ways to prevent trailer theft, trailer theft protection, how to prevent trailer theft, how do I prevent trailer theft, trailer theft prevention
vent Trailer Theft
locks is that you have to unhitch your
trailer from your towing vehicle to put
the lock in place. You also have to make
sure you don’t lose the key.
• Tongue locks. These allow you to
include the trailer chains when securing
the hitch. In some situations, thieves
have literally dragged the trailer away by
the chains if they couldn’t use the hitch.
• Coupler locks. You can usually use
these while your trailer is still hitched to
your vehicle, depending on the design.
They prevent the thief from being able
to hook up to the coupler.
• Trailer-wheel locks. When you attach
these devices on the outside of the
tires, thieves find it nearly impossible to
move the trailer.
• Alarms. Trailer alarms are similar to
car alarms. Sensors attached to the
trailer doors will sound if the door is
opened. Some alarms are equipped
with sensors that are designed to go off
if someone tries to move the trailer or
tamper with the locks.
• Tracking devices. Although tracking
devices don’t necessarily deter theft,
they’ll make it easier to find your trailer
if it is stolen. Tracking devices use global
positioning system (GPS) technology to
tell you where your trailer is located. In
most cases, you’ll need to subscribe to
a tracking service, which will allow you
to locate your trailer online.
Insure your trailer. Although your
3 trailer is automatically insured on
your towing vehicle’s policy in the event
of an accident, theft is another matter,
says Debbie DeTurk, an account executive
with Markel Insurance Company. “If
USRider ® Equestrian Motor Plan
Hitch Up! e-Magazine • Fall 2009
you want theft coverage for your trailer,
you have to request an addition to your
auto policy,” she says. If your auto
insurer doesn’t offer trailer-theft coverage,
insure your trailer by a company
specializing in such policies.”
If you have homeowner’s or renter’s
insurance, your policy should cover the
trailer’s contents. (Verify this coverage
with your insurance agent.) Keep careful
records, including photos, of all the
items you keep inside your trailer.
document your trailer. If your
4 trailer is stolen, keeping the right
documentation and records in your
files will help law-enforcement officials
track it down.
Take photos of your trailer from all
sides, for the police and for stolen-trailer
flyers. Record a complete description
of your trailer’s model number, along
with details on the type of windows,
ramp, and interior. Keep your trailer’s
vehicle identification number (VIN) and
registration card with you when you’re
not in your towing vehicle. Also, keep
with you photos and descriptions of
the items inside your trailer so you can
report these items as stolen. USR
Audrey Pavia, a freelance writer based
in Norco, California, is a competitive
trail rider and member of the North
American Trail Ride Conference. She’s
the author of Trail Riding: A Complete
Guide (Howell Book House imprint of
Wiley) and Horse Lover’s Daily Companion
(Quarry Books imprint of Quayside
Publishing Group).
Live-Link resources
Click on any company below to
go to its website. (Note: USRider
doesn’t endorse companies
featured; they’re listed for
informational purposes only.)
Trailer Paint/Decals/
Stencils/Reflective
Safety Strips
Auto Body Art
Caution Horses Safety
Products
Reflectively Yours
SmartPak Equine
Trailer Graphics
Hitch Locks/Alarms/
Tracking Devices
Blue Ox
EnFo Track
GPS North America
Gus Hill Industries
Heartland Lock
Motorheads
Protec-System One
Quick Coupler
Trailer and Tow
Trailer-Alarms.com
Trailer Insurance
The Creelman Agency
Cross Country Insurance Agency
Jorene Mize Insurance Agency
Markel Insurance Company
Quality Equine Insurance
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