Trailer Theft Prevention Tips

Trailer Theft Prevention Tips

All you need to do is a quick Google search of trailer thefts in Tennessee and you’ll quickly find how frequently a trailer is stolen.

*NOTE*

It is important to note that a large reason trailer thefts are so rampant in Tennessee is because Tennessee is a state that does not require you to register or title your trailer.  This can make it a fast target to someone with slick fingers.  You can see on the tn.gov website here. VTR-27 - Boat Trailer Title and Registration Not Required – Tennessee Department of Revenue (tn.gov)

This is why we put together a list of some things you can do to help deter someone from taking your trailer. 

1. Swing Away Tongue: Purchasing a trailer with a wing away tongue can be a great deterrent to a would-be thief. Simply take the pin with you after parking.  This, however, is not fool proof as someone could have their own pin, hook up, and drive away.

2. Hitch Lock: Adding a hitch lock also goes a long way in making it difficult for someone to take your trailer.  However, people have been known to chain a trailer straight to their vehicle and drive away.

3. Chain Through Wheel Vents: A more fool proof way of trailer theft prevention is winding a chain through the wheel vents to the frame making it virtually impossible to drive with the chain attached.  Make sure to use at least ½” chain.  Anything with a smaller diameter may be too easily cut with bolt cutters.

4. Use Natural Obstructions: A simple approach may be backing your trailer into a place with zero clearance behind, and then just leaving it attached to your vehicle.  At that point they would have to steal your vehicle as well as the trailer.

5. Boot the Trailer: If you were really concerned about the safety of your trailer, you can always purchase a boot that goes over the entire wheel like those parking service would place on your vehicle.  At this point it is highly unlikely a thief would go through the trouble of attempting to remove the boot to steal the trailer.

In the Event Your Trailer is Stolen

If you find yourself in a situation where your trailer has been stolen here are some things that you need to do:

• The first thing you need to do is alert the authorities that there has been a theft.  You can do this by dialing 615-862-8600 (Davidson County Non-Emergent number).  If you have a “615” prefix phone number and live in Davidson County, you can also simply dial 311.  You can find your city or counties non-emergent phone number with a quick online search.

• Make sure you have your trailers serial number written down somewhere safe.  This will come in handy when speaking with law enforcement and will greatly aid in the search for your trailer.

• Know where your secondary, stamped, serial number is located on your trailer for easy identification.

• Make sure your trailer is properly insured from the time of purchase.  This is a great step in taking a potentially very bad situation and gifting yourself some peace that even if your trailer is not recovered, you will not be out of pocket financially.

• Call local boat dealerships and alert them that your trailer has been stolen.  Often thieves will try to flip the stolen merchandise for quick cash at local places or online.  Making people aware of the theft is goes a long way in recovering your stolen property.

If you have any comments or suggestions that may help someone else prevent their trailer being stolen, please let us know by emailing us.