gooseneck security - Diesel Forum

Fishmanndotcom · 02-21-2007, 08:04 PM

i got to thinking today about how easy it would be to take off with my gooseneck trailer now that i am not keeping it at the house anymore. i am nervous about just taking my chances but it gets tiring (esp in the rain) removing the adjustable neck everytime.

I have looked into the EZ coupler locks that run about $70 and was curious how well they work or if they are still pretty easy to get through. are there any others i am over looking

i'm looking for any and all ideas, i like the home made style though. i'd like to see what those creative minds have come up with

any other thoughts are welcomed and appreciated!

thanx guys

-cutts-

txslowpoke · 02-22-2007, 01:06 AM

Use the over the counter hitch lock, Plus I used a rectangle box made of rectangle 2x4 tubing, cap the sides and cut the bottom out. Notch the sides so a 3/8" or 1/2"wire rope sling with thimble eyes will fit thru it, lock it witha pad lock. Make the wire rope sling short enough when ran thru the front/rear trailer rims to where slack cant be pulled out enough to have access to the lock via a bolt cutter. You can do the same with chain, instead of wire rope(cable), but chain is easier to cut.
I always rewired my wiring harness too. So if someone did steal my trailer it would not match up to the standard plug.
Example: wire the e brakes to the spot for running lights, that way if it did get stolen when they pulled the headlights on the brakes on the trailer would lock up. Just keep track of how you change the wires in the plug.

wwalkersd · 02-22-2007, 04:00 AM

If you're using a lock on the coupler, make sure you have the coupler shaft (kingpin? I'm blanking on the terminology) spot-welded in place, assuming you have the usual height-adjustable shaft held in place with a couple of large bolts. Otherwise, a quick coupler swap will render your trailer towable.

Oh, and do as I say, not as I do! I use a couple lock, and was warned of this, and haven't gotten around to getting the welding done. Most of the GN trailers in places I park don't have any kind of lock on them.

DirtFarmer · 02-22-2007, 08:51 AM

One other thing you can do is to remove the crank for the jack and put a padlock through the bolt hole that holds the crank onto the shaft.

They can cut the lock but hopefully they won't have an extra crank with them. You might go ahead and lower the trailer before removing the crank in case somebody decides to just pull in under the trailer and slam it down by pulling the pin on the adjustable leg(s).

Fishmanndotcom · 02-22-2007, 03:37 PM

these are all great ideas! i will prolly be using a combo of them. call me paranoid but i have too much time and money invested (i built it) in this trailer and love the hell outta it when i get to use it! next one i build i am going to integrate these ideas into it.

i like the jack idea! i had not thought of that yet! only problem is, if someone had a hi-lift jack (i carry one in my PSD) they could easily lift the front up enough to get it on the hitch. then its already ready to go!

lol i really like the switching wires idea, i lend my trailer to my best friend when he needs it and that would mess him up. but man that'd be a funny practical joke! =)

i mean if someone REALLY wants it, they will get it. i just wanna make their lifes much harder and slow them down as much as possible!

-cutts-

haul_n_horses2 · 02-22-2007, 03:51 PM

Park it next to the high priced 5th wheels. My horse trailer is parked next to several nice LQ trailers. I figure they will take those first.

Joshs1100 · 02-22-2007, 04:06 PM

You could also insure the trailer for theft. It costs $12/year on my gooseneck. It also covers damage to the trailer in an accident.

Fishmanndotcom · 02-22-2007, 06:26 PM

lol, thats pretty good! unfortunately its out there by itself, all the other trailers are at the other property.

i didnt realize insurance was that cheap... who's your insurer? (if you dont mind me asking). also what all does that cover? just if something gets messed up in an accident they will pick up the bill? or if its stolen, do they write me a check for the estimated value of the trailer and i go out and get a new one? or will they replace it?

*sigh* so many questions, lol

-cutts-

Joshs1100 · 02-22-2007, 06:45 PM

I have State Farm. The coverage covers the same thing collision/comprehensive covers on your car. Theft, damage of any sort, etc. I have a $500 deductable. They'd write a check of the difference between the value and the deductable if it was stolen.

Fishmanndotcom · 02-22-2007, 07:17 PM

awesome, thats who i am with. i will be gettin that very soon!

-cutts-

JimTJr · 02-22-2007, 10:42 PM

I just use a long stemmed padlock, close the neck and put the lock thru, yes, they could swap the inserts... But I also use HHs plan, I store my trailer at a place and park between two VERY nice 5ers,, so I figure they will leave my car trailer alone,,, (I hope) [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/phoney.gif[/img]