Non HGV transport for four...

[maya2008]

Had decided 3.5T box plus trailer... ready to buy now but having second thoughts about the trailer (we already have the box). Am I right in thinking a trailer would get stolen if we went to the beach/local beauty spots etc? Would we be better to get a second, older 3.5T box for the days when we all want to go out together?

All are ponies so putting two in a 3.5T is not an issue weight wise. Heaviest is 450kg, lightest 220kg.

Now the money is in my hand I cannot decide!!!!

 

[milliepops]

have you already got a tow car?

 

[maya2008]

have you already got a tow car?

We have one we can borrow. Then can save up for one for us. My car needs replacing in the next year, so that was the plan.

 

[mutley75]

The trailer will get stolen from the back of a tow car the same as a 3.5 tonne Horsebox if that’s what you have convinced yourself will happen.

 

[milliepops]

We have one we can borrow. Then can save up for one for us. My car needs replacing in the next year, so that was the plan.

ok was thinking about running costs, if you get another vehicle then you obviously have more MOTs etc to shell out for/older vehicle to maintain.

 

[conniegirl]

Tbh ive not heard of trailers being stolen from the back of cars. You can get hitch locks that prevent your trailer from being unhitched from the car/van whilst you are not there

 

[Wishfilly]

Pretty sure that trailers being stolen whilst out and about is pretty rare? I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but you'd have to be an opportunist thief with the right vehicle and know that the owners weren't nearby/coming back soon?

People around here often trailer to beaches or the moors for a hack and I haven't heard of trailers being stolen.

I think it's more of a risk that they will be stolen from where you store it if they are insecure?

 

[maya2008]

Pretty sure that trailers being stolen whilst out and about is pretty rare? I'm not saying it doesn't happen, but you'd have to be an opportunist thief with the right vehicle and know that the owners weren't nearby/coming back soon?

People around here often trailer to beaches or the moors for a hack and I haven't heard of trailers being stolen.

I think it's more of a risk that they will be stolen from where you store it if they are insecure?

We're near the New Forest and were warned a few years ago not to take a trailer to any of the Forest car parks or it might go missing. So we got a small box. From people's responses, maybe it's just there that it happens?

 

[Orangehorse]

You can buy hitch locks and a wheel clamp lock for a trailer, both of which I use when leaving my trailer parked when I got for a ride.

We have had an ifor williams flat bed trailer stolen off the back of a vehicle, at a farm sale. It took them about 30 seconds and damaged the towing vehicle - all of which the insurance company paid out for. Now we put a heavy duty chain on when parked at farm sale, etc. and have our postcode painted on the chassis - all the discourage the opportunist.

When trailers were parked at a well known riding venue, one of the husbands stayed in their vehicle - to witness a van driver pulling up to one of the trailers and proceeding to steal a wheel. The husband took all the details, frightened him off, but his company didn't take any notice. I rather think this was in the days before mobile phone cameras.

So yes, trailers sometimes do get stolen - from shows too - but you have to take precautions to discourage it.

 

[Tiddlypom]

I believe the advice is to wheel clamp a rear wheel on the trailer when you leave it, and also to leave the ramps down. This makes it much more of a faff to nick it, so any passing scrotes would move onto easier pickings.

 

[Wishfilly]

We're near the New Forest and were warned a few years ago not to take a trailer to any of the Forest car parks or it might go missing. So we got a small box. From people's responses, maybe it's just there that it happens?

If it's a known local issue, then I understand why you're cautious- but I would have thought at 3.5 ton box would be more attractive to a lot of theives?

I agree that with a trailer you can take precautions such as wheel clamps and hitch locks to reduce the risk.