In my neighborhood, we have had many trailers stolen. What we have come to learn is that trailer thieves will ignore a tongue lock and steal your trailer anyway. They do this by welding a hook on the end of a receiver. They simply drop the trailer tongue on the hook behind the tongue and they are gone in less than 20 seconds. I have an inexpensive utility trailer in my driveway and it has yet to be taken. This is done by a four tear method I use for locking my trailer. I have the tongue locked. I also have Trimax wheel locks on each wheel. I have also installed lug locks on each wheel and finally I have a Paweg chain going through one of the rims, through the frame shackle with a heavy duty case hardened padlock. Paweg chains are square link chains that can't be cut with bolt cutters. I watched some videos on TH-cam on these chains and a guy tried cutting a Paweg chain with a cutoff disk and he struggled with it for more than 10 minutes before he was able to cut through it. I have the 3/8" chain. I believe all of this has kept my trailer from being stolen. The Paweg chain is sold by the foot and is a bit more expensive than conventional chain but to me is well worth every penny. Remember, thieves want fast and easy. To get to my trailer, they would have to bring a cutting torch to get through all my locks quickly. Here's a link to the Peweg chain. www.uscargocontrol.com/shop/Rigging-Supplies-Hardware/Chain/Pewag-Security-Chain
@@TheAllang123 "Dear"? When did we become buddies? Sarcasm is a form of humor too. Explore that, and while you're at it update your obsolete Norman spelling. The Norman conquest was a long time ago. And be snappy about it.
You should make sure your hitch is either welded to the frame or the bolts securing the hitch are welded in place. Friend of mind had his stolen - they unbolted the hitch and installed their own.
That's a great hitch lock and I really like the wheel lock idea too. I saw another video where the owner cut the safety chains off so there were only a few links remaining. He then attached a removable heavy duty chain link to each of the long chains so he can re-connect the chains when he is ready to tow the trailer. He takes the long chains with him whenever he needs to leaves the trailer unattended. I thought this was also a great idea.
On your recommendation (and thanks for the discount code) I just ordered the Proven Industries trailer coupler lock...looks to be the most difficult type for thieves to circumvent. Glad you brought it to my attention...thanks Jay
A smart move would be to install a secure point in your driveway where a heavy duty chain could be attached to the trailer. Also adding an Apple tracking pod somewhere in your trailer would make it easy to find should it be stolen.
"install a secure point in your driveway" this is one of the things I do. It's not foolproof but you'd need to make a whole hell of a lot of noise to cut enough metal and/or smash enough driveway slab to get past the anchor and the boots.
I have quick links on both end of my safety chains. When I park the trailer, I remove them completely and lock them in my truck's tool box so they are secured and nowhere near the trailer. I also have both axels chained and anchored to 4' deep by 8" wide reinforced concreat pier under ground. Both the chain and #6 rebar through the concreat are heat treated. An avearge swazall won't even cut through. They will need a torch.
One other solution I've seen regarding the chains - is to have them removable. I'm wondering why the puck is aluminum - seems that a reasonable drill bit could go through that easily.
Yep the aluminum could be drilled through. I would imagine it would take repeated attempts to get enough material out to beat it. However, they also have a stainless steel puck option as well.
We have a coupler lock, bring the chains in and lock everything up, then we put a wheel lock on two out of the four wheels. We added a Marine instant alarm to each vent, (had a neighbors trailer broken into through the roof vent,), which basically makes an extremely high pitched alarm trigger if the screen is removed. Added a true deadbolt by beefing up the doors surround. We leave base camp feeling our gear and trailer are pretty secure...
Your tongue lock is missing a weld on the outer ring. I don’t know how much that affects the security but I did notice in different images that these housings are inconsistent.
I knew a motorcyclist who lost the key to his U-bolt motorcycle lock (Kryptonite I think) and he just went into a local hardware store and bough a hand drill and a drill bit, then came back to his motorcycle, parked on a main road, and sat down and manually drilled out the brass key cylinder! This took a surprisingly little time, even for a hand powered drill, and nobody questioned him as to why he was drilling out a lock on a parked motorcycle. The brass cylinder that resists weather and road debris corrosion is also the weakest point of the entire lock! I would consider adding an alarm and/or a hidden tracking device, both of which are relatively inexpensive and with the hidden tracker, can lead to the recovery of a stolen item.
I use two steel link/sleeves with a steel braided core cable locks, Master Lock Cable Locks - Utility Lock - 8218DPS. One for each set of wheels on my car hauler and make sure the lock is behind the rims. They fit loose so it would be a pain and take a while to cut. Each wheel has two egg head style/oval lock nuts. The round smooth head makes it very difficult to use a lock removal tool. All the tool does is scratch the chrome plating and slips off. Yes, my locks are scratched up as my brother and I tested removing them and failure was a good thing. My chains are removable and keep a lock on each holes where they attach. I also welded plates to enclose most of the tongue of the trailer. So the only area to link chains to is the body of the trailer. Making it very difficult to tow it away as you would need very long chains and the tongue will drag. This has worked fined so far.
You can also keep the slide out and or the stabilizer jacks down which requires the thief to have specific equipment to use. I have a forest service locking gate on my driveway which defeats using bolt cutters and picking the lock. No system is perfect but the more levels of protection you have the least likely your trailer will be stolen.
Exactly, nothing will stop a determined theif but the harder you make it, the more likely they are to move on to something easier. Great tip on slide outs and jacks, hadn't thought about that...that would certainly make it much harder to steal.
@@RoughRidersTV THAT SET UP....IS NICE...I TOOK A 18LBS SLEDGE HAMMER...& 5 GOOD HARD HITS IT MOVED " 2 MORE HITS ..IT WAS ON THE GROUND"...ALL THESE LOCKS" THESE THINGS ARE MADE TO MAKE PEOPLE SAY..IM NOT GOING TO GET CAUGHT"..IT IS WHAT IT IS..**ONE#1**
Drill a hole in the coupling for a substantial padlock. Include the chains when you close the shackle. A ball can't enter a coupling with a padlock in the way. Check lockpickinglawyer videos for performance of the lock shown in this video.
@@RoughRidersTV I would drill a hole just about anywhere the ball would enter. The rear of the coupling is out of contention since no padlock shackle I've ever seen is big enough to span that distance. That leaves the front and sides. Drill as close to the bottom close enough to where the flange/rim is located as needed for the shackle width. Usually around an inch. Hole size is according to the shackle diameter. I hope my description is clear enough. Just think in terms of at least partially blocking the ball entry enough to keep it outside the coupling. Including the safety chains with the lock may help prevent using them to steal the trailer with. Come to think of it, if the chains aren't welded on but bolted instead then they could be removed by you and won't even be there for that pull method at all. Any locking system has vulnerabilities. According to professionals whatever you use is a deterrent without guarantee. If someone is determined enough then what your efforts will get you is time. Time is important to a thief. Hth.
In California, CalTrans removes the wheels from their trailer axles when maintaining a stationary signal trailer. I use a large U-Lock and loop it through the wheel holes and through the leaf-spring.
@@daniel_diaz97 Glad to know it still works. I just did an hour interview with their CEO this week. He sent me their latest puck lock to look at and walked me through all the design changes. Good stuff coming from them. I just posted the update on that lock on Sunday.
Agreed. I made that same comment as well. I have locking lugs on mine but those only do so much. It's sad that we work hard for our stuff to only have to worry about low life thugs trying to take it away.
Remove the Safety Chains by cutting them real short and keep them in a safe place either in your Trailer itself or in your Car Boot. Reattach them when Required.
A thief tried to steal my trailer one night last summer and bent my gate in the process. I did have a tongue lock attached and the theft was unsuccessful. I have since added a long thick chain wrapped through both rims with a heavy duty lock and a lock on my gate. I also store the trailer out of sight from the road behind my shed now. Locks do help deter thieves.
Hmm, I think I prefer the hitch lock more. The wheel lock is good but does have limitations like must be leaf spring suspension. Must have rims with holes to pass the lock bar through, etc. The puck is also more exposed. I did forget I had it on when I pulled my trailer down the driveway and didn't even notice it. However, the trailer I am using it on is a flat bed 7x12 trailer for my SxS so it is really light when empty. I am sure that if I tried to drive any distance, the tire would blow and it would cause problems and be very noticeable so in that sense it would help protect the trailer. But I still feel that the hitch lock is a better lock.
Just curious, anyone see what Freon sprayed on housing then hit with a hammer. I like the wheel lock, mostly the multiple locking points. Another point doing something with the wheeled jack stand so it also is unfuncting.
I dont think the additional wheel lock is overkill at all its a worthy addition to slow down the mongrels so you can have more time loading the hollowpoints
Then still couldn’t the thief just bolt on his own if you could unbolt yours? Lol.. my best protection i use is i drilled two lag bolts way down in my driveway with two steel 1” i bolts and on the trailer i have 2 links of a boat anchor chain from an old army ship and both are locked together with 3 keyed locks i had re-keyed to take the same key..
@@Z-Ack Yes, there are always ways to defeat any solution. However, if often takes knowing what you are going to need in advance and be prepared to overcome each. Locks are deterrents...the harder it is to defeat, the more likely they are to move on to an easier target. However, if determined enough, a thief will find a way past every security measure in place.
hitch lock look strong , (chains can be removed by un-tightening the screws), wheel can be removed with the lock so the wheel lock is more a deterrent, is same thing like remove the wheel completely
actually, the chains are welded on the inside of the frame. Wheels have locking lugs so they would need to bust the lugs to remove wheel. However, all of this is just a deterrent because any lock can be bypassed with enough effort and h/w.
Thanks for demonstrating these anti theft products and how thieves can simply use chains to mount to theft vehicle. Having small trailer does allow one to more easily take rig with you when out in world.
Watched the vid where the guy looped the chains around the ball just before this... my first thought on this lock vid was “gee those are small chains, I’d just clip them near the frame with a bolt cutter, and then loop them around the ball since they are so well secured in the hitch.” I think I will add rings on the frame and hooks on the chains, and just remove the chains. With a good lock on the coupler, the common their will wonder “what the heck?” and move on.
To be clear, a battery-powered grinder with a cutting wheel can defeat ANY chain, lock, device in under a minute. If they really want your trailer, they’re going to take it. Unless you remove the coupler and the chains.
I state at the beginning of the video that no lock is 100% effective and that a well prepared and determine thief will find a way. However, repeated studies have shown that the vast majority of crimes are crimes of opportunity, not well planned heists like Ocean's 11. Most people don't drive around with angle grinders with carbide tips, bolt cutters, drills and everything they might need to defeat any lock they run into. As for grinders defeating locks in under a minute, sorry but I disagree. I use angle grinders a lot and even high powered ones take time to grind off hardened steel and you will burn through a couple of discs to do it. They also make a shit ton of noise which thieves do not like to do because it massively increases their chance of getting caught. However, at the end of the day, any lock is just a deterrent. The better the lock, the greater the deterrent.
I lower my trailer on 2 cinder blocks after removing all four wheels with my half inch Dewalt impact in about 10 minutes. Put the wheels in the trailer.
I would love to know if there is a GPS tracker that works without a monthly fee and has the range. If any of you have something like that, please post a link.
*because your safety chains are bolted on and not welded all anyone would have to do is unbolt the other end of your safety chains and figure out how to defeat the wheel lock and be on thier way still*
Well, they would need to know exactly where to drill. Given the puck has a steel shield around it, not sure cutting would be all that easy. However, if that is a real concern, they have a stainless steel puck as an offering with a Medco lock core. See my update video for more on that one.
run a 5/8 chain through both wheels and over axle and get a good 5/8 lock that will be better than any cheap little puck lock i can knock off with a 3lb hammer or drill it out in less than 30 seconds.... tire boots are also a decent deterrent in addition to the chain.
Looks like a secure set up. A quality tounge lock , like yours is a good idea . Disabling wheel rotation is a detourent as well. All we can do is try to keep our trailers ours. Some of these comments are a bit negative & far fetched. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for a great video. I will be needing to secure a pontoon boat in my driveway and wanted to do hitch and wheel locks. Thanks for taking the guess work out for me.
I bought proven Industry to locked my trailer coupler, but the downside are if your safety s hook 🪝 are heavy duty kind then u can't locked both in. Model 2178.
A better idea is to have your safety chains held on with bow shackles and remove them and place in your truck when the trailer is set up, A metre of chain and a shackle from the thief could be placed through the safety chains and the thief could still take the trailer. Jimmy!
2 chains with quick links attached to your chains and they can still quickly haul it away if you're only using a hitch lock so the hitch locks aren't all that effective for a prepared thief. If it's parked on your property you could just remove the wheels and put it up on blocks. If you're camping carry a gun. A hidden GPS tracker might also be an option. That way you could either call the cops or take care of things yourself with a little payback perhaps.
No solution is perfect as I state in the video. However, this is by far the best hitch lock I have seen. As for chains, it assumes that thieves carry chains and plan ahead for something like this. I am not convinced that thieves are prepare for every eventuality. Sure, some might but then then still have to contend with the wheel lock as well. GPS trackers are a good option and added layer of security though.
@@RoughRidersTV That is why I said "prepared thief". Stealing something huge like a camper or utility trailer requires more thought and preparation than smaller items do. I hate thieves BTW.
@@rawhideleather Except repeated studies over the years has shown that most thefts are crimes of opportunity. Sure, if you know what you are facing and plan for it, then anything can be bypassed. Leave it on blocks, they can bring extra wheels. Use a GPS, they can find and disable. However, since most thefts are crimes of opportunity, it means they happen upon it, see it and grab it. Therefore, if they happen upon a trailer with a hitch lock, they will look and see how hard/easy it is to bypass. If too hard and takes too much time and increases their risk of getting caught, they will move on to an easier target. That is my goal with this hitch lock and I think does a great job at it.
Thanks for the feedback. I will add it to the video description. I don't belong to any affiliate programs so I don't think to add links and stuff to my video descriptions.
It's a nice mechanism to secure the hitch, I would consider using a different puck lock rather than one that uses a standard pin cylinder. Near the top of my list would be the WAR-LOK puck locks has a multi axis key, or perhaps a Cobra 7 puck lock that uses a tubular pin tumbler cylinder. Conventional pin cylinders do not really denture a thief as they can be picked in seconds using standard picks or a pick gun, they keep honest people honest.
You could add a motion sensor with a load alarm. You could also just make the Chains removable with 2 more C clips. Just take off the chains when you leave.
@@RoughRidersTV I watched another video and they cut off the chains about 2 links down and removed one link. Then they added a clamp to reconnect the chains. Similar to the clamps on the end of your chain. Happy camping.
Nope, they hold up fine. Had the trailer pop off once going over rr tracks and they held firm. The connects are steel just like the chain, not cheap aluminum stuff.
Battery operated grinder will take anything off and of. Also a length of chain you could tow it off lock and all. Save some money buy a normal lock. Probably the best way to secure it would be chaining the axel to something in an inconspicuous way that way when they try to tow x out away it really effs their tow vehicle up mabey large chain anchor to concrete underneath. Wouldn't work at campground but would in driveway where it sits most of the time.
Completely disagree. Normal locks can be snipped off with a bolt cutter in seconds. Sure, with enough time any lock can be defeated. However, the longer it takes and the more noise you make in defeating a lock, the greater the risk of being caught. Thieves look for quick, easy targets to reduce their risk. The point of this lock is to make it harder for them, increase their risk so they move on to something easier. This lock does that exceptionally well.
@@nightsterbob Ever tow a trailer on a chain. Better to push it with a rope. You'll get there quicker. who does that. More likely that guy would bring a helicopter.
I use the safety chains twist around trailer jack and handle use 2 locks and I chain down the wheels to axles made a fake one that looks like that one on the video but bigger was easy
It is on the expensive side but I prefer not to have to submit anything to the insurance company in the first place. It is a hassle to go through all the paperwork, be without a trailer for the months it takes to find another to replace it. It is a hassle dealing with police reports. In my opinion, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
I had one of the yellow reese locks on mine for years until I lost the key. I was shocked as to how easy it actually was to get off. 2 good hits with a hammer
The biggest weakness with the Proven Industries lock is the puck lock that is optionally purchased with it. As the Lockpicking Lawyer showed (The link is at: th-cam.com/video/CUmLf-Wsr0o/w-d-xo.html) the puck lock has a major fault that takes seconds to enable the lock to be removed with a drill. A better choice would be the Mul-T-Lock TR100 or something equivalvent. Note, the Lockpicking Lawyer rarely recommends a lock and this is one he advises using, with another puck lock instead. The link where the Mul-T-Lock is recommended instead can be found at: th-cam.com/video/xVtHiX12TVw/w-d-xo.html
Actually, that is a really old puck. They have sense updated the puck with several improvements. Unfortunately, the Lock Picking Lawyer did not review the newer puck design. However, I have it here th-cam.com/video/bF23httF5LQ/w-d-xo.html where you can see the evolution of their puck design.
Easy as long as you aren't a felon, but yeah it only cost me $165 and 4 hours to get mine and my state allows open carry, people that live around you will think again when they know you come home armed and don't just have the guns in the house.
It's not inexpensive...the trailer sells for $25k new. The lock does a good job at protecting the trailer. No lick is perfect but this is easy better than cheap stuff that you find at the Hardware store.
Thanks for the comment. Yep, when I first bought my teardrop, I was paranoid about theft, especially after seeing all the talk in forums about people losing their trailers. I saw one video where a guy was able to hook up a trailer by the chains and drag it off in less than 2 mins.
Can't you add quick connect links to the end of the chains similar to what hooks to the truck and then you can take the chains with you. If it is good enough to hook to the truck, should be good enough to hook to the trailer.
I was pretty hot on getting 1 of these...but saw a vid on a gent who had one. The drilled out the key area on the puck in minimum time. His Wheel lock from same co. they could not drill out...it saved his trailer. Now... I am back in thinking mode if worth all thse pesos...
Interesting. Have not seen that video. I would agree, if there is a weak point on this lock, it would be the brass cylinder. It is hard to get to since it is on the bottom. I supposed you could drill through the puck multiple times to clear it out. I know they have a stainless steel puck now as well which would be much harder to drill through but still the cylinder would be a weak point. Overall, I think it is still better than nothing or better than the really cheap locks. I have their wheel lock as well and it's not bad, I think the hitch lock is better but nothing is fool proof, that is for sure. Thanks for the comment.
06:20 The problem with that type of wheel lock is they can simply remove the lug nuts, discard the tire and lock, and bolt on the spare or one they brought along. You need the wheel boot that covers the lug nuts as well as preventing the tire from rolling. The main problem I see with the chain is that it is bolted on. It would be quicker, and quieter, to unbolt that chain and bolt on another to steal it. Many thieves will case the trailer before hand to see what they need to bring to steal it.
Yes but at the 06:49 mark I point out that you need locking lug nuts to help prevent thieves from just removing the tire. As for my chain, it is welded on the inside of the frame.
@@RoughRidersTV Ahhh ok I didn't hear the part about the chains sorry. Unfortunately most locking lugs are quite easy to get around. Buy the torx sockets (look like a star) and drive them onto the lugs with a hammer and then turn the lugs off.
It's unfortunate but yes, they too can be defeated. By layering the locking solutions up, it requires them to have all the ingredients (tools, etc.) to defeat each part of the locking solution. My hope is that the see the wheel lock, see the hitch lock realize that they would spend more time trying to bypass everything, have to make a bunch of noise doing it and decide it is more risk and easier to just go find another trailer not as well protected. I could be wrong but that is the logic I am using.
I just twist my chains around the jack with a massive padlock then took an old ball with the threads ground off and shove it in the hitch and lock it all up with another beefy non-cheap lock. The old ball prevents them from coming in with a smaller ball that will slide over the locked hitch anyway. Ground off threads prevents them from coming in with a ball nut to haul it off. Cheap and effective, pretty much anyone seeing that is going to wander off and find an easier one. But just in case they don't they're going to have ANOTHER massive lock to cut thru once they are on the road cause there's an old metal pot attached to the middle of the axle under it with a beast of a chain all banging away loudly on the pavement. Either have to drop it and run or risk spending 5 or 10 or 15 minutes on the side of the road under it trying to get that off of a freshly stolen trailer they just very noisily took off with 3 houses down.
Very good locking devices! I am still disgusted that our country has become this cesspool. We never had these problems when I was a kid. People were decent and honorable.
Not at all the case. You just didn't hear about it as much. There were no cell phones or social media posts back then, but trust me people were still just as deviant as they are now
Travelled 12,000miles, 33 states, 5 months in your USA from 🇨🇦, and met some of the nicest people, helped us out when we broke down off road, where no tow truck would come, I guess staying away from big cities helped! We can't wait to get back!!!🇨🇦❤🇺🇲
@@janebray9392 I'm glad you enjoyed your travels. I think there have always been good and bad people in the world. My point is not that people are better or worse now, my point is that cell phones have brought reality to our screens.
@DavidCoffill Before cars, there were horse thieves and wagon thieves. Stealing is as old as mankind - not a “modern” phenomenon - and, at 70 years old, I can assure you that over the years people have not been any more decent and honorable than people are today.
Thieves want to "grab and go." If they have to waste time with trailer hitch locks, auxiliary locks, cables through the tires and on the tongue-to-something immovable, tire clamps and so on, they'll be more likely to be caught.
Actually the wheels don't roll but they can be dragged. The wheel lock will not prevent it from moving, but it will stop the wheel from rolling so it will make a hell of a noise and create quite a site being dragged down the street. Certainly enough of a racket to attract attention which is exactly what thieves don't want.
@@RoughRidersTV I was watching someone else's review on this where the thing would drag in the wheel "groove bu the wheel does spin. He showed a better one that was a full wheel chock that couldn't spin. In any event nice video and that ball hitch lock looks great. You can never stop theft, you can only drag it out to the point most will give up.
@@RoughRidersTV I'm wondering if for that lock, one could drill a hole in the wheel rim so it locks into that hole and won't just slide in the wheel rim.
For if you don't 'wanna take the route of cutting your trailer chains and making them removable... And if you don't want to always remember to take your chains with you...
I'm giving you a thumbs up and a comment thanking you for the video because of all the jerks posting snotty comments. Of course, as you noted, someone with a portable torch could cut off the locks, but someone that prepared is going to get you no matter what. I hope your trailer stays safe.
What thieves typically do? They thieve, and they are not normal. I have Crosby chain connectors onboard with ample enough extra chain to reset an anchor or whatever. Leaving one link open to slip a connector in is quite enough to lok-a-loy another chain to. All in all, this does look like quite a good system, so, salute.
If a chain can tow it away, all someone has to do is bring a big long chain ($40-50 at Harbor Freight), wrap it around the tongue and drive away, so hiding safety chains is kind of pointless.
I disagree. I am fully aware that no lock not even this one is 100% effective. Every lock can be defeated with enough tools, time and planning. However, as repeated studies have shown, the overwhelming amount of thefts are crimes of opportunity, which means unplanned, impulse at the spur of the moment. They typically work with what they have on hand. Do thieves run around with extra chain in case they run into one with chains locked up? I doubt it because most locks nor people secure their chains. So, locking up the chains makes it that much harder for them. Sure, they probably have some hammers and crow bars but extra chain just in case? Not likely. Locks are deterrents, the more deterrents you have in place, the harder it is for them and the more likely they will move on to an easier target.
@@RoughRidersTV Someone in a pickup who messes with trailers would probably have a tow chain handy. I used to carry one in my conversion van too. I had to use it once when I ended up in a ditch on a rural back road at night, missing the culvert driveway. My uncle used it to pull it back out with his truck.
@@cubey Anything is possible. But by that logic, why lock anything at all? Why lock the doors on your house when you leave? Thieves can just smash a window with a rock and get in. Why lock your car when you can easily find slim jims and other tools online cheap? Either you believe locks are a deterrent and will encourage thieves to find an easier target or you don't think locks do any good because they are easily bypassed. I tend to believe in deterrents and that locking the hitch, the chains and the wheels would be more hassle for a thief and increase their risk of getting caught so that they will move on to something easier. I could be wrong and none of this does any good but it's a small investment considering the cost of replacement. If it does get stolen, I carry insurance as a worst case scenario.
@@RoughRidersTV Yeah, minimizing is key, I agree. Even a $25 crappy coupler lock might stop a lazy theif. I have a 1958 (not a typo) fiberglass enclosed moving trailer (from "nationwiide" rentals, like uhaul) that I will be pulling behind my motorhome. I have full timers coverage and it includes up to $2500 for trailer, but I'm not sure if that counts it being outright stolen or not? I will be keeping it hitched up 99% of the time but that 1% of the time is what concerns me. A $50 UMax100 coupler lock might be enough for my needs. It's a little better than the $25 ones.
@@cubey My daughter had a Reese coupler lock on her pop up and lost the key. 3 hits with a 3lb sledge knocked it off. Took me all of 5 seconds to knock it off. Not a fan of the super cheap locks but they are better than nothing.
Did you put the wheel lock on both wheels? I am a widow recently and am on my own to protect my Tear Drop. I have kept your video for when it was time to go on my first camp trip by myself. Thank you for your great information I needed it.
Cindy, I am sorry for your loss. I hope adventures in your Teardrop might help you find some peace. As to your question, I only put it on 1 wheel but the more difficult you make it for potential thieves, the more work they have to do to steal it, the more likely they will move on to something easier. Thieves generally look for fast, easy targets. If they have to take more time to defeat locks, it increases their risk of getting caught.
While certainly possible, I dont think it would be easy or quick. The lock cylinder is on the bottom and the tongue is about 12 to 18 inches off the ground. This would leave very little room to get a drill and drillbit underneath and get into position on your back and still provide leverage on the drill. However, I posted an update to this video where I cover their latest lock and the core is stainless steel so drilling would be very hard indeed.
I like this system BUT ! I always entertain Grizzly traps at night when we are gone, during the day alarms, cameras, heavy cable to a tree, Smith & Wesson 500 mag, desert eagle 50 cal. but this is a great system you have J.R.
A hitch lock and wheel boot is only as good as the lock most locks can be drilled out in seconds and your trailer is gone and it doesn't matter how tuff the steel cover is and the weld job. it's the lock it self that is you weak link most are made out of soft brass and can be drilled out with a 3/8 -1/2 inch drill bit and a cordless drill
Do you lock the door to your house when you leave? Do you lock your car when you park it? Why? Based upon your argument, those locks can be easily bypassed with a drill so why bother locking it at all? My guess is that you do because you recognize that locks are deterrents. The better the lock the more the deterrent. The same holds true here. My daughter had a cheap Master hitch lock on her trailer, the kind that has the bar that runs over top the hitch and into the ball mechanism. She lost her key and couldn't get the lock off it. I hit it 3 times with a 3lb mini sledge and had it off in less than 10 seconds. No drilling needed. It would have been more work to drill it than just knock it off with the hammer. So, yes, the housing does make a difference.
As I stated in the video, no lock is 100% effective. It's a deterrent to move them to an easier target. Does every thief carry extra chains? I doubt it because just about every hitch locks I checked into (which is a lot) do not secure the chains so why would they bring chains. They would have to plan in advance to bring chains and most crimes are not prior planned, they are crimes of opportunity. However, It is also why I back the hitch lock up with a wheel lock. Now, if a thief really, really wants your trailer, they will find a way which is why I also carry insurance.
I don't disagree. I've always said that a determined thief will find a way. Every lock is just a deterrent. The better the lock, the more it will deter a thief so that they go find an easier target. Most theft is not meticulously planned, they are crimes of opportunity. Given that, I think this lock is one of the better locks on the market and making life difficult for the thief so that they move on to something easier.
@@generalsixty2133 I do have a review of that as well. It's pretty good but has limitations. If your trailer has brakes, it probably will not work for you. I could use it on one of my trailers but not the other because of the brakes.
I do like the hitch lock system and agree with you on making your. Trailer having as many detergents to potential thieves i am 55 years old and i have had trailers since i was a teenager i never have had one stolen from me yet the weak part on your system Would be the puck lock. That. Are in general pretty easy locks to pick of course as a rule typical theifes aren’t smart enough to know how to pick a lock and/ or are looking for something that is a quick and easy target for them
I haven't checked prices recently but at the time it was $199.00 for the hitch lock and around $80.00 for the wheel lock. Proven does honor a discount code they gave me which I shared in the video. It get's you an additional $20.00 savings on the hitch lock
![[901] A Trailer Lock That I Would Use... Picked (Proven Industries)](/img/n.gif)
I just leave my trailer unlocked , then wait in the bushes with a baseball bat . Adds a little excitement to camping trips .
That is certainly another way to keep your trailer safe. LOL
Until a Grizzley shows up; then there is a lot of excitement (and a lot of excretement 2)
Joe, I LOVE IT!!!!!
you got that right, who let the Dobies out. Then follow up with an Ethica fully loaded and one in the chamber. Good Times.
Thank you, very helpful 😊
In my neighborhood, we have had many trailers stolen. What we have come to learn is that trailer thieves will ignore a tongue lock and steal your trailer anyway. They do this by welding a hook on the end of a receiver. They simply drop the trailer tongue on the hook behind the tongue and they are gone in less than 20 seconds. I have an inexpensive utility trailer in my driveway and it has yet to be taken. This is done by a four tear method I use for locking my trailer. I have the tongue locked. I also have Trimax wheel locks on each wheel. I have also installed lug locks on each wheel and finally I have a Paweg chain going through one of the rims, through the frame shackle with a heavy duty case hardened padlock. Paweg chains are square link chains that can't be cut with bolt cutters. I watched some videos on TH-cam on these chains and a guy tried cutting a Paweg chain with a cutoff disk and he struggled with it for more than 10 minutes before he was able to cut through it. I have the 3/8" chain. I believe all of this has kept my trailer from being stolen. The Paweg chain is sold by the foot and is a bit more expensive than conventional chain but to me is well worth every penny. Remember, thieves want fast and easy. To get to my trailer, they would have to bring a cutting torch to get through all my locks quickly. Here's a link to the Peweg chain. www.uscargocontrol.com/shop/Rigging-Supplies-Hardware/Chain/Pewag-Security-Chain
you should move to a better neighborhood
@@davedoe6445 Thieves are mobile, they cruise better neighborhoods, duh!
Dear Percy. That’s called humour, with irony. Please explore that at your leisure.
@@TheAllang123 "Dear"? When did we become buddies? Sarcasm is a form of humor too. Explore that, and while you're at it update your obsolete Norman spelling. The Norman conquest was a long time ago. And be snappy about it.
thank you for this information.
You should make sure your hitch is either welded to the frame or the bolts securing the hitch are welded in place. Friend of mind had his stolen - they unbolted the hitch and installed their own.
Video starts at 2:46
I try to provide reasoning behind what I did and why to help others understand the risks of cheap locks.
Thanks.
Dang it took me 2:44 to get to your comment.
💪
That's a great hitch lock and I really like the wheel lock idea too. I saw another video where the owner cut the safety chains off so there were only a few links remaining. He then attached a removable heavy duty chain link to each of the long chains so he can re-connect the chains when he is ready to tow the trailer. He takes the long chains with him whenever he needs to leaves the trailer unattended. I thought this was also a great idea.
Yep, every measure of security makes it more difficult for thieves. Sad we have to go through such efforts but better safe than sorry.
The lock for the wheel is a waste of money. All a thief has to do is remove the lugnut and tire and wheel lock come off. Don't buy it, waste of miney
@@anthonyg1968 yes, but that’s why he had text in his video saying to be sure to use a locking lug nut to prevent thieves from removing the wheel.
On your recommendation (and thanks for the discount code) I just ordered the Proven Industries trailer coupler lock...looks to be the most difficult type for thieves to circumvent. Glad you brought it to my attention...thanks Jay
You are very welcome. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
A smart move would be to install a secure point in your driveway where a heavy duty chain could be attached to the trailer. Also adding an Apple tracking pod somewhere in your trailer would make it easy to find should it be stolen.
"install a secure point in your driveway"
this is one of the things I do. It's not foolproof but you'd need to make a whole hell of a lot of noise to cut enough metal and/or smash enough driveway slab to get past the anchor and the boots.
I have quick links on both end of my safety chains. When I park the trailer, I remove them completely and lock them in my truck's tool box so they are secured and nowhere near the trailer. I also have both axels chained and anchored to 4' deep by 8" wide reinforced concreat pier under ground. Both the chain and #6 rebar through the concreat are heat treated. An avearge swazall won't even cut through. They will need a torch.
Very helpful. I had a Proven hitch lock, but didn’t know how the safety chains should be secured. Thanks!
One other solution I've seen regarding the chains - is to have them removable. I'm wondering why the puck is aluminum - seems that a reasonable drill bit could go through that easily.
Yep the aluminum could be drilled through. I would imagine it would take repeated attempts to get enough material out to beat it. However, they also have a stainless steel puck option as well.
We have a coupler lock, bring the chains in and lock everything up, then we put a wheel lock on two out of the four wheels. We added a Marine instant alarm to each vent, (had a neighbors trailer broken into through the roof vent,), which basically makes an extremely high pitched alarm trigger if the screen is removed. Added a true deadbolt by beefing up the doors surround. We leave base camp feeling our gear and trailer are pretty secure...
Sounds like you have done a great job of securing your trailer. Well Done!
Your tongue lock is missing a weld on the outer ring. I don’t know how much that affects the security but I did notice in different images that these housings are inconsistent.
I knew a motorcyclist who lost the key to his U-bolt motorcycle lock (Kryptonite I think) and he just went into a local hardware store and bough a hand drill and a drill bit, then came back to his motorcycle, parked on a main road, and sat down and manually drilled out the brass key cylinder!
This took a surprisingly little time, even for a hand powered drill, and nobody questioned him as to why he was drilling out a lock on a parked motorcycle.
The brass cylinder that resists weather and road debris corrosion is also the weakest point of the entire lock!
I would consider adding an alarm and/or a hidden tracking device, both of which are relatively inexpensive and with the hidden tracker, can lead to the recovery of a stolen item.
I use two steel link/sleeves with a steel braided core cable locks, Master Lock Cable Locks - Utility Lock - 8218DPS. One for each set of wheels on my car hauler and make sure the lock is behind the rims. They fit loose so it would be a pain and take a while to cut. Each wheel has two egg head style/oval lock nuts. The round smooth head makes it very difficult to use a lock removal tool. All the tool does is scratch the chrome plating and slips off. Yes, my locks are scratched up as my brother and I tested removing them and failure was a good thing. My chains are removable and keep a lock on each holes where they attach. I also welded plates to enclose most of the tongue of the trailer. So the only area to link chains to is the body of the trailer. Making it very difficult to tow it away as you would need very long chains and the tongue will drag. This has worked fined so far.
sounds like a great deterrent as well. Nicely done.
You can also keep the slide out and or the stabilizer jacks down which requires the thief to have specific equipment to use. I have a forest service locking gate on my driveway which defeats using bolt cutters and picking the lock. No system is perfect but the more levels of protection you have the least likely your trailer will be stolen.
Exactly, nothing will stop a determined theif but the harder you make it, the more likely they are to move on to something easier. Great tip on slide outs and jacks, hadn't thought about that...that would certainly make it much harder to steal.
I used to remove tire valve stems in adition to a tonque lock when i had my trailer in storage. Kept a small compressor in van.
Yep, good advice for long term storage
👍
I run a log chain through my rims and padlock it to my leaf springs. Tires blow out in a mile, makes it easy to find trailer.
Yep. I use a different wheel lock on my SxS trailer which essentially does the same thing.
That's a great idea actually. I can get heavy duty chain and a solid lock for much cheaper than one of these hitch locks. Thanks!
Blow a tire out at 60 mph. That won’t cause any damage to your trailer. Duh.
Mark Walton No damage to trailer, the tires aren’t even spinning.
@@RoughRidersTV THAT SET UP....IS NICE...I TOOK A 18LBS SLEDGE HAMMER...& 5 GOOD HARD HITS IT MOVED " 2 MORE HITS ..IT WAS ON THE GROUND"...ALL THESE LOCKS" THESE THINGS ARE MADE TO MAKE PEOPLE SAY..IM NOT GOING TO GET CAUGHT"..IT IS WHAT IT IS..**ONE#1**
Drill a hole in the coupling for a substantial padlock. Include the chains when you close the shackle. A ball can't enter a coupling with a padlock in the way.
Check lockpickinglawyer videos for performance of the lock shown in this video.
Actually, design has changed, drilling a hole does absolutely no good. Check out my updated video to see the current lock designs.
Rough
Riders
@@RoughRidersTV Why does the hole do no good? Remember, the padlock is in the way of ball entry.
@@joewoodchuck3824 I guess I am not understanding where you are talking about drilling a hole in the coupling.
@@RoughRidersTV I would drill a hole just about anywhere the ball would enter. The rear of the coupling is out of contention since no padlock shackle I've ever seen is big enough to span that distance. That leaves the front and sides. Drill as close to the bottom close enough to where the flange/rim is located as needed for the shackle width. Usually around an inch. Hole size is according to the shackle diameter.
I hope my description is clear enough. Just think in terms of at least partially blocking the ball entry enough to keep it outside the coupling. Including the safety chains with the lock may help prevent using them to steal the trailer with. Come to think of it, if the chains aren't welded on but bolted instead then they could be removed by you and won't even be there for that pull method at all.
Any locking system has vulnerabilities. According to professionals whatever you use is a deterrent without guarantee. If someone is determined enough then what your efforts will get you is time. Time is important to a thief. Hth.
In California, CalTrans removes the wheels from their trailer axles when maintaining a stationary signal trailer.
I use a large U-Lock and loop it through the wheel holes and through the leaf-spring.
Yep, always a good idea to take multiple precautions on securing your gear.
Thank you !I just bought one of these locks ( 8/6/2019) and the discount code still worked.
You are welcome. Glad it still works.
Same bought mine 12/09/2019 and got $20 off w/ the code.
@@daniel_diaz97 Glad to know it still works. I just did an hour interview with their CEO this week. He sent me their latest puck lock to look at and walked me through all the design changes. Good stuff coming from them. I just posted the update on that lock on Sunday.
I like the wheel locks that also cover your lug nuts. without it, bad guys can use your own spare or any other spare.
Agreed. I made that same comment as well. I have locking lugs on mine but those only do so much. It's sad that we work hard for our stuff to only have to worry about low life thugs trying to take it away.
Thanks man. I watched a few of your videos. I have bought the Proven Industries 2178-B. And I'm looking at the Proven wheel lock next.
Thanks for watching. The proven locks are solid, really pleased with mine for sure.
By the way, someone commented last week that the discount code is still working.
Remove the Safety Chains by cutting them real short and keep them in a safe place either in your Trailer itself or in your Car Boot. Reattach them when Required.
Chains are easy to add.
With that chain setup, you have made it easier for someone to hookup there chain and tow it away
That assumes they are carrying chains to begin with. No solution is full proof but this is far better than most other hitch locks.
@@RoughRidersTV remove the chains by un-tightening the nuts
@@user-ug9nn actually the chains are welded on the inside of the frame.
A thief tried to steal my trailer one night last summer and bent my gate in the process. I did have a tongue lock attached and the theft was unsuccessful. I have since added a long thick chain wrapped through both rims with a heavy duty lock and a lock on my gate. I also store the trailer out of sight from the road behind my shed now. Locks do help deter thieves.
Agreed. Sadly there are those that think locks are too easily defeated.
so if you had to by the wheel lock over the ball lock which one would you go with.
Hmm, I think I prefer the hitch lock more. The wheel lock is good but does have limitations like must be leaf spring suspension. Must have rims with holes to pass the lock bar through, etc. The puck is also more exposed. I did forget I had it on when I pulled my trailer down the driveway and didn't even notice it. However, the trailer I am using it on is a flat bed 7x12 trailer for my SxS so it is really light when empty. I am sure that if I tried to drive any distance, the tire would blow and it would cause problems and be very noticeable so in that sense it would help protect the trailer. But I still feel that the hitch lock is a better lock.
Cut chains at A-frame, add removable links, put chains in your trunk.
Just curious, anyone see what Freon sprayed on housing then hit with a hammer. I like the wheel lock, mostly the multiple locking points. Another point doing something with the wheeled jack stand so it also is unfuncting.
Adding a motion sensor alarm that's loud enough to wake the dead would add to the anti-theft package as well. Good video, thanks for sharing this!
That is a great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Better idea, make it a "hot skin", 110v to the frame will make them not want to touch it again.
@@PatrickBaptist Thought about this but 220v
@@iwannachopbladeslawncare 220 will knock em off, 110 will just "grab ahold".
So do a 110 to the frame got it man. Might put that more directly on the hitch side since that's the part they will grab to pull.
I dont think the additional wheel lock is overkill at all its a worthy addition to slow down the mongrels so you can have more time loading the hollowpoints
What about unbolting the chain from the hitch rail ? A thief could just replace your locked up chains for his own loose one. Just wondering.
They are welded on the inside of the rail.
Then still couldn’t the thief just bolt on his own if you could unbolt yours? Lol.. my best protection i use is i drilled two lag bolts way down in my driveway with two steel 1” i bolts and on the trailer i have 2 links of a boat anchor chain from an old army ship and both are locked together with 3 keyed locks i had re-keyed to take the same key..
@@Z-Ack Yes, there are always ways to defeat any solution. However, if often takes knowing what you are going to need in advance and be prepared to overcome each. Locks are deterrents...the harder it is to defeat, the more likely they are to move on to an easier target. However, if determined enough, a thief will find a way past every security measure in place.
I got a Proven lock for our new trailer as we do camp in remote national forest campgrounds. We have never had any issues of anything taken.
Thanks. I've never had a problem either but always good to take precautions.
hitch lock look strong , (chains can be removed by un-tightening the screws), wheel can be removed with the lock so the wheel lock is more a deterrent, is same thing like remove the wheel completely
actually, the chains are welded on the inside of the frame. Wheels have locking lugs so they would need to bust the lugs to remove wheel. However, all of this is just a deterrent because any lock can be bypassed with enough effort and h/w.
Thanks for demonstrating these anti theft products and how thieves can simply use chains to mount to theft vehicle. Having small trailer does allow one to more easily take rig with you when out in world.
Yes. It is sad that people just don't respect other's property.
Watched the vid where the guy looped the chains around the ball just before this... my first thought on this lock vid was “gee those are small chains, I’d just clip them near the frame with a bolt cutter, and then loop them around the ball since they are so well secured in the hitch.” I think I will add rings on the frame and hooks on the chains, and just remove the chains. With a good lock on the coupler, the common their will wonder “what the heck?” and move on.
To be clear, a battery-powered grinder with a cutting wheel can defeat ANY chain, lock, device in under a minute. If they really want your trailer, they’re going to take it. Unless you remove the coupler and the chains.
I state at the beginning of the video that no lock is 100% effective and that a well prepared and determine thief will find a way. However, repeated studies have shown that the vast majority of crimes are crimes of opportunity, not well planned heists like Ocean's 11. Most people don't drive around with angle grinders with carbide tips, bolt cutters, drills and everything they might need to defeat any lock they run into. As for grinders defeating locks in under a minute, sorry but I disagree. I use angle grinders a lot and even high powered ones take time to grind off hardened steel and you will burn through a couple of discs to do it. They also make a shit ton of noise which thieves do not like to do because it massively increases their chance of getting caught. However, at the end of the day, any lock is just a deterrent. The better the lock, the greater the deterrent.
Rough Riders I guess I’m going to have to buy one of those devices and see for myself then.
On my trailer I've gone as far as letting the air out of the tires then they'll need an air compressor
If you can keep the weight off of the tires then it wouldn't be bad, otherwise that will ruin the tires.
I lower my trailer on 2 cinder blocks after removing all four wheels with my half inch Dewalt impact in about 10 minutes. Put the wheels in the trailer.
@Dudester That's the best plan, they need a truck to take it away then.
Take the wheels and bearing out and drop it on the ground, way better than a lock.
@@PatrickBaptist ultimate solution and the best one (just for winter storage,)
I would love to know if there is a GPS tracker that works without a monthly fee and has the range. If any of you have something like that, please post a link.
You can hide a toll tag in the frame.if stolen, you can track the toll tag and report to police the number of the car
*because your safety chains are bolted on and not welded all anyone would have to do is unbolt the other end of your safety chains and figure out how to defeat the wheel lock and be on thier way still*
Actually they are welded on the inside wall
Aluminum is easily cut, what’s it stop them from cutting or drilling out that part. Do they make it fo 5th wheels.
Well, they would need to know exactly where to drill. Given the puck has a steel shield around it, not sure cutting would be all that easy. However, if that is a real concern, they have a stainless steel puck as an offering with a Medco lock core. See my update video for more on that one.
Just curious, do they make something for a fifth wheel setup?
@@randydeshane9991 Looks like they do. www.provenlocks.com/collections/other-locks-1/products/model-pl-5
run a 5/8 chain through both wheels and over axle and get a good 5/8 lock that will be better than any cheap little puck lock i can knock off with a 3lb hammer or drill it out in less than 30 seconds.... tire boots are also a decent deterrent in addition to the chain.
Looks like a secure set up. A quality tounge lock , like yours is a good idea . Disabling wheel rotation is a detourent as well.
All we can do is try to keep our trailers ours. Some of these comments are a bit negative & far fetched. Thanks for the video.
Agreed. Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks for a great video. I will be needing to secure a pontoon boat in my driveway and wanted to do hitch and wheel locks. Thanks for taking the guess work out for me.
You are very welcome. Thanks for stopping by.
I bought proven Industry to locked my trailer coupler, but the downside are if your safety s hook 🪝 are heavy duty kind then u can't locked both in. Model 2178.
Hmm, I thought my chains were pretty heavy duty and fit but I suppose there are bigger chains and hooks than what I'm using.
A better idea is to have your safety chains held on with bow shackles and remove them and place in your truck when the trailer is set up, A metre of chain and a shackle from the thief could be placed through the safety chains and the thief could still take the trailer. Jimmy!
2 chains with quick links attached to your chains and they can still quickly haul it away if you're only using a hitch lock so the hitch locks aren't all that effective for a prepared thief. If it's parked on your property you could just remove the wheels and put it up on blocks. If you're camping carry a gun. A hidden GPS tracker might also be an option. That way you could either call the cops or take care of things yourself with a little payback perhaps.
No solution is perfect as I state in the video. However, this is by far the best hitch lock I have seen. As for chains, it assumes that thieves carry chains and plan ahead for something like this. I am not convinced that thieves are prepare for every eventuality. Sure, some might but then then still have to contend with the wheel lock as well. GPS trackers are a good option and added layer of security though.
@@RoughRidersTV That is why I said "prepared thief". Stealing something huge like a camper or utility trailer requires more thought and preparation than smaller items do. I hate thieves BTW.
@@rawhideleather Except repeated studies over the years has shown that most thefts are crimes of opportunity. Sure, if you know what you are facing and plan for it, then anything can be bypassed. Leave it on blocks, they can bring extra wheels. Use a GPS, they can find and disable. However, since most thefts are crimes of opportunity, it means they happen upon it, see it and grab it. Therefore, if they happen upon a trailer with a hitch lock, they will look and see how hard/easy it is to bypass. If too hard and takes too much time and increases their risk of getting caught, they will move on to an easier target. That is my goal with this hitch lock and I think does a great job at it.
A link or even a name of the products in the description would have been nice.
Thanks for the feedback. I will add it to the video description. I don't belong to any affiliate programs so I don't think to add links and stuff to my video descriptions.
GPS tracking subframe installation
Yep, I've considered that as well.
Where would you the gps at ?
@@cheffsolo7739 findmespot.com. just recovered my trailer last weekend. Lost some contents though
@@cheffsolo7739 www.amazon.com/Tracker-Tracking-Vehicles-Equipment-Valuables/dp/B07S7DVT33/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=O4UY4FQ3QNQ&keywords=gps+tracker+for+vehicles&qid=1564530411&s=gateway&sprefix=gps+tr%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1
Can a thief not simply unboo t your safety chsins from the chassis rails? In Australia, our safety chains are welded to the chassis.
They are welded on the inside of the rail
Why do they appear to be bolted to the chassis? Very curious about that.
Keith Haycraft because they were...I had a guy tack them down as well after, hence you can see the bolt but not the inside weld.
Sneaky. Haha.
It's a nice mechanism to secure the hitch, I would consider using a different puck lock rather than one that uses a standard pin cylinder. Near the top of my list would be the WAR-LOK puck locks has a multi axis key, or perhaps a Cobra 7 puck lock that uses a tubular pin tumbler cylinder. Conventional pin cylinders do not really denture a thief as they can be picked in seconds using standard picks or a pick gun, they keep honest people honest.
Interesting. I will look into those locks. Always open to upgrades to make it better. Thanks for the comment.
The new version is even better with the stainless steel puck and you can get the medco lock cylinder
Yep. Did a review on that as well and posted it to the channel.
You could add a motion sensor with a load alarm. You could also just make the Chains removable with 2 more C clips. Just take off the chains when you leave.
Agreed. I've been looking at GPS trackers/sensors as well. My chains are welded on but that is a good suggestion.
@@RoughRidersTV I watched another video and they cut off the chains about 2 links down and removed one link. Then they added a clamp to reconnect the chains. Similar to the clamps on the end of your chain. Happy camping.
Those quick connects on the ends of your chain will fail if trailer comes off hitch during transport.
Nope, they hold up fine. Had the trailer pop off once going over rr tracks and they held firm. The connects are steel just like the chain, not cheap aluminum stuff.
Battery operated grinder will take anything off and of. Also a length of chain you could tow it off lock and all. Save some money buy a normal lock. Probably the best way to secure it would be chaining the axel to something in an inconspicuous way that way when they try to tow x out away it really effs their tow vehicle up mabey large chain anchor to concrete underneath. Wouldn't work at campground but would in driveway where it sits most of the time.
Completely disagree. Normal locks can be snipped off with a bolt cutter in seconds. Sure, with enough time any lock can be defeated. However, the longer it takes and the more noise you make in defeating a lock, the greater the risk of being caught. Thieves look for quick, easy targets to reduce their risk. The point of this lock is to make it harder for them, increase their risk so they move on to something easier. This lock does that exceptionally well.
My tongue took 2 bolts to remove. If there ain't no place to put a hitch, it ain't going anywhere.
Among other tools a savvy trailer thief might have his/her own tongue. Just thinking.
Or just a chain with a hook on each end, one goes into the trailer triangle, the other to your truck
@@nightsterbob
Ever tow a trailer on a chain. Better to push it with a rope. You'll get there quicker.
who does that. More likely that guy would bring a helicopter.
You should get the bolts and chasing have a rack weld on them so they can't take that chain off and put another one on
I use the safety chains twist around trailer jack and handle use 2 locks and I chain down the wheels to axles made a fake one that looks like that one on the video but bigger was easy
That lock is more than my deductible.
It is on the expensive side but I prefer not to have to submit anything to the insurance company in the first place. It is a hassle to go through all the paperwork, be without a trailer for the months it takes to find another to replace it. It is a hassle dealing with police reports. In my opinion, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
I had one of the yellow reese locks on mine for years until I lost the key. I was shocked as to how easy it actually was to get off. 2 good hits with a hammer
Yep, my daughter had that one as well. 3 hits with a 3lb baby sledge and it fell right off.
The biggest weakness with the Proven Industries lock is the puck lock that is optionally purchased with it. As the Lockpicking Lawyer showed (The link is at: th-cam.com/video/CUmLf-Wsr0o/w-d-xo.html) the puck lock has a major fault that takes seconds to enable the lock to be removed with a drill. A better choice would be the Mul-T-Lock TR100 or something equivalvent.
Note, the Lockpicking Lawyer rarely recommends a lock and this is one he advises using, with another puck lock instead.
The link where the Mul-T-Lock is recommended instead can be found at: th-cam.com/video/xVtHiX12TVw/w-d-xo.html
Actually, that is a really old puck. They have sense updated the puck with several improvements. Unfortunately, the Lock Picking Lawyer did not review the newer puck design. However, I have it here th-cam.com/video/bF23httF5LQ/w-d-xo.html where you can see the evolution of their puck design.
...and you have a superb van as well...be very proud, no wonder you protect it! :)
Thanks. We do love our teardrop.
Best option is to move to a state that allows you to carry guns and its easy to get a permit
Easy as long as you aren't a felon, but yeah it only cost me $165 and 4 hours to get mine and my state allows open carry, people that live around you will think again when they know you come home armed and don't just have the guns in the house.
Tracking tag, Etched ID on the frame Camera on the site Remove the wheels (like the Highway department does on trailers they leave out.)
Yep. Make it hard and they will move on.
Again harden steel with brass lock🤔
How do you have the tongue locked? And don’t you think it’s because your trailer is inexpensive that it’s not stolen?
It's not inexpensive...the trailer sells for $25k new. The lock does a good job at protecting the trailer. No lick is perfect but this is easy better than cheap stuff that you find at the Hardware store.
@@RoughRidersTV thank you very much
Great video and well done! I had NOT thought about the safety chain issue. Now, I already have a Proven coupler lock, so thanks for the chain idea.
Thanks for the comment. Yep, when I first bought my teardrop, I was paranoid about theft, especially after seeing all the talk in forums about people losing their trailers. I saw one video where a guy was able to hook up a trailer by the chains and drag it off in less than 2 mins.
@@RoughRidersTV they just put a chain above your safety chains and gone.
Can remove the wheels . Would be less likely they can steal it. Especially if gonna sit awhile.
Can't you add quick connect links to the end of the chains similar to what hooks to the truck and then you can take the chains with you. If it is good enough to hook to the truck, should be good enough to hook to the trailer.
That is certainly a good option. My chains are welded to the trailer so I would have to break the link and then add in some locking hooks.
I was pretty hot on getting 1 of these...but saw a vid on a gent who had one. The drilled out the key area on the puck in minimum time. His Wheel lock from same co. they could not drill out...it saved his trailer.
Now... I am back in thinking mode if worth all thse pesos...
Interesting. Have not seen that video. I would agree, if there is a weak point on this lock, it would be the brass cylinder. It is hard to get to since it is on the bottom. I supposed you could drill through the puck multiple times to clear it out. I know they have a stainless steel puck now as well which would be much harder to drill through but still the cylinder would be a weak point. Overall, I think it is still better than nothing or better than the really cheap locks. I have their wheel lock as well and it's not bad, I think the hitch lock is better but nothing is fool proof, that is for sure. Thanks for the comment.
06:20 The problem with that type of wheel lock is they can simply remove the lug nuts, discard the tire and lock, and bolt on the spare or one they brought along. You need the wheel boot that covers the lug nuts as well as preventing the tire from rolling.
The main problem I see with the chain is that it is bolted on. It would be quicker, and quieter, to unbolt that chain and bolt on another to steal it. Many thieves will case the trailer before hand to see what they need to bring to steal it.
Yes but at the 06:49 mark I point out that you need locking lug nuts to help prevent thieves from just removing the tire. As for my chain, it is welded on the inside of the frame.
@@RoughRidersTV Ahhh ok I didn't hear the part about the chains sorry. Unfortunately most locking lugs are quite easy to get around. Buy the torx sockets (look like a star) and drive them onto the lugs with a hammer and then turn the lugs off.
It's unfortunate but yes, they too can be defeated. By layering the locking solutions up, it requires them to have all the ingredients (tools, etc.) to defeat each part of the locking solution. My hope is that the see the wheel lock, see the hitch lock realize that they would spend more time trying to bypass everything, have to make a bunch of noise doing it and decide it is more risk and easier to just go find another trailer not as well protected. I could be wrong but that is the logic I am using.
It looks like the handle can lift up. Can it?
No because to release the ball profile, it has to pull back so it can drop out of the way but the ball can't drop out because of the sleeve.
Nice Lock setup a guy could also add Wheel Lock Set for 1/2" Wheel Bolts (2 Locks, 1 Key)
I know Proven does have a wheel lock and they will key them alike if you order them together.
Thanks. Enjoyed the video. What don you think about removing a wheel. A thief would have to bring along a spare to make off with your trailer.
I do know some people that do that for long term storage. I am sure it helps as you are right, thieves would have to be prepared with spare tires.
I just twist my chains around the jack with a massive padlock then took an old ball with the threads ground off and shove it in the hitch and lock it all up with another beefy non-cheap lock. The old ball prevents them from coming in with a smaller ball that will slide over the locked hitch anyway. Ground off threads prevents them from coming in with a ball nut to haul it off. Cheap and effective, pretty much anyone seeing that is going to wander off and find an easier one. But just in case they don't they're going to have ANOTHER massive lock to cut thru once they are on the road cause there's an old metal pot attached to the middle of the axle under it with a beast of a chain all banging away loudly on the pavement. Either have to drop it and run or risk spending 5 or 10 or 15 minutes on the side of the road under it trying to get that off of a freshly stolen trailer they just very noisily took off with 3 houses down.
Very good locking devices! I am still disgusted that our country has become this cesspool. We never had these problems when I was a kid. People were decent and honorable.
Lowest crime rate in 50 years. Everybody believes it was better in the old days that is simply untrue.
Not at all the case. You just didn't hear about it as much. There were no cell phones or social media posts back then, but trust me people were still just as deviant as they are now
Travelled 12,000miles, 33 states, 5 months in your USA from 🇨🇦, and met some of the nicest people, helped us out when we broke down off road, where no tow truck would come, I guess staying away from big cities helped! We can't wait to get back!!!🇨🇦❤🇺🇲
@@janebray9392 I'm glad you enjoyed your travels. I think there have always been good and bad people in the world. My point is not that people are better or worse now, my point is that cell phones have brought reality to our screens.
@DavidCoffill Before cars, there were horse thieves and wagon thieves. Stealing is as old as mankind - not a “modern” phenomenon - and, at 70 years old, I can assure you that over the years people have not been any more decent and honorable than people are today.
Thieves want to "grab and go." If they have to waste time with trailer hitch locks, auxiliary locks, cables through the tires and on the tongue-to-something immovable, tire clamps and so on, they'll be more likely to be caught.
Yep, my thinking exactly.
Good point. Thieves are deterred, not stopped unless you are there to greet them. Otherwise, they move on to an unsecured trailer
Those wheel locks can still roll. They will drag behind the wheel then make a grinding noise but the vehicle can be still rolled.
Actually the wheels don't roll but they can be dragged. The wheel lock will not prevent it from moving, but it will stop the wheel from rolling so it will make a hell of a noise and create quite a site being dragged down the street. Certainly enough of a racket to attract attention which is exactly what thieves don't want.
@@RoughRidersTV I was watching someone else's review on this where the thing would drag in the wheel "groove bu the wheel does spin. He showed a better one that was a full wheel chock that couldn't spin. In any event nice video and that ball hitch lock looks great. You can never stop theft, you can only drag it out to the point most will give up.
@@cb-gz1vl That is a good point that some wheels might indeed spin. Thanks for pointing that out.
@@RoughRidersTV I'm wondering if for that lock, one could drill a hole in the wheel rim so it locks into that hole and won't just slide in the wheel rim.
@@RoughRidersTV th-cam.com/video/3tZNWzdYe34/w-d-xo.html This is the boot I saw reviewed. At the 5:39 mark
I dont get it everyone is talking removing safety chains dont need them to run down the road so what good does thet do
It's to keep thieves from using the chains and wrapping them around the bumper and hauling the trailer off.
For if you don't 'wanna take the route of cutting your trailer chains and making them removable... And if you don't want to always remember to take your chains with you...
What do you think about Proven Industries Couper Lock vs. Ft. Knox Locks Ultimate?
Haven't seen the Ft. knox but will check it out.
I'm giving you a thumbs up and a comment thanking you for the video because of all the jerks posting snotty comments. Of course, as you noted, someone with a portable torch could cut off the locks, but someone that prepared is going to get you no matter what. I hope your trailer stays safe.
Don Coumbs thanks for the comment and watching the video.
Has it been stolen yet? And, are you still using the same lock setup?
Nope, not yet. Still using the same setup but the puck is upgraded to stainless steel.
What thieves typically do? They thieve, and they are not normal. I have Crosby chain connectors onboard with ample enough extra chain to reset an anchor or whatever. Leaving one link open to slip a connector in is quite enough to lok-a-loy another chain to. All in all, this does look like quite a good system, so, salute.
If a chain can tow it away, all someone has to do is bring a big long chain ($40-50 at Harbor Freight), wrap it around the tongue and drive away, so hiding safety chains is kind of pointless.
I disagree. I am fully aware that no lock not even this one is 100% effective. Every lock can be defeated with enough tools, time and planning. However, as repeated studies have shown, the overwhelming amount of thefts are crimes of opportunity, which means unplanned, impulse at the spur of the moment. They typically work with what they have on hand. Do thieves run around with extra chain in case they run into one with chains locked up? I doubt it because most locks nor people secure their chains. So, locking up the chains makes it that much harder for them. Sure, they probably have some hammers and crow bars but extra chain just in case? Not likely. Locks are deterrents, the more deterrents you have in place, the harder it is for them and the more likely they will move on to an easier target.
@@RoughRidersTV Someone in a pickup who messes with trailers would probably have a tow chain handy. I used to carry one in my conversion van too. I had to use it once when I ended up in a ditch on a rural back road at night, missing the culvert driveway. My uncle used it to pull it back out with his truck.
@@cubey Anything is possible. But by that logic, why lock anything at all? Why lock the doors on your house when you leave? Thieves can just smash a window with a rock and get in. Why lock your car when you can easily find slim jims and other tools online cheap? Either you believe locks are a deterrent and will encourage thieves to find an easier target or you don't think locks do any good because they are easily bypassed. I tend to believe in deterrents and that locking the hitch, the chains and the wheels would be more hassle for a thief and increase their risk of getting caught so that they will move on to something easier. I could be wrong and none of this does any good but it's a small investment considering the cost of replacement. If it does get stolen, I carry insurance as a worst case scenario.
@@RoughRidersTV Yeah, minimizing is key, I agree. Even a $25 crappy coupler lock might stop a lazy theif. I have a 1958 (not a typo) fiberglass enclosed moving trailer (from "nationwiide" rentals, like uhaul) that I will be pulling behind my motorhome. I have full timers coverage and it includes up to $2500 for trailer, but I'm not sure if that counts it being outright stolen or not? I will be keeping it hitched up 99% of the time but that 1% of the time is what concerns me. A $50 UMax100 coupler lock might be enough for my needs. It's a little better than the $25 ones.
@@cubey My daughter had a Reese coupler lock on her pop up and lost the key. 3 hits with a 3lb sledge knocked it off. Took me all of 5 seconds to knock it off. Not a fan of the super cheap locks but they are better than nothing.
Did you put the wheel lock on both wheels? I am a widow recently and am on my own to protect my Tear Drop. I have kept your video for when it was time to go on my first camp trip by myself. Thank you for your great information I needed it.
Cindy, I am sorry for your loss. I hope adventures in your Teardrop might help you find some peace. As to your question, I only put it on 1 wheel but the more difficult you make it for potential thieves, the more work they have to do to steal it, the more likely they will move on to something easier. Thieves generally look for fast, easy targets. If they have to take more time to defeat locks, it increases their risk of getting caught.
@@RoughRidersTV
Thank you so much.
@@cindyhall6453 You are very welcome Cindy. Best of luck to you in your travels. Thanks for stopping by and checking out my videos.
how about drilling the pins with a portable drill.
While certainly possible, I dont think it would be easy or quick. The lock cylinder is on the bottom and the tongue is about 12 to 18 inches off the ground. This would leave very little room to get a drill and drillbit underneath and get into position on your back and still provide leverage on the drill. However, I posted an update to this video where I cover their latest lock and the core is stainless steel so drilling would be very hard indeed.
Excellent! Very easy to follow . I appreciate! ... from Minnesota
Thanks. Glad you liked it.
I like this system BUT ! I always entertain Grizzly traps at night when we are gone, during the day alarms, cameras, heavy cable to a tree, Smith & Wesson 500 mag, desert eagle 50 cal. but this is a great system you have J.R.
Good choices as well!
A hitch lock and wheel boot is only as good as the lock most locks can be drilled out in seconds and your trailer is gone and it doesn't matter how tuff the steel cover is and the weld job. it's the lock it self that is you weak link most are made out of soft brass and can be drilled out with a 3/8 -1/2 inch drill bit and a cordless drill
Do you lock the door to your house when you leave? Do you lock your car when you park it? Why? Based upon your argument, those locks can be easily bypassed with a drill so why bother locking it at all? My guess is that you do because you recognize that locks are deterrents. The better the lock the more the deterrent. The same holds true here. My daughter had a cheap Master hitch lock on her trailer, the kind that has the bar that runs over top the hitch and into the ball mechanism. She lost her key and couldn't get the lock off it. I hit it 3 times with a 3lb mini sledge and had it off in less than 10 seconds. No drilling needed. It would have been more work to drill it than just knock it off with the hammer. So, yes, the housing does make a difference.
Hey! great video, thank you! Just ordered one & used your discount code. Very nice! Thank you, sir!
You are very welcome. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
How about if the thief simply unbolt the chains from the trailer?
Only if they can break the welds on the inside of the frame.
While the chain securement helps slow them down. They bring a chain and they’ve bypassed that obstacle.
As I stated in the video, no lock is 100% effective. It's a deterrent to move them to an easier target. Does every thief carry extra chains? I doubt it because just about every hitch locks I checked into (which is a lot) do not secure the chains so why would they bring chains. They would have to plan in advance to bring chains and most crimes are not prior planned, they are crimes of opportunity. However, It is also why I back the hitch lock up with a wheel lock. Now, if a thief really, really wants your trailer, they will find a way which is why I also carry insurance.
Rough Riders I actually thought I did t send that as I heard you mention that after I thought I deleted my comment. Sorry
@@akbychoice No reason to be sorry. It was a valid comment. It's all good.
Nice deterrent for many rigs. A thief that’s planning will bring his own chains and bolt them to the chains on the trailer.
I don't disagree. I've always said that a determined thief will find a way. Every lock is just a deterrent. The better the lock, the more it will deter a thief so that they go find an easier target. Most theft is not meticulously planned, they are crimes of opportunity. Given that, I think this lock is one of the better locks on the market and making life difficult for the thief so that they move on to something easier.
@@RoughRidersTV I'm browsing for my boat trailer. The wheel leaf spring locks look promising too..
@@generalsixty2133 I do have a review of that as well. It's pretty good but has limitations. If your trailer has brakes, it probably will not work for you. I could use it on one of my trailers but not the other because of the brakes.
Thank you so much, now I know what to buy, I’m super frightened that someone may steal my trailer.
You are very welcome. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts.
I just bought a lock, going to return it, this shit doesn't work. any thief with a truck, a chain and an angle grinder will quickly get your trailer.
BadWolfy
I would still be better than nothing, careful!
I do like the hitch lock system and agree with you on making your. Trailer having as many detergents to potential thieves i am 55 years old and i have had trailers since i was a teenager i never have had one stolen from me yet the weak part on your system Would be the puck lock. That. Are in general pretty easy locks to pick of course as a rule typical theifes aren’t smart enough to know how to pick a lock and/ or are looking for something that is a quick and easy target for them
I agree. I have an update video coming soon as Proven Industries sent me a new lock to check out with a new puck. I will be posting that soon
Put your trailer level on 4 Block then take out the air out from your tire...just don't forget your compressor at home !
Harden steel housing aluminum lock🤔. I installed a gps!
always good to add more security. I've been looking for a good GPS solution...seems like most require a monthly subscription.
Wouldn’t they be able to remove a gps?
I would use removeable tires with built in jack stands.
The only thing missing is an alarm and they could include one using a battery for power.
Yep, been thinking about adding a tracker as well.
How much?
I haven't checked prices recently but at the time it was $199.00 for the hitch lock and around $80.00 for the wheel lock. Proven does honor a discount code they gave me which I shared in the video. It get's you an additional $20.00 savings on the hitch lock
Great video, I want to get one of these. Thanks for sharing...
You are welcome. Thanks for stopping by.