We're traveling, towing a boat home, and are struggling to figure out an itinerary for the return leg because of the fear of leaving the boat in the parking lot of an edge-of-the-interstate hotel overnight. We've had the same concern when towing car trailers with random stuff on it (tires/rims, gas cans, etc.)
Am I missing an easy solution to this struggle, or is that just life and you have to lock up everything you can, and hope it's there in the AM? I've pondered calling around to like mini storage places along my route to see what a night would cost behind the fence for the trailer... Not sure if that's a reasonable idea.
I've always just tried to book a hotel in a safe area then just left it hooked up to my truck with a locking pin in the hitch
What about a towing company? Some of them tow cars from no parking areas, and store them until fees are paid. I would think they would have a secure lot with room and would not mind making a few $$$ for one night.
In reply to Spearfishin :
How big of a boat? Big enough to sleep in?
If I'm uncomfortable about the area the hotel is in, I try to park in a corner so that the trailer isn't easily leaving without going through my truck. Or park on a hill, etc.
Just basically trying not to look like the easiest target around. I figure if it looks like a hassle to steal my trailer, then I won't be the first target.
Are there trucks that sound the security alarm if you disconnect a trailer while the doors are locked? Seems like any tow vehicle with an integrated brake controller could have a feature like this.
I have also considered getting stickers that say "multiple hidden GPS security tags on both trailer and cargo" and placing them in highly visible spots when standing at the hitch.
Also, back your trailer into a curb to park. That way it can't be moved backwards.
I usually back into the curb next to the end of the lot or island. I also try to be behind the building away from the main road. Everything small and portable gets taken out of the boat and either carried inside or stored in the truck.
All you can do is try to keep an honest person honest.
I travel with a trailer very frequently, usually I do my best to park in a well lit part of the lot, near the front doors, or back in against a curb wherever possible. Unfortunately a motivated thief is going to find a way to make your life more difficult regardless of what you do, so all there really is for it is to make it hard enough to dissuade lazy criminals and then try not to worry about the rest.
For longer situations, I have had good luck parking trailers for a week or two at storage facilities. They're generally accommodating to the bit of extra income for minimal effort.
Managed it this go round by just driving it straight through. VA to FL to VA in 36 hours, 23 of which were in the truck.
My dad rode with me for this adventure. So, that was cool. Time to talk, which is rare...that Cat Stevens song is way too true.
My concern in asking the question is generally less rooted in losing the whole trailer to thievery. More concerned about the GPS from the boat talking a walk, or the set of rain tires finding new home off of the tire rack of an open trailer. That kind of thing.
In reply to Spearfishin :
I remove small items. The chartplotter in my boat is removable for that reason. PFDs go under the cuddy and the door is locked.
In the case of tires, I lock them in place. My car trailer has 2 pieces of 1" all thread the wheels slide down on. The big wing nuts hold them down and locks go through hole in the end of the rod. Making them harder and noisier to steal is about all you can do beyond keeping the insurance premiums paid.
