I never managed to find a hitch lock for my Anssems trailer so I secured it with a wheel clamp instead. I went for the Purpleline Nemesis Ultra which is so easy to put on and off that you can quickly do it while stopped at motorway services.
If you want to put a hitch lock on then I think you will need to unbolt the hitch and put a replacement hitch with lock on there.
I am hoping that the Anssems comes with a little hole to put in a hitch lock, I’ve ordered a Streetwize SWTT50 which on the reviews someone said fitted the Anssems.
Quote: Originally posted by Jim1977 on 28/6/2021
Hi all
Can anyone recommend a hitch lock that fits an Anssems GT unbraked...
Trailer is being delivered next week...
Thanks
Jim
Which Anssems model did you go for? I'm ideally after a new GT 750 211 HT or possibly GTB 750 211 VT1 but all dealers seem to be out of stock. I'm informed there won't be any coming into the country until September, and then there will be a big price hike.
Like you I was initially thinking of the GT750-211 HT. I liked the A frame of this model and the fact bikes would be lower to lift on and off.
But, I laid all of our camping gear from our current trailer out on the lounge floor in a space 211x126x48 and filled it. So it was no bigger than our Brenderup 1150s with extension sides and ABS lid.
The GT750-250 is just too big a foot print to want to tow or store.
So, I concluded we’d have to go for a VT1 and accept the bikes would be a bit higher to lift on and off.
Much ringing round dealers later I found Leyland Leisure had one GT500-181 VT1 left. Everyone else had sold out and told me no more stock until September with a 10% price rise, and that prices had already gone up 3 times this year.
Now, I was initially thinking about that GT500 platform and the lesser load capacity, but while all our kit was out, I weighed it all item by item. It came to 140kg. We take quite a lot of stuff, that includes a compressor fridge (FR40), 6 seater table, 2 cupboards, 2 small tables, 4 large chairs, a canvas toilet tent and chemical loo, cobb, gas cookers, washing line and so on.
Yes, we’re bound to add a few more items or swap things out, but even with bikes we won’t get anywhere near the limit. Also the car can only tow 500kg unbraked. So, it turns out for us a 750 would be overkill and actually the 181 is still a nice size as even the 201 VT1 is quite a beast.
I sent you a message last night funnily through your wanted classified ad, not sure if it’s come through yet, about one I spotted for sale.
Quote: Originally posted by Jim1977 on 28/6/2021
Thanks Broadside
I am hoping that the Anssems comes with a little hole to put in a hitch lock, I’ve ordered a Streetwize SWTT50 which on the reviews someone said fitted the Anssems.
But was hoping for a proper hitch lock too.
In my opinion they are of no use at all. I used to have one, It broke when I forgot to remove it before lifting the handle to hitch the trailer to my car.
Ah ok, it was a punt really for a few quid, no substitute for a proper tow ball lock that blocks the hole.
If someone wants to pick it up and put it in a van they will, but a wheel lock to stop it being rolled away and a proper tow ball lock to stop it easily being pulled is as much as you can do really
Quote: Originally posted by Jim1977 on 29/6/2021
Hi Lidds
Like you I was initially thinking of the GT750-211 HT. I liked the A frame of this model and the fact bikes would be lower to lift on and off.
But, I laid all of our camping gear from our current trailer out on the lounge floor in a space 211x126x48 and filled it. So it was no bigger than our Brenderup 1150s with extension sides and ABS lid.
The GT750-250 is just too big a foot print to want to tow or store.
So, I concluded we’d have to go for a VT1 and accept the bikes would be a bit higher to lift on and off.
Much ringing round dealers later I found Leyland Leisure had one GT500-181 VT1 left. Everyone else had sold out and told me no more stock until September with a 10% price rise, and that prices had already gone up 3 times this year.
Now, I was initially thinking about that GT500 platform and the lesser load capacity, but while all our kit was out, I weighed it all item by item. It came to 140kg. We take quite a lot of stuff, that includes a compressor fridge (FR40), 6 seater table, 2 cupboards, 2 small tables, 4 large chairs, a canvas toilet tent and chemical loo, cobb, gas cookers, washing line and so on.
Yes, we’re bound to add a few more items or swap things out, but even with bikes we won’t get anywhere near the limit. Also the car can only tow 500kg unbraked. So, it turns out for us a 750 would be overkill and actually the 181 is still a nice size as even the 201 VT1 is quite a beast.
I sent you a message last night funnily through your wanted classified ad, not sure if it’s come through yet, about one I spotted for sale.
Jim
Post last edited on 29/06/2021 09:58:59
Thanks Jim. It sounds as if we're on similar paths on this.
I've just noticed your message, thanks. I've taken that ad down as decided we want new if possible but - as you say - Anssems trailers are a bit thin on the ground at the moment. I guess it's a combination of Brexit and the UK camping boom.
We did buy a new GT750-201 HT last year but found it just too small for our needs, so took a hit and sold it after just one use. I don't want to make that mistake again!
We actually need all new kit again this year as basically sold up last year when things began to feel a bit too much like hard work. Now we're wishing we'd not been so hasty so are starting again.
When do you get your new Anssems? Will you store much of your stuff in it (except the tent, I presume?) so you're basically ready to roll? That's the idea here.
Lidds - It’s coming next Wednesday (they are delivering it to me in Leicestershire as they are up north) which works out well for timings as 3 of the 4 of us all have covid at the minute - brought home from school by our teenage son. I ordered the trailer just before we all got ill so in the end the timings are ok. Will have all finished isolating by the end of the weekend.
My wife and I are both double jabbed so it’s been like a bad cold or flu for us, but still wiped us out. Wouldn’t have fancied it unjabbed!
Yes, we keep all our kit apart from the tent and sleeping bags in the trailer in the garage ready to go. The tent fits in the car so doesn’t need to go in the trailer.
The Brenderup we have is just slightly too small, but our kids are at an age where taking bikes is more fun now, and the Brenderup can’t do that. So wanted an Anssems that was a bit bigger and to carry the bikes.
The GT500-181 VT1 gains about 300 litres over the 750-211. As mentioned above the space matters more than the weight as we’re not carrying gravel in there 😀
If you’re not careful it can all get too much kit wise and is a faff to set up. That’s why we went to the 380 and Veranda Karsten as much less to set up than the 350 SE and all the front awnings.
They didn’t have stock but I can highly recommend Marsden Barn Trailers who were super helpful and gave me lots of advice even thought they had no trailer to sell me, and steered me to Leyland.
The two used 201-VT1’s on eBay have now sold for just under £2,200 and £2,000. Not far off new prices really.
Quote: Originally posted by Jim1977 on 30/6/2021
Lidds - did you use a tow ball / hitch lock on your GT750 when you had it? I read on an old thread you had a stronghold lock.
Thanks
Jim
No, the Stronghold lock wouldn't fit the Anssems hitch.
We bought a cheapie on-car lock (as per your link) but I didn't have a lot of faith in it and was always concerned it might break in situ.
The only Hitchlock we found which would fit is this one.
It's s bit crazy really, that they fit these expensive camping trailers with a hitch that has such limitations for security devices.
Thanks Lidds, I’d already ordered the other one earlier but useful to know there is another option if it’s not great. The one I’ve ordered was also the one Big Bear trailers advised to get.
Being similar prices I’m guessing the level of security is similar between the two.
It’s still a shame there is nothing confirmed to fit in the higher security end of products.
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