Accessories-Anti-Theft 

Now that your trailer is built, discouraging would-be thieves with a trailer lock is a smart policy. New products in this area seem to show up often but a few old standbys, shown in Figure 5.19, can help you in the meantime. The coupler lock discourages thefts by locking the portion of the coupler that accepts the hitch ball. Hearsay has it that some thieves have foiled this one by using a string to work it loose. This is hard to imagine but they can also use ropes and chains to attach the trailer to the tow vehicle for a short term tow.

If they are really bent on stealing your trailer, they’re going to find a way. But this little device will certainly slow ’em down and discourage most casual thieves. The hitchlock not only prevents accidental opening of the coupler mechanism while driving (taking the place of the coupler lock pin), it theft proofs your trailer while on or off the tow vehicle. This product is available in one size which seems to fit a wide range of couplers. The right sized padlock can also be used for this same duty. 

Although the chain wheel lock has come and gone as manu- facturing rights were sold from one company to the next, it has always been a good idea. It prevents the wheel turning which makes moving or towing the trailer virtually impossible. Any attempt to do so may flatten the tire and, most desirable of all, cause a lot of noise and commotion. The special lug nut with the loop for the chain requires tooling to cast, although fabricating your own lug nut with loop is a possibility. A caution here; wheels should be re-balanced with the loop installed. Better yet, use the loop only when the trailer is parked, making sure to replace and tighten the original nut for towing. Spoke wheels eliminate the need for this special nut as the chain can be looped through the spokes. Beyond the trailer itself, don’t overlook the possibility of items within it or bolted to it being also susceptible to theft, including the wheels and tires. A simple wheel lock like those used for automobiles will usually fit the lugs on the trailer and may save you some undesirable errands. Covers or canvas canopies also discourage would-be thieves by keeping desirables out of sight.