Denver Boot- trailer security system

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I've looked for this and can't find it...      Has anyone built (or even better, have plans for) one of those steel contraptions (sometimes called a "Denver Boot")?   Lots of us build and use trailers and I was thinking it would be a great little afternoon project to ensure that my trailer doesn't go missing.http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...enver_boot.jpgI'm thinking just a simple one would be perfect- nothing elaborate like the parking enforcement officers use.  Has anyone built one and if so, care to share ideas, pics, plans?  Thanks,DaveLincoln AC225 & MigPak 140, Lincoln Magnum SpoolGun, Miller Spectrum 375-X Plasma, Syncrowave 200 TIG, Millermatic 252 MIG, Miller Digital Elite, General 7x12" horiz/vert bandsaw, 3' box/pan brake, 20 ton press, milling machine, 12x28 lathe, etc.
Reply:Anything you do wouldn't do more than to just slow a person down a little, if that person was intent on stealing it!That boot could be easily cut with a saws-all.If the trailer sits for any length of time, why not just put it up on stands and remove the tires and hubs from the spindles, just to make it less desireable and harder to steal!Ken.#1. If you don't like what I wrote, or if it offends you, then don't read it!#2. I am living life the way I see fit, if you don't like the way I'M living, tough sh**!
Reply:you could do like i did for my buddy we took 3/4 inch rebar welded it to 3/8 plate steel on one end shoved it threw the holes on his wheels on both sides and got one of those locks where you can't get a bolt cutter on drilled a hole on both peices of rebar grind down till the lock could just fit on their.. Just make shure the rebar is close to the springs its most efecttive acts like a huge chalk on the tires.. they don't know its their and they try to get away and the joke is onn them cause they cant go but a few inches.. lol i would love to see their faces when they can't get away fast.. Here is a crude drawing i did on here but i hope you can make sence of it..          |  T  |-----Frame----|  T  |           |  I |------Rebar-----|  I  |           |  r |------Rebar-----|  r  |          |  e   |__________|   e  |Last edited by Graydevil; 03-20-2009 at 12:09 PM.
Reply:Why not make a removable hitch for the trailer.  Use a 2" receiver tube & attach the coupler to the tubing that slides in just like the ball does on your vehicle.  I've seen those used on high dollar horse trailers, remove the hitch, can't tow the trailer.  Use 2 hardened pins to secure it when towing, & it's as safe as a welded on coupler.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Just lock the empty tube when you do that so that the crook doesn't just put his own  in the tube and drive it away.
Reply:Thanks for the comments guys;  there are a couple of good reasons for the Denver Boot:     Firstly, yes- it could be cut with a lot of different tools.  Why it is effective is that it is a deterrent for those theives that are bold enough to pull up to your driveway, pretending like they belong there- and hook up to your trailer as cool as could be.  When people act like they belong there, nobody pays any notice and before you know it- the trailer is connected and gone.  Sparks flying or the noise of a reciprocating saw in the driveway would certainly attract attention, something most opportunistic thieves avoid.The boot is generally bright and obvious and acts as a visual deterrent as well.  The rebar idea is nice- but if someone goes to the trouble of hooking up my boat trailer and finds the wheels locked upon starting to tow it, I wouldn't be surprised if they continued on anyway at least for a few blocks before parking and getting something to cut the rebar.  Yeah, the jokes on them when they find the wheels locked and they have a lot more work to do- but my boat is still gone!   A Denver Boot's visibility would prevent them from even starting to hook it up.Yes, blocking it up and removing the wheels would be a decent deterrent, but I want to use the trailer too!  A Denver Boot can be removed in mere seconds with the turn of a key.  And I currently use one of those devices to lock the empty ball-receptacle on the hitch- however they are relatively easily defeated which is why I'm looking to build this backup system.Has nobody actually built one of these?Lincoln AC225 & MigPak 140, Lincoln Magnum SpoolGun, Miller Spectrum 375-X Plasma, Syncrowave 200 TIG, Millermatic 252 MIG, Miller Digital Elite, General 7x12" horiz/vert bandsaw, 3' box/pan brake, 20 ton press, milling machine, 12x28 lathe, etc.
Reply:Interesting plan.Last edited by denrep; 03-22-2009 at 08:16 AM.Reason: Figured there's no sense telling the world about the boot that was removed without a key!
Reply:About 15 years ago, at a small community college here in North Texas, they had their version of the Denver Boot fashioned out of 1.5" square tubing. It was used to hold a vehicle hostage so the owner would have to go pay the parking tickets. I watched,and laughed, when I saw the campus cop put it on a welding truck. 3 hours later when I got out of class and headed for work I saw that same cop pulling that thing from the dumpster.  The darn thing was in more pieces than it was when I saw it earlier! Never saw that welding truck in the parking lot again..............................."Look Good Doing It"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!