Would appreciate recommendations for devices that will deter all thieves but the pros. If they want something, and the opportunity presents itself, they'll get it.

I'm going to get a locking pin to hold the hitch to the receiver. Also a locking pin that prevents the hitch from being released from the ball.

What's to stop a thief from simply taking the nut from the ball, and dropping the entire rig onto his tow vehicle, install the nut, and drive away?

I've seen the wheel locks that go over one of the lugs made of square steel tubing, sort of a poor man's Denver Boot. Can that tubing be cut with a hacksaw? The pin is case hardened, but it says nothing about the steel tubing.

Any input about trailer security will be greatly appreciated.

Tom, I installed a burglar alarm on my old Tracker, since sold.  It contained a tilt switch that activated the alarm if anyone tried to lower the tongue of the trailer.  Although I've reinstalled the alarm system on my new boat, I haven't made the time to reinstall the tilt switch - yet.

Alarms in boats are a walk in the park to disable.... But only if the thief know it is present...

Weld the nut to the ball...You could also weld a piece of 4140, 1060 or T.G.P inside or outside of the hitch in the location where someone would attempt to saw it... I would love to see some one saw into that with a hack saw... It is what I did to mine when I made my hitch.

Any local Mom-n-Pop fab shop would do this for you...

Alarms in boats are a walk in the park to disable.

Some are.  Mine isn't.

I have been Installing alarms in boats and cars for over 15yrs... I could do it.. Even if you had a back-up battery or radar,motion or tilt sensor I could still do it... And If you have a Remote Start in your tow vehicle, it is already hot wired and security bi-passed for me...

Someone has to be around for the alarm to be a success. But a two-alarm would help that.

Please note that I am not a thief and believe in karma..

Jamarkwe, having thought about it, I will have to agree with you.  I use a remote arm/disarm key fob.  All a bad guy needs to do is have a device that transmits the same frequency as the fob and my boat and its contents are toast.

What's to stop a thief from simply taking the nut from the ball, and dropping the entire rig onto his tow vehicle, install the nut, and drive away?

 

If you can get the nut off of any of my drawbars, more power to you.  Once they're on, they're on to stay.

yup... but as long there is no sign of an alarm present(L.E.D warning light, stickers, etc) your good to go... They will just attempt to break in and then your alarm will sound... If you have a two-way remote it will vibrate or beep when your alarm goes off and is a big plus..... A motion sensor will detect them trying to get under the boat cover before they actually do, another big plus.

The most important thing is to not have the alarm system mounted under the console with easy access to unplug or cut the wire harness... Have it hide behind a panel that has to be unscrewed/bolted to get to it...

I'm planning on doing all this to my boat in the near future but also adding a back-up battery to the system.

Alarms in boats are a walk in the park to disable.

Some are. Mine isn't.

I have a friend who has too much money.  A few years ago he bought the best boat alarm available. According to him it did everything but make dinner. The bad guys got him.....all his electronics and fishing gear and it was in front of his house and he never heard a thing.

I have another friend who uses the horse shoe shaped bike locks. I think they call them Krypton locks. He inserts the u shaped part over the leaf spring (from behind the wheel) and into the holes on the wheel. It effectively locks the trailer wheel or wheels depending on how many you buy. It is a good idea. You cannot move the trailer.

Would appreciate recommendations for devices that will deter all thieves but the pros. If they want something, and the opportunity presents itself, they'll get it.

I'm going to get a locking pin to hold the hitch to the receiver. Also a locking pin that prevents the hitch from being released from the ball.

What's to stop a thief from simply taking the nut from the ball, and dropping the entire rig onto his tow vehicle, install the nut, and drive away?

I've seen the wheel locks that go over one of the lugs made of square steel tubing, sort of a poor man's Denver Boot. Can that tubing be cut with a hacksaw? The pin is case hardened, but it says nothing about the steel tubing.

Any input about trailer security will be greatly appreciated.

get a locking ball as well.

the horseshoe shaped lock idea for the trailer is a good idea.