Trailers are easy to steal and sell, and you should learn how to secure your trailer to guard it against thieves. There is a high likelihood that your trailer might be targeted, and if stolen, you might not get it back quickly. The more difficult your trailer is to steal, the lower the chances of it being stolen. Therefore, you should invest in risk mitigation measures that lower the risks; a thief would not want to invest so much time and effort as they fear being caught in the act. You can incorporate different trailer lock systems that secure the trailer and learn about these lock systems below. Tag along!
Contents
Hoop Lock
The hoop lock for securing a trailer is similar to the U-lock for bicycle security; this lock works by having a ball fit into the trailer hitch and shackle fasten over a top hitch. When locking the shackle, you adjust it so that the lock cannot slip off and prevent thieves from hooking up the trailer without the lock’s key. This can help prevent the thieves, and it is a popular tactic; however, it is insufficient in preventing notorious thieves. The hoop lock company engages in mass production, which keeps the costs low while reducing the locks’ quality.
Trailer Door Lock
Thieves targeting enclosed trailers aim at stealing the whole trailer as the contents inside the trailer would be more valuable. If you do not get the proper lock, the thieves will not target the trailer’s contents but the whole trailer. Thieves target trailers contain professional service electronics which are easy to sell. Suppose you are a musician or catering service provider; you might be at a higher risk of trailer theft. Moreover, instead of stealing the whole trail, the thieves can break it as the goods primarily stored in enclosed trailers are semi-mobile. The lock you put on the trailer door should withstand attacks on the lock body, shackle, and the hasp. A great padlock can achieve this security, and it is wise to go for padlocks with positive reviews online.
Trailer Wheel Lock
Locking the trailer can keep it immobilized until otherwise needed. This lock secures the trailers’ wheels and keeps them from being towed away if other trailer locks are compromised. Some of the particular wheel lock techniques include removal of wheels, deflating the wheels. Most people who use this method say that it is better than any lock products in the market, which can be compromised.
Lock the Spare Tires
When thieves fail to steal the other contents in the trailer, they might steal the spare wheels. Thieves usually do not have specific goals when deciding to steal from you as their main objective is to make money. You can lock the spare wheels mounted on the trailer as one of the ways to secure your trailer. You can consider spare wheel locks for the wheels, installed over the wheel bolts keeping the wheel secured to the vehicle under lock and key.
Install a Trailer Tongue Box
A trailer tongue box fixed on the front part of the trailer has essential tow equipment and keeps the accessories on hand. They have an integrated, lacking latch which promotes anti-theft measures keeping your items secured in the trailer.
Use Cargo Bag with Lock for Cargo Carriers
You can add security to the cargo bags using CURT cargo bags. The bags are water-resistant vinyl bags that have a zipper closure that accepts padlocks. After closing the zippers, the items will be safe in the bag and protected from thieves.
Use a GPS Tracker
Use a pinpoint GPS tracker on your trailer at all times as it can track the trailer accurately. It will help if you fit the tracker discreetly on the trailer in locations that are not obvious for the thieves to find. After installation, you can log into your computer or phone and connect the tracker with your device. You can now track the trailer to trace previous movements and any movements that it will make in the future.
Remove the Spare Keys from the Trailer
You should store the keys to the trailer effectively after locking it, and it is better to take the keys with you once you lock the trailer. If you are used to keeping the spare key under the glove box to safeguard it when you lose your key, you risk it from being stolen. Unfortunately, the thieves know that most people leave the trailer key, and they will search for the spare key first before they think about breaking into the trailer. Even with high-security padlocks and other features, if you keep the spare keys at the reach of the thieves, your goods will be stolen.
Install Audible Alarm Systems
You can use an anti-theft audible device that emits a high sound when thieves try to break the trailer. The noise might attract unwanted attention, which chases away the thieves. Other trailer drivers who have this alarm system might come to your rescue or call the police when they see thieves trying to break into your trailer; fortunately, trailer drivers are among the people on the road who look out to each other. You might need a mechanic or alarm technician who will install the alarm effectively into your trailer since the installation might require working with the vehicle’s wiring system.
Park the Trailer in Well-Lit Areas
Parking the trailer in poorly lit places might attract thieves as they know no one will see them. You can park your trailer under a light and in places where there is high traffic; this will make thieves shy away from your goods as they know that other people see them in the area.
Takeaway
Thieves can easily steal your trailer or the whole trailer’s contents and resell your goods, making it hard to trace the lost goods. You can learn how to secure a trailer by investing in high-quality products which lock the door to the trailer or prevent the trailer from towing. Moreover, you should not leave the spare keys in the trailer, install a GPS tracker, and park the trailer in a well-lit area. Moreover, it is better to have the goods insured to prevent the loss that arises from trailer theft.
