Rather than repost the entire story here, I'm posting a link to my review and subsequent experience last week in Fort Worth. To summarize: great show, friendly people, huge weather issues to deal with. I made great sales there, probably my best show to date. But my show trailer was stolen. Luckily, I was set up the day before it was ripped off from the Marriott Towne Place Suites in downtown Fort Worth.
While I await the outcome of the insurance company claims I've filed, I wrote a long blog post on my own site that details my experience with the show and with the theft. In seven years, I've never had a problem with a stolen trailer. Guess there's a first time for everything.
So anyhow, thanks to everyone who expressed their concern and sympathy and offered their help. Especially Beth Crowder, who had a great idea, and to Jay Downie, the Director of MSAF, who sent me a very nice personal note.
Here's the link:
I also posted a page on my site that shows the trailer in a bit more detail. If anyone has any info on the trailer, or runs across some of my work at a show where I am not present, please inform the police and let me know as well. Thanks so much.
Jim Parker
Comments
@Gary -- Like the idea of an interior mounted GPS. If it's well hidden, would give the police enough time to track it. That is, if the police actually cared much about a stolen trailer. @Emily/Rona -- thanks. I appreciate the kind words.
These products also would probably slow thieves down enough to make them think twice. A coupler lock doesn't really help, especially if thieves are using a tow truck to lift the trailer. Might raise some suspicion to see a trailer being towed down the street, but most people wouldn't give it a second glance.
Wheel security - Universal Boot.
Jim, a friend has them on his hot air balloon trailers. Interior mounted and he found someone that had an external antenna he put through the roof. The unit senses the first moment of movement and sends an alert to his cellphone and email. I've seen them on construction equipment and the units themselves are pretty much bulletproof. Kind of like Lo-Jack for cars. Thieves see the stickers and try to steal the car anyways.
Jim
Check out http://www.dewaltmobilelock.com/main.asp. The unit is available on Amazon at about $350. Monthly service is $20. So while not cheap may be of interest if you find yourself doing shows in the states that don't regulate trailers.
Side note, with all states scrambling for revenue maybe they will wake up, say hey we're leaving money on the table, and start registering with the resulting fee income :).
Gary Haynes
www.reflectionsimaging.com