Proven Lock for storage but what about going-down-the-road protection?

[hobo]

I have researched the threads on this subject and have decided to get the Proven Industrustries lock for our trailer while it's parked/stored.  However, is there a general consensus on what type of lock to put on the tongue while traveling down the road?

 

Thanks, Hobo

[John E Davies]

is there a general consensus

 

LOL, that’s a good one.....  there is no consensus whatsoever, but I really like this combo.

 

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HL2NM0K/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001V5IYT2/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

The collar is forged 304 stainless steel and plenty strong, and the padlock is “high enough” security for travel. It is a snug fit in the hole with no extra movement. It would be tricky to get cutters around it. If you research padlocks, you will find that ones secure enough for long term storage are super expensive. This one is big, intimidating and has a good shielded lock mechanism. After two seasons of use I see no need to change it.

 

If you want to leave the Proven one at home you can add a $20 layer of protection while away from the trailer by inserting a 2” steel ball in the coupler so nobody can drop it onto a smaller hitch ball.

 

https://smile.amazon.com/Inch-Chrome-Steel-Bearing-Balls/dp/B007B2A3VQ/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1CCOSY9FGE1J&keywords=2+steel+ball+bearing&qid=1553432022&s=gateway&sprefix=2”+steel+ball+beain%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-3

 

 

If you don’t already have your hitch setup, we can talk about what works on a Ram 3500....  the truck in the pic had 33 inch tires and the trailer was dead level.

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

[SeaDawg]

We've used the "collar" for the last 11 years, along with the round padlock shown below the photo. I think a number of other people use this type, as well.

Sherry

 

[John E Davies]

 

 

Sherry, that Master disc lock is a “feel good lock” that is poor quality and easily defeated.... 

 

Master locks in general should be avoided since the lock mechanism is junk, unless there is no other option. I really like and use the Master Python cable lock, while realizing that it is mostly a visual deterrent.

 

https://www.asecurelife.com/best-padlocks/

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

[hobo]

John,

 

Your setup is almost exactly what I was thinking relative to the locks.

 

I have a weigh rite hitch which I can set up to be perfectly level with the trailer too.  I also have the same mud flaps you have.  I just need to get outside and put it all together.  I'm three weeks out from having had my hip replaced and almost feel like I can start fooling around with this project now.

 

Thanks for your input.  Always insightful.

 

Hobo

[John E Davies]

Hobo, be sure to rig your Rock Tamers as shown, with some built in rear angle.that lets them fly at a 45 degree angle and deflects stones down onto the road instead of straight back at your truck. I also used two “slopper stoppers”, one in front to lock the ball mount to the receiver, and one behind the RT mount to lock that part in place. No movement or rattles whatsoever.

 

read this.... http://www.clearviewmirrors.com.au/pdf/RT_MANUAL.pdf

 

These additional adjusting instructions are for Oz, I guess RT does not realize we have unpaved road here is USA.... In all my years of towing I have never seen another one set up like this....

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

[SeaDawg]

John, I agree. Your Stanley lock is a much better product. Thanks for the link.

[John E Davies]

Sherry I called the master lock a "feel good lock" for a couple of reasons. It is cheap and appears to be very secure, so it makes an owner feel good. And a thief with a $50 lock pick gun will see it and feel very good....

 

https://www.lockpickshop.com/lock-pick-guns.html

 

Happy trails.

 

 

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

 

 

[underdug]

Hey Hobo

 

Be careful there I purchased a weigh safe aluminum hitch for my Chevy H D in the 2 1/2 in receiver. After looking at my buddies rock tamers they would not fit on the receiver as it was to close to the truck, I called weight safe and their hitches are not compatible with the 2 1/2 hitches they are with the two inch model.

 

Had to send the hitch back so I could use the Rock Tamers. If yours is a weigh safe  2 1/2 it won't work. Just trying to save you some grief.

 

Doug

[hobo]

Hey Hobo

 

Be careful there I purchased a weigh safe aluminum hitch for my Chevy H D in the 2 1/2 in receiver. After looking at my buddies rock tamers they would not fit on the receiver as it was to close to the truck, I called weight safe and their hitches are not compatible with the 2 1/2 hitches they are with the two inch model.

 

Had to send the hitch back so I could use the Rock Tamers. If yours is a weigh safe 2 1/2 it won’t work. Just trying to save you some grief.

 

Doug

 

Doug,

 

 

 

Mine is the 2" and looking at the detailed drawing they sent me, it appears there will be enough room.  I'll dry-fit first to make sure though.  Thanks for the heads-up.

[hobo]

Hobo, be sure to rig your Rock Tamers as shown, with some built in rear angle.that lets them fly at a 45 degree angle and deflects stones down onto the road instead of straight back at your truck. I also used two “slopper stoppers”, one in front to lock the ball mount to the receiver, and one behind the RT mount to lock that part in place. No movement or rattles whatsoever.

 

read this…. http://www.clearviewmirrors.com.au/pdf/RT_MANUAL.pdf

 

These additional adjusting instructions are for Oz, I guess RT does not realize we have unpaved road here is USA…. In all my years of towing I have never seen another one set up like this….

 

John Davies

 

Spokane WA

 

Thanks John.  I just printed your instructions out and will pay attention.

 

 

 

Hobo

 

 

[Mike and Carol]

We use the same thing John D uses.