Theft Prevention Recommendations for a 5th Wheel Trailer

Updated 04/18/2013 | Published 04/17/2013

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer 5th Wheel King Pin Lock - Keyed Alike

(200)

$25.81

Rack'Em Lock'em Magnum Wheel Lock - Steel - 12" - 20" Wheels

(235)

$155.06

Question:

What would it hurt to pull the breakaway pin while my Fifth Wheel is in storage? Obviously, Id need to re it before hitching up the trailer and leaving with it, but wouldnt it PREVENT anyone else from moving said trailer if the pin was not in place? Cautions or concerns in doing this?

asked by: Mtn W

Expert Reply:

You could remove your breakaway switch pin while your trailer is in storage, however, a determined thief will get what they want in the end. If he went through the trouble to break in and attempt steal your trailer, it would not be a problem for him to simply cut the wires from the breakaway switch. Cutting the wires from the breakaway switch would be fast and easy.

Another factor to consider is that the battery will only last for a short time and it will drain completely. Leaving the battery completely dead for extended periods of time is not healthy for a battery.

A more effective solution would be either a king pin lock or wheel lock. For king pin lock, you could use the our King Pin Lock, # e98896. This would deter the thief from trying to hitch up to your trailer if another trailer does not have a coupler lock.

You could also add a wheel lock. The key to theft prevention is the amount of theft deterrents that your trailer has. Adding a wheel lock like the Rackem Lockem Magnum Wheel Lock, # RA-25, would be a great addition. Individually, these items may not take a thief that long to overcome, but if a potential thief sees more than one obstacle, he is more likely to move on.

expert reply by: John H