Great video Wayne full of helpful tips! This is a big problem down here in South Florida and you hit the nail on the head…. Thieves ( like the one you pictured 😂) will almost always go the path of least resistance. An unlocked , easily accessed trailer is comparable to an unlocked car with keys in the ignition. A little diligence goes a long way! Cheers ! Btw: maybe a sign stating “ video surveillance “ posted near a stored trailer? In today’s day and age with everyone having surveillance cameras, most thieves would move on.
@WayneTheBoatGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Oh that's a great one!! Try to stay dry this week buddy!
@Pro1er
11 ай бұрын
Another idea is to hide a tracking device on your trailer like an Apple AirTag because if someone wants your trailer they will find a way to steal it. Just remember not to submerge the tracker. Also, trackers are radio devices so don't put it inside of a completely enclosed metal trailer.
@PhilLesh69
11 ай бұрын
I stayed at an extended stay hotel a few years ago and there was an old rusted out box cargo trailer in the parking lot with one wheel missing. It was there over the course of several stays during a four month time span. As an added bonus you could even use the missing wheel as an excuse to give a property owner or hotel manager for leaving a trailer in their parking lot for a short time "while you wait for the wheel repair"
@AusMarineRobotics
7 ай бұрын
Cunning but useful tip. Even if they were mean enough to tow a broken down trailer they couldnt😂
@jack0903
Жыл бұрын
I have a sign on it - this trailer not worth your life!
@brs293
11 ай бұрын
That won't look good in court for you. Even if you shoot a person that Breaks into your home, a slimey prosecutor will say you were itching to kill because you had a sign like that.
@grantdavis5992
11 ай бұрын
@@brs293the 3 "S" solution eliminates that problem.
@davidalejandro8470
8 ай бұрын
A pile of brass from our last trip to the range conspicuously placed on the tongue. 😇
@PapaMav
2 жыл бұрын
I like the locking the chain suggestion.
@Nonplused
Жыл бұрын
I take my chains right off with quick links. I don't know if it's legal, but the quick links I use are the same rating as the chain, so it should be safe. The number of break-ins and trailer thefts in the area has been quite alarming. And it's a rural area, so the thieves need a car to get here.
@christinamoneyhan5688
11 ай бұрын
Locks just keep honest people honest.
@inthedarkwoods2022
3 ай бұрын
This comment is so stupid and people keep repeating it....
@RoboDoc2814
2 ай бұрын
As said in the video, thieves typically look for the path of least resistance. More resistance = more effort = more time = more risk of being caught.
@youdonthavetoreadthispost.5850
2 жыл бұрын
My truck has a motion sensor. the boat could too. I run chain through the wheel and use multiple hardened locks. Behind a six foot fence with a dog in the yard. Prefer to park in monitored pay for use areas. I know of one boat, motor trailer that was left in a driveway unlocked and stolen. In another case they stole every roller from a new easy-loader trailer while the boat was at sea. We run shuttles and that can be risky. They need a key. When you're gone you're gone. My paint matches my boat and my truck. Everybody knows it's me. A local legend fishes from the bow. My phone # is under the trailer. It can still be stolen but - I'm not an easy target. Don't be either. Thanks Wayne!
@profdave2861
11 ай бұрын
Locks will discourage thieves where people can hear locks being cut, but otherwise they only slow them down a bit. Large bolt cutters and a battery powered angle grinder with a cutting disk can zip through a lock or cable like a hot knife through butter. Removing wheels is definitely a good deterrent, although a pain in the butt when you want to use the trailer. A cellular game camera is very helpful - it will send a picture when thieves show up.
@everettcalhoun8197
11 ай бұрын
I found that out when I lost my keys to my trailer and took my battery powered angle grinder with a cutting wheel and I was in my trailer faster than if I had keys. Or watch storage wars. I take the wheels off and put them away and use a 2x4 across the side door on the inside and back the trailer up against the garage.
@jamesthoresen8873
11 ай бұрын
Good information I do alot of log splitting so I have some of the biggest logs parked right in front of my trailers that you can move only with a tractor plus my dogs are a good early warning device when someone enters my property
@000distructzero
2 жыл бұрын
Once launched I actively look to park somewhere in view of a security camera. Or I'll park close as I can to the main entrance to launch area where it's highly visable and if being stolen would be obvious to other experienced boaters that are hopefully passing by. I also of course use the coupler and hitch pin locks. Tip: if you leave the hitch pin lock on for any length of time, get under there every couple weeks with some Wd40 or a spray like that and spray that lock mechanism good. I picked up a new trailer and needed to change hitch to bigger ball size. My hitch pin lock was seized in the locked position. I was there to pick up trailer right at closing time and it turned in to a 30min ordeal trying to get lock to release (then lock again).. They were not happy. 😑
@fjb4932
11 ай бұрын
"Houdini " is the best lubricant / cleaner / frozen lock spray i've found. WD-40 Will fail ( 2 lock pins cut off in 3 years / Montana winters ). Hard to find ( Google / Amazon ? ), recommended- found in local Lock Shop. ☆
@Sladep123
11 ай бұрын
Good advice. Am already doing almost all these to protect my nice enclosed aluminum trailer, esp. when traveling. I like the ideas of locking the safety chains together and removing my other wheel. I already have a yellow wheel clamp so removing the other wheel makes it a more complicated project to steal. That would inky require tossing in a small bottle jack and using it only in the event of a breakdown or if leaving the trailer for an extended period of time. Thanks!
@paulpuglia8480
2 жыл бұрын
Wayne, great video I just ordered my Sea Doo 2023 GTX 170 I never thought about locking up the chains and running a steel cable threw the wheels thank you have a great day ciao ciao.
@WayneTheBoatGuy
2 жыл бұрын
That $30 wheel clamp lock would be a good option as well - if you're parked in an area that is a little more prone to theft!
@youdonthavetoreadthispost.5850
2 жыл бұрын
Also! Lock your rigs to the trailer so they can't get them off.
@paulpuglia8480
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you
@paulpuglia8480
2 жыл бұрын
You can also pad lock your chains to your vehicle when your trailer's hooked up to your vehicle
@AusMarineRobotics
7 ай бұрын
Great Video and advice - thank you👍 my never fail anti-theft technique is to own an old boat and rusted out trailer no one in their right mind would steal. For those not in their right mind I keep a GPS tracker (SinoTrack 901) on it. Also helps me remember where I parked the bloody thing.
@drscopeify
7 ай бұрын
Good video. My state WA requires to plate and title trailers so that seems to prevent theft to some degree, but I always use the lock on the hitch to prevent it being pulled out and also a lock on the trailer ball release thingy. Thanks for the idea about locking the chain.
@circlepfarm9729
11 ай бұрын
Really enjoyed the video and agree with what you said. The sad part is that an experienced locksmith can open those locks in less than a minute.
@tralfazy
11 ай бұрын
I'm no locksmith but I can open any of those five dollar Chinese locks with my picks. I probably wouldn't bother though because it's faster to cut through any of their shackles with my portable disk grinder. I can also open most of the combination bicycle locks just by feel (especially the cheap ones). These junky Chinese made locks that he showed in this video are pretty much useless to protect a trailer.
@michaelperson9342
11 ай бұрын
What about the LARGE BOLT securing the BALL to the hitch? I am amazed that a crook can simply loosen the BOLT leaving it on the trailer, then place it in theirs and drive off, leaving ALL THOSE LOCKS ON AND BE GONE. Thanks for letting me share. I would appreciate a response when possible
@lonefishnone4958
2 жыл бұрын
My boat trailer has a removeable Toung. It has two removable pins right below the winch post. I pull the whole thing and lock it in the garage.
@WayneTheBoatGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Nice!
@Wheelman151
11 ай бұрын
On my utility trailer I had parallel 3/8" D-rings welded; 1 to the outside bottom of the slide-upward removable tailgate, and 1 to the rear of the bed frame. They align when the guillotine gate is in place. I can then use [a] a short chain/padlock to lock the gate to the frame, [b] a 5 gallon bucket 3/4 full of concrete with embedded chain that acts as my anchor to lock tailgate to frame to anchor, and [c] a longer chain/padlock that'll go through the D-rings, around a 6x6 pole (or a gate, whatever if away from home). I use the above plus your suggestions at the tongue end of the trailer. Also have good photo documentation for recovery/insurance if my security measures should fail. Thanks for your video.
@kryptoekid
11 ай бұрын
When I lived in Mississippi we had (and still do) the castle law. My buddy would leave his trailer with his four wheeler on it. In the street.I told him to buy a chain and put it through the wheel and frame. He did, as a matter fact put it on both tires, literally that night we were in his back yard having a few beers and we hear the sound of two tires bouncing off the street ,we ran to the front of the house and there she went down the street hitting parked cars, he had his gun on him and we ran down the street caught the mfers( a couple meth heads) he made them at gunpoint walk his trailer back to his house and the cops took them away. Four cars in total were damaged, and he had ever right to shoot them as they were trying to flee. But didn’t.
@aliassmithandjones9453
11 ай бұрын
a Mississippi jury thinks a 4 wheeler is more valuable than a human life? 🙄
@kryptoekid
11 ай бұрын
How about this!!! Don’t take what’s not yours!! It’s not babyfornia.
@Dhdh365
8 күн бұрын
Pity. If he had done it, might of sent a message.
@peggyparrow2059
11 ай бұрын
Get a trailer ball and have the threaded part cut off with a torch and install it up in the hitch and close the hitch on it. Most hitches have a hole in the latch , install a good lock in it. Now with a ball locked in the hitch and as you say, lock the chains back from everything, it should work !
@jesstreloar7706
11 ай бұрын
My 1975 CJ-5 had a soft top. In the end it had a battery disconnect switch in the glove box. A 4 way manual fuel shut-off valve between the seats. Swapped out the steering column for a 1988 Buick Regal which had a locking column, the column also provided power to the fuel pump and ignition kill switches on the dash, same switch style that ran the off road lights. 1) Turn on the battery 2) Place the gas valve in the proper position 1 in 4 chance 3) Keys to unlock the column 4) Fuel pump to on 5) Ignition to enable (on). I don't know if anyone ever tried but it was never stolen.
@christinebridges5700
Жыл бұрын
Good video. It is satisfying that I'm doing everything right so far.
@justaguy6307
Жыл бұрын
Great information and presentation. Thank you ! We plan to trailer bikes with uhaul trailer up to Daytona bike week and this video was very helpful !
@WayneTheBoatGuy
Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@ericwright3382
4 ай бұрын
About 25 years ago, somebody put 4 shiny quads/ATV, whatever you call them, on a trailer parked right on a main street, for months. One day, it was gone with a "Reward" sign out where it used to sit. They were already on a trailer, like a waiter serving up your steak.
@expressivepets1
Жыл бұрын
I just read on FB about a camping trailer stolen from a secured storage facility. He had a hitch lock on his caravan trailer. This wasn't a small trailer.
@WayneTheBoatGuy
Жыл бұрын
Dang.
@henryanderson7606
11 ай бұрын
Those keyed hitch pin locks can be broken off in 5 seconds with a piece of pipe! ...you should weld a tube onto your trucks reciever to prevent a section of pipe to be slid over it!
@bobgarcia4343
11 ай бұрын
Thanks for the video! Nice shirt, I have the same one, being a Kent islander.
@gregroth4696
Жыл бұрын
There were some good ideas here. Thank you. Nice video! I especially like the action scene. Where you hook the trailer up to your truck using just the chains! That was brilliant lol. OK I am truly thankful. Thanks for making this video!
@krazyj1957
11 ай бұрын
I use the Trailer Gator lock on our pontoon boat trail plus it is insured.
@chipsweek7361
11 ай бұрын
LOcking a hitch ball in receiver works well!
@dantheman9360
2 жыл бұрын
as an rv mechanic let me tell you alot of those locks are easily broken with a hammer. Multiple occasions someone needed them off and i come out with a couple whacks and its off
@dogrsqr
Жыл бұрын
Good point. Any suggestions that might help?
@bingatos1879
Жыл бұрын
@@dogrsqr Suggestion ; don’t wack them with a Hammer 🔨 !!! 😂😂😂
@yatesmachine1234
Жыл бұрын
Proven Locks are expensive, but American made, and give me plenty of confidence thieves will move along to an easier target.
@funonoldwheels7150
11 ай бұрын
I use a shutter lock on my coupler. It's harder to access the shackle for cutting. Also, I lock it in the up or unlock position. The reasoning being that of its locked with the lever down, one could conceivably undo the nut, pop the coupler on the ball and re-it, but if it's locked in the up position, there's no way to safely latch onto a ball
@briancummings9122
11 ай бұрын
How about boot for the tires
@calvinjohnson7806
11 ай бұрын
Thanks for the video
@777smitty4
11 ай бұрын
I put the hooks in the ball opening pull the chains up behind the latch and pad lock them together
@jamessonpage9308
11 ай бұрын
Remove the crank handle from the jack.
@tiltedflip4491
Жыл бұрын
My chains reach over my tongue jack handle. I jack it high if empty or low if loaded maybe. Then I lock the chains to the handle and lock the hitch latch too. If I park overnight hooked up to my truck, I lock chains to the bumper. I can lock the hitch but I don't have a cross-pin lock.
@MarcosElMalo2
6 ай бұрын
Watch the Lockpicking Lawyer!!
@my-yt-inputs2580
11 ай бұрын
My trailer was stolen from my driveway several months ago. It had been sitting there since 2008. A tornado that went through my neighborhood has basically brought in all kinds of undesirables which made it a target. Waiting to replace it while I decide how to secure it better. I have nothing to chain it too so have to look for alternate methods. I have looked at wheel boots and simply removing the wheel/tire. Have also thought about mounting a metal plate w/attachment ring to driveway under trailer then securing with a chain.
@James_Bowie
10 ай бұрын
I'd clamp both wheels with quality clamps.
@DonTruman
11 ай бұрын
In addition to protection from theft, ease of use for the owner is a priority. If it's a big time consuming hassle every time you want to use your trailer, that's no good. That leads me to the conclusion of the wheel boot being the best option, and nothing else. For an extra level of security, a second wheel boot.
@michaelkearney2386
Жыл бұрын
Great instructional video. Thorough and concise! Thanks!
@WayneTheBoatGuy
Жыл бұрын
Glad it was helpful!
@Photonsnmotion
2 жыл бұрын
Always pull the folding trailer pin.
@WayneTheBoatGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Oh that’s a good one! My first boat had a folding trailer.
@thedevilinthecircuit1414
2 жыл бұрын
Nice tee shirt, Wayne!
@user-sh3ms1hw5p
11 ай бұрын
good job on locking the trailer 2 guys can just take the small boat put a lock with cable to boat to trailer
@jackmorgan709
Жыл бұрын
how do you secure the ball to the receiver when your trailer is connected?
@WayneTheBoatGuy
Жыл бұрын
Personally I use a pin, but if I was in an area where theft was prevalent I would use a long padlock or a couple of them to lock the chains as well
@ExploringCabinsandMines
Жыл бұрын
Remove all but one lug nut , no wheels might suggest valuable cargo.
@Zerpersande
11 ай бұрын
Use something other than a Master padlock. Easily picked. It would take me less than 10. Mins to teach you how to pick well enough to open most Master locks.
@PapaMav
2 жыл бұрын
Maybe we should all move to Canada....
@MrGlenferd
11 ай бұрын
Doesn't help. Bad here too.
@michelejbreese5100
11 ай бұрын
I got a big u shaped bicycle lock. On the hitch. Less than 20.
@eutimiochavez415
11 ай бұрын
Put a lock on it ?
@mikeries8549
11 ай бұрын
I had a home built utilty trailer taken "sometime during the pandemic lockdown". Police couldn't believe that i wasnt watching it from a mile away night and day. Look for it? Oh hell no ...
@joshuacruisin
3 ай бұрын
coupler locks are a half decent deterrent but if they really want it they'll just throw a new coupler on after removing the bolts, best bet, hide a tracking device on board " I've learned the hard way police aren't going to bother with anything other than filing a report"
@ruhtra-k
11 ай бұрын
Those hitch locks are easily broken by fitting a pipe over the end. My hitch is partially enclosed so you can’t get a pipe over it.
@lakehand
11 ай бұрын
another trick i do is drill a hole in ball socket and putting a big ole american lock thru it .
@user-cb3hs3du4m
11 ай бұрын
None of the locks or locking mechanisms shown are anything more than minor inconveniences to thieves. I wish people would quit promoting them to unsuspecting trailer owners as theft prevention devices. I’ve personally removed one of the yellow Reese trailer coupler locks with two hits from a common hammer. (It was a friend’s trailer and he misplaced the key.) I think it was faster then using the key... Blocking it in and removing a wheel or the coupler are solid advice though.
@mrgrivers1
8 ай бұрын
I made the mistake of leaving my small 4X6 trailer unlocked. for over two years I had been trying to get this guy to sell it to me. The guy was a retired window cleaner. He had been holding on to it hoping to do a little work on the side. I am a retired autobody repairman and wanted the trailer to cut grass on the side. The old guy traded the trailer for a little bodywork on his car. The trailer was well-built but I needed to make a few modifications to suit my needs. To make a long story short... in less than a year I made over $10;000 working for a guy and his brother who bought and sold houses. theses dudes kept me busy. It put me out of business when my trailer and truck bed toolbox full of tools went missing. My Wife wanted me to stop working anyway so I just let it go. But it still hurts to lose all my stuff like that. I could have helped someone else get started.
@WayneTheBoatGuy
8 ай бұрын
That's awful
@motoxman541
Жыл бұрын
Your best idea was removing a wheel. Unfortunately as far as padlocks and coupler locks I can defeat ALL those locks in less than 10 seconds with a Home Depot Ramset. A .22 caliber Ramset is $ 109.00 and a .27 caliber is $269.00. Very fast, very simple but a little noisy. Cordless grinders are another easy way. A cutoff wheel can cut ALL those locks in just a few seconds as well but, there is noise of the grinder. The next easy , fast, and SILENT way is a padlock comb set. With a little practice you can open all padlocks in just a few seconds. Let’s be honest. If they want they are going to take it, so why not install a GPS tracker. There are hardwired and battery powered. I installed a batter powered one on my trailer and a hardwired one on my side by side. Don’t ask me how I know about defeated locks I’ll plead the 5th.
@motoxman541
Жыл бұрын
@@vikingored7469 No I’m talking the Ramset. Sold at one of the big box hardware stores. Comes in .22 or .27 caliber. Please don’t put a nail in it.
@motoxman541
Жыл бұрын
@@vikingored7469 do you even know what a Ramset is? They use .22 caliber or .27 caliber BLANKS. It’s a nail gun. No need for compressed air. Just put the blank in put the end on the lock and pull the trigger. Bingo lock defeated. You have to use your imagination I’m not telling your exactly where to put the Ramset. You couldn’t figure this out you’ll have to finger the rest out. I’ve personally defeated several coupler lock and pad locks with this Ramset. Hell it’s even on KZitem.
@motoxman541
Жыл бұрын
@@vikingored7469 Damn I’ve tried over and over and should know better I STILL CANT FIX STUPID. Your bulb is dimming fast. Get help. You don’t put the ram in any lock. If you wanna pick a lick you use a tension bar and picks or combs. DONT ASK I think I just went WAY over your head now. Stick with using a key. I don’t think you have what it’s going to take to understand this.
@vikingored7469
Жыл бұрын
@@motoxman541 OMG that's insane,,,you are right!!! My apologies.
@gabbyhayes4561
11 ай бұрын
Basically,.. all a lock does is , it keeps an honest man honest. Thank heavens there's more honest people than dishonest. 🇺🇸😎
@daviddonne7333
11 ай бұрын
Most of the locking devices (esp Master padlocks) that you are advocating are just rubbish and a pair of bolt cutters will easily cut through them. That locksmith guru here on Y T has demonstrated how pathetic most locks are. Only if you use a 10mm hardened chain like SCHLAGE and a padlock like an ABUS Granit will you get real protection. While you are putting up ill advised videos, there are plenty of other guys posting to show how to easily defeat cheap stuff like this.
@richthomson6174
11 ай бұрын
I was thought years ago, you’ll never stop a thief. You can only slow them down.
@dufus7396
11 ай бұрын
I take a wheel off and keep inside
@ltsgarage7898
11 ай бұрын
The old saying.. Locks keep honest people honest. Thieves don’t care!
@Ancientrepentor
Ай бұрын
AirTag
@benjaminjwilson6694
11 ай бұрын
A welder kept my hitch installed.
@chevytrucker
Жыл бұрын
I lock mine up in the garage!!!
@sferg9582
11 ай бұрын
Me too. The car in the garage is locked as well.
@kevinvoss220
11 ай бұрын
18 foot enclosed trailer tandem axles had log chain going through trailer wheels on right side padlock on tongue cut the padlock off crank it up hooked it onto the truck and drove off black tire. Mark for 2 miles out of subdivision 3 miles later noticed transmission fluid, dripping, tires come off rims Drug rims wore down to brake drums, turned on gravel road transmission Musta overheated, sons of bitches, cut padlocks and cleaned out the whole trailer insurance didn’t pay shit cancel insurance no good.
@HunterMann
Жыл бұрын
Nice sailboat, what if the thief simply brings another boat trailer and slides it with a winch onto their trailer and drives away? Just kidding, sort of.
@WayneTheBoatGuy
Жыл бұрын
That seems pretty unlikely - but technically not impossible. I’ll keep that in mind if I ever see a boat on a trailer backwards!
@swashington942
11 ай бұрын
Public Hand and arm removals would stop most of this nonsense.
@arthurbrumagem3844
11 ай бұрын
A kid I know came back to the landing and some SOB took one of his trailer wheels ( they must not have had a spare of their own). He had to leave his boat overnight as it was Sunday and nowhere to get a tire. People are scum at times
@WayneTheBoatGuy
11 ай бұрын
Dang - they aren't cheap either!
@tomrogers9467
11 ай бұрын
I took both wheels off my boat trailer. They stole the fenders. Plastic ones, with cracks! Hillbillies everywhere!
@WayneTheBoatGuy
11 ай бұрын
Wow
@TheBestTruckerWolfe
2 жыл бұрын
bolt cutter + lock = no lock
@donames6941
11 ай бұрын
Loan mine to a guy and it got stolen from his drive way now i have a removable tongue
@user-sh3ms1hw5p
11 ай бұрын
lock the boat to trailer 2 men can carry just the boat away
@joegelencser2571
11 ай бұрын
No advance, but people might quit stealing if you Quit buying that shit Toyota, pick up And support our local people god bless everyone
@WayneTheBoatGuy
11 ай бұрын
I am sure the good people of San Antonio Texas got paid when they assembled my truck that I bought used from a small, local dealer when it was 12 years old.
@MikeTimpson
2 жыл бұрын
How did I miss seeing this video when it was 1st published? This is like a bonus episode for me!⛵🚤⚓#WayneTheBoatGuyBonusEpisodeButOnlyForMeSinceIDidntSeeItOriginallyWhenItWasPublishedOnKZitemIWinYouLoseHahahahahaha
@cliffweinan3907
11 ай бұрын
Good point about securing the safety chains. They can easily be used to drag trailer away.
@johnbranson7253
7 ай бұрын
Yeah good tip
@lancer525
11 ай бұрын
The Lock Picking Lawyer has entered the chat...
@wrenchgearsadventures
2 ай бұрын
I agree with everything you've said in here. I belong to various forums and new people always ask these questions, and I've mentioned everything you've said here. The big game changer now a days is the cordless angle grinder with a cutoff wheel in it. They're super cheap, can be bought almost anywhere, and will eat through those locks in seconds. They do make noise although which is a deterrent for their use. The best thing is to chain a big dog to the trailer in your backyard. Great video.
@storypunman
2 жыл бұрын
I do most of the things you said. One extra thing I do at campgrounds is chaining up the spare trailer tire in front of one of the wheels with a chain and pad lock. This stops the trailer from being moved, similar to the wheel boot idea. Also if you have to leave your boat at a dock, chain it up to the dock front and back.
@WayneTheBoatGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Nice - those are great ideas!
@asrich327
11 ай бұрын
You need to weld the ball onto the drawbar. Otherwise someone with a wrench can unscrew your ball and attach it to his drawbar
@RedheadedMusic
11 ай бұрын
@@asrich327if the trailer is loaded or heavy this would be difficult.
@AusMarineRobotics
7 ай бұрын
This is a nice idea, had also thought using a bike lock cable to lock the wheel chock onto the wheel and frame.
@vivillager
2 жыл бұрын
Interesting video, I just came across it today. I've never had any of my trailers stolen, but I do know a few people who have had their trailers stolen. My best friend had his trailer stolen. He normally chained up his trailer. One night he was tired and put it off until later. Later, it was gone. He announced the theft in church, and someone quickly spotted it. Police were involved, but unfortuantely the police would not involve themselves unless it could be proven that my friend owned the trailer. My friend had his registration, but the trailer had all the identifying marks (vin plate, license plate) all removed. The thief had a substance abuse problem, and was more interested in having the funds to feed that addiction, so my friend bought back his own trailer for a hundred bucks. Stung, giving money to someone who stole from you, but that's what he had to do. His neighbor had two trailers stolen. His neighbor was a welder, but ended up in in-patient rehab. He locked up his trailers to protect them during his stay. The first trailer was chained to a tree. The second trailer was blocked in by the first, and couldn't be taken without the first one being moved first. So during his stay, someone hooked up to the first trailer, yanked it so hard that it ripped the tree out of the ground (it wasn't a big tree). They unhooked the chain from the tree, left the tree in the street, and took the first trailer. With the first trailer gone, they came back and took the second trailer. As far locking up the safety chains, funny thing that happened in my small town. I don't know the guy, just heard about it. A guy had a very expensive, and heavy lock on the tongue of his trailer, and this lock not only protected the coupler, but also the safety chains. So some thief took some pliers and wrenched off the antenna to the guy's truck. Then, using the ball tip of the antenna, they whipped it into the glass and knocked out one of the windows. Having gained access to the interior of the truck, the thief then cut out one of the seat belts. The thief then used the seatbelt to tie the trailer to his vehicle, and took the trailer. Next morning, guy finds that he's now missing a trailer, a window, a seat belt, and has a chewed up antenna laying on the ground. I park one of my trailers in my backyard. Aside from that, it has no security, but with various vehicles blocking it in, only way it leaves is if a thief airlifts it out of here. My bigger trailer is parked on my friends property, the same friend who, along with his neighbor, has had 3 trailers stolen between them. That trailer, I have it chained to a very big tree, at least 24 inches in diameter, probably more. The chain is 1/2 inch, grade 70, which isn't the easiest to cut through. I also have steel cables locking up the wheels on both sides of the trailer. I also have quick detachable coupler and safety chains. Originally, the coupler was bolted in place. I replaced the bolts with pins that allow for quick, and easy install/removal without the need of tools. So if thief were to target my trailer, they would try for a trailer that has no coupler, no safety chains, all 4 wheels are locked up, and it's chained to a really big tree. Not theft-proof, but there's easier trailers to steal than mine.
@PepperDeVillle
Жыл бұрын
Those are some amazing stories. Sounds like you almost need an armed guard to protect a trailer in your neighborhood. Also, sounds like you have some talented thiefs in your area! I live in a city in a high-ish crime area, so I would expect that here. But it sounds like you live out in the countryside, and I wouldn’t expect it to be like that in a rural area.
@vivillager
Жыл бұрын
@@PepperDeVillle, I don't live in the city, but it's not country either, it's a small town. One side of the main highway is relatively clean and safe. The other side, middle of the day the streets are filled with young, able bodied males with nothing but time on their hands because they'll do everything except work a job. I've since made an addition to my security. I've added a quick detachable handle for the tongue jack. Now, when I park the trailer, I jack the trailer as high as it will go, and remove the handle. Not totally theft proof, because a thief could just bring a pair of vice grips, but still, it's an added inconvenience.
@altadutch
Жыл бұрын
My choice would be to remove all 4 wheels, if it’s not used much, and lock them up inside. I live in rural area so have room for this
@vivillager
Жыл бұрын
@@altadutch, not an option for me. I'm a used car dealer, and I use my trailer to transport inventory. I just had a series of tire blow outs Friday. First one went, and I threw on the spare. Then I lost another, and I was out of spares. I had to leave the trailer, and the nearest town of any significance was nearly 40 miles away. I couldn't chain it to a tree, but I did lock up the tires on the side that was good, I removed the coupler + safety chains, and I've since modified the jack handle to make it quick detach too. So I jacked up the trailer and took the jack handle as well. Trailer was still there when I came back hours later.
@fjb4932
11 ай бұрын
vivillager, Sounds like you don't have a good Police Dept, or their hands are tied by the Legal System / Justice Dept. A slow reduction of the criminal elemment by a vigil vigilante citizens group would encourage the remainder to cease and desist all future crime, or move to safer digs. Too many men and women hide behind the church instead of providing a safe community for themselfs. It's "not My job" is their proud motto. They live in filth and complain rather than clean it up. Sad, And shameful. ☆
@mrcryptozoic817
Жыл бұрын
Take off the lug nuts but leave the wheels on. It won’t be noticed iby g the thief in time.
@WayneTheBoatGuy
Жыл бұрын
That's a neat idea!
@newhampshirelifestyle4233
11 ай бұрын
Use an Apple AirTag on your trailer. Track down would be thieves and bring a 12AG and get your trailer back.
@kens.1779
2 жыл бұрын
In my area some thieves are unscrewing the ball right off of the receiver even if the trailer is locked to the ball. Some people are welding the nut on the ball so it cannot be removed. I hate a thief!
@PapaMav
2 жыл бұрын
Sorry to hear you live in the Bronx.
@WayneTheBoatGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Yeah - that can happen too! Basically anything that can easily be taken and exchanged for a little money ends up being fair game for thieves in LOTS of places.
@youdonthavetoreadthispost.5850
2 жыл бұрын
A friend welded his hitch to the vehicle and the ball to the hitch.
@sergiozamorano6413
Жыл бұрын
Thats why I chain my trailer to my trucks axle. They can mess the ball hitch but not my truck axle
@Sladep123
11 ай бұрын
That's a good idea, thanks!
@scottjohnson9225
Жыл бұрын
I like the removable tow bar on the trailer. There are some vids on those. Kind of neat. Also allows you to put your trailer in the garage and not worry about length.
@AAAF556
2 жыл бұрын
Someone once tried to steal my 3 seat jetski from my grandma's house. And there was a cow bell attached to it. That alerted the dog. And they ran off. I bought these little inexpensive wall mount motion detection devices from Amazon that look like little black owls. They wirelessly chime a receiver next to my bed. They've been invaluable here in m3thhead infested Oregon. I've been alerted to 3 separate theft attempts by them already in 5 months. My dog goes bananas when they sound at 4am, which usually is enough to send them running (seen on my security cameras). hope this helps someone.
@rossevans1774
Жыл бұрын
Trailer thieves don't normally come with a replacement wheel for your trailer. But thieves out to steel your trailer do come with bolt cutters. Whatever your method of securing your trailer if it includes the use of pad locks or chains they must be utilised in a way that the thief is unable to get at them with a bolt cutter.
@michaelwork5399
4 ай бұрын
There is almost no way to make it 100% steal proof everything is a deterrent get a lock around the coupler lock and one around the chains will make it more work for the thief and give you time to notice or they might not bother but if they want it bad enough no matter what kind of lock you have they will brake it off somehow
@csi1392
11 ай бұрын
I ACCIDENTALLY MADE MY TRAILER EASILY RETURNABLE, WHEN I WIRED THE PLUG A WIRING DIAGRAM WAS NOT AVAILABLE. I WIRED IT UP AS BEST I COULD IT WORKED. WHEN SOMEONE USED A STOLEN TRUCK TO TAKE MY TRAILER. THE PLUG GROUNDED THEIR RUNNING LIGHTS BLOWING THE FUSE. THEY WERE STOPPED FOR NO REAR LIGHTS AND ARRESTED. WHEN I CALLED TO REPORT MY STOLEN TRAILER IT WAS ALREADY IN IMPOUND
@WayneTheBoatGuy
11 ай бұрын
Wow! That’s pretty wild
@jackmorgan709
Жыл бұрын
this generation of thieves don't care about cameras. Not where I live anyway- justice system does nothing to them even if they get caught.
@leesire
2 жыл бұрын
Great vid! I wonder if an Apple AirTag would be worthwhile? Some kind of tracking device hidden on the boat?
@WayneTheBoatGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Those things can be quite useful - but only for recovery after the fact.
@samgarofalo2461
11 ай бұрын
5/8 coated cable through the wheels and leaf springs, and locked with a kriptonite lock. Also the handle for the Jack is removed, as it is held on by a pin with a spring clip when needed.
@mpdjr77
11 ай бұрын
Very helpful video. I offer the suggestion of using disc locks, where possible, or locks with more robust shackles than the ones shown in your video. Lots of folks carry bolt cutters (I do) for legal reasons. Imagine a determined trailer thief. Otherwise, your video offers plenty of thoughtful suggestions. Blessings, Grace and Peace 😊
@djmini2numpty141
11 ай бұрын
not to mention cordless grinders...
@Johnny35130
11 ай бұрын
There is a lock that has a ball that goes into your coupler and a locking bar that slides up over the lip and locks the ball in the coupler. I used that on my tow dolly. The thief simply beat that lock off with a sledge hammer. I had a 4x8 get stolen with my riding mower aboard. Dragged away by the chains. Trailers have a metal plate with a serial number, easily replaced or just removed. My best deterrents so far have been blocking access, using round padlocks, heavy chains, and 5/8 braided cable run through the rim and frame. A 3/8 cable is easy to cut with a bolt cutter, but the 5/8 cable just mashes flat. If law enforcement would crack down on pawn shops we would have less theft.
@ct8409
2 ай бұрын
thanks so much - had not thought about locking the chains
@PH-md8xp
11 ай бұрын
All good ideas except if the thief has the skills of the Lock Picking Lawyer. 😅
@baddboat
Жыл бұрын
Good morning! Yes I was out fishing on the Susquehanna River at muddy Creek near lock 12 and while I was out some one stole my pin out of my truck hitch. Luckily I think all the thief needed was the pin because when I got back to load my boat I drove forward the hitch fell out of the receiver with my trailer hooked to it and the chains kept it from becoming a run away trailer situation. My pin just had a hair type pin to hold the horizontal pin in place. Now I drilled a big enough hole through the horizontal pin to put a pad lock through it. Knock on wood I haven't had any more problems with theft except someone stole my battery tender out of my boat in my back yard. And someone stole my net out of my boat while we were eating breakfast at a restaurant before we went out fishing for the day.
@hansg6336
11 ай бұрын
Certain wheel chock locks (they look like a big pincers) can be installed with the key lock on the inside of the wheel where it can't be seen, making picking awkward. Keep the spare tire locked to the trailer or locked in a trunk or cab. Multiple locks and an alarm can slow or discourage a thief. Of course, if a professional thief wants it bad enough, they're probably going to succeed eventually.
@floydoharejr4477
11 ай бұрын
Bought the Master coupler lock for our small travel trailer a few years ago. Use it even when camping. Good video. Thanks
@eaglewarrior8707
11 ай бұрын
Make sure there are no rocks around to defeat the master lock.
@williamgardner2739
5 ай бұрын
Try this remove at least one wheel, then cut a piece of steel tubing wide enough to slide over your security nut. Weld a washer that will over the wheel stud to one end of the tube, then place it on to a wheel stud washer end first. Then replace the security nut with the wheel key and the adapter that comes with the security nut. The only person that can remove it is you. Any thieves wont be able to fit a wheel to tow your trailer away.
@williamgardner2739
5 ай бұрын
Also take your wheel into your house, don`t leave it in your garage because that is the first place they will look. Better safe than sorry.
@CRuM770
2 жыл бұрын
I just have Arnie and Sly posted in front of the trailer with automatic weapons. They may be old, but nobody wants to mess with them.
@WayneTheBoatGuy
2 жыл бұрын
Human guards - lol - might be the best option!
@CRuM770
2 жыл бұрын
@@WayneTheBoatGuy actually, I live in a pretty safe rural area and rarely lock my boat trailer. I accidentally left the garage door wide open with a pile of tools ripe for the pickin visible from the street for a week while on vacation and everything was as I left it when I returned.
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