We've just bought our first trailer (Maypole XL Max capacity 425kg and the high frame) and we'd like to get a jockey wheel but have no idea what size to get. Would be grateful for any advice! I also wondered if it's advisable to put a wheel clamp on the trailer while at the campsite or do people not normally do that? Thanks for your help 🙂
I have to confess that a I did buy one of the Aldi Wheel Clamps back in 2008, and it hangs on the wall in my garage like some kind of trophy having never been used.
To be fair though I did fit locking wheel nuts to my trailer, they are the same as the ones used for a Porsche 924, which I thought was a strange coincidence.
My OCD for trailer security holds no bounds, and I probably need help.
The 2m hardened steel chain I have is handy as a visual deterrent although the links are 19mm in diameter which makes the chain quite heavy, it goes around the “A” Frame of the trailer, and when we stay at a hotel the trailer gets chained to the tow bar, on the campsite there is usually a tree or something to chain the trailer to.
The reason why I decided not to use the Aldi Wheel Clamp, was that a small camping trailer can easily be lifted and thrown into the back of a van or pick up, like what motorbike thieves do.
At the end of the day, if someone is going to steal your trailer they will, although there is no harm in making it difficult for them, rather than easy.
Francais has pretty much hit the nail on the head with security, something like a camping trailer can be stolen by towing away or simply picked up and placed in/on a vehicle, even full, likely 3 or 4 blokes could pick it up! Wheel clamp will deter (though not too difficult to remove most wheel clamps in a few minutes) towing away, lashing it to something secure and immovable or more difficult to steal (vehicle) is better, but high security chain/padlock needed. Tow hitch locks are regarded as least effective when unattached to tow vehicle, as a chain can be used to jerry rig draw bar to tow vehicle to steal without ever having to bother with overcoming lock, but quite good when attached to tow vehicle.
Use security every time you leave it unattended, even if only popping into services for a wee! Good tip, drape a duster or cloth over the car steering wheel whenever trailer is still attached to car and has wheel clamp fitted, jogs memory to remove wheel clamp before driving off!
As with all security, it's all about causing delay and inconvenience to a thief, and if attempts to overcome security likely to draw attention, so much the better.
Thanks everyone for the really helpful advice. I think we'll definitely get a wheel clamp then (and possibly a chain too) which will hopefully be enough of a delay to put anyone off. Great tip about the cloth on the steering wheel thanks Monty15 🙂
We use a wheel clamp and a thingy which goes in the ball socket joint (I think, Mr F does this) to stop it being towed away. We usually park our trailer behind our tent so that it is not easily seen. We also always have a washing line attached between it and our tent which usually has a tea towel and a couple of flannels on it as a minimum.
None of these things will stop a keen thief but will slow them down.
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Topic: Jockey wheel and wheel clamp
via mobile 04/7/2020 at 10:36pm
