Protecting Your Trailer
Owning a trailer is very handy, but a lot of us can take it for granted! What would you do if one day your trailer was stolen? Would you be able to describe it in detail? Could you think of any distinguishing features? Trailers are very hard to identify and can easily have their appearance changed by cunning thieves. If you’d like to know how you can help protect your asset and prevent trailer theft, read the points below.
Add Identifiable Markings
One thing we suggest everyone should do with their trailers is add some easily identifiable markings in various places on the trailer. as an example:
- weld your initials under the draw bar.
- engrave your name somewhere.
- drill holes in a pattern.
Be creative, it doesn’t have to detract from the aesthetics of the trailer, but a well placed marking can be the difference between losing a trailer, and recovering a trailer.
We suggest if the marking is easily visible, make sure it is not easily removed. The best way to do this is to have multiple markings spread over the trailer. If you have them in a hidden location, don’t tell anyone about it, because it may become useful in the event your trailer is stolen.
Drilled or perforated holes are an easy way to mark your trailer. It is also difficult to cover up.
Pressed lettering into sheet metal is an excellent form of marking your trailer. It is very hard to remove without replacing pieces of the body.
Welded letters on the trailer are a simple counter-measure to theft. Checker plate surfaces are excellent for this as it makes the letters very hard to remove without having noticeable marks in the checker plate.
Welded Letters on the draw bar. This is considered to be the bare minimum measure taken to mark your trailer, Have your name or initials welded to the draw bar.
Take Photographs Of Your Trailer
Take photographs of your trailer, make sure they include any distinguishing features (including secret markings). Keep the photos in a safe place on your computer, or photo album etc. We Recommend documenting your trailer by listing it with us, which brings us to the next point.
List your trailer on Trailer Registry
An easy way to make sure you have a record of your trailers details is to add your listing to our database. Include photos and a detailed description of your trailer and submit it to our secure server. You listing will remain private and confidential until such time as you require the information. Once listed you can edit the trailers status to ‘stolen’ and your listing will become public, enabling anyone on our website to visit your trailers profile, it may help relocate your trailer.
Install a GPS tracker
A vehicle GPS tracker is an excellent way to keep tabs on where your assets are at anytime. These small units can be installed in minutes and hidden out of sight. Once the tracker is installed you can view and keep tabs on where the vehicle/trailer with the tracking unit installed in it is at all times. Tracking units can deter thieves if advertised and can help ensure your trailer is returned in the event that it is stolen. We recommend using Trak N Go’s GPS Vehicle Tracker.
Install a wheel clamp
Wheel clamps are a simple, affordable way to stop thieves in their track. Wheel clamps are heavy duty and difficult to remove without the key. Attempting to do do so will draw attention as well.
You can also pair up wheel clamps for additional security.
