Concern about stolen trailers?

[Garry and Victoria]

I've never had a trailer worth stealing. The Ranger trailers might be pretty tempting for some, especially when left in a parking lot for several days or weeks. Is there reason to be concerned? How would it be prevented without putting it in storage everytime you take the boat out for more than a day?

 

[RProffer]

I use a padlock on the locking lever of my trailer. First, it keeps the locking lever from unlocking and coming loose while towing. Second, it keeps honest people honest when the trailer in in my driveway or in the parking lot at the boat ramp. There have been all kinds of locks devised for boat trailers, and just about all of them have been defeated. If someone wants your boat and trailer bad enough, they will take them. Make sure you put a padlock on your spare tire. I use marine combination locks on my boat and trailer, and all locks have the same combination.

My dealer called me to borrow my trailer so he could take his demo boat to the Annapolis Boat Show. He had his trailer at a marina, with a big chain link fence, and a security guard - and yet three trailers were stolen. As you can guess, the guard got fired.

 

[wynn 'n anniedear]

This link:
http://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-379AT ... 71&sr=8-36

Will take you to the type of trailer lock I use on my Easyloader (electric/hydraulic). The only difference is mine is chrome and costs a little more. I didn't know I could get one from Amazon and save $10.

 

[captain's cat]

Nice lock and it'll certainly keep someone from hooking it up to a ball hitch. It will not, however, keep someone from hooking the safety chains to the same hitch, lowering the "stand" or whatever you use to keep the tongue up and hauling it off. Chains through the wheels will deter that effort though, you just have to be very careful to remember that they are there and make sure it's noticible to a potential thief so he/she doesn't try to drag it off in spite of them, thereby destroying the trailer... :x

Charlie

 

[Garry and Victoria]

Typically the truck and trailer would be left in the parking lot while we're out on the boat. The trailer would still be hitched to the truck so the trailer hitch lock would not be in place.

I can see the chain through the wheels would keep someone from simply unhtiching the trailer and hooking to their vehicle. It would also keep them from drive off with the truck and trailer combination.

I know that a dedicated thief could defeat any deterrent. I'm mostly looking to dissuade temptation.

Thanks,

 

[wefings]

We are blessed to live in an area where that kind of crime [or much of any, really ] rarely happens . But the simple act of introducing a visible deterrent prevents most attempts . If someone wants it they'll get it .
What sets some boat brands, dealers and owners apart is their network . If you tell us or an owner you are coming here , we will make sure that you are having a a worry free time . There are websites such as Active Captain.com that give good user based feedback as well .
Or for the more sporting , you could hide a Spot Tracker on the trailer, monitor it and chase em down if it moves.............
Not something to spend too much time worrying about .
Marc