South Africa is every road-tripper’s paradise. We really do live in the most beautiful place in the world for those who like to explore the mountains, the valleys and the numerous national parks.
But with those wide-open spaces also comes the unfortunate reality of trailer theft as well as theft from the back of your trailer.
At Newlands, we offer trailer hire in Centurion whether you’re renting a trailer for a weekend getaway or a proper holiday trip that will see you on the road for a few weeks, protecting your precious cargo and your rented trailer is just another part of the planning process. In this blog, we will discuss some important tips to prevent trailer theft on your next adventure.
Easy Tips for Securing Your Trailer the Right Way
Here are some key strategies that you can use to ensure that your trailer, and everything inside it, arrives safely at your final destination.
- Lock your trailer: This might seem obvious, but you should double-check all the trailer locks before setting off. You can also invest in high-quality padlocks specifically designed for trailer security (or you can ask the place you are hiring your trailer from to add such locks to your trailer).
- Place a seal on your trailer: Trailer seals can provide a visible sign that tampering has occurred. These seals should be placed on the trailer’s doors and they will be broken if someone tries to access your items. They’re a great way to quickly spot any unauthorised entry.
- Keep your cargo hidden: Keeping valuables out of sight discourages opportunistic thieves. Pack your cargo in boxes and cover the boxes with blankets, or use a cargo net to cover your belongings should you still need air circulation (blankets can prevent air flow, especially if they are heavy).
- Only stop in safe places: Whenever possible, choose well-lit rest stops with security cameras. These can deter thieves and provide valuable footage should you be robbed.
- Strength in Numbers: Park near other vehicles especially trucks and buses. Thieves are sometimes less likely to target trailers parked in a crowded area.
- Avoid High-Risk Locations: Steer clear of secluded areas or rest stops especially those with a history of theft (run a Google search for the rest stop to find out how safe it is before stopping).
- GPS Tracking: You should consider renting a trailer equipped with GPS tracking. This allows you to monitor your trailer’s location in real-time and can be invaluable in case of theft.
- Wheel Locks: While not common in South Africa yet, wheel locks can be a useful additional security measure. These heavy-duty devices prevent thieves from towing the trailer away.
The Benefits of Renting a Trailer
While these security measures are essential for any trailer transport, there’s an added advantage to renting from a reputable company: peace of mind.
Reputable trailer rental companies typically maintain their trailers ensuring that they remain in tip- top condition, with the tough locking mechanisms consistently tested and checked. In some cases, they might even offer GPS tracking as part of the rental package.
At Newlands Trailers, we rent out a variety of high quality trailers in Pretoria, and our trailers are ideal for your everyday trailer needs as well as for holiday getaways. Contact us today to find out more about our trailer selection and the hiring process.
