Two Trimax Wheel Chocks Locks? Really?

Me_and_My_Dog

I just bought two Trimax wheel chock locks from Amazon Prime, and I'm wondering if I overdid it. Maybe I should send one back? I mean, has anyone ever heard of a T@B getting stolen with even one of the puppies attached?

hymie

Following - about to do the same

Nomad

To be honest, I have one and very rarely use it. Probably the most dangerous place is when it's parked at/around your home. If one camps mostly in campgrounds others are looking out for you. Boondocking with no others around, I'll boot it up. But with hitch lock, jacks down, etc. they'd need to spend some time and that's the discouraging part.
But, I guess it depends on the part of the country you camp in also.

Photomom

It is theoretically possible to jack up the trailer, remove the booted wheel, put the spare on and drive off. No idea if this happens or not in reality.

If we're going to be out all day we use a wheel lock and a tongue lock. With the awning attached it would be a production for someone to take it. If someone wants it badly enough we figure they'll find a way, but we don't want to make it easy. We also have really good insurance.

jkjenn

I use one Trimax and a hitch lock. Good insurance is my back-up.

LauraRey

I actually bought two wheel locks as well.  Why?  Because it sits in my driveway all day, at the edge of a conservation area.  I just didn't want it disappearing.  We live in a huge metropolitan area, and my husband has had a motorcycle stolen (v-max) previously. (It was literally lifted onto a truck from his backyard at the time and they drove off.)

  Yes, they can jack it up and put on the spare, but they would have to bring an extra spare...and by the time they had done that, my neighbours would probably have gotten suspicious.  

marknjudy

I like making it difficult for them. I also bought some locking lug nuts just to make it more difficult. I have two trimax locks but have only used one so far, and two hitch locks. I stay in safe places but that doesn't mean it can't happen. 

Ratkity

Most security experts suggest a layered security system. One trimax-type wheel lock, locking lug nuts and maybe a nice hitch lock - of course, good insurance. With bigger trailers, I've heard of thieves just driving down the road with the wheel boot on and it'll eventually fall off.

There are 3 kinds of thieves (generally): the quick and dirty solo thief who can probably pick one lock type or break a window with a screwdriver handle - in and out in less than 30 sec and looking for quick stuff to lift and sell; then the semi-pro who can pick locks (although two locks types would take too much time) takes a fairly light-weight bolt cutter and scopes out when you'll be around or not and spends a little more time, but still wants a quick steal..... then the last type is the one that is pure professional and usually works in a group, takes orders, has all the tools, picking locks are for sissies - nothing you can do about a pro like that, except for to have good insurance and/or neighbors on the lookout. 

Because of their uniqueness, it takes a really stupid thief to steal a T@B. On this forum, we have seen a couple teardrops that have been stolen and recovered because of security cameras from neighbors/businesses and astute/aware people watching their surroundings (and social media/news alerts). If you want to have 2 wheel boots, get two different brands. If a thief can pick one type, there's a chance he can't pick the other type or it'll take too much time.

Not sure if any of this information helps.

Nomad

Hard to get away with a T@B - They're so distinctive.

Me_and_My_Dog

Yes, very helpful. The multi-layered approach makes good sense. And the idea of two separate types of wheel boots. Offends my sense of balance, but that's the not the point. Thank you!

Me_and_My_Dog

LauraRey said:

I actually bought two wheel locks as well.  Why?  Because it sits in my driveway all day, at the edge of a conservation area.  I just didn't want it disappearing.  We live in a huge metropolitan area, and my husband has had a motorcycle stolen (v-max) previously. (It was literally lifted onto a truck from his backyard at the time and they drove off.)

  Yes, they can jack it up and put on the spare, but they would have to bring an extra spare...and by the time they had done that, my neighbours would probably have gotten suspicious.  

These are good anecdotes. It depends where they are parked. Mine is tucked in-between my house and the neighbor's house, covered, with the trash cans and my SUV in front, on a well traveled street with a giant streetlight, my big dog inside and in the yard a few feet away, and with neighbors who look out for each other. So, perhaps my situation is less vulnerable. Thanks for taking the time to share.

Me_and_My_Dog

jkjenn said:

I use one Trimax and a hitch lock. Good insurance is my back-up.

I can see myself following the same regimen. One Trimax or other wheel lock, hitch lock, and insurance.

Me_and_My_Dog

I think I'll send at least one Trimax back, and explore my insurance options. Thanks for the input.

I'm mostly concerned with locking my T@B to my TV when I have to leave it in the parking lot for shopping or pit stops. My older DM T@B has a tiny little brass coupler lock that is apparently fragile and a PITA when it breaks inside the chamber. I may have just wasted $26 purchasing that. Still looking for a solution.

AldebaranJill

I have two and use both. Do whatever helps you sleep well at night. If most people have one, that makes mine that much less appealing. Also camped recently with a friend with a new T@B who didn't have a wheel lock. Since I had two, had one to spare. 

Nomad

That's the key - Do what makes you feel comfortable/safe.
Personally, mine hasn't been out of the Jeep in nine months.

Sharon_is_SAM

PXLated, just a thought, is using such a lock a condition for insurance coverage in case of theft?

Nomad

Not on my insurance. Can't imagine it is on others as I can't recall ever seeing a wheel lock in a campground. If I was storing in my yard or driveway I'd probably use it though.