Gulf Coast Fisherman Magazine Vol 39 No. 1 | Page 12

by David Ayers Equipment Notebook TRAILER SECURITY N o matter how well you protect your boat or trailer, if someone truly wants to steal it, they will probably find a way. However, most thieves are opportunistic. A simple philosophy is to make stealing your boat or trailer more difficult or bothersome than the thief’s next opportunity. To do that, at least some level of trailer security is desirable. You can spend as much as you like for anti-theft systems now on the market, but the first level of 1. Here are three commonly used padlocks. Any of these are a better choice than a simple, unlocking hitch pin. 2. Using a padlock that can not be easily cut with a hacksaw or with bolt cutters is the better choice. 3. Some receivers have hitch pins that easily accept common padlocks. Never use makeshift keeper pins. 4. Locking your receiver to your tow vehicle can deter theft. 5. Best practice is to use a coupler locking device, similar to this one, on an unattended trailer, while at home or away. 12 defense is to simply use locks - both when your trailer is coupled to your tow vehicle and when it is unattended. Below are some commonly used lock types. Use one that isn’t easily accessible by bolt cutters or hack saws. It’s better to have security devices that are easily seen, even consider spray painting locks a bright color. Anything you can do to cause a potential thief to move on past your boat and trailer is worth it! 6. Newer trailer coupler locks can be accepted on a wider array of coupler types, even rolled lip couplers . GULF COAST FISHERMAN Photos by author. W W W. G U L F F I S H I N G. C O M