WeWashWindows wrote:

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There's been a lot of trailers stolen here locally. In SC, you're not required to have a title or registration, so if somebody steals the trailer they can easily sell it for some quick cash. I've heard they've been stealing the enclosed trailers to make mobile meth labs!

So I'm curious as to what some have done to try to prevent this. I've been using locks and parking in the safest area I can, but I'm thinking about using a GPS locator.

Check out this link:

http://www.zoombak.com/

I think it's around 15 bucks a month, but if your rig were ever stolen it would be well worth it to tell the cops exactly where it was at..

 

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HERE ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS:

PAINT YOUR TRAILER A UNIQUE COLOR:

• Hitch locks. These work by making it impossible for a thief to attach his or her vehicle to your trailer. The lock fits into your hitch and is secured with the turn of a key. Although some people use a padlock instead of an actual hitch lock, a well-equipped thief can easily cut through a padlock.

The downside to these locks is that you have to unhitch your trailer from your towing vehicle to put the lock in place. You also have to make sure you don't lose the key while you're on the trail. Find a safe, secure place for the key, such as a zippered pocket.

• Tongue locks. These allow you to include the trailer chains when securing the hitch. In some situations, thieves have literally dragged the trailer away by the chains if they couldn't use the hitch.

• Coupler locks. You can usually use these while your trailer is still hitched to your vehicle, depending on the design. They prevent the thief from being able to hook up to the coupler.

• Trailer-wheel locks. You attach these devices on the outside of the tires. When trailer-wheel locks are in place, thieves find it nearly impossible to move the trailer. Well-designed models are easy to install and remove.

• Alarms. Trailer alarms are similar to car alarms. Sensors attached to the trailer doors will sound if the door is opened. Some alarms are equipped with sensors that are designed to go off if someone tries to move the trailer or tamper with the locks.

"Trailer alarms emit a piercing noise if your trailer is moved without the alarm being deactivated," note the Krones. "Most thieves hate attention."

When shopping for an alarm, choose one that includes an LED system you can place on the outside of the trailer. This will send a message to thieves that the trailer is protected, and may thwart any attempts to take it.

Almost all alarm systems sound a siren and flash the trailer lights when set off, but some go as far as locking the trailer brakes so the trailer can't be moved. Some also come with paging systems that will notify you if the alarm has gone off. (Unfortunately, these systems don't usually work if you are more than a mile away.)

• Tracking devices. Although tracking devices don't necessarily deter theft, they'll make it easier to find your trailer if it's stolen. Tracking devices use global positioning system (GPS) technology to tell you where your trailer is located. In most cases, you'll need to subscribe to a tracking service, which will allow you to locate your trailer online.

WeWashWindows wrote:

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Thanks Markus,

I've been using all kinds of locks, but I really like the idea of some of those alarms. Seems like the going price for them is around 300 dollars. Having the brakes lock the tires with a siren going off and strobe lights would probably keep somebody from making off with your equipment..

 

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May sound funny but i know a guy thta chains an anchor to his aframe.

Be smart about where you leave your rig. If your in a high theft area then put it in your garage or rent a storage unit. Also, lock down your stuff. Most criminals are not going to be carrying a set of bolt cutters when they decide to jack your stuff.

And.... if you live in the great state of TEXAS or any other great state that allow people to protect themselves and their property, carry one of these...