RE: Pop-up security

[cam]

 We like to keep the PU home during camping season to take advantage of those, " why don t we go to ? for a couple of days"   type trips.   A while ago there were a few PU stolen right off folk s driveways, so I took a tire off  (and the spare) and put it on blocks.  i figured if someone wanted it, they would have to bring a wheel that fit the hub, and well at least they would have to work for it.[][]
 
 Turn s out though, that is a pain in the a#$.  Everytime you want to move it or go some where you need to grab a wheel, a jack and tire wrench...and the PU sitting on blocks looks a little goofy.  
 
 Basically I need another (cheap) security system... Anyone have a suggestion?[]

[garym053]

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I don t think anything is foolproof if they want it badly enough but I have used a hitch lock- slides over the hitch and covers the opening where the ball would go, then a keyed lock turns and locks it in place. A padlock and chain through the frame and around a tree, or through the spokes of both wheels. I used to padlock the locking lever on the hitch down, but then realized that the clamp at the other end that holds it to the ball simply has a nut on it! Although it probably would still discourage most!

[MtnCamper]

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If it were me.......
 
 I would dig a hole probably about a foot around and a foot and a half deep. Then go to the Hardware store and buy a U-bolt, hardened if possible, then fill the hole with sac-crete, leaving the end of the U-Bolt exposed. Then I would chain the frame down to the U-Bolt.
 
 BUT, chain it where it s very visible! I wouldn t chain the axle, someone may think they can pull it, and bend it all up, or wreck it in process of trying to steal it. Then leave you with a mess to straighten out!
 
 If someone sees the chain and the way it s secured, they may move (probably) to an easier target. I would run the chain and lock directly behind the hitch lever.

[Gone-Camping]

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That would work only if the thief is in a hurry! The only problem with that is, a pair of bolt cutters would take care of that chain in about 10 seconds!!!
 
 Placing locks on the coupler would help, and removing the chains so they can t use them would also help. And it s pretty unlikely the would be thief carries around a leveling jack handle, so perhaps lowering all four stabilizers and locking your stabilizer handle away would be beneficial, they can t tow it anywhere with those in the down position, they wouldn t even be able to lower the tongue onto their hitch ball... it s not fool proof either, but would help...
 
 Go to the local dog pound and adopt a very viscous dog & chain him to the coupler, and hope he is not so strong he pulls your PU down the street behind him... []

[Starcraft Dad]

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I m getting one of these:
 
 http://www.trailerlock.com/
 
 At least it will take someone some time to get it off and with a good amount of noise I would think.

[barbjeff]

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I too keep the trailer in the driveway for those unplanned moments during the summer.
 In terms of security I use a hitch lock and lower the stabilizer legs. If I m going to be away for a couple of days I turn the PU around and butt the tounge up against the garage door, this in combination with the lock and stabilizer legs lowered gives me some piece of mind.
 But I know that is someone really wants to take it there is very little I can do to stop the pros.[]

[jpreiser]

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I am sure there is an animal shelter near you..... Get the biggest , meanest dog, and keep him near the pop up no one will ever go near it!![]

[barbjeff]

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LOL[] I m sure that would work ,but our mutt would bark once.....then help the guy find the key to the lock!!![&:]

[Catonsville Camper]

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Hey CAM.  Do you have a security systems at home?  If so, your security dealer can hook up a pull-apart switch like a window or door magnet.  I keep my PU in the drive and have thought about thiefs.  Don;t know what it would cost though.

[la62pv]

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I like that Trailor Keeper that Starcraft Dad is thinking about buying.  I m thinking about getting one also!

[joe2]

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I have a lock made for my hitch... It is made by MasterLock and has ball that fits into the hitch...seems pretty secure.
 Here is a link to the MasterLock website with a picture and info
 
 http://www.masterlock.com/cgi-bin/app_search.pl?layer=layer2&cat_id=B85&sub_cat_id=D377A
 
 And while I was looking aroind I found this by MasterLock too
 http://www.masterlock.com/cgi-bin/app_search.pl?layer=layer2&cat_id=B85&sub_cat_id=D33A
 
 Got mine at Walmart[]
 

[startx]

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We use the second style of lock that joe2 posted, but not made by masterlock.
 
 We have had a trailer stolen, and honestly we were more upset by what was in it, as we were the trailer itself.  The trailer is easier to replace, it is the camping gear that is passed down from generation to generation that you can t replace that hurts.
 
 Basically your best bet is at least do something, something visible, " maybe"  they will move on.  Keep a good insurance policy, and try not to worry about it too much.  Our camper stays in our driveway all the time, and yes, even now, after almost four years, I still drive down the street and look for the tongue to appear around the edge of the garage as I get closer to the camper.
 
 We also have great neighbors, and they have been told that under no circumstances do we loan the camper to anyone.  If someone is messing with our camper, call the cops first, and ask questions later, because you can assume they are up to NO GOOD! []

[FL Crackers]

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I just installed the trailer lock suggested by Starcraft Dad.  Easy enough to install and certainly looks effective.  I do have a couple of concerns tho.
 
 When setting up I m going to have to remember to get the wheel rotated correctly each time to align the fitting.
 
 Also, I m worried about the little extra weight on the hub and what it will do to the wheel balance at high speeds.  Unless I can find someone to balance the wheels while on the camper, there s no way to compensate for the extra weight.

[wssfetch]

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I keep my PU in a spot in the yard that requires just the right turning and manuvering around to hitch up and haul it out.  Since I do it all the time it is easy for me, but anyone else would be stymied for a while.