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Last Updated on September 12, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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How Do You Lock a Trailer Hitch to Avoid Theft?
No matter how much you invest in your boat trailer and dream trip, everything will go in vain if you haven’t ensured its security. Trust us when we write this; we’ve been there after walking and checking the boats, only to find them gone. Sticking a lock or tying with a rope won’t do any good.
Key Takeaways:
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- Trailer Locks Are Effective: To prevent theft, all trailers can be locked with various mechanisms, including universal couplers, hitch pins, and puck locks.
- Wheel Locks & Chains: Clamshell-style wheel locks effectively prevent trailers from being driven away, while safety chains provide additional security by restricting wheel movement.
- Use Motion Sensor Floodlights: Installing motion sensor floodlights can deter theft attempts by illuminating the trailer area when movement is detected.
- Ground Anchors for Long-Term Security: These are ideal for long-term or permanent trailer security. They anchor the trailer to the ground, preventing movement.
- Alarms and GPS Tracking: Installing an alarm system with a GPS tracker enhances security by providing real-time alerts and location tracking.
- DIY Methods: Low-cost DIY methods, like removing trailer wheels or making a tongue lock, offer added security but may be time-consuming.
- Park Strategically: To reduce theft risk, always park in well-lit, monitored areas or block access to the trailer with other vehicles.
Boat thieves can steal your pontoon boat, jet skis, canoes, and even marine crafts if you don’t secure your boat trailer.
Securing one by one is time-consuming and complex. After several robbing experiences, we switched to a boat trailer and mastered securing it instead. We haven’t faced single theft issues after it for the past 22 years.
Can you put a lock on a trailer?
The short answer is yes. It doesn’t matter what trailer you use; every trailer offers lock and security options. According to Mark Ryden, the lead and founder of hitchspecialist.com, you can lock any trailer with a universal coupler. Different brands provide keys to secure the trailer couple, which means attaching the trailer.
Also, you can lock a trailer, including a boat trailer, using individual hitch pins. Puck locks are popular to close trailers. These have round casting that sits behind your trailer’s shackles and is shaped like a hockey puck.
Finally, trailers come with special locks; you should check the manual to learn how to attach them correctly.
How do you lock a boat trailer to avoid theft? (Budget-friendly simple ways)
Trailer Wheel Lock & Chain
Wheel locks are one of the most accessible devices for stopping theft. These are more popularly known as clamshell locks than Wheel locks. The lock arm wraps around your trailer wheel and is shaped like a clamshell that protects the wheels from easy access. You will see different types and models of wheel locks that grab the wheels from the back or front.
We prefer clamshell-shaped locks. Why? They prevent the thief from driving the boat trailer away. Even if they do, the tire will puncture, making their heist fail. We have used the Mophorn 2 pieces, Wheel Lock, for our Tandem Axle Aluminum 8600.
You can get a solid wheel locker for between $40 to $200. A ratchet set is a must for installing these locks. First, you have to open the adapters and position them in the midsection of the tire; after taking the screws, you have to align them. After aligning it, you can install it using screws and the rather.
Now, you’re done.
Safety chains usually come with trailers or hitches and have different installation processes. Make sure to follow the manual. The general rule of installing a safety chain is to attach it to a plastic cable and circle it 360 degrees against the tire.
This will allow us to cover the wheelchains and pull them upwards. Place the plastic cables lock side to side, and the bottom cable to the bottom click.
Notice that the chain has a diamond shape. It prevents the wheel from moving and nearly punches tires if driven. Suppose your trailer is one; you would need a 6 mm chain.
Most wheel chains cost under $50, but if you carry heavy-duty boats and canoes, you’ll need more vital chains that cost above $100.
Motion Sensor Floodlights
Motion sensors are electronic chips that detect infrared waves. They can detect heat waves and warmer objects like people, cars, and animals. Censoring body temperature and movement automatically turns the lights on a boat trailer.
Floodlights are high-powered lights that are usually seen in stadiums or outdoors. But how do they secure a boat trailer?
After installing and setting up your motion sensor floodlight, it will automatically light up and alarm if anyone tries to break in.
These work best in low to medium traffic, meaning more miniature objects are around the boat trailer.
However, medium to low boats are tied around, usually beside a boat trailer. But if you park your trailer in a high dentistry space, you need an extra backup besides motion sensor floodlights. The installation part is tricky because it would turn on an alarm even if you try to move your boat trailer.
The standard installation method is to position it eight feet above ground toward the coupler and select a sensitivity zone. In this zone, they would typically try to break the hitch locks or other chains.
Typically, you wouldn’t try to open hitch locks without disabling the motion sensor. You can install multiple of them at places where thieves can break and run away with your boats. Most of the motion sensor floodlights are under $60.
Ground Anchors
Ground anchors are more popular for travel trailers than boat trailers. Most people lock the trailer and stay there as a home. However, most people make this mistake while using a ground anchor: They dig the anchor inside a dirt or water place.
To install a ground anchor, you must dig at least 16 feet inside the ground and make a 10 feet wide hole. So, the ground anchor takes place and doesn’t blow out for wind. Then you place it in a 360-degree manner and fix the position using a screw.
Then, attach the boat trailer with the anchor. A ground anchor is a device installed in soil or tensile load and attached to a trailer so it can not move and stays in the same position. You’ll also know them as tiebacks.
These are drilled to the ground so the boat trailer can not move. Using anchors can be a hassle when camping or on a trip. We recommend these for permanent or extended-duration security.
It is better to use them for permanent or ample-duration boat trailer parking. However, ground anchors provide the highest protection, despite the other ways we mention here.
The Pro Grip 810101 is our favorite ground anchor. We also love the CURT 83730, but it’s better for a mounted trailer than a boat trailer. Most anchors cost around $14 to $68.
Install an Alarm
GPS alarms are the best and most practical solution to prevent theft. How does an alarm work? Most alarms sound and alert when they detect the boat trailer taking a reverse route. They also detect the trailer’s movement and animal and human temperature.
Alarms are weather-resistant, and rain and snow don’t affect the motion sensor. You can also custom set your trailer alarm system or select specific motions or activities and when to alert you. Some trailer alarms offer an extended sound that goes up to the bumper and RV system to make noise.
Some install the alarm on the door, many users install it on the tongue, and you can do it on the coupler. The installation process varies from brand to brand. To activate the alarm, you must manually turn on the red wire and connect it to the blue wire.
Some offer a plug system for which you may have to get a different switch system. Most alarms provide a mobile app through which it may send a text or make sounds besides sound on the spot. Many alarms now include a GPS tracker to send you the live location of the boat trailer.
A trailer alarm will cost you a maximum of $50 to a minimum of $11. If you want a GPS included, it will cost you around $60.
Alternative ways without spending money (DIY)
We are not a fan of DIYs regarding boat trailer safety. But sometimes situations call for DIYs, and we have some great security ideas for you:
Remove trailer wheel
It’s a classic idea. The thieves won’t be able to steal your boat trailer if it doesn’t have wheels, and they can’t carry the jet skis without a trailer or towing vehicle. This might cause you to spend more time packing and setting up.
Make sure to keep those wheels in a safe place.
Make your tongue lock
First, separate your hitch and the hitch ball. Remove the shackles attached to the hitch. Get a safety chain according to the gross weight rating and wrap it around the trailer tongue in a 360-degree manner.
Now, take a strong lock and secure the chain shackles. We recommend double locking to eliminate additional risk.
Park smart
Always park trailers or cars in a well-lit space, campsite, or parking lot. Suppose there’s a CCTV camera facility, that’s a bonus. But if you don’t find any options, search for a safe place.
Walking far to the parking lot is better than stealing your boats. We always block ways by parking in a treeline row, or when camping with colleagues or friends, we put each other’s cars in a way that blocks the trailer movement.
Conclusion
Which is the best way to secure a boat trailer? Thieves can either be underprepared or experts in breaking trailer locks. So, you always have to keep the best security for your trailer and boats.
It’s clever to combine two or three security systems into one. For us, the most brilliant combination is using a wheel lock, a separate boat lock, and an alarm. However, ground anchors and removing trailer wheels are superior options if you park for a long time.
GPS is convenient nowadays. Another tip is to leave two links attached to the boat trailer tongue while hauling it.
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