Bike trailer security?

[99CR250]

hi, what do you recommend for trailer security (or what do you recommend NOT using)?
I've been using a chain & lock at home which works fine but not secured when out on the road unless i lock trailer to vehicle but that's a tad tricky. I also need the chain & lock for another purpose. I could use a D lock over the coupling but guess a tap with a heavy tool would break that. I see there are wheel clamps, and ball joint locks...
i'd appreciate any comments on this, particularly what good (or not good) brand & where to buy.
cheers

[krad_nz]

I have a lockable coupling. Got it from Bunnings for a reasonable price.
Bit like this. http://www.trademe.co.nz/Home-living...-285688218.htm

Still, if they want it badly enough angle grinder + a chain will do the trick.

[takitimu]

I had a lockable coupling like above, worked good, I figure if they'll cut through that, then you're going to be pushing it to stop them, got it from Mitre10 from memory.

[Ride it till the red]

On sale.... Enough said.

http://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/M...r-shackle-lock

[99CR250]

On sale.... Enough said.

http://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/M...r-shackle-lock

yeah they've got some great deals there. the thing is i've got a long one
their offering is for 71 and i measured up need 84+

thanks

[Blagger]

Padlock bike to ute through frame and kill switch on vehicle. Trailer wheel clamps are good ( thetype that look like a pair of brackets() around the wheel )but check your trailer doesn't have the sort of coupling that can be unbolted from the central trailer frame drawbar. Weld it on.
I reckon the best security I've got on my bike is a cheap Warewhare tarp that covers it in the garage - passersby can't see it and obscurity is security.

[B0000M]

trojan do a nice coupling lock (same brand as most other trailer components)

parking another vehicle over the drawbar with the trailer backed up to a fence or bulidlng will prevent it from being moved too

[RJM]

The only problem with those coupling locks is that all you need to do is have a decent sized socket and powerbar and you can take the towball off. We used to have our boat trailer padlocked on the safety chain but were told this was a safety/WOF issue.

On my bike trailer I have a small padlock through the coupling, another through the clip that holds the ramp at the back of the trailer up and if the bike has to stay outside overnight I back it up against something solid and have a hefty chain through the frame and trailer. At the end of the day these measures only keep out the honest people. If a theif really wants it they'll get it but that's what insurance is for.

[gwynfryn]

I have a trojan lockable coupling which works well especially as it locks the trailer to your vehicle. The downside is that you always need the key to unhitch it. A real pain if your'e shuffling vehicles around and you keep the trojan key on your vehicle keyring. ie jump out of the car to unhitch trailer then remember you need the keys -back to car- turn off car- take keys out etc etc.
Trailer insurance is cheap.

[B0000M]

The only problem with those coupling locks is that all you need to do is have a decent sized socket and powerbar and you can take the towball off.

this is only an issue when it is locked onto a vehicle. when its locked sitting around in the driveway it makes it difficult to hitch it onto anything.

if its on your car you could attack the bottom of your tow ball thread with some birdshit welding, then you wont be able to undo the nut.... without a grinder

best method for not getting your trailer or bike stolen is dont live in auckland. i have never locked my bike trailer, and it sits on my back lawn. had it for about 15 years now and its never been stolen

[99CR250]

thanks for all comments. i also see wheel clamps on trademe for 40 bucks upward, are they worth consideration what brand or how much is a decent one?

[BM-GS]

I got a ground anchor from a bike shop and U lock the trailer to that. Big, blue hardened steel thing with a big swivelling eye on top and 4 expansion bolts holding it onto the ground. Bolts have Allen heads with ball-bearning hammered into the hole and metal caps hammered into the holes in the base to cover the bolts. Basically someone who really wants it can probably rip the whole thing from the ground with a bottle-jack and long bar, but I'll never be able to get it out myself! Like most of these things, it's designed to make the thief go next door instead, but if he wants that one, he'll have it. I just want to make the sucker work...

Got a padlock through the handle on the coupling as well, but that's small and really just to stop people walking off with the trailer when we're out & about with it.