[Izzy]

I've just had a close shave when I thought my key had bent in the padlock securing my trailer to my van. The spare key (miraculously in the first place I looked) is such a poor copy that it won't work. I have managed to persuade the bent key into shape with 2 pliers but the metal is weak and I can't rely on it.
 
The padlock is a long shank one which fits thru' a hole in the body and handle of the towbar. The trouble with a long shank padlock is that it is a bit vulnerable to a hacksaw.
 
So this whole incident has made me think I should beef up trailer security. My choice is between one of those devices that inserts into the ball coupling (£15ish) and a wheel clamp (£30ish). I am tempted to go for the latter as it also works when you leave your vehicle and trailer together.
 
Do any TASers have views on these devices?

[farmvet]

It's probably worth checking what your insurance company recommend. Even the good wheel clamps can usually be removed if you just deflate the tyre...

[Izzy]

Tks farmvet I hadn't thought about that

[Buttermilk]

Bulldog hitch lock  http://www.bulldog-security-products.co.uk/browse/trailer-plant-equip/hitchlock/28 and wheel clamp http://www.bulldog-security-products.co.uk/browse/equestrian/wheel-clamp/73?r=2  not cheap but very secure.  If someone wants your tailer they will take it whatever you use but this deters most and slows down the rest.

[hughesy]

A point worth mentioning. Don't just think about security for when your trailer is parked. A few weeks ago I came out of starbucks on the way home from the abattoir to find a couple of pikeys checking out my trailer. They had a van with a towbar sitting a few spaces away and could have been away up the dual carriageway and miles away in no time at all. Big chain, big padlock everywhere I go now. We've had a livestock trailer stolen before and the hassle caused was massive.

[Izzy]

Yes I am v aware of security when the trailer is attached to my van.. This is because I sometimes take my trailer to work at an industrial estate where I leave it parked on the street for 8-9 hours. After work I take the trailer to the nearby dump. So the wee padlock is a deterent, along with the contents of the trailer.
 
BTW the pikeys may have been admiring your trailer in a non criminal way. I look at vans/trailers the way other drivers look at sports cars etc!

[hughesy]

BTW the pikeys may have been admiring your trailer in a non criminal way. I look at vans/trailers the way other drivers look at sports cars etc!

One having a fairly close look at the hitch area and the other sat in the van with the engine running. And you should have seen his face when I appeared and said "Oi!, What the f*** do you think you're doing?"