Trailer Stolen

[FrankBarba]

Trailer stolen from Camp Hill, PA. 2000 CarMate 24' enclosed trailer. White, AFX logo on rear quarter panels with big Mopar emblem on rear door. Oak cabinets,
vynal flooring (grey). Stocked with Comp Coupe Parts. BBS Wheels, Hubs, Hoosier Slicks, Rotors, Brake Pads, Splitter, Defuser, Serpentine Belts, 600 lb Torque wrench, Large Socket set, assorted tools. If anyone runs across parts for sale that are suspisious please let me know. Vin # 5A3C824076L002246.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

D*MMIT!!! Seems like this happens waaaaaaay too frequently. Frank, can you give us details on how this happened? Where was the trailer stolen from? What further precautions would you take to stop it from happening again? Are there any kinds of locks that could be made/bought that could keep the trailer from being towed? Is there a GPS security system that could be installed?

On the upside, the stolen parts are going to be difficult to sell.

 

[1TONY1]

I am posting this on another forum....everyone do the same.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

I am posting this on another forum....everyone do the same.

Good idea.

 

[big-n-italian]

<< .. stocked with with Comp Coupe Parts >>

oh oh. did chuck get a little too optomistic?

seriously though, may i suggest posting pics so we look out for the trailer?

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

<< .. stocked with with Comp Coupe Parts >>

oh oh. did chuck get a little too optomistic?

But seriously, wouldn't that be worse if a Viper guy stole something from a fellow Viper owner?

 

[SylvanSRT]

a tongue lock makes it much more difficult to steal a trailer

 

[big-n-italian]

<< But seriously, wouldn't that be worse if a Viper guy stole something from a fellow Viper owner? >>

absolutely.

that would be like two thiefs robbing a bank. suddenly one of the thiefs turns to the other and says, "Give me all YOUR money too!".

 

[Viper Wizard]

Sorry to hear about this Frank! That realy S$$KS!!

I am posting this on another forum....everyone do the same.

I've posted it on the NY/CT VCA site!
We'll be watching!

 

[Irid]

Someone just stole our SCCA trailer up here. It was full of cones. A thousand pounds of cones... Urgh...

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Hey Bonkers needs a trailer, see if he did it!!! I'll keep my eye out on the internet for parts, leads.

 

[Janni]

I tongue lock is a false sense of security. Our 40" Featherlight was stolen with a Gorilla Lock on the gooseneck. All they did was undo the 2 giant set screws and remove the lower part of the gooseneck! Slid their own up in there, and off they went!

Frank,
That's a real bummer - based on the limited market for the parts that were inside, I'll certainly keep my eyes peeled.

Hope they find your stuff!

 

[IEATVETS]

I friggen hate thiefs. Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to alert some venders that deal with used parts. I will let Cory know at Snake Oyl Products on Monday.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

I tongue lock is a false sense of security. Our 40" Featherlight was stolen with a Gorilla Lock on the gooseneck. All they did was undo the 2 giant set screws and remove the lower part of the gooseneck! Slid their own up in there, and off they went!

Dang. When I get an enclosed trailer I'm gonna figure some sort of custom setup. Also invest in a GPS security system.

 

[FLX109]

Keep an eye on Ebay, alot of parts get sold their maybe trailers also, Check fo the style and size could be a repaint by now.

FLX

 

[SylvanSRT]

it may be a false sense of security buy it will also help to keep the honest people honest and make life more difficult on the dishonest. if a person wants to steal something from you and is determined there is not much you can do to stop them, only make it take longer or be riskier! a removable tongue will also help to make it more difficult to make a getaway like parking a car with no steering wheel

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Makes me think of the movie "At Close Range" with Sean Penn and Christopher Walken.

 

[FrankBarba]

Thanks everyone. The only way i can think of for the next trailer is when in storage, remove wheels & place on Blocks. I have looked thru thousands of pictures & i do not have a single picture. This trailer was used for storage purposes only, and to move cars around. I am so glad that i did not have a car in trailer also.

 

[Jack B]

If the actual socket/clamp is welded to the structural tongue (which is simple), some of the better tongue locks will give you protection against the ameteur thief.

 

[pdmracing]

scumbags! This happens way too often. Frank was it in one of those U store it places or you shop?

 

[Eric H]

Bummmer, i usually put a big chain or cable lock through each wheel attached to the axle, either A, they wont see it and make a helluva noise trying to get it towed away or, it may help to delay or deter them from taking it.

But youre right, locks are there to keep honest people honest, if they want it bac enough they are going to take it.

 

[ACR Jim]

One suggestion that I have heard about is to paint the VIN# on the roof, in large red letters. Rarely will the thief ever notice that it is there, not only can it be used to identify even if the VIN plate is messed with, any airborne authorities can easily spot the trailer as well.

I have used tongue locks and a coated stell cable through the wheels as additional protection. I still vividly recall when Henry and Janni's trailer was stolen and never wanted to experience it myself as I felt sick at the loss.

Jim

 

[ACELLR8]

Dang Frank that stinks! Can't believe it would happen right in Camp Hill!!

I will definitely keep an eye on Parts for sale.

Ed

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

Good suggestion Jim.

All I've had stolen was the ball on the back of my bumper. It's only $10 but now it's welded on. When I get an enclosed trailer I think I'll take the welder to it too.

 

[Venom 1000TT]

Sorry to hear that Frank! I have a fifth wheel trailer & have a lock on it. I hope that's enough to deter thieves. It's a 34' Carmate which I'm selling by the way. Sorry for the cheap plug. Anyway hope you find yours!

 

[FLOORIN04]

One suggestion that I have heard about is to paint the VIN# on the roof, in large red letters. Rarely will the thief ever notice that it is there, not only can it be used to identify even if the VIN plate is messed with, any airborne authorities can easily spot the trailer as well.

I have used tongue locks and a coated stell cable through the wheels as additional protection. I still vividly recall when Henry and Janni's trailer was stolen and never wanted to experience it myself as I felt sick at the loss.

Jim

That sounds like a great idea.Or even some type of Logo.

 

[FrankBarba]

Talked with the insurance people today. Since i stored trailer off premsis (not at my house, it is not allowed), my trailer will not be covered. At the end of the conversation she also noted that under no circumstances will any spare parts be covered also. Now this really upset me. They hopefully will cover my tools, manuals, helmet, hans, ect..ect...I then proceeded to call my insurance to ask about this & too see exactly what my home owners insurance will cover even at my residence. I was always left with the impression that i was over insured. my agent has avoided my calls all day long.

Does anyone know of an insurance agent or company that can write coverage on spare parts ect...that are stored in a trailer off premsis?

 

[Janni]

When our trailer was stolen, our insurance company - Fireman's Fund - cut us a check for the full value to REPLACE the trailer with a new one (right at about $28K) within 30 days so that we could make it to Mid Ohio for an event.

They paid to replace all the straps, locks, tiedowns, etc. that were in it. Other than that we never stored it "loaded". It was definitely off premises, but we do carry it as a separate vehicle on our auto policy. It costs about $265 / year.

After Christmas - we are meeting with an agent about insuring the comp coupe for off track storage and paddock insurance. I have a quote for $975 for $150K worth of coverage for it - should should be getting that for 2006. When the car is traveling down the highway, or in the traler outside the hotel room - I am always a little nervous.

Hope this works out for you, Frank.

Please let us know your Ins. carrier and if it was listed as a separate vehicle on the policy.

 

[FrankBarba]

Trailer was not listed as seperate vehicle. So i'm loosing on the trailer. State Farm is my Home owners insurance co.
If i would have had my Truck Hooked-up to the trailer, It would have been covered by my Auto Insurance. Please after you speak with the agent & you decide to go with the Off track insurance please let me know. State Farm will not insure.

 

[AviP]

If i would have had my Truck Hooked-up to the trailer, It would have been covered by my Auto Insurance.

I thought you had it hooked up when the thieves unhooked it.