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Keeping Your Trailer Secure

Mar. 26 2025 Guides By Matt

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Owning a trailer opens the door to countless adventures, from cross-country trailers to local hauls. And for many businesses they are a critical part of operations. However, this opportunity comes with the responsibility of keeping your trailer secure.  Trailers are often prime targets for theft due to their mobility and value. In this guide, we’ll discuss the importance of securing your trailer and share the best practices to protect your investment.  Whether you’re a seasoned owner or new to the trailer world, please read on to learn how to safeguard your trailer effectively. 

The Extent of Trailer Theft and Cargo Theft

  • The statistics are alarming. In 2023, more than 10,000 trailers were reported stolen in the United States—and the number is increasing every year!  Meanwhile, cargo theft is a multi-billion dollar industry, also increasing every year, and increasing 49% from 2023-2024.
  • Only a small percentage of trailers making it back to their owners. Recognizing this risk is crucial for taking steps to prevent theft. This underscores the urgent need for trailer owners to implement robust security measures. By adopting effective practices, you can greatly diminish the risk of theft.


Imagine there are two kinds of thieves--casual or one-time thieves that want to use the trailer, or sell or give that specific trailer to a specific person they know; and career thieves who habitually steal trailers and other goods. The career thief will go out looking for targets, generally work harder to attempt a theft and take more risks, and also target higher value trailers and cargo. The casual thief will look for ease and opportunity, more likely to try to swipe something that just catches his eye. But for both profiles, thieves will go for a combination of high value and ease of theft when they see it. The harder a trailer is to steal, the more likely the thief will go to a different target.

Key Vulnerabilities

  • High value: Trailers are a prime target for thieves who not only want the trailer (itself worth thousands of dollars) but also want the goods that are in the trailers. If thieves think or know there are higher value goods in the trailer they’ll be even more likely to attempt a theft.
  • Unattended, Unguarded and Mobile: Trailers parked in residential driveways or commercial lots are easy prey for thieves looking for a fast escape.  Their portability, combined with the valuable items they often contain, makes them highly attractive targets. 
  • No visible security devices: Casual thieves will be even more likely to attempt a theft if they don’t see any locks or other security devices.
  • Anonymity: The harder it is to identify the stolen trailer, the easier the thief knows it will be to operate or sell it and get away with it.

Location and Visibility

  • Several factors contribute to the high incidence of trailer theft.  One major element is location; trailers parked in dimly lit or isolated areas are particularly at risk. The type of locks used is also critical; standard locks often fail to deter determined thieves.
  • Check on your trailer regularly. Many trailer owners underestimate the necessity of regular security checks and updates to their security measures.

Proven Strategies to Protect Your Trailer

  • Begin with the essentials.  A high-quality hitch lock can be effective in preventing thieves from attaching your trailer to their vehicle.  (JTI can provide these!)
  • High-visibility tire deflators can also deter thieves. We recommend the Frontier, an active air valve lock. Once you put these on the valve of your tires, you either need the key or you need to cut the stem of the valve which would release the air. When the tire starts rolling, the deflator will slowly release air, and after about ¼ mile the tires will be flat. See our video on this and other security items here.
  • Combine this with wheel clamps for enhanced security.  Together, these tools form a robust physical barrier that deters unauthorized movement.

Utilizing GPS Tracking for Enhanced Security

  • Leverage technology for enhanced security.  Installing a hidden GPS tracking device allows you to monitor your trailer’s location in real-time.  In the event of a theft, a GPS tracker significantly improves the chances of recovery by supplying law enforcement with accurate location data. (JTI can also supply trackers.)

Facilitate Identification

  • A distinctive paint job or distinctive look to a trailer can deter thieves, who generally do not want to take a lot of time right after stealing a trailer to paint the whole thing.
  • Be very sure to keep your records of sales including your VIN number. File them in a place you will remember. If you lose the records of your VIN it will become almost impossible to get your trailer back if it’s recovered. Thieves do alter or remove VINs but manufacturers put the VINs in multiple places on the trailer as a safeguard.
  • Take pictures of distinguishing features of your trailer, including accumulated damage and rust. In the absence of a VIN, any of these pre-existing features can actually help a lot to identify a recovered trailer.

Video Surveillance

  • Video cameras can be a deterrent to some thieves, though many will still take the risk.
  • The biggest advantage provided by video cameras is the ability to identify the person who took the trailer, or more often the vehicle towing it. Other details from the video, including time of theft and direction the thieves went, etc. can aid the police in recovering the lost vehicles.

Secure Storage Facilities Matter

  • If you’re not using your trailer daily, consider storing it in a secure facility.  Choose locations with controlled access, security cameras, and adequate lighting. A secluded driveway where nobody can see the theft would be the worst!
  • Strong walls or fences are a major deterrent—nothing that can be cut through easily with wire cutters. A gate that locks is ideal. These features enhance protection, especially when paired with your security measures.

Legal and Insurance Considerations for Trailers

Legal Requirements for Ensuring Trailer Security

  • In many areas, trailer owners are legally obligated to ensure their trailers do not endanger public safety.  This includes taking measures to secure them against theft.  It’s important to review all local regulations to ensure compliance and avoid potential fines.

The importance of Insurance in Theft Prevention.

  • Insurance serves as a crucial component of your security strategy.  Comprehensive trailer insurance insures against theft and helps with recovery expenses.  Please be sure to check with your agent and policy details to understand your coverage and consider adding an extra rider if needed.

There's no way to 100% guarantee a trailer won't be stolen, short of completely immobilizing it somehow. But these deterrents, applied together, should give thieves pause and result in them moving on to easier targets.