How to Secure Travel Trailer at Campsite?

SoundGuy wrote:

CharlesinGA wrote:
All of the ball locks in the world will not slow down even a simple thief.

That's not the point - trailer coupler locks (not "ball locks") are a visual deterrent that encourage a casual thief to move on to something else that isn't locked at all. ;)

You would like to think so, and I generally adhere to that line of thinking also, but when all you have to do is throw the chains over a ball and hook them, and go (watch the videos), then the ball lock becomes no deterrent at all, unless the chains are locked up too. Wrap them around the tongue and secure them with a lock so they cannot be used to hitch up the trailer.

Charles

CharlesinGA wrote:
All of the ball locks in the world will not slow down even a simple thief.

That's not the point - trailer coupler locks (not "ball locks") are a visual deterrent that encourage a casual thief to move on to something else that isn't locked at all. ;)

All of the ball locks in the world will not slow down even a simple thief.

https://youtu.be/FTAHhjhB32s

https://youtu.be/Z9tbSzWkY1s

This looks like it might work.

https://youtu.be/NMu_GnNnnBE

Charles

I have a Trimax Universal Coupler Lock I bought donkey's years ago when we were long distance traveling a lot with our popup and would leave it at a campsite for the day while out sightseeing. From Yellowstone to the Carolinas I wasn't ever really concerned about the camper being stolen and these days I use the lock on our travel trailer as much now just because I have it, not because it's really necessary.

Back when we first started camping, I locked up every compartment, door, hitch, and coupler. Made camping inconvenient. Then I read about the CH751, and started ignoring the locks. Best decision ever made.

We might lock the door these days if we are leaving for the day, but otherwise everything stays unlocked save for the coupler lock, and that's mostly just so I know where it is, it would be easily defeated if someone wanted.

Disclaimer for our setup is that we park it at home in the back yard, where it is very secure, and our exposure while out is pretty limited. If we did a lot of wal mart camping or leaving our rig in town for hours, I'd be more concerned.

I have to echo the trust you have to place in fellow campers. If you can make an acquaintance early on you will have someone who will watch out for you, and visa versa. I have never had anything stolen - anything, ever! In some campgrounds though, I will admit, I have run the cable lock through the wheel and suspension just to be safe. Thankfully, I could probably count the times on one hand during the past 10 years.

Turtle n Peeps wrote:
I have always felt that if I have to worry about my trailer being stole when I'm gone from my site I will give up camping.

Been camping for over 50 years and still feel that way. Reckless? Probably. Irresponsible? Most likely; but that's the way I feel.

Now small things and trailers in storage is an entirely different matter.

x2. In reality I believe that campers are actually more honest and trustworthy groups than population in general. In our family since camping starting in 1950 we have never ever had anything stolen from a campsite. Now we do take resonably general precautions about what we leave outside. But generally coolers, chairs etc. are outside. on occasion I will put my hitchlock on the trailer. but worrying about the trailer being stolen?? that's near the very bottom of my list.

It's a rental, check with your auto insurer or even the credit card you rented it with and see if it's already covered. If not and they offer a low cost rental insurance just take that and don't worry about it.

But truthfully trailers really don't get stolen from campgrounds all that often.

Try and app called "Find Me Spot"

The small camper next to us used a hitch lock and tire boot. It was not going anywhere. :)