In states like New York stealing a trailer is one of the safest things to do. One can steal one and register as a homemade one. He’ll just have to show some receipts of the purchased materials to the DMV. That’s how easy it is.
Since you’ve invested a couple of thousands of dollars on your trailer better invest a few more bucks to keep it to yourself. Trailer hitch locks onto the hitch balls or envelopes it wholly in some case to keep it from being towed away.
Even with the best trailer hitch lock, it can’t be guaranteed that the trailer can’t be stolen. But now the thief has to use some angle grinder or some form of the metal cutter to cut off the lock or even the hitch ball itself. But now it becomes a hard theft to nail. You’re indeed in a safer state with it.
Best Trailer Hitch Lock for your Trailer
Here are some of the leading trailer hitch locks in the market. Let’s bring out what makes one stand out amongst the others.
1. REESE Towpower 72783 Coupler Lock
Standout Facts
If you are worried about the safety of your trailer, then REESE has just the thing that will clear your worries in no time. Their Towpower 72783 is built for heavy-duty protection due to the aluminum body with steel lock bar construction. The Racket can be adjusted to 11 locking positions.
It fits couplers with the size of 1-⅞, 2, and 2-5/16 inches. The bright yellow color has a nice impression on the eyes & easily visible from distance, which means you can easily notice if the lock is hampered or not. The weight of the lock is almost 2.3 lbs.
REESE has a dimension of almost 9 x 9 x 3 inches. The lock is very easy to install. It will resist any sort of prying or picking & even drill outs too. Your trailer would safely be guarded by REESE without any worries of goods being stolen from storage.
Issues
- The lock doesn’t seem to fit every other trailer; the large dimensions of the lock affects the installation.
- This lock also has to be greased more often than others.
- Its keys are also made of cheap material so they break easily.
2. CURT 23518 Black Trailer Hitch Lock
Standout Facts
CURT has come up with a dependable lock to protect your trailer from any sort of robbery. Their 23518 locking hitch pin is constructed from durable high-quality steel to protect your trailer hatch from thieves. The manufacturer has gone with a barbell style locking hitch pin for the design.
Only a ¼ turn locking will activate the locking system & for the same turns, it will unlock it too. The diameter of the pin is 5/8 inches & the usable length of the pin is 2.85 inches. The hitch lock will fit any 2-inch x 2-inch hitch receiver with just a 5/8-inch tube hole.
There is a watertight dust cap present to protect the inside components of the hitch from water or liquid. Double layer coating protects the whole body of the lock from any sort of corrosion. Two keys come with the locking system for the customer’s convenience to use them.
Issues
- It is a pain to lock & unlock because you need to hold the lock side & the shaft before turning the key.
- The keys are made of plastic, so you need to run to the locksmith too.
3. Cocoweb [New] C-Lock Heavy Duty Locking
Standout Facts
Cocoweb is a lot like the previous Hitch pin lock of CURT with a sleek barbell locking mechanism. The construction of the Cocoweb is solid steel of 6 inches that can only be unlocked with fitting keys. C lock hitch is introduced do that users can easily tow a trailer.
It comes with an industry-standard ½ inch diameter pin for the receiver to fit in the hitch. The outer width of the hitch is almost 2.75 inches matching the most standard class I, II, III & IV hitches. Keeping your security concerns away the lock does keep you in sound mind.
You also should not worry about any corrosion or rust because the lock comes with a water resistance cap to keep the water & moisture out of the lock. No mounting or drilling is required to install them. It also has 2 unique laser cut keys coming with it.
Cons
- If you do not handle the Cocoweb appropriately then it might get damaged.
- It would not work on every other hitch too.
4. Master Lock 377KA Trailer Hitch Lock
Standout Facts
Master lock 377KA is constructed with a Zinc to resist any sort of corrosion or rust. The coupler part will guarantee you reliable service for years to come. The advanced locking mechanism has been introduced so that it can counter any sort of picking or prying.
The Master Hitch lock fits trailer couplers that are 1-7/8 in. (48mm), 2 in. (51mm) and most 2-5/16 in. (59mm). so it has a variety in fitting for most trailer couplers. The locking system is very easy to install too.
The key positions of the shackle include the key to go to one position right. Then the shackle ratchets towards the ball & advancing to another position you can unlock the key. You can reliably use the MASTER Lock for guarding your trailers & RVs. Two keys are provided by the manufacturer for usage.
Issues
- Because of the advanced locking mechanism, it will take a bit more time to unlock the lock.
- If you are in a hurry all the time then it might not suit you.
5. Trimax UMAX100 Premium Trailer Lock
Standout Facts
Trimax, the world’s leading lock manufacturer, has an excellent reputation in lock manufacturing providing high-quality locks. Hardened steel is used to build their Trailer lock UMAX100 for better security that lasts long. Because of a lightweight aluminum construction minimum muscle power requires to unlock the lock.
The one lock size fits all coupler types from 1-7/8″, 2″ to 2-5/16″. The total weight is only 6 lbs. You will get a double key that are durable inside perfect packaging.
A ballistic grade nylon house is covering the whole lock so that no type of hammer blows can affect the lock. It also protects the lock from moisture, so corrosion or rust is out of the question here.
Dual-ratchet Lock System makes it hard to penetrate. The keyhole is also covered; you can easily slide it up to unlock. There is type A keys that are spring-loaded 7 has 7 pins for high-level security. The lock cannot be drilled or bent due to its high-quality construction.
Issues
- If you mess up the lock, then it will be hard to repair or have maintenance.
- It is a bit heavy too due to the 6-pound weight.
6. Tow Ready (63228) Gorilla Guard Coupler Lock
Standout Facts
Tow ready has a rough & sturdy design that makes it hard to crack. This credit goes to the heavy-duty construction of the lock with a black steel body. The dimension of the lock is 7 x 6 x 3 inches.
The Tow ready comes with Gorilla Guard to protect your trailer from any intruders. The locking system is that you have to slide the lock into the trailer hitch for it to work.
There is also a push-button locking mechanism the allows the users to lock the trailer without using your keys.
The thing that you have to be careful is the Tow ready lock is compatible with a coupler that does not exceed the width of 3-13/16 inches including lips. The height should also not exceed 5/16 inches too.
The lock will fit most couplers that have a length of almost 2 inches. Two keys also come along the lock for your convenience.
Issues
- The specifications itself are a perk here for the lock.
- It will not fit couplers that are taller than 5/16 inches or have a width that is more than 3-13/16 inches.
- The operation of the lock becomes limited.
7. Blaylock TL-33 Coupler Lock
Standout Facts
Blaylock has designed a lock that will provide you with the ultimate security at a good value. The body of the coupler lock is made of aircraft aluminum but there is heavy-duty bar steel that has amazing durability. Rust or corrosion is not an issue due to the coating the lock has all over the body.
Blaylock fits most couplers that are 2 and 2-5/16 inches. So, it fits over 30 different coupler sizes cover a lot of renowned brands such as Buyers, Atwood, Pro series, Titan, Fulton, U-Haul, Demco. The inside dimension of the lock is 4-3/4 inches & the overall is 4-1/2″ x 6-1/8″ x 5-1/2″ respectively depth, width 7 height.
The best thing about the lock is that it has 3 locking positions. As a result, there are multiple options for you to choose from where you would like to work with.
It also has a limited 90 days’ warranty coming with it, so if you have any problems you can contact them.
Issues
- Aluminum is a lightweight metal, so having this kind of construction for a coupler lock is not the best of ideas.
- It is not as rigid & heavy duty as a steel lock.
- It is vulnerable to some hammer blows.
Facts for Best Trailer Hitch Lock
There is a lot of information to understand before you go out to buy a trailer hitch lock. It is not going to be like buying a table. You need to be aware of different terms & understand how they affect the hitch lock.
Types of Trailer Hitch Locks
There are two types of hitch locks in the market. They both have different functionalities that you have to keep in mind.
Receiver Style Hitch Lock
These types of locks have a metal pin on one side or both & can be easily unlocked using a unique key. Some have curvy ends that make them difficult to penetrate.
Such hitch locks are used only to protect your trailer from being stolen when it is hitched to a vehicle or a similar place. You can also use it for towing purposes too. Their construction is very much solid to be doing it. But remember that if your trailer is unhitched then it becomes useless.
Coupler Hitch locks
These types of locks have a U shaped design that usually fits the end part of your trailer that looks like a tongue. They are present to keep others from running away with your trailer by just connecting that tongue to their vehicle.
You only have to install the ball-shaped top to the rear end of your trailer. You can use these locks even if your vehicle is unhitched or unattended.
Compatibility or Coupler Size
The general criterion for a hitch lock to work is to get to know whether it can fit your coupler or not. Usually, these types of fitments can be expressed in inches or by classes. We are going to discuss both.
Pin Size
There are 4 classes for hitch locks that are tagged from I to IV. If it’s class I or class II hitch then it’s necessary to go for ½ inch pin size. On the other hand, class III & IV require a hitch pin that is 5/8 inches. Other than this your hitch is rendered useless.
Receiver Size
You have to see the receiver end too. Receivers of 1-1/4 inches are good for class I & II hitches. The 2-inch receivers are for the class III & IV ones.
Ball Size
If you are planning to buy a coupler hitch lock, then you need to see if the ball size of the couplers matches the end part of your trailer. Usually, a coupler lock will fit the ranges of 1-7/8 to 2-5/16 inches in ball size.
Construction
Construction directly relates to the level of security your hitch lock can provide. Usually, the locks that we see are constructed of stainless steel, hardened steel or all iron. All these metals are considered to be of extreme durability.
They absorb any sort of shock that has been applied to them, so thieves have a hard time cracking them. But the same can’t be said about the trailer hitch locks that have an aluminum construction. Aluminum is a lightweight metal that can be penetrated easily by applying force. So its better to get the steel constructed locks.
Design of the Lock
You will see many locks in the market that have the same key that is given to every customer. Suppose any person possessing the same key would to come to your trailer & using the key to unlock the hitch. Manufacturers usually produce mass keys alike for the sake of lowering costs. Always look for unique key combinations for buying trailer hitch locks.
Rust or Corrosion Resistant
Trailer Hitch locks will be facing the outside world 24×7. So having a rust-resistant hitch lock is required or else the locks may jam inside. A cap that covers the keyhole is very much effective on rainy days. That way the inside cannot be affected by moisture or rain.
FAQ
Q: Is it hard to install a trailer lock?
Ans: Trailer hitch locks vary from style to style. There are different types of locks that come with different installing methods. But most of the time a hitch lock will take only a few minutes to install & then you are good to go.
Q: Can my trailer be stolen even if there is a lock on it?
Ans: No lock can guarantee your trailer’s ultimate safety. But hardened steel takes a great deal to rip off. Hence installing one from the top of the brands is an assurance.
Q: What is the class rating of a hitch?
Ans: There are different classes of hitches so that you know how much load it can bear. Or how much it can withstand. The higher the rating means the higher the weight it can bear. Class IV could bear a lot more than the ones that have class I.
Q: What is the job of a locking hitch pin?
Ans: The name of the term can make you assume that it has something to do be a pin that is connected to the hitch lock. Well, that is exactly what it is. Usually, it is just a metal rod that is connected to the hitch to tow your trailer. It has a padlock & key to operate.
Q: What is a coupler & how does it work?
Ans: A coupler is usually connected to the end of a trailer. You can easily fit it to the end of your trailer & use it to tow your trailer when you have to move it around.
Conclusion
There is no time to think whether you need it or not, the fact that you should get ASAP a hitch lock to secure your trailer from any sort of theft. Leaving it unguarded will make the job of the thief easier as they are just waiting for you to make a blunder. No matter which one you liked, the most significant fact is the safety of your trailer.
The Cocoweb Hitch pin would be a great addition considering the protection it is providing to your trailer. The CURT 23518 is also a superb receiver-style hitch lock. But if you are looking for a Coupler style hitch lock then the Trimax UMAX100 would be a great one.
If you are an amateur, then these suggestions will help you make your mind up. In the end, you just need to keep in mind that hitch lock needs to be rigid in construction & fitting your vehicle perfectly to provide ultimate security. Our expert opinion will help you understand the facts of the best trailer hitch lock more.
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