Trailer security measures

[ollyit]

I'm having a new trailer built for me and I sure as hell dont
want to lose it when the boats in the water, I have a length of chain and really good long u bend Abus padlock
and shackle it to the rear axle of my jeep still hitched to the towball - do you recommend any other precautions I can take other than a wheelclamp as well please? -

PM's might be a plan incase there are any trailer stealing scum watching -

Thanks in advance

[Nauti Buoy]

Make sure you use the chain around the actual TOW BAR Frame as most caravans/boats are pinched by thieves actually unbolting the towball from the back of the car and then re-bolting it on to the getaway car. People assume that as there pride and joy is locked to the towball it cannot be pinched.... how wrong they are.

[Mark Halliday]

Olly

Reverse park it in a slot if you can find one, so the Suzi has to be moved to get to the trailer. I un-couple it from the vehicle and use a hitch lock as well as a wheel clamp.

[Nick Hearne]

Take the wheel off & if you have a spair one make shore it's locked up!
Stick it in the back of the Jeep, then they will brake in to that as well to get the wheel back!
Nick

[ollyit]

I'm liking your ideas, guys thanks -

hey I couldnt even take a trailer wheel on the boat with me !!

[Mark Halliday]

You could always leave Amy there to guard it.

Or make it look like your old one, then nobody would nick it.

[Scary Des]

The thing with mechanical security is that you need to add layer after layer to gain more security. Hitch lock, wheel clamp, good chain and lock will each individually slow the thief down by a couple of minutes but combined they present a real deterrent. Research suggests that a thief becomes more nervous the longer he takes to ‘break in’ and equally the more noise he makes. It is thought within the industry that at 3 to 4 minute the thief has almost had enough especially if he is making a lot of noise. It is generally accepted that good security products should be able to resist for 5 minutes, however, it is surprising how few do.

Bad hitch locks can take less than 10 seconds
hitch locks
Bad wheel clamps can take less than 15 seconds, locking wheel nuts and steering wheel devices under a minute.
wheel clamps wheel locks look at drop down

If I was you Ollyit, I would think about getting something welded to the trailer while they are making it. Something like a length of 2”steel box that can be dropped to the ground and locked in place or loops that allow a chain to go around a lamp post and be kept off the ground.

On the subject of chain, unless it is a very good quality security motorcycle chain, forget it, most are soft and can be easily cut with a cheap tool from tool mart.

Des

[Rogue Wave]

Talk To The Marine Crime Unit At Hythe They Probably Would Have A Few Suggestions. Scuse Caps!

[jwalker]

Put a weld on the end of the towball bolts. Weld the nuts onto the tow hitch bolts. Weld hardened 'U''s onto the back of the trailer wheels and use a hardened steel chain around the chassis and locked to the U's. It's difficult to get access to cut them off...every little helps. Make sure you use a hitchlock and stick a lockable ball into the tow hitch. And anything else you can think of that might do a thief some damage.

[Scary Des]

[QUOTE=jwalker] .............Weld hardened 'U''s onto the back of the trailer wheels and use a hardened steel chain around the chassis and locked to the U's.............QUOTE]
Like it
Only I suggest using two ‘u’ bolts 180deg from each other on the same wheel at the same pcd to keep the wheel in balance.
Incidentally all lockable ball type locks are useless don’t waste your money.

Des

[jwalker]

Only I suggest using two ‘u’ bolts 180deg from each other on the same wheel at the same pcd to keep the wheel in balance.

Box of 100 wheel weights £5.

Incidentally all lockable ball type locks are useless don’t waste your money.

Explain yerself.

[fred bolton]

Check your insurance policy mine has a condition that a wheelclamp has to be fitted when the trailer is left unattended even at Motorway service stations and still attached to the car!!! One guy removed the trailer wheels to prevent theft it didn't and insurers would not pay out cos it had no wheelclamp fitted.

[Scary Des]

Originally Posted by jwalker

Box of 100 wheel weights £5.



Explain yerself.

They are not secure, you can get them out with any old screwdriver

Des

[Rogue Wave]

I am liking the box section and U bolts idea!

[jwalker]

Originally Posted by Scary Des

They are not secure, you can get them out with any old screwdriver

Des

You must have a different one to mine!

Just had a thought, if you have an Alko head you'll be dead right.

[Hightower]

I just hitch locked to the back of the car, I didn't think that someone would undo the Bolts. Thanks guys! I guess a wheel clamp would help as well as the hitch lock.

[Scary Des]

Originally Posted by jwalker

You must have a different one to mine!

Just had a thought, if you have an Alko head you'll be dead right.

I’ve tested them all and not one is secure, I should come clean, I do all the testing for the magazines, so I have slightly more experience than most. Des

[jsbman]

Hello Scary Des,

You will know more than most if you test these devices professionally.
We had a problem with thieves using oxyacetylene (porta pack units) to cut off wheel clamps, hitch locks, security posts, chains, even steel gates and fences.
Even secure storage sites are being targetted by professional thieves and there is very little to resist oxyacetylene cutting gear, with caravans, industrial plant and trailers being stolen 6 or eight at a time. This is big business.
We believe it is impossible to stop thieves with wheel clamps and hitch locks, even though they are recomended by insurance, police, and the industry in general.
Look at the hublock which bolts directly to the wheel hub; our tests have proved it to be secure against oxyacetylene, "Stihl" saws, angle grinders, welding, drilling and professional removal tools.
(www.hublock.co.uk)
I came across your posting through a Google search (old posting) but thought I should make you aware of a newer and effective security device.
Please call me personally if you would like further information.

Regards,

[Nos4r2]

That was a bit of blatant self-promotion-and for the 3rd time...! Looks like you need to sign up as a trade member.
__________________

[jsbman]

Hello Nos4r2

Your right, but then I didn't come looking for RIBnet, I found postings (Google search) referring to the JSB HUBLOCK from RIBnet forum members.
When I looked at the postings I found people giving their advice on how to protect boats and trailers. I know this is always done with best intentions, but it is based on personal opinions and is often unqualified.
It is obvious that theft is a big problem and a major concern to boat/RIB owners, who are advised to fit wheel clamps, hitch locks, ground anchors, security posts etc., and owners must meet insurance requirements.
We know from personal experience that these devices can be removed in less than 30 seconds by thieves using oxyacetylene cutting gear.
For our own purposes we have looked at the problem, drawn our own conclusions, and have come up with our own solution.
We have Sold Secure's Gold Award but our own testing is far more severe.
In fact we don't produce units for boat trailers, only for caravans, so we are not signed up as trade members.
I do think forum members will find this information of interest, especially ones who have had boats and trailers stolen, and perhaps they may have some interesting comments.

Regards,