Does anyone lock the van to the car while travelling? Sometimes when I'm parked up a side street I often wonder how safe is my van. Doesn't take a lot to unhitch. I tow a trailer behind a motorcycle which I lock together using a heavy duty padlock via the safety chain. It will not stop someone who is determined (and prepared) to nick the trailer but it does give me some peace of mind.
I use a snap spring hook while travelling to prevent the little clip from coming open. If aluminium teepee is on car and I am stationary for any length of time and away from car I put a padlock on instead of the hook. Just a little help, as if anyone really wants the teepee they will get it anyway.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
I have been putting a small padlock on mine for about six years - ever since we were parked in a small town in western NSW, went to local shops and came back to find a couple of teenagers pulling the coupling back just to see if van came off as we travelled on. Small padlock a couple of dollars, peace of mind priceless.
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Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan
Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
ditto to a small padlock through the hitch.
I guess you also need to consider that they could just remove the ball assembly (hitch) from your receiver and stick it in their own :)
Depends on your set up though and type of towbar.
I think the small padlock would only deter the opportunistic theif rather than someone dedicated to the task
We've been putting a small padlock on our boat trailer, camper trailer & caravan for over 20 years, good insurance.
Last time this subject came up someone suggested it was illegal to do so because if there was an accident the need may arise to separate the caravan from the tug quickly.
No proof was shown though.
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Cheers Keith & Judy
Don't take life too seriously, it never ends well.
Trip Reports posted on feathersandphotos.com.au Go to Forums then Trip Reports.
We've been putting a small padlock on our boat trailer, camper trailer & caravan for over 20 years, good insurance.
Last time this subject came up someone suggested it was illegal to do so because if there was an accident the need may arise to separate the caravan from the tug quickly.
No proof was shown though.
That was my understanding too, but never verified. I leave the padlock on but unlocked when driving, lock it when parked.
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Cheers,
Tony
"Opinion is the medium between ignorance and knowledge" - Plato
Unfortunately I have one of these and it is proving difficult to secure whilst travelling. Met a chap on my travels recently who had one and changed it to the normal coupler for security. However he said he misses the quietness of the ALKO coupling. No noise when travelling.
The ALKO clamps tightly onto a special ball. It's much quieter than what you noted above. I had that setup on a Jayco camper. It could be other things but my ALKO makes virtually no noise. Unfortunately I cannot use an of-the-shelf guide. Making one is like making a round tuit.
