After calculating the amount we now have invested in the trailer in CDN dollars, and its current replacement value, I decided that a few security upgrades were in order. These are for when it is both stationary in camp and when hooked to the TV.
I took the advice of several in this particular post and got the Trimax TCL65. Feels great in the hands, and stands out visually. It gets about as much of an endorsement as the Lockpicking Lawyer ever gives out for these types of security devices:
However, it does require the addition of lug/wheel locks, as it is not a "boot" and the wheel can be simply swapped out if not further secured. I also have alloy wheels:
Alloy wheels? Rusted chrome wheels? so there is extra incentive for me to keep them attached to the trailer. I use a mixed combination of McGard and Gorilla security nuts, just to keep it interesting for a potential thief. The Trimax set at the narrowest position still clamps down well enough with our 14" tires.
As a direct competitor to the Proven Industries hitch lock (which is endorsed by several above), I went with an Amplock:
BRP2 - AMPLock as it was $50 cheaper. I can testify to its extremely robust build, ease of use and intimidating appearance. It also gets a qualified "thumbs up" from the Lawyer:
. It's virtually uncuttable and unpriable, and successfully picking it while laying on the ground looking upward, would be no easy feat. However, using the key with the lock in that orientation is a breeze.
Not be satisfied with just those pieces, and to keep the trailer securely attached to the TV, while in a parking lot overnight at a hotel, or at breakfast stop, for example I've opted for this hidden shackle hitch lock:
Hidden-Shackle Trailer Coupler Lock - PACLOCK The Lawyer spent a lot of time going through the strengths and weaknesses of the prototype, many of which were later implemented by Paclock in its latest iteration:
This type of design resists bolt cutters... something to which the padlocks that I had been previously using are very susceptible.
The Packlock wouldn't be useful if the drawbar wasn't secured to the hitch:
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00J0ABS5M?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details. Again, the Lawyer gives this particular one a qualified thumbs up:
Its design resists prying, which would be the MO employed by the majority of unskilled thieves in this area of vulnerability.
Hint: The Lawyer's website is a deep rabbit hole for viewing and there's
nothing he can't pick within seconds, or at most a couple minutes. Kinda depressing. But most thieves aren't him. Even the ones who can identify what a Teardrop is, looks like, or its value.
