thief but it will make their lives rough and draw a bit of attention to them selves.


You realize all I need to do is to pull the battery from your emergency brake to release the brakes. Plasma cutter for hitch and wheel locks.

Reed

[2bee]

I take the pin out of my emergency brake box... Locks up the wheels up. I also have a hitch lock. It wont stop the determined thief but it will make their lives rough and draw a bit of attention to them selves.

Only for around 15 minutes.

[tobruk]

After about an hour with the emergency brake pin pulled, the battery will be out of juice because it's been activating the brakes. So now the trailer rolls just fine with a dead battery.

[Invested1]

The Trailer Bullet (http://www.trailerbullet.com/trailer_bullet.htm) is around $70, I would have to paint it yellow or some other color though.

I don't see where to buy it?

And recognizing that I'm directionally challenged--I don't understand how to install it....

[DMK]

Anyone know any stats on trailer thefts? Kind of scary when you think of all the trailers parked at all the horse shows around the country!

My solution is to park between two much nicer unlocked trailers. Saves me from everything but a really stupid thief.

[Beasmom]

Hey, wait a minute. I OWN one of those "nicer" unlocked trailers!

So short of having my name and phone # painted on my trailer, what can one DO to REALLY secure a GN trailer? This wasn't such a dilemma with my old Apache bumper pull.

[Invested1]

So short of having my name and phone # painted on my trailer, what can one DO to REALLY secure a GN trailer?

That's exactly what I'm trying to find out. :D