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Hitch Locks Will Secure Your Precious Trailer

A trailer can be a target for tow-away theft whether it’s attached or detached from your vehicle. We discuss specialized locks that protect trailers from either scenario.
Hitch Locks Will Secure Your Precious Trailer

We have been extolling the virtues of our lineup of trailer hitches and hitch accessories for quite some time now. If you have reviewed our extensive array in our online trailer and towing store, you've seen the value. Hitches help you bring your boat to the water and back; allow you to tow your family camper; carry all the kids' bikes using a hitch-mount carrier; and even help you perform such mundane tasks as reaching your SUV's roof when you install a hitch step.

At the same time, it's a reality that you are not with your vehicle at all times (of course not - you're out on the yacht), and prying eyes have a way of turning into prying hands. Vehicle and hitch security are important to you, as well they should be. You have every right to expect your trailer or hitch-mounted accessory to still be there when you return from the day's fun activities. This is why it's important to introduce to you the concept of hitch locks.

Hitch Locks Banner

"Coupler" And "Ball Mount" Locks

The scope of this article will focus on two kinds of locks: a "coupler" lock and a 'ball mount" lock. Coupler locks, as the name implies, lock down the coupler on your trailer. They are useful both when the trailer is disconnected from the hitch, and when the trailer is attached. In either case, no one without the key can open the coupler and attach another vehicle's hitch to it. Ball mount locks prevent removal of the ball mount (or hitch-mounted accessory) from the receiver on your car or truck. Want to leave that hitch step in place all the time? Lock it in place and it will always be there. For best security, you want one of each kind of lock.

Before you make your purchase, you need to know several things. For the coupler lock, there are some various designs, just as there are different designs of couplers. The "universal" coupler lock looks like a trailer ball, with a lockable bridge above it. The "pin" or "deadbolt" style passes through a hole in the coupler, and you will need to know the span, or length, that will fit your trailer's coupler. For the hitch/ball mount lock, the two available sizes are 1/2" diameter and 5/8" diameter. Class I and II hitches (with a 1 1/4" receiver) take the 1/2" pin size. Class III, IV, and V receivers use the 5/8" pin size.

Let's take a look at some of the specific items we sell which will meet your trailer security needs. Tow Ready is a brand that specializes in hitch accessories, and they make several value-priced locks and lock sets. Their Receiver Lock is available in both 1/2" and 5/8" diameters, so there is one that will fit your receiver no matter which class it is. The barrel comes in several different lengths, so make sure to measure in order to get the one you need. If you need both a hitch lock and a coupler lock, Tow Ready has you covered with their Combo Lock Set. Choose between the Dogbone style or Barrel (bent pin) style.

Receiver Lock
Tow Ready® - Receiver Lock
Combo Lock Set
Tow Ready® - Combo Lock Set

The Bulldog brand made its reputation supply the military with its heavy-duty towing products. These same field-proven items are now available for the civilian audience. Both hitch locks and coupler locks are in their product range. Dogbone style hitch pin locks are available in your choice of stainless, chrome, or bent style. Combination kits from Bulldog come in chrome or stainless steel. Stand-alone coupler locks can be purchased as padlock style, with an extra-long barrel, or as an adjustable style. All these products live up to the tough "Bulldog" name.

Chrome Dogbone Hitch Pin
Bulldog® - Chrome Dogbone Hitch Pin
Adjustable Coupler Lock
Bulldog® - Adjustable Coupler Lock
Chrome Dogbone Hitch Pin With Coupler Lock
Bulldog® - Chrome Dogbone Hitch Pin with Coupler Lock

Curt, one of the most recognized names in trailer hitches, features several hitch style locks. Class I and II receivers would use a hitch lock with a 1/2" pin. Receiver hitches which are Class II, IV, or V need a lock with a 5/8" pin diameter. Do you own one of each size hitch and need a lock that can work on either? Curt has you covered with a hitch lock that is supplied with a sleeve, allowing it to work on either size.

Chrome Hitch Lock For 1 1 4 Inch Receivers
CURT® - 1/2" Chrome Hitch Lock for 1-1/4" Receivers (15000 lbs Shear Strength)
Chrome Hitch Lock For 1 1 4 Inch And 2 Inch Receivers
CURT® - 1/2" Chrome Hitch Lock for 1-1/4" Receivers (With 5/8" Sleeve)

Now that you have perused our selection of trailer hitch locks, you will agree that there is almost no better value out there. The price of a pair of locks, or a combo set, is the best insurance you can purchase from a product that provides this kind of peace of mind. We want you to be able to hit the trail, water, campground, whatever, and keep your focus on the leisure activity at hand. With a set of quality hitch locks, that is exactly what you'll be able to do.

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