Wheel Clamp

Andy · 29 October 2004, 00:40

Anybody got a view on whats the most effective Wheel Clamp to buy. I know they will take it if they want it .... makes me feel better!

brucehawsker · 29 October 2004, 00:48

I have Bulldog Euroclamp EM500SS. Seems chunky enough! Hard to get off with cold fingers EVEN if you have the key

codprawn · 29 October 2004, 01:12

I also use a really hefty mobike locking chain around a lamp post or similar.

Bern Hanreck · 29 October 2004, 09:12

You can always use additional "Coupling Locks / Safes " . Some of these lock into the tow ball socket itself and add to security yet "fit in your pocket ".

118118 · 29 October 2004, 09:21

hi,
i have a lock thingie on the tow hitch,
seems strong enough, and i couldn't get it off with the key!!

Nick Hearne · 29 October 2004, 09:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by 118118

hi,
i have a lock thingie on the tow hitch,
seems strong enough, and i couldn't get it off with the key!!

Yep but look at your insurance policy most will say you must have a wheel clamp fitted, even if you stop at a service station!!
Nick

ashbypower · 29 October 2004, 09:25

Hi Andy, may I suggest you check your insurance, some company's insist on wheel clamps. Would'nt like to see you fall foul of there normal response, ie sorry Sir but .........

Regards

Brian

Bilge Rat · 29 October 2004, 10:46

Most of the fishermen where i launch have a lenght of chain going aorund there trailer hitch and going around through the tow hitch bracket with a hefty padlock securing the two ends, looks like a good idea, and means it would be difficult to move the trailer from the vehicle.

Any trailer wheel lock is of course just a deterant, a good thief will get them of in seconds and the insurance companies know this.

Rich L · 29 October 2004, 11:44

This subject has been discussed many times before but....

When at home I:
- chain the trailer to an immovable object
- Wheel clamp one wheel
- remove the other wheel and keep it well away
- Hitch lock (one of the ones that slots into the ball recess)
- Hitch Lock (barrel type built into the hitch)

When trailing, I use the barrel hitch lock which locks it to the ball. After launching I put the wheel clamp on.

Make sure you get a simple to operate wheel clamp. You don't want to be hanging about when you've launched your boat. Like Bruce, I use a Euroclamp, similar to this. Some of the 3 legged ones are not simple to fit.

DJL · 29 October 2004, 14:39

You want one that covers the hub and hub bolts otherwise you can just take the wheel off and replace it. Also I have seen many clamps that become loose as soon as you let down the tyre.

At least they stop the casual thief....

I use something similar to the one below.

Red Fox · 29 October 2004, 18:27

I use a Bulldog Trailclamp, covers the wheel nuts and is one acceptable to the insurance company. Check this out with the insurers.

Roy Smith · 29 October 2004, 19:28

We use a bulldog seams good but as some one as already said if they want it they will get it, last year my friend showed me a photo where a thief cut the transom off complete with the out board motor using a disc cutter. you can only do your best.
Regards Roy

Rogue Wave · 29 October 2004, 19:48

I am with Codprawn on this (makes a change eh!) but you need to use a wheelclamp as well.

Myself and Brian Taylor needed to dislodge the SAS clamp on his boat. Al it took was one clapped out Disco and driver and about 20 seconds to break through it!

So go for a bulldog bigboy that will take at least a minute! ( but the insurance companies criteria will be met)

cheers

codprawn · 29 October 2004, 20:29

Just remember with a chain to pull it tight - wrap it around the lamp post a few times if needed otherwise it will snap if they try to drive off!!!

Nice and tight the mobike chains have a breaking strength of about 30 tons - bit more than even a Landie can manage but if they can get some kinetic energy into the equation first thing may go ping!!!

By the way make sure the Lamp Post is pretty solid!!!

Simon B · 31 October 2004, 12:12

We used to use a eurochamp or euroclamp it didnt cover the nuts, ofcourse I was told this was more than sufficient by some committee members in the club until I brought ot their attention the fact that the spare was only held on by nuts and any thief could simply swap it it over, we changed the wheel lock and now lock the spare in place too.

Funnily we also called our insurers, the conversation went something like this.." We could make the boat more secure by parking it on blocks and removing the wheels!" ..."Er no your policy states a wheel lock must be fitted, if it has no wheels you cant therefore we cant insure you" I'm sure they're all nice people if you meet them in the pub!!

Rich L · 31 October 2004, 16:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simon B

Funnily we also called our insurers, the conversation went something like this.." We could make the boat more secure by parking it on blocks and removing the wheels!" ..."Er no your policy states a wheel lock must be fitted, if it has no wheels you cant therefore we cant insure you" I'm sure they're all nice people if you meet them in the pub!!

Thats why you take one wheel off and clamp the other right?

Simon B · 01 November 2004, 11:34

Thats ok if again your spare is locked/other wheel has nuts covered. We also have a hitch lock built in to the hitch but havent tested it for "thievability"

After all is said and done if the genuinely want a "classic" delta in less than concourse condition then I'm sure we will know about it, best reliance is to fullfil insurance criteria and know that the claim will be met.