Expert’s Guide: Best Tips On How To Secure A Trailer From Theft

In an ideal world, people live in harmony, supporting each other, and there are no thieves. But if we lived in an ideal world, I wouldn’t have been giving you apartment security ideas, or listing the best apartment door locks for you. In reality, it is crucial to keep the things you own safe as nobody would want to have their belongings stolen away.

While we pay massive attention to protecting our lockers, windows, and homes, we often overlook the security of our trailers. Unfortunately, trailers are often sought after by thieves since they are relatively simpler to steal and easier to sell once stolen. Moreover, stolen trailers have a bleak rate of being recovered. Even if they are recovered, there are high chances that you wouldn’t recover the stuff kept inside.

Honestly, I also learned the importance of protecting my trailer the hard way. A few years ago, I was helping my brother with an exhibition at Idaho and parked my trailer in the parking lot. Alas! When I returned to the parking lot after the event ended, I found out that my trailer had been stolen. I recently got reminded of the incident when one of the readers requested an article on the best way to secure a trailer from theft.

This article will share all the possible ways to maximize your trailer security and the tips and tricks to follow to help retrieve your stolen trailer. I will also mention a few of my favorite trailer anti theft devices.

How To Secure A Trailer From Theft

According to The Club Cargo Theft Report, one motor vehicle theft is reported in the USA every 40.9 seconds. The data includes the theft of trailers. The study also indicates that most of these thefts occur in parking lots, warehouses, gas stations, etc., while the vehicle is parked. The data will prompt any trailer owner to look for the best way to secure a trailer from theft.

Whether you own a horse trailer, a cargo trailer, a stock trailer, or a live-in camper, in my view, having a fair understanding of how to secure a trailer from theft can help you maximize the security of your trailer.

Here are a few ways to prevent your trailer from being stolen.

How To Secure A Trailer From Theft

1. Do Not Leave Your Trailer Unlocked

The most straightforward and simplest way to secure your trailer is not to leave it unlocked. Trailers are often stolen by opportunist thieves; thus, keeping them locked will prevent the thieves from being enticed and prevent your locker from being stolen. You may consider locking your trailer in your backyard to avoid your trailer catching many eyes. Parking your trailer in commercial storage facilities is expensive but high on security. If you can afford it, these spaces are worth giving a thought to.

2. Choose A Good Lock For Your Trailer

Keeping your trailer locked is non-negotiable if you target your trailer’s security. Most trailer thefts that occur mainly involve trailers that were left unlocked. Choosing a high-quality lock that does not compromise on security is crucial, and hence, you must choose a lock that is anti-theft and also suits your needs. There are a few types of locks available for trailers that I am listing and discussing below.

Types Of Trailer Locks

Hitch Locks

Hitch Locks

A hitch lock, as the name suggests, secures the hitch of your trailer. This type of lock holds your trailer hitch and the receiver together. This lock is mostly unlocked with a key. These locks prevent thieves from lifting the receiver as one cannot unhitch the trailer unless the lock is unlocked. In my opinion, this lock is a conveniently available lock for the high security of your trailer. 

Tongue Lock

Tongue Lock

A tongue lock is a helpful tool when you remove the hook and move the trailer to another place. When a tongue lock is attached to the coupler of the trailer, it prevents the trailer from attaching to the other vehicles. To enhance the security, double this lock with a padlock.

Wheel Chock Lock

Wheel Chock Lock

Wheel chock locks are highly secured for large vehicles and trailers. 
This lock clamps to your wheel so that the vehicle doesn’t move and locks with a padlock. You should consider investing in these locks if you wonder how to secure a trailer to the ground. However, it is not very commonly used by owners to secure their trailers because of its high cost. Wheel chock locks are the most suitable for people who do not move their trailers often.

3. Secure The Hitch Of Your Trailer

As I mentioned above, hitch locks prevent thieves from stealing your trailer as one cannot unhitch the trailer unless the lock is unlocked. These locks hold the hitch and the receiver of the trailer and hence, secure it. In my opinion, if you want to avoid wondering how to secure a trailer to the ground, investing in a hitch lock for your trailer is something to look at. 

An anti theft trailer hitch lock is a small investment that could potentially save you from the massive headache and heartache of trailer theft. While there are as many trailer hitch locks available in the market, listed below are some popular ones that I recommend. Personally, I am using Reese anti theft lock kit to secure my trailer and have been quite satisfied with the product.

Reese Towpower 72783 Coupler Lock
Amplock UBRP2516 Coupler Lock
MasterLock Receiver Lock (2866DATSC)
Trimax Premium Key Receiver Lock
– Heavy-duty construction
– Steel body
-Universal fit
-Spare keys included
-Bright yellow finish
-Customisable for specific trailers
-Comprehensive locking system
-Unique keys
-Heavy-duty construction
-Supports Class I-IV hitches
-Push-to-lock mechanism 
-Weather seal and watertight cap
-Lifetime warranty
-Hardened steel
-Watertight cap
-Fits Class III-V hitches
-Spare keys included

4. Place The Spare Keys At A Secured Location

In many cases of trailer theft, the thief is someone you know. To avoid such instances, it is vital to keep the keys of the lock in a secured place where nobody except you can reach. One of my friends kept his spare trailer keys in his trailer, which, in my view, is a blunder. Maintaining the keys inside your trailer is something I strictly recommend against.

5. Add Distinctive Visual To Your Trailer

Adding distinctive visuals to your trailer can be an added security feature for your trailer as most thieves would prefer stealing a regular-looking trailer. Adding identifiable visuals to your trailer will make the thief think twice before stealing, as it will increase their chance of getting caught. A painted trailer means the thief will have to invest in re-painting it before selling it off. Also, if you have your trailer getting stolen, a distinct trailer may be easier to retrieve.

Add Distinctive Visual To Your Trailer

6. Park Your Trailer In Crowded Areas

Often, most people look for the best way to lock a trailer but park their trailers at places where it is easier for thieves to pick the lock. While locks are installed to help prevent trailer theft, they are not 100% efficient. Parking your trailer in a crowded or frequently visited by people makes it difficult for the thieves to steal. In such an area, thieves mostly don’t dare breaking-in the locks of lifting the trailer. I personally also prefer parking my trailer in a well-lit area than a dim one.

7. Install GPS On Your Trailer

Installing GPS on your trailer, especially on large trailers that often transport valuable goods, is a great way to secure your trailer. GPS is also handy if you often forget where you parked your trailer. If you meet an unfortunate incident of having your trailer stolen, GPS may help you track and locate your vehicle. I do not recommend monitoring your stolen vehicle on your own. You must seek police intervention in such cases.

8. Install A Security Alarm To Your Trailer

Security alarms are a commonly available solution to add an extra layer of security to your trailer. When shopping for alarms, look for ones with LED lights to remind thieves that your trailers are protected. Primarily we use such alarms in our cars and bikes but overlook their need in the security of trailers.

When the alarm sensor detects any movement, the horn emits a sound flashing LED lights, attracting the attention of everyone around and scaring the thief.

Some Tips and Tricks For Trailer Owners

Protecting your trailer from theft is not a very challenging task. However, no matter which trailer anti theft devices you use, the chances of an unpleasant episode remain if the thief is too intelligent. Unfortunate incidents happen even if you know the best way to lock a trailer. If you end up having your trailer stolen, the following tips may end up helping you retrieve it.

  • Park your trailer in an area with high visibility and lighting. Thefts in such locations are less common than in isolated and dim places.
  • Memorize the basic information about your trailer, like serial number, plate number, model number, brand, etc. Such information helps the most if you are trying to retrieve your stolen trailer.
  • If your trailer is stolen or was attempted to be stolen, report it to the police immediately.
  • Ensure that your trailer is insured against thefts.
  • If you are buying a secondhand trailer, check the necessary documents to avoid purchasing a stolen trailer.

FAQs

Q1. How can I ensure that the second-hand trailer I am buying is not a theft trailer?

Answer – Checking the necessary documents of the trailer you are planning to buy prevents you from buying a second-hand trailer. Also, having a contract done while purchasing a second-hand trailer keeps you away from any forgery.

Q2. Which type of lock is the best to protect a trailer?

Answer – A hitch lock for the trailer is the best way to secure your trailer. Since it secures the hitch and the receiver together, it prevents thieves from lifting the receiver as one cannot unhitch the trailer unless the lock is unlocked. If you do not move your trailer often, wheel chock trailer anti theft devices may also suit you.

Q3. Can GPS be installed in trailers?

Answer – Yes, GPS can easily be installed in your trailer and makes it easier to locate it if you forget where you parked your trailer. GPS is handy in finding your trailer in case of theft.

Final Verdict

Protecting their belongings is an instinct of all living beings. With such advanced security systems available, keeping your belongings secured nowadays is easier than ever. Investing in suitable trailer anti theft devices is wise for trailers. Following the tips and tricks given in the article will help you with the additional security of your vehicle. 

I hope you would have found this article helpful in understanding how to secure a trailer from theft. Comment below if you have any more questions about the security of your trailer.

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