After several years of RV'ing, I've learned that you never stop learning. In this case, I was surprised to learn when NOT to put a padlock on your coupler lock.
I have been thinking on the Andersen Hitch myself and they have proven their self . Leaving your trailer coupler unlocked when towing is a very good idea . I have been around big trucks for about 50 years . Always leave yourself an out just in case you need to get unhooked from your trailer very quick . Also when you park someplace for whatever your reason , always check your coupler and your rig before you get going again . I have seen a lot of bad things being around big trucks . I enjoy your videos and have a good day everyday.
@Stephen Brown Very good points and thank you for the comment. Your extensive experience around big trucks is appreciated and I always enjoy hearing from people with that kind of real-world experience. Thank you!! 👍🏻
Thanks David! Its nice that your pin is attached to your trailer. Mine is not and I've lost many of these pins over time.Just bought 3 more (more for back-up!)
I use a lock w/key - keep the key on my main key-ring in my pocket while traveling + extra key in the trailer. - so key is easily accessible, as easy as pulling the pin on non-lock. Also, we have weight distribution hitch setup - no way to 'quickly' detach the trailer ball mount in a normal way. I guess the quickest would be to pull the receiver hitch pin and slide out the hitch from the vehicle receiver by pulling driving vehicle forward or pulling trailer backward a few inches. Agree with comment below that emergency folks will have good tools. Good vid though - appreciate the thought experiment :)
@kennethalmond8922 Hi there...thanks for stopping by our channel and the great comment. We appreciate you joining the conversation. Very good points indeed and quite helpful.
This is more applicable to when your trailer is parked, but I always wrap my safety chains around the tongue a couple times to take the slack out, then padlock them together. That way, no one can just use the chains to drag your trailer to a quiet place where they can focus on getting your locks off without drawing attention.
I’d suggest you lock it even while travelling. A. Any emergency response has lock cutters. B. Go get something to eat or rest room, your trailer can be gone that fast even while hooked up with a simple pin. Lock it or lose it.
@Keith W. Excellent points Keith...thank you so much for the feedback. After giving this some thought, I agree with you! In fact, I think I'm going to go back to running with it locked.
As a firefighter, go ahead and lock it. Not only can we cut it in an emergency but our tools can cut the ball right off the receiver in under a minute. There shouldn't be a situation where you don't have time to grab the keys but do have time to undo the chains and crank the jack up.
@Tim Brantley Thanks for the comment Tim. See...this falls under one of my favorite sayings: "You learn something new every day...whether you want to or not."
If your trailer is on fire or in an accident when towing that lock aint staying on and if its on fire so much that you cant get the key and unlock it. Its too far gone for that pin to make a difference any ways. This is why insurance exists. More trailers are stolen that burn down or need to be detached in an accident in such a hurry you couldnt get the lock off first.
Really good point! In fact due to all the great comments on this video, I've reassessed my position on this and am going to start using the lock again moving forward.
Thanks for the video. I get your point and it's valid. I would raise the question of odds of "X" happening. Are you more likely to have an equipment fire or other situation that requires quick decoupling? Or are you more likely to have the trailer stolen when you leave it unattended? I don't have an RV, the trailer I'm protecting is a 6'x10' utility and it's very light. If I need to run into a store, it wouldn't take someone too much effort to pop it of the hitch and drive away. Not challenging your video though. Most RVs are going to be too heavy to just pop off the hitch and move to another vehicle. Just something to consider. I'm still thinking I'll lock mine because it's light and I don't want to tempt some AHole thief.
@John Keyt thanks for the awesome comment. I love this kind of feedback and it's why I was really curious how folks would react to this issue...especially because I had not considered it to this point. You make a really sensible case and the thought exercise of the "odds of 'X' happening" is really compelling. Kind of gives me pause because, to be honest, I do like the feeling of putting a lock on there! It makes me feel secure. Hmmmm....now I'm on the fence 😅
@@IdahoVoyager I guess you could always keep the lock handy. If you're traveling for long periods and the trailer won't be unattended, put the pin in. If you stop for gas, snacks, or overnight... pop the lock on. It takes a second, but hardly worth worrying about for the cost of your equipment and piece of mind.
I also run with a pad lock on the coupler. Haven't thought about this either, but... It would still take time to raise the tongue off the ball, while you're getting scorched by said fire...? Thinking about this quickly, I might just chock the trailer tires and take out the bolt that locks the hitch into the receiver and drive off. The tongue will slam on the ground, but if your rig's on fire it's a loss anyway. Of course, I'd also have to detach my sway bar - more time getting scorched. I have an E-Z Lift system. Depending on the heat of the fire, will you have time to do all that? Maybe better to stay safe and let the whole thing go up.
@Matthew Wallace Hey Matthew...thanks for joining the conversation. Really good points! I think this is why this topic is fascinating...it's something I've never considered or given thought to. It's compelling because there's some justification for either route...and of course when you climb down the rabbit hole of hypothetical outcomes it can get really interesting. At the end of the day it may just be what each individual is comfortable with. It's at least something worth discussing and I appreciate your input.
Hmm i was thinking of doing the same thing with a padlock on a little motorcycle tow behind trailer. I still may just so it can't be disconnected as the other user said while i'm in somewhere stopped. I must say there sure are a lot of garbage hitch locks, yours looks better than most frankly. What model is it?
@Colin Wells Hi Colin...thanks for visiting our channel and adding to the conversation. This particular lock is a Master Lock but a little more of a high end model. I wouldn't say it's anything super special but I like it and it certainly looks the part which sometimes is a deterrent in and of itself. I'm sorry but I don't remember the exact model. Thanks again Colin and happy trails.
@Shawn Chapman Hi Shawn. Thanks for visiting our channel and leaving a comment. The lock is a master lock, I think I got it at home depot. I can't recall the specific model though.
@@IdahoVoyager right that’s why we pay for insurance I have good Sam insurance it’s not to much I pay 75 bucks every 3 months for my 2023 travel trailer not to bad
