Step 4: Insure Your Trailer
You've taken steps to deter thieves and avoid having your trailer stolen. Your next step is to have the trailer insured so if the worst happens, you're covered.
Although your trailer is automatically insured on your towing vehicle's policy in the event of an accident, theft is another matter. According to Debbie DeTurk, an account executive with Markel Insurance, most auto policies cover auto theft but not trailer theft.
"If you want theft coverage for your trailer, you have to request an addition to your auto policy," she says.
If your auto insurer doesn't offer trailer-theft coverage, insure your trailer by a company specializing in such policies.
If you're on a budget, consider the deductible. If you think it's unlikely your trailer will be stolen, you may want to go with a higher deductible to save money on premiums. Also, consider insuring your trailer for the replacement value rather than the actual value, if possible. Quality used trailers can be hard to find at reasonable prices, so you might want to be able to purchase a new one if your trailer is stolen.
One of the worst things about having your trailer stolen is losing what's inside. If your trailer is taken at a trailhead, your equine friend will mostly likely (and thankfully) be with you on the trail. But you may have valuable tack and other equipment inside your trailer, unless you were smart enough to leave it at home.
The good news is that if you have homeowner's or renter's insurance, your policy should cover the trailer's contents. (Verify this coverage with your insurance agent.) Keep careful records, including photos, of all the items you keep inside your trailer when you travel.
Step 5: Document Your Trailer
If your trailer is stolen, keeping the right documentation and records in your files will help law-enforcement officials track it down.
Take photos of your trailer from all sides, so you can show police what your trailer looks like and make lost-trailer flyers. (See "If Your Trailer is Stolen" on page 48.) Record and keep handy a complete description of your trailer's model number, along with details on the type of windows, ramp, and interior.
Your trailer's vehicle identification number (VIN) is an important piece of information; you'll find it on your trailer-registration card. Keep this card on your person or in your saddlebags when you are on a trail ride, along with a photo of your trailer. That way if your trailer is stolen, you'll not only prevent thieves from having the registration card, but you'll also have the necessary information ready to immediately provide to police.
Also, keep photos and descriptions of all the items inside your trailer so you can report these items as stolen.
Step 6: Park Safely
Now that you've done everything possible in terms of equipping your trailer to prevent theft, and to ensure you're compensated should the worst happen, it's time to think about discouraging thieves at the trailhead by parking with care.
"Whenever possible, park in areas that are open, and have lighting," says USRider's Cole. "Park in areas with other horse trailers or that have activity."
If your destination is a public land (such as a regional, state, or national park, or national forest), you'll likely leave your trailer in a designated parking lot. These lots are usually quiet, secluded, and seldom used. If possible, park your trailer close to a visitor's center or ranger station so land-management personnel are likely to notice if someone tries to take it.
"We always try to park near a trailhead with posted rules, because it implies that a government official or a ranger may?pass by," says The Trail Rider contributor Ben Theyre, who rides extensively in upstate New York and remote areas around the country. "This kind of trailhead gives the impression that?it's a watched spot. It's not as interesting to thieves as a place that has no rules posted and is close to a main road for a quick getaway."
If you park in a remote location, try to back your trailer against a large tree or group of trees, a hill, or any other large object that will make it difficult for thieves to gain access to the trailer doors.
Also, try to park in clear sight of a main highway. Although cars do go by rather quickly, the fact that people can see your trailer from the road can discourage thieves. Even though this may mean that you'll have to ride a bit farther to get to the main trailhead, it'll be worth the extra trouble.
And do research before you head out to a remote trailhead to make sure the area is safe. "One of the best methods for preventing trailer theft is to avoid trailheads with a reputation for thievery and vandalism," say the Krones. "Surprisingly, some trailheads are more prone to illegal activities than others. Call ahead to nearby outfitters, the forest service, and/or other public agencies in the area that would know the history of the trailheadin question."
Although the possibility of trailer theft is real, don't let the threat of losing your trailer deter you from going on rides.
"Do your best preventive efforts," say Kent and Charlene Krone. "Then travel and have fun!"
