By Cheri Sicard
In the video below, Joe of RVing With Joe shares 10 important tips to prevent travel trailer theft.
Why are travel trailers such easy targets? Well, they’re pretty easy to hitch up and tow away. Plus, they’re often stored in places that aren’t super secure. And, let’s face it, they have good resale value, which makes them tempting to thieves.
Think about a thief’s mindset. They’re looking for the easiest target and a quick score, which is why deterrence is so important. The harder you make it for them, the more likely they are to move on to someone else’s trailer. Here are Joe’s tips.
#1 Secure your hitch: A good hitch lock is always your first defense. It stops a thief from simply hitching up and driving off. But not all locks are created equal. Cheap locks can be cut off in no time. An angle grinder can get through almost any lock if given enough time, so investing in a high-quality, tamper-resistant hitch lock is worth every penny. Look for features like anti-grinding technology and durable materials like hardened steel. A complex locking mechanism is also a plus. Here’s one of our favorites.
#2 Lock up your safety chains: Thinking a hitch lock is enough? Think again! Thieves don’t always need to unlock your hitch. They can take your safety chains, wrap them around their hitch, and drive off. It’s not safe, but it works in a pinch. This trick is common in rural areas where thieves have time to work. The solution is simple: Lock up your safety chains with a heavy-duty lock. Make it hard for them to get to those chains.
#3 Wheel locks: Wheel locks are another great way to protect your trailer. They stop the wheels from turning, so even if a thief hitches up, they won’t get far. There are different types of wheel locks. Some are heavy-duty clamps that attach to the wheel. Others are like “boots” that cover the whole wheel. Wheel locks are difficult to remove and take time to deal with. Plus, a bright yellow wheel lock is a highly visible deterrent. Want something simpler? Use heavy-duty chains to lock the wheels together or to a fixed object.
#4 Remove the wheels: Here’s a more extreme option: Remove the wheels completely. No wheels, no theft, right? This is ideal for long-term storage. But it’s not practical if you travel often. It also requires you to properly block and jack up the trailer.
However, removing the wheels does have benefits. It preserves your tires by keeping them off the ground and out of the sun. It’s a common practice for construction trailers.
#5 Park strategically: Where you park your trailer can make a big difference. Thieves love trailers tucked away in dark corners. So, always try to park in well-lit, open areas with lots of visibility. If you can, block your trailer with another vehicle. This makes it way harder to move the trailer.
#6 GPS trackers and security systems: A GPS tracker can be a lifesaver if your trailer gets stolen. There are many options out there, from battery-powered trackers to hardwired systems. Some trackers even send alerts when your trailer moves. The sooner you know it’s being moved, the sooner you can recover it. You can also set up security cameras. Some people wire cameras to their trailer, like Ring cameras. This lets you see your trailer in real time.
#7 Use common sense: When traveling and parking, use common sense. Avoid leaving your trailer in places you don’t know or trust. Think about the surroundings and any potential risks. Remember, if you leave your trailer in the middle of nowhere for a long time, it’s more likely to get stolen. When driving through inner cities, lock all your storage and trailer doors. This stops anyone from sneaking up and popping a door open at a stoplight.
#8 Understanding locks and chains: It’s important to know that no security measure is 100% foolproof. All locks and chains can be cut with the right tools. Angle grinders can make quick work of even the toughest materials. The goal is to make it as hard and time-consuming as possible for thieves. Talk to a locksmith for the most hardened chain you can buy. Avoid generic chains from hardware stores.
#9 Layered security: The best approach is layered security. This means combining multiple security measures to protect your trailer. Think about locks, barriers, tracking devices, and security systems. Good parking practices and common sense are also key. The more obstacles you put in their way, the less likely thieves will want to target your trailer.
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I don’t use my trailer often, so I remove the hitch and chains. Easy to do with a cordless impact.
The problem with a hitch pin lock is an undersized ball can still insert into the coupler. While not fully secure, this will allow a thief to fairly easily tow to a location where the security can be eliminated. I prefer a lock that goes into the coupler – admittedly, many of these devices can be defeated by a CO2 fire extinguisher and a hammer. The extinguisher rapidly chills the metal making it brittle enough to break with the hammer. So don’t buy the cheap cast versions.
Hardened chains can still be cut using a large pair of pliers to hold the link and an angle grinder.
A better choice would be a heavy duty cable lock. Almost impossible to hold it tight enough to cut. But then again the hasp on the lock is still vulnerable.
Thank you for noting the video, Cheri, but even more so for summarizing it. Have a great week and safe travels!