Trailer Locks

[roadrunner]

I am buying a fishing/duck boat from a buddy and need a way to lock it. I dont have a fence or garage space to put it in so it will sit on the side of the house. I live on a fairly main road and while its a safe area, I dont trust people.

I am not super worried about it and know that there are the cheaper Reese branded ones that are 35-50 bucks. I am wondering if there are any in that similar price range that are better than others or if there is something less than 100 bucks.

Any chance you could park something in front of it?

 

[CorbLand]

Any chance you could park something in front of it?

I dont daily my pickup anymore so it will be parked in front it 80% of the time and will most likely be hooked to it for the majority of that time. Just need something for when I am not there.

The problem there is that if someone really wanted it they could just push the boat back and take it around the side of my pickup as there is enough room to the one side.

 

[menhaden_man]

I use one like this on my dump trailer and boat... but don't live in an area where there's much crime.

https://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpower-7088300-Heavy-Coupler/dp/B0795SWHWM/ref=sr_1_35?keywords=hitch+lock&sr=8-35

I'd also check in with a place like Progressive or State Farm. Boat insurance is crazy cheap. Your home owners might cover theft too but depending on deductible it may not mean much. It still wouldn't hurt to ask your agent. Good luck... too bad we're inundated with crime and crackheads anymore.

 

[BluMtn]

I have a friend that has those rollup blocks that you use change a tire. He uses those to lift the tires off the ground then removes the tires and then backs the trailer down on blocks and then locks the hitch. Its a pain, but not getting stolen.

 

[CorbLand]

I use one like this on my dump trailer and boat... but don't live in an area where there's much crime.

https://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpower-7088300-Heavy-Coupler/dp/B0795SWHWM/ref=sr_1_35?keywords=hitch+lock&sr=8-35

I'd also check in with a place like Progressive or State Farm. Boat insurance is crazy cheap. Your home owners might cover theft too but depending on deductible it may not mean much. It still wouldn't hurt to ask your agent. Good luck... too bad we're inundated with crime and crackheads anymore.

It will most likely be insured. Waiting on a quote for it.

I worry more about someone taking the motor off the boat than I do someone taking the whole thing.

 

[tyco]

I use a Bolt Trailer Coupler lock like this paired with a Bolt pin lock. I like Bolt because you can buy one that matches your vehicle key style and you can program it to match your ignition key.

Seem to be high quality. No match for a thief with the right tools and a lot of time, but not aware of much else that is.

 

[TSAMP]

I could not imagine living somewhere so crime ridden I need to remove the tires on my trailer as a theft deterrent.

Just move guys.

 

[CorbLand]

I could not imagine living somewhere so crime ridden I need to remove the tires on my trailer as a theft deterrent.

Just move guys.

I was thinking the same thing. For me it would be more along the lines of your telling me that every time I want to use the boat, I have to put the tires back on, then take them back off when I am done?

If I had to do that, I wouldnt buy one.

 

[Tod osier]

I was thinking the same thing. For me it would be more along the lines of your telling me that every time I want to use the boat, I have to put the tires back on, then take them back off when I am done?

If I had to do that, I wouldnt buy one.

Not that I'd do it, but taking the tires off every time is probably negligible in the grand scheme of time spent taking care of a boat.

 

[SWOHTR]

Take the wheels off.

 

[WCB]

what everyone said above. We have a hunting "shack" 6hrs from where we live in another state. We have 2 enclosed trailers, 1 flat bed snowmobile trailer, 2 duck boats, + 2 fishing boats we leave there year round. 2 fishing boats are in the garage but when they are not in use or we are gone for extended amounts of time we literally take the coupler off the tongue.

We have chains through the wheels and some chained together. But figured they can take there time at a place like ours and get those undone. But if they want to run to a town to buy a coupler 30minutes....come back and put it on and go then they deserve it. But they can't just come up cut a couple chains and go.

 

[WCB]

I could not imagine living somewhere so crime ridden I need to remove the tires on my trailer as a theft deterrent.

Just move guys.

I mean guys get there trailers stolen out of goose fields....If I was going to be gone on vacation and my boat/trailer is very expose. sitting for a long time not a bad thing just for extra assurance. As far as having to do it everyday no way and I would agree with you.

 

[Yoder]

I run a chain through the rim and wrap it around the frame and pad lock it. The hitch locks don't matter. They just hook up the safety chains and drive off.

 

[RS_Non-Res]

Take the wheels off.

Take one wheel off?
I was going to say park it tongue into the yard, but you mentioned poaching the OB was your main concern.

 

[menhaden_man]

You could also stick a trail cam out there @CorbLand. I’ve got some property that’s pretty remote with some nice stuff out there. I’ve got some cheap tasco cams I download every couple months.

 

[PNWGATOR]

Make it a point to lock down the motor if there is one on there in addition to the other ideas you have.

Aside from that, make sure you have the appropriate insurance policy and don’t worry more about it than necessary.

 

[cnelk]

A guy I know had his trailered tracked atv stolen right in front of his house in broad daylight.

He had a hitch lock on it.

The thieves used the saftey chains to hook on and drive away.

The neighbors Ring camera showed them dragging the rig down the street, sparks flying and everything.

They got away.

A couple months later he got a tip that someone saw his atv behind a mechanic shop.

He called the cops and said either they show up with him or he’s taking matter into his own hands.

They showed up.

He got his trailer and atv back - eventually.

So - just a reminder to lock up the safety chains on the trailer too.

 

[dog]

I’ve been using one of these …
Proven Locks Model S175: 2 inch Trailer Hitch Lock, Fits Select 2 inch Couplers (2 -Inch)
https://a.co/d/5gxUi0J
Much heavier duty than the Reese / master lock type. Also has a type of lock and key that’s harder to pick. Weighs a ton. Nothing will deter a determined thief but I feel like this lock has a better chance of slowing them down. Just paid $85 for it last summer see it’s $120 now.

 

[Matt5266]

As some others have said. Put a cheap hitch lock on. Go to the hardware store and chain wheels together or to the frame with a padlock. If you can park something else in front of it. Also stick a air tag on that thing. Theives are all about crimes of opportunity. They see all that and they will likely move on.

 

[SWOHTR]

Take one wheel off?
I was going to say park it tongue into the yard, but you mentioned poaching the OB was your main concern.

I mean, that’s what highway safety and parking security crews do with their gen/light sets.

You can also buy a parking boot.