• Help Support Hardline Crawlers :

Show off your trailer

Dumb questions incoming since I have no experience with Bulldog style couplers.

Is there a way to securely lock the coupler onto the trailer hitch ball?

Is there a way to securely lock the coupler closed for storage when not hooked to a trailer hitch ball? I'd imagine the same lock used for question #1 would work for question #2 but figured I'd ask while on this topic.

I built a box out of 1/4" plate that fits over mine for theft prevention. It has a bottom plate and uses a shielded lock. It could still be stolen but it would make a lot of noise for it to happen.

I definitely don't worry about it coming unlatched while towing. I use a locking pin. Amazon product ASIN B0000AZ7WJ
 
I built a box out of 1/4" plate that fits over mine for theft prevention. It has a bottom plate and uses a shielded lock. It could still be stolen but it would make a lot of noise for it to happen.

I definitely don't worry about it coming unlatched while towing. I use a locking pin. Amazon product ASIN B0000AZ7WJ
Good to know on theft prevention and that you can use a normal locking pin for it as well.
 
Dumb questions incoming since I have no experience with Bulldog style couplers.

Is there a way to securely lock the coupler onto the trailer hitch ball?

Is there a way to securely lock the coupler closed for storage when not hooked to a trailer hitch ball? I'd imagine the same lock used for question #1 would work for question #2 but figured I'd ask while on this topic.

Yes. Theres a ring that clamps around the neck. Did you not see the one on the black trailer? It was usually on there. let me see if i can find a pic.
 
1642686754231.png
 
Mine is more like this one:

The sliding collar goes over the halves, to keep them from opening. There is a pin that goes through behind it, to keep the collar from sliding back. You could put a locking pin in it, if needed.

I like it as the coupler halves are a tight fit around the ball, and there isnt small moving parts to wear/fall out or rust up.
 
I used a locking pin and I cut the shank off an old ball to lock inside it when it was unhooked.
The locking pins are pretty cheesy and I'm pretty sure a good hammer whack would break it off...
 
I used a locking pin and I cut the shank off an old ball to lock inside it when it was unhooked.
The locking pins are pretty cheesy and I'm pretty sure a good hammer whack would break it off...
Agreed about the hammer hit. In laws always used the cheapest of TSC trailer locks for their drop trailer and cooking trailer. FIL lost the keys one day and one whack with a hammer and I had it unlocked. After that they bought nicer locks that should require multiple hammer hits.
 
I didn't even know this was a thing.

But yea, after seven years with the $700 trailer, I traded it off to Jeremy Moody for his crawler hauler. 24' deck over with a '98 ish Coleman popup camper. It needed some work but the price was right. But the wife and my kids absolutely love it.
Here's how I got it…
55F01CB8-E5E6-4D10-A1CA-3B0F936545E1.jpeg

BC696D18-DB49-4F64-8BD7-DF8108232ECD.jpeg



Since I got it, I moved the camper toward the tongue almost 2'(in order to get it balanced out correctly, I almost had to kiss the camper with my front bumper, so moving it has made a WORLD of difference), fixed the missing panel, fixed the missing guide tunnel on the Wiffle tree, finished out the holes in the deck, redid all the lighting on the trailer, cleaned up the camper wiring to run off 12volt, my wife revamped the interior with some much needed updates and fit our family of 4, added rv steps to the deck on both sides of the camper, added all new tie downs, stabilizer jacks, cut the deck up and welded on some driveovers, interior/exterior led lighting, patched the roof…probably more. Seems like a lot, but most were just a little bit of time and some excellent finds on Facebook marketplace. I don't have many pics of it now that most of the work is done. But I can get some if people are actually interested.

For the nerds out there, my old 16' open center trailer(former tilt trailer) weighed 1750 empty. This trailer weighs in at 2250. So I gained 8' of trailer and a camper with water, heat and ac for 500 lbs.

66FF352E-16F1-4675-B3AA-76A2F585A4D1.jpeg
E1EAC124-0863-4796-9B6E-2644D2AB4D58.jpeg
8201FABC-792A-40E6-A270-B997EE36ECDD.jpeg
 

Attachments

  • A25822F0-F95C-4EA4-B7EE-60385F2F6C67.jpeg
    A25822F0-F95C-4EA4-B7EE-60385F2F6C67.jpeg
    245.7 KB · Views: 180
  • 9A005FC2-1072-4642-A8EB-FFB90211DC2E.jpeg
    9A005FC2-1072-4642-A8EB-FFB90211DC2E.jpeg
    211.7 KB · Views: 162
  • 04889ABC-00B6-4565-96A0-93E98E8A9498.jpeg
    04889ABC-00B6-4565-96A0-93E98E8A9498.jpeg
    535.7 KB · Views: 155
  • E712918D-FF44-4B9E-992D-5E664FC5421E.jpeg
    E712918D-FF44-4B9E-992D-5E664FC5421E.jpeg
    487.8 KB · Views: 166
Agreed about the hammer hit. In laws always used the cheapest of TSC trailer locks for their drop trailer and cooking trailer. FIL lost the keys one day and one whack with a hammer and I had it unlocked. After that they bought nicer locks that should require multiple hammer hits.


I know a lock only keeps honest people out but I want something that will look beefy, take a couple hits, or make them go steal someone else's **** that isnt locked up lmfao.
 
I know a lock only keeps honest people out but I want something that will look beefy, take a couple hits, or make them go steal someone else's **** that isnt locked up lmfao.
Understandable there for sure. For the Gooseneck I have a lock from this company. They make thick locks for about any coupler.

 
Understandable there for sure. For the Gooseneck I have a lock from this company. They make thick locks for about any coupler.



1643228768955.png


Got one of these on the way for the enclosed. hopefully it looks beefy enough and annoying enough to make them move on.
 
Hauled my jeep on the new trailer yesterday. Pulls great. Just taking the jeep to get some work done. Hopefully wheeling again soon
 

Attachments

  • 20220211_133754_copy_1024x576.jpg
    20220211_133754_copy_1024x576.jpg
    65.4 KB · Views: 158
  • 20220211_131449_copy_1024x576.jpg
    20220211_131449_copy_1024x576.jpg
    199.9 KB · Views: 152
  • 20220211_131430_copy_1024x576.jpg
    20220211_131430_copy_1024x576.jpg
    165 KB · Views: 152
1645127083723.png
I've had this setup for about 8 years now and its been a kickass one. I'm currently tearing it down for a remodel, new inside to make the storage and living space a little better and more efficient, the deck is getting widened to 102" and the axles are getting pushed back to accommodate a heavier buggy on the deck.
 
View attachment 160437I've had this setup for about 8 years now and its been a kickass one. I'm currently tearing it down for a remodel, new inside to make the storage and living space a little better and more efficient, the deck is getting widened to 102" and the axles are getting pushed back to accommodate a heavier buggy on the deck.
That's a cool setup that needs more pictures and possibly a rebuild thread too.
 
That's a cool setup that needs more pictures and possibly a rebuild thread too.
i'll see what i can do i kinda suck at taking the during pictures. inside is basic, couple cabinets fridge microwave. so gonna try to make the standing area space feel bigger, over the tongue is a queen size bed
 
Top