Trailer Security

[Yukon]

Anyone have any experience with the security coupler lock from Proven Industries . Looks substantial ''I was told model 2178-B will handle the 2 inch Bulldog . Also see a hot item is a Peweg Chain with a Assa High Security Padlock which is run through the wheel holes up around the axle and secured. Not sure if Oliver type wheels have the clearance to run the chain through ?

[roguebooks]

I like this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Collar-Trailer-Bulldog-style-Couplers-Including/dp/B00HL2NM0K/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=mewlhouse-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=c3d4c28a957d2958331759cc4e87c6f9&creativeASIN=B00HL2NM0K

[roguebooks]

padlocks: https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-steel-Padlock-Storage-locks/dp/B071LK4VQP/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=mewlhouse-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=19334b2c98c47a6ca25a2faca78cdf18&creativeASIN=B071LK4VQP

 

cable: https://www.amazon.com/ABUS-10KS-Security-Chain-Sleeve/dp/B005UMCBL4/ref=as_sl_pc_tf_til?tag=mewlhouse-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=41354bf8662a346170a6b978c7b671ac&creativeASIN=B005UMCBL4

[roguebooks]

Also, here is a previous post I made on my travel blog about securing our Ollie:

https://cloudssoswiftrv.tumblr.com/post/172164330189/washing-and-securing-the-ollie-march-20-2018

[John E Davies]

I can’t find much pricing info on Assa locks, do you have a link?

 

I too like The Collar, it is solid and very compact, but the main problem is that it does not block the big hole in the coupler. A thief might be able to lower it onto a 7/8 “ ball and drive away.

 

Adding a hardened 2 inch ball bearing inside your coupler would fix that. ... https://www.amazon.com/Inch-Chrome-Steel-Bearing-Ball/dp/B0074VCP8S/ref=sr_1_4?s=industrial&ie=UTF8&qid=1524662203&sr=1-4&keywords=2+inch+ball+bearing

 

I am using this lock through The Collar....https://www.amazon.com/Stanley-Hardware-S828-160-Shrouded-Hardened/dp/B001V5IYT2/ref=br_lf_m_87a5jnww68ca6zo_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&s=hi

 

I’m sure it isn’t nearly as pick resistant as the Assa, but it does feel and operate very soldly. It is heavy with a well shielded mechanism. It does not stick up like a disc lock.

 

I would suggest a long Python cable lock through the wheels, but they are so very easy to pick. I do have one securing my cans to the tongue tray, it is a visual deterrent mostly.

 

Stuff down low is much easier to cut, but that square chain looks pretty cut proof, if it will go into the wheel holes. Hardened chain is an absolute nightmare to shorten, you have to use a grinder or cutoff wheel and it is very time consuming.

 

Layers of protection! Several cheaper solutions are worth considering, no thief wants to have to disable several locks and then he finds you removed the fuses for the jacks....

 

If I were truly worried about long term storage I would take off at least two wheels and remove them from the site.

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

[Mike and Carol]

Also, here is a previous post I made on my travel blog about securing our Ollie:

<iframe title="Tumblr post" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://embed.tumblr.com/embed/post/oIkD2MUZi66i6sAGWx6k-w/172164330189?width=542&language=en_US&did=057e8db0da3fb72cd40aad8b4d758cd7c3e39e2c" class="tumblr-embed tumblr-embed-loaded" height="2092" style="display: block; padding: 0px; margin: 10px 0px; border: none; visibility: visible; width: 542px; min-height: 200px; max-width: 100%;"></iframe><script async="" src="https://assets.tumblr.com/post.js"></script>

 

We used this same lock on ours. It won’t stop a determined thief but provides deterrence. I believe most thefts aren’t when camping but when in storage. Mike

[Mike and Carol]

This what we’re using. It is an Abus padlock. It’s not going to prevent a determined thief but does provide some deterrence. I believe most thefts occur while in storage not camping. Mike

 

 

 

 

[Rumline]

MontanaOliver, are you planning to run that chain through the wheels? It looks pretty large...

[mossemi]

Medeco locks are part of the ASSA ABLOY Group. I have a house full of Medeco door locks and I am very satisfied with their products. The communications industry has used the Medeco brand of locks at remote and secure facilities for years. The locks and keys are controlled through the Medeco dealer network, so you have to buy from them. Check the dealer tab at this site for locations and additional information.

 

[KountryKamper]

Anyone have any experience with the security coupler lock from Proven Industries . Looks substantial ”I was told model 2178-B will handle the 2 inch Bulldog . Also see a hot item is a Peweg Chain with a Assa High Security Padlock which is run through the wheel holes up around the axle and secured. Not sure if Oliver type wheels have the clearance to run the chain through ?

 

We have the Proven Ind. lock and so far I like it. Takes a minute to get the hook in it and the Oliver hooks are so big only one will fit.

 

[mossemi]

Rumline wrote:

MontanaOliver, are you planning to run that chain through the wheels? It looks pretty large…

Sorry about not being more clear…I purchased two different lengths in two different cross sectional sizes. 1/2″ and 3/8″ with the smaller one sheathed in a protective wrap (basic hydraulic hose sleeve). I plan to use which ever will fit through the wheel holes. If the 1/2″ works, I’ll run to Tractor Supply or a hyd hose shop and purchase some hose protective sleeve and duplicate the ABUS chain.

I also purchased two different lock shackle diameters:

Abus 37HB/55KA-5544653 RK Granit Extreme Security Steel Padlock – 2″

Abus 37RK/70 Granit Extreme Security Steel Padlock

ABUS chain

 

I have owned an Abus chain and lock for nearly 20 years. It is used for motorcycle security. I tried to run it through the holes in the Ollie wheels, didn’t fit. The link diameter measures 15/32” and the total width of the chain is 1-9/16”. I am going to call that the 1/2” chain and not the 3/8” chain Roguebooks posted.

 

[Yukon]

I see a issue with the Bulldog hitch assembly being completely removed with simple socket wrench and driver. Slap on a new Bulldog and new bolts and your ready to go"" It looks to me like a wheel deterrent is the only way to go''

[Alison]

Yukon wrote:

Anyone have any experience with the security coupler lock from Proven Industries . Looks substantial ”I was told model 2178-B will handle the 2 inch Bulldog . Also see a hot item is a Peweg Chain with a Assa High Security Padlock which is run through the wheel holes up around the axle and secured. Not sure if Oliver type wheels have the clearance to run the chain through ?

This is what I have as well; I don’t know if the 2178-B is the correct p/n but it is what I purchased. I’ll let you know in a week when I pick up our trailer. I believe Mike and Carol (Moderator on OTT) uses the Proven Industries lock; maybe he’ll chime in a verify. My locks are ABUS and I replaced the Proven Industries aluminum bodied puck lock with a steel/brass/security pinned puck lock I had on hand, similar to this but much older: American puck lock

Purchased the chain and locks at the links below: Both companies provided decent communications via email and shipping was as expected. I ordered all the ABUS locks keyed alike, which will cost you just a bit more and takes longer to receive as it is a factory only option.

ABUS Granite locks

PEWAG chain and Granite lock combo

The Granite locks are very nice locks. I also ordered a couple of these just because I liked ’em and one can never have enough locks; keyed alike as well: ABUS monoblock lock

MontanaOliver,

When you have a chance, I’d love to know if the 2178-B Proven Industries Lock fit and if you are happy with it. Also, did your chain work through the tire? We pick up in less than a month and I’m deciding on a hitch lock.

 

Many Thanks,

Alison

 

[ScubaRx]

For the 2” bulldog coupler you do indeed need the model 2178-B.

 

For those with the 2 5/16” bulldog coupler, you need the 2516-B.

 

These locks are probably the best and most reliable on the market. I own the 2516-B and if I had any negative thing to say it would be how heavy it is. BUT, were it not this heavy it would not be nearly as effective as it is.

[Mainiac]

To keep someone from "borrowing" your Oliver, I like the idea of removing the fuse to the front jack. However, we also think instead of that, we might add a switch to the inside of the camper. Open the door to the camper, throw the switch. The jack would now be operational. If in storage, lower the tongue to make it necessary to raise to hook up. We will have to see about the ease of doing this. Should be a simple fix.

 

Has there ever been a recorded instance of anyone taking an Oliver? I would think with so few out there they would be a desirable target, but easily identifiable. Hence hard to hide?

[BackofBeyond]

Security is always an effort to prevent, knowing nothing is absolute. If a thief wants your stuff, and is resourceful enough, they will steal what they want. At some point, trying to prevent theft becomes more intrusive on your personal life, than the risk represents. Short of being present, and armed, I have usually just tried to be more preventative than the next guy, hoping the crooks take the path of least resistance. At the Guntersville event I looked at several of the security locks Oliver owners were using, I was impressed with the Gushill units, and will most likely purchase their products, with the best puck lock I can find.

 

Between that and my canine security guard, that will have to be enough. Common sense, preparation, and awareness have served me well for the last many, many years, from one end of the country to the other, I'll keep doing what's worked - so far.

 

On an aside, I never thought about the mischief that could happen while parked in route (say at a restaurant). The idea that some smarta** would undo my hitch latch, never occurred to me. I heard this warning Sunday, and will take measures to protect for such mischief. Perhaps we need some sort of human bug zapper protecting a 20 foot zone around the Ollie.

[Overland]

The idea that some smarta** would undo my hitch latch, never occurred to me. I heard this warning Sunday, and will take measures to protect for such mischief.

 

I worry more about stuff like this and petty campsite theft, much more than anyone actually trying to haul away the trailer. My hitch uses two pins, so I had eTrailer make me two with matching keys (and a third for a backup), more to protect us from mischievous kids than from theft. The only thing I don't like about theirs is that the pins don't have a hole for a pin clip to hold them in place in case the lock fails. I'd love to find some longer ones with both a groove for a lock and a hole for a pin clip.

[Alison]

Thanks for the info, Mark. We won't use ours a lot either - mainly when doing dispersed camping here in Colorado when we are away from the camper for the day. I ordered the Proven Industries lock and the collar lock recommended by users here. I'll hold off dealing with the chain for the wheels until we go on our first boondock trip this summer, but I'm glad to know we should get the smaller one. I like your trailer name! I let my 9 year old name ours and she chose Squidward.

 

Alison

[Bruce W]

Did you end up with 3/8 or 1/2" chain?

 

How long is the chain?

 

Thanks in advance.

[Mingy]

I have a Proven Industries lock.  Very imposing piece of metal, a bit tricky to install the first few times.  Looks like it will do the job.  I also am going to install a GPS tracker today under the AC shroud.

 

Pulling a jack fuse is something else I have done and I agree that a kill switch for the jacks would be a most welcome mod.  Can one get grade 8 security bolts for the coupler?  If so I'll try that.

 

You can make it difficult enough so that most thieves will give up if they have to spend a lot of time outside the vehicle futzing around.  And have a way to track your vehicle if they succeed.

 

(Only if you find it, don't expect police to actually make an arrest, even if they catch the thief inside the trailer.  That's dangerous.  It's safer to block 3 lanes of traffic, during rush hour, because some schmuck dropped his transfer case pulling out of Dairy Queen.  8 cops will respond to that with a quickness, and block all three lanes, instead of one cop pushing the truck back into the parking lot.  I wouldn't have their job, but I pay their salaries, and the way they allocate their resources leaves much to be desired around here.)

 

An NRA Instructor sticker in the window wouldn't hurt.

 

Maybe there is a way to hide a pygmy rattlesnake under the coupler.  That would get their day off to a flying start.

 

Mingy

 

 

 

 

[Geronimo John]

@John D:

 

You are right about the Python Cable Locks.  They are junk.

 

Product Review: 

 

What do you think of carrying a length of logging chain and two security locks?  Where added security is needed, park Ollie's tongue near a suitable tree, rock or table.  Lock one of the chain to this site anchor, and run the chain to Ollie's frame.

[Bruce W]

We are picking up our trailer in April. I'm looking at the Proven Industries 2516-B coupler lock. We are getting a hitch with a 2-5/16 ball.

 

What does it mean that "Oliver hooks are so big only one will fit." ?

 

Anyone have a picture of their setup with a 2516-B coupler lock?