Overkill?

dtstanton · 10-03-2013, 04:46 PM

With respect to the locking devices - is this overkill while parked, or added security? I was originally just using the ball/coupler lock. (I'm leaning towards "overkill".)

I had a heavy hairpin type clip instead of the padlock, but got to thinking of what could happen if the clip failed or came out while towing. I didn't get very pleasant mental images of the possible consequences, so I put a padlock on it today.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.
-Dale

jim44646 · 10-03-2013, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtstanton

With respect to the locking devices - is this overkill while parked, or added security? I was originally just using the ball/coupler lock. (I'm leaning towards "overkill".)

I had a heavy hairpin type clip instead of the padlock, but got to thinking of what could happen if the clip failed or came out while towing. I didn't get very pleasant mental images of the possible consequences, so I put a padlock on it today.

Thoughts?

Thanks in advance.
-Dale

Keep the key tumbler well lubed. I had one freeze up and broke key off

Gene · 10-03-2013, 06:22 PM

Nah, not overkill. Whatever makes you feel comfortable is the thing to do.

bunjin · 10-03-2013, 08:51 PM

I agree. I'm thinking of doing the same thing or similar. At this time I just have the padlock.

Overkill would be to add wheel locks also. Even then.....maybe not!

I plan on a chain and lock on the LP tanks also. While at ADK, Paul told me a case of someone whopping a LP tank on him. He said if they would have hooked up the pigtail he would have just thought he had run empty.

**JohnB** · 10-03-2013, 09:15 PM

If your after anti theft the yellow ball coupler lock helps. If you just use the top latch as a lock, well they drop the camper on a 1 7/8 ball and haul it off.

Most any of these locks are deterrents. Makes them move on to easier picking. If the crook really wants your camper there is no ball lock that will stop them. Stealing is one thing I have very little patience for. If someone is down on their luck, just ask me, odds are high I'll just give it to them. But out right stealing, ... it is the one thing I .......

That said I do lock up my flat bed trailer and the camper. I'm more worried the flat deck will walk then the camper. I keep it out back out of sight and locked

bunjin · 10-03-2013, 09:26 PM

" If you just use the top latch as a lock, well they drop the camper on a 1 7/8 ball and haul it off."

I should have noted that my set-up is with a pin hole under the the hitch. If dropped hard enough....or hammered down on the top of hitch may allow to drop onto a ball.

Oops. I just got what you posted! Under sized ball! That would work very nicely.

A good set of bolt cutters may very well defeat locks.

dtstanton · 10-03-2013, 09:29 PM

Thanks, guys. I appreciate it.

John, I never thought about someone dropping it on a 1 7/8" ball and hauling it off. I was considering putting the ball/coupler lock up, but I guess I'll keep both devices in place. (I also have cameras watching the camper and driveway 24/7.)

Actually, I added the padlock for towing security. I've heard a story or two about the hairpin clip failing or coming out, and the coupler un-hitching while on the road.

We agree on the thievery.
-Dale

**JohnB** · 10-03-2013, 09:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dtstanton

I've heard a story or two about the hairpin clip failing or coming out, and the coupler un-hitching while on the road.

-Dale

Yes, if your are using a hair pin clip, push it 100% of the way all the way through into the ring end. Then odds are in your favor ot not come out. If someone just leaves it in the snap on bend area over the pin, that is not good.

Like this, see the pin is all the way through

As far as overkill, I also tie up the 7 wire plug cover with twisty wire. I have had the 7 wire flop back before. The good part is my truck gives me an alarm on the dash when the trailer brakes are not sensed as soon as it happens. Gives me a bit of time to pull over and deal with it before I really need it.

And another one, grease the tow ball. There have been documented cases the ball can unscrew given the wrong conditions with a totally dry tow ball. The high pressure of a WD hitch on the tow ball even more agravates this. Plus the grease helps extend the ball coupler life.

The over kill helps reduce the odds of a mishap occurring.

bunjin · 10-03-2013, 09:52 PM

The 100% pin engagement... I do. The other suggestions are new to me.

Thanks John!

dtstanton · 10-04-2013, 04:37 AM

I'm really glad I got the padlock now! I didn't even have a pin for the clip to go in - just the clip through the release! I had no idea...!

It was just a heavy-duty hairpin clip like that, going through the release handle. Not any more!

Never did consider the other two things. I have never greased the ball or even thought of the 7-pin coming out. Thank you, John! I will be prepared and take care of those before our next outing (in a few weeks).

**JohnB** · 10-04-2013, 05:21 AM

Heads up on the grease on the ball….

It “seems” I have a magnetic attraction for grease direct to my pant legs…. Trust me, my wife reminds me all the time. And I have tested there is something about Columbia trekking pants that soaking the offending spot with Tide, the grease patch comes right out. Ready for the next application…

To help offset the phenomenon… I use a zip lock bag over the tow ball “instantly” once the grease ball… becomes exposed. It helps… I go through about 2 to 3 zip lock bags a year. I have seen others use a tennis ball partly cut, they even make a vinyl cover just for this. Never made it to those covers yet, the zip lock bags are still going strong and the price is right.

Dale, I must of missed how you where using the hairpin clip, if it was just the clip on the latch and no pin.. oh yeh, convert to a pin and a clip 100% through and or a lock.

OhhWell · 10-04-2013, 05:46 AM

I have quite a few pairs of shorts with grease marks on the thigh area....

Jim-Bev-2363 · 10-04-2013, 06:59 AM

I have three Master Locks that are keyed alike. Convenient to have only one key.

One for the tongue:

One for receiver:

One for LP tanks:

JohnB, Good to see chains crossed as they should be.

I do clean the grease from the ball and the tongue when I feel much grit. Do not need the sanding action of the dirt. Plus, I do use dielectric grease. Maybe not necessary but what the heck, it is only grease. http://www.etrailer.com/Accessories-...tic/11755.html

dtstanton · 10-04-2013, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnB

Heads up on the grease on the ball….

It “seems” I have a magnetic attraction for grease direct to my pant legs….

I have this little thing that happens to me. If it's on my hands, it will wind up on my clothes. Simple as that. <G>

Quote:

Dale, I must of missed how you where using the hairpin clip, if it was just the clip on the latch and no pin.. oh yeh, convert to a pin and a clip 100% through and or a lock.

I didn't show it in the pic, nor was I clear about that. Sorry. I did take care of that with the padlock.

If you look close, you can see how I was doing it, John. My ignorance could have gotten me in trouble! I know now. Never occurred to me before.

**JohnB** · 10-04-2013, 08:01 PM

Dale, no worries. Now you know, you learned and are better for it.

Trust me we all do some things we look back and say, dang I was lucky back then...

None of us are born with it, we all have to learn it. What a better place than on SOC!

BTW, the paint job looks really great!

dtstanton · 10-04-2013, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnB

None of us are born with it, we all have to learn it. What a better place than on SOC!

Agree 100%!

Quote:

BTW, the paint job looks really great!

Thank you, sir! I tried to keep the general lines/style, and still spruce her up a bit.