Nashville TJ's Build - Continued

I thought of that Mike, but I think I just came up with something cooler...

Wow is right, Ryan. I knew as soon as I painted the thing I'd come up with some modification. Here's a hint - I'm going to solve the chain issue with these two pieces:

IMG_2930.JPG


Well, at least I have plenty of paint.
 
Wow is right, Ryan. I knew as soon as I painted the thing I'd come up with some modification. Here's a hint - I'm going to solve the chain issue with these two pieces:

View attachment 375699

Well, at least I have plenty of paint.

Still no idea what you’re doing.
 
This morning I tried out my idea for securing the chains on the trailer.

I considered a few options, including as Mike suggested making the chains removeable and then locking them in the trailer tongue box. Although that would have worked, it would have meant coming up with another mechanism, and another lock, to lock the tongue box. Also, the way it is setup a lock on the tongue box likely meant using a padlock - easily defeated with a bolt cutter or a death wheel.

So, I came up with a way to secure the chains using the Bolt lock already on the coupler lock.

The idea is to use a pin welded to the trailer tongue to which the slack ends of the chains could be attached, and then secure it with a sleeve attached to the coupler lock which will slide down over the pin when dropped into place - like this:

IMG_2931.JPG


After checking the layout on the tongue, I decided it would work. First up, after grinding down the fresh paint, I tacked the sleeve to the back of the coupler lock.

IMG_2933.JPG


After checking the fit on the tongue, I finished welding it in place. I also added a plate to cover the top of the tube, and to give it a bit more of a finished appearance.,

IMG_2936.JPG
 
Last edited:
And this is how it works. First, attach the loose end of the chains to the pin - I'm able to get two links from each chain onto the pin. Takes just a few seconds.

IMG_2940.JPG


And then the lock with the new sleeve slides down over the pin, securing the chains in place.

IMG_2942.JPG


IMG_2943.JPG


Now it's time for some more paint....

I thought this was a pretty cool solution, if I do say so myself.

:cool:
 
  • Like
Reactions: NashvilleTJ
And this is how it works. First, attach the loose end of the chains to the pin - I'm able to get two links from each chain onto the pin. Takes just a few seconds.

View attachment 375979

And then the lock with the new sleeve slides down over the pin, securing the chains in place.

View attachment 375980

View attachment 375981

Now it's time for some more paint....

I thought this was a pretty cool solution, if I do say so myself.

:cool:

Really nice work. Some people are blessed to be able to see solutions, others double blessed to be able to see and accomplish them.
 
And this is how it works. First, attach the loose end of the chains to the pin - I'm able to get two links from each chain onto the pin. Takes just a few seconds.

View attachment 375979

And then the lock with the new sleeve slides down over the pin, securing the chains in place.

View attachment 375980

View attachment 375981

Now it's time for some more paint....

I thought this was a pretty cool solution, if I do say so myself.

:cool:

There's still a few easy ways to take this:

1. I can put chains around the frame - you might need to box that in, if this is a real concern
2. There's a few holes open I could put a receiver in under the existing piece and run away with things subverting the entire contraption.

Neither of which is very sophisticated.
 
This now has me looking at my trailer and wondering what if anything I can do to try and stop someone from stealing it. Thankfully I don't have a big problem with this where I currently live but if things work out how I hope and start to travel then this might become an issue. But I don't have the same type of coupler that you do.

20220804_114658.jpg


I do plan on adding a storage box to the V in front of the bed.
 
There's still a few easy ways to take this:

1. I can put chains around the frame - you might need to box that in, if this is a real concern

Well, of course you could. No way to stop that - unless it's attached to the truck.

2. There's a few holes open I could put a receiver in under the existing piece and run away with things subverting the entire contraption.

Well, of course you could. No way to stop that - unless it's attached to the truck.

Neither of which is very sophisticated.

If you read my opening on this project, you'll remember I said my intent was to make it more difficult for, and to slow down, a would-be thief. Nothing is foolproof, but it is now much more difficult to walk away with the thing.

Also, my main concern is when I travel with the trailer, and then it usually stays attached to the truck.

But I do think you missed the real reason I built this.
 
This now has me looking at my trailer and wondering what if anything I can do to try and stop someone from stealing it. Thankfully I don't have a big problem with this where I currently live but if things work out how I hope and start to travel then this might become an issue. But I don't have the same type of coupler that you do.

View attachment 376120

I do plan on adding a storage box to the V in front of the bed.

Pull the wheels and lock them inside.
 
Lock picking lawyer can have those off in seconds.
Looks like the peanut gallery is at it again with the criticism.
Picking locks, even barrel locks, isn't much of a challenge, even with a very limited amount of practice. Also, since there's "how to" videos all over the internet good luck securing anything if someone really wants it.

Like @NashvilleTJ said, it's about slowing them down and making it harder, therefore making the attempt less appealing!