theft deterrent

[dennyida]

Just a question I have not seen on the forums. What do use on your 5th wheel as a theft deterrent? Is there something that can be locked on the pin so that no one can hook up? I know, a dumb question, but just thinking about winter storage where we cant keep an eye on our baby. Thanks

[jmaotto]

I like the idea of removing the pinbox. Not too much work and then no way to tow it. Be sure to take the pinbox with you.

[laknox]

mlts22 wrote:
If you want to make sure your fiver isn't stolen, and you don't mind taking the time... this or this (locking winter wheels) is ideal.

Yes, it is a pain to remove all the wheels... but a thief could come up with the most advanced metal disintegration device or be the best lockpicker... and that trailer isn't moving, unless the thief provides the wheels and bolts them on.

However, that definitely is a bit extreme for most people. Here is what a friend of mine does with his fiver:

1: He has a kingpin lock on it. It isn't there for security as much as to show a thief that the rig is secured, so someone doesn't try backing up and driving off with it.

2: He has a chain through the wheels, with a real (Abus/Abloy) lock.

3: Before he parked his fiver, he took an augur, dug a fencepost hole about 3-4 feet deep, put a high test security chain (the type that is not cut from the hardware store) with bolts through the links (the bolts were placed on the links that were embedded to ensure the chain would not pull out) partway into the hole, and filled that hole with cement. About 2-3 feet of chain was left protruding from the ground. When the fiver was parked, that chain went around the axle, and was padlocked with a high security padlock.

Needless to say, that fiver didn't move unless he was moving it.

Would be funny to see the look on a thief's face if he were able to get the pin lock and wheel chain off and try and drive off. 🙂 Wouldn't be good for the FW, but...

Lyle

[mlts22]

If you want to make sure your fiver isn't stolen, and you don't mind taking the time... this or this (locking winter wheels) is ideal.

Yes, it is a pain to remove all the wheels... but a thief could come up with the most advanced metal disintegration device or be the best lockpicker... and that trailer isn't moving, unless the thief provides the wheels and bolts them on.

However, that definitely is a bit extreme for most people. Here is what a friend of mine does with his fiver:

1: He has a kingpin lock on it. It isn't there for security as much as to show a thief that the rig is secured, so someone doesn't try backing up and driving off with it.

2: He has a chain through the wheels, with a real (Abus/Abloy) lock.

3: Before he parked his fiver, he took an augur, dug a fencepost hole about 3-4 feet deep, put a high test security chain (the type that is not cut from the hardware store) with bolts through the links (the bolts were placed on the links that were embedded to ensure the chain would not pull out) partway into the hole, and filled that hole with cement. About 2-3 feet of chain was left protruding from the ground. When the fiver was parked, that chain went around the axle, and was padlocked with a high security padlock.

Needless to say, that fiver didn't move unless he was moving it.

[GoldWingRyder]

I just hang a sign on it;

Protected by Kimber 1911 .45ACP

[goducks10]

Raise the front up about 3-4" above normal. Remove the batteries. Unplugged the front landing gear motor.
Anyone that would go to all that trouble to lower the front via the hand crank or have a battery to hookup the landing gear motor then try and trouble shoot why it won't run deserves to have it.
All that and make sure you have Gap Ins if needed as well as good theft coverage.

[B_O__Plenty]

alboy wrote:
A battery operated cutter will cut your pad lock off before you can count to 3.

I agree! But on the other hand if the one parked next to it has nothing..maybe they'll take that. In any event good insurance is the only answer.

B.O.

[partsman01]

Just curious if during storage a person should just take the pin box off, would that not really deter someone?
Overkill perhaps, but seems like for storage of any length that would be just the ticket.
Mine sits from year to year, but it is in my backyard.

[laknox]

dennyida wrote:
Just a question I have not seen on the forums. What do use on your 5th wheel as a theft deterrent? Is there something that can be locked on the pin so that no one can hook up? I know, a dumb question, but just thinking about winter storage where we cant keep an eye on our baby. Thanks

King pin lock
Cables through the wheels
Blocking and removing the wheels
Locking in a fully enclosed shed so it can't be seen
Active GPS transmitter with its own battery, hidden inside
Replacement value insurance

'Bout all you can do.

Lyle

[rhagfo]

Enclosed Storage yard, with 24/7/365 watch person, video surveillance, and key coded gate for both entrance and exit.

[Wadcutter]

alboy wrote:
A battery operated cutter will cut your pad lock off before you can count to 3.

Note the word 'deterrent". Nothing is 100% theft prevention. Thieves are generally lazy. It's why they're thieves. They're too lazy to work for a living. A bit of deterrent means they'll go somewhere else where it's easier for them to steal something. You're not going to prevent a determined thief. But you can deter the lazy thief.

[alboy]

A battery operated cutter will cut your pad lock off before you can count to 3.

[Coach-man]

We use a kingpin lock, that was made from an old propane tank top. The inside diameter is just slightly larger than the pin. A pad lock is inserted in the holes after sliding on to the pin. As with any theft deterant it only slows down the crooks, but hopefully it will slow them down enpough to consider another coach! It is like the saying, "I do not have to run faster than the bear chasing us, I only have to run faster thanyou"!!!

[Wadcutter]

A short length of log chain and padlock. Nothing fancy. Wrap the chain once around the pin and padlock it as close as possible so it won't slide off.
Nothing will prevent a theft given a determined thief who has enough time and tools. The chain/padlock is simple to use and easy to remove when you're ready to hook back up. The best you can do is make the theft prevention enough that the thief will go somewhere else easier.

[FLY_4_FUN]

Replacement value insurance and a kingpin lock.

Daryll