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You can buy a trailer hitch in a wide range of sizes or shapes.
It's pivotal that you purchase a good trailer hitch lock, but the process may seem daunting once you see the array of options available.
We have taken the time to assemble some information regarding the best trailer hitch locks on the market today.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Trailer Hitch Lock
- OUR TOP PICK: Master Lock - Universal Size
- Master Lock 377KA Trailer Hitch Lock
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: VETOMILE Trailer Hitch Lock Pin Set
Table of Contents
Comparison of the Best Trailer Hitch Locks
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What Are the Benefits of a Trailer Hitch Lock?
You have a trailer, but why do you need a lock? No one is going to steal such a large vehicle, right? If only that were the case. There are many thieves that will see an unlocked boat, RV, or other towed vehicles as a high-end steal. Now, why do you need one? Let’s look at a few of the benefits of investing in the right hitch lock.
Deterrence
Trailer hitch locks can be an extraordinary method to keep your trailer from being taken. They are especially effective when they are visible. A hoodlum hoping to steal your belongings will see the lock and may reconsider before attempting to mess with your stuff.
Peace of Mind
If you continually stress over your stuff when you are out and about, a trailer hitch lock can assist in setting your mind straight. The lock gives an additional layer of security, so you don't need to stress over the probability of it being taken.
Security
Whatever type you choose, a trailer hitch lock will keep anybody from connecting your trailer to their very own vehicle. They are constructed with strong materials that are progressively hard to split, break, or open without the correct key.
Are All Hitch Locks The Same?
There are many ways that one hitch lock differs from the other. This is true not only in its design but in it's size, materials, and locking mechanisms, as well. The biggest difference is probably the design. Here are the two main types of hitch locks you will find:
Coupler
A coupler lock is the most widely recognized of all trailer locks. It fits over the coupler on the trailer's tongue. This keeps anybody from connecting a vehicle and driving off with your trailer.
Pin
This kind of lock works by sliding into the clasp gap where the hitch meets the edge of your vehicle. Some include an additional layer of security for anybody attempting to pry it off of the hitch.
What Should I Look For When Buying a Trailer Hitch Lock?
When you are looking at hitch locks, you may be in a new world and have no idea what makes a great option for your trailer needs. Here are the features we suggest you pay close attention to while making this decision:
Durability
Look at the kind of material utilized in the lock. The greater part is created with a solid metal, while others are fortified with intense steel coating. Either will guarantee that anybody hoping to take your trailer has a considerably troublesome time doing so.
Master Lock - Universal Size
Size & Fit
While not all hitches are a similar size, the best trailer hitch lock ought to have the option to fit most of the present-day hitches. To ensure a lock will accommodate your particular hitch, check with the manufacturer's manual for the precise details of the hitch.
Visibility
Is it crucial to help avert the burglary of your trailer, pontoon, or RV? Make sure you have a lock on the hitch that is easy for potential thieves to see. A decent method to deter criminals is to get a nice bright or a large one that is easily seen from a distance.
Review of the Best Trailer Hitch Locks
Now that you have a good idea of what you should look for, we can start taking an in-depth look at our list of carefully curated hitch lock options.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This hitch lock has a lot to rave about. The first thing that comes to mind is ease of installation. Having an easy-to-setup hitch will make the transport of your trailer that much easier. That is one of the chief advantages of this hitch. That and the durability gained through the use of sturdy materials.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Security is key when you are looking for a hitch lock, and that is what stands out to us the most. The advanced innovative locking mechanism makes it difficult to pick or crack, and that leads to heightened security. This alone makes it a great choice for many people.
Who Will Use This Most
This lock is a great choice for just about anyone, but the individual that will get the most from this lock is the one that tows multiple trailers. The universal design allows for the unit to be used with multiple sizes of couplers, and this is perfect for towing multiple vehicles and trailers.
Bottom Line
In the end, you are buying this lock to ensure your investment is secure. That means you need the best-designed and well-built piece. With Master Lock, that is what you get. Hence, we had to include it on our list in the best overall category.
Runner-up:
Master Lock 377KA Trailer Hitch Lock
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This lock is built to last with a heavy build and a nicely designed layout. This leads to a more durable unit that will stand the test of time no matter what you throw at it. There are some instances of the metal around the lock itself being a little soft.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Choosing a hitch lock can be tough when you are living in a place that has extreme elements. In order to combat this, you need to have a rust-resistant model. With this lock, you get a unit that is designed to stave off the effects including corrosion and rust.
Who Will Use This Most
Because of its corrosion resistance, this lock is perfect for people that are dealing with the elements. Those that tow their trailers through rain, snow, and sleet on a frequent basis would love this. It may even be a great fit for those that need to drop their vehicle in water (i.e. a boat).
Bottom Line
Master Lock is a name that brings with it a well-regarded reputation. That is not enough to get this lock on our list, though. In fact, even without the name recognition, this unit is well-crafted, and that is what made it our choice for runner-up.
Best for the Money:
VETOMILE Trailer Hitch Lock Pin Set
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
It is crafted with the highest quality material and is designed to give its owner the highest performance. The material also provides durability like few others can, which means that this bike lock will last for many years to come - a huge plus for all buyers.
Why it Stands Out to Us
When it comes right down to it this amazing hitch lock shines when you look at the locking mechanism itself. The innovative lock is not the typical twisting lock, but rather one that utilizes ball bearings to elevate its functionality. Plus, it is a budget-friendly option, which means more value.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a great option for many. However, those that are new to using a hitch and trailer could benefit from the ease of installation and use. In those regards, it is definitely a great option. You want to be able to utilize your equipment to its fullest without stress and worry.
Bottom Line
We had to find a hitch lock that would be a great choice for the budget-minded tower. This unit stood out above the rest by far. It is crafted with a well-built design and materials that are durable. The price tag is inviting, and this will be an investment for a long time to come.
Best Trailer Hitch Pin Lock:
Motormic Trailer Hitch Lock Pin Set - 2pcs
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This lock pin set has a lot of great attributes, including the lack of rattle that is afforded the user due to its secure fit. However, the true feature that makes this unit so well regarded is its snooty locking action. The keys do tend to arrive not cut alike, but that takes very little away from all the great attributes of this lock.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Usability is vital when you are dealing with such an important piece of equipment. One of the highlights of this set is the push-to-lock mechanism used in its creations. This makes it easy to use. The ease of use allows for anyone, no matter their level of experience, to utilize this tool without fail.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a great choice for those that are looking to tow a mobile home or RV. Because of its versatility in class compatibility, it gives a wide range of choices for the caravanner to choose from. Also, its durability can withstand the rigors placed on your hitch by towing such a heavy load.
Bottom Line
You are looking for a secure and durable option when you are looking to tie up your trailer and hit the road. This pin lockset is designed with multiple O-rings that improve security. This is done through the snugness of fit. This is the reason why it is simply one of the best choices for hitching your trailer up.
Best Trailer Hitch Coupler Lock:
AMPLock U-BRP2516 RV/Trailer Coupler Lock
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
When it comes right down to it, security and durability are what make a good hitch lock. With this lock, you get both qualities in spades, and that is why many people highly recommend this unit. There are also some issues that arise when you remove this lock, like damage to the hitch.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There is a lot we could look at when it comes to this hitch lock. However, when we really think about it there is really only one thing that stands out…its overall design. Carefully molded to fit a wide variety of RVs and trailers, it offers a versatility that is superb.
Who Will Use This Most
This lock is small but mighty! That is why it is the perfect option for those that travel and need to switch the hitch lock from trailer to trailer. It is also a great choice for those that do trailer deliveries. Because that fits a lot of options and is so lightweight, removing your lock and then heading on to the next gig is simple.
Bottom Line
Coupler locks are one of the most common options, and, therefore, the market is saturated. If you are looking for an easy-to-use and durable option, then this hitch lock from AMPLock is for you. It is crafted with efficiency in mind, and it does not disappoint.
Best Boat Trailer Hitch Lock:
AMPLock U-TLS2 Boat Trailer Lock
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
There is nothing like a brand that is built on delivering high-quality well-made products. That is what many feel is the highlight of this lock. The team at AMPLock knows that one of the most important features is durability, so they gave us a heavy-duty lock. There are some issues with fit, but they are few and far between.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Having a lock that will work on almost every boat trailer you can think of is not a bad thing. The fact it is crafted with a 2” almost universal design means that you will be set and ready to secure it from theft.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a great choice for the boater that wants to keep their boat secure but has a budget to maintain. Not only is the price tag nice, but the durability this unit offers heightens the value above many similar locks.
Bottom Line
Though large, a boat could be a prime target for thieves looking to make a lot of money. You want a hitch lock that will prevent even the most experienced thief from getting their hands on your stuff. That is why we knew that this hitch lock needed to be on our list.
Best Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Lock:
Blaylock TL-50 Gooseneck-Style Coupler Lock
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Nothing says security like a heavy-duty lock with an unmatchable design. The combination of those two features makes for the perfect hitch lock. There have been some instances that, due to the heavy paint, the fit is not as snug as it could be, but in the end, the level of security is well worth a little time spent in modification.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The patented design is what really stood out to us. This lock’s design is carefully crafted to enhance the security of the model. That, plus the high-quality premium materials, makes this a great option for many different purposes.
Who Will Use This Most
Many different trailers and vehicles would be well equipped with this lock. However, those that are dealing with a goose neck horse trailer may be the biggest beneficiary. Its unique design and durability mixed with sturdiness make it able to stand up to long road trips with a loaded horse trailer.
Bottom Line
This unit is perfect, and you can definitely see the attention that the design team at Blaylock has put into this lock. All of its attributes merge to form a durable, long-lasting, high-performing security investment for all your personal vehicles.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
There are some things that you should consider before you make your final purchase. Here are a few of the reasons that we feel will make the most impact on your decision.
Convenience
Many locks come with a long and lengthy process of installation. Everyday tasks that need to be done to appropriately secure them is included, as well. Be that as it may, being simpler to deal with doesn't detract from the lock's usefulness. You ought to settle on a lock that is easy to connect but, on the other hand, are secure and tough.
Locking Mechanism
A frail locking configuration can be cracked by a master in a matter of moments. You will want to put resources into a tough hitch lock that can stand up to a couple of mallet blows and can't be broken easily.
Budget
Like with any investment, you have to know what features you are willing to live without and what features you just can’t. This is where your budget comes into play. Knowing what you have or are willing to spend will help you narrow down your selection rather quickly.
How to Use a Trailer Hitch Lock
If you have never dealt with trailers and hitches, you may be thinking to yourself, how the heck do you use one? It depends on the trailer and the lock. Not only will there be basic differences, but each individual one may have a whole different locking mechanism.
That being said there are some basics that seem to be universal. For us, we are going to focus on the most common option - the ball hitch coupler.
Here are the steps:
- Wrench your trailer up so that the coupler is higher than the ball hitch on the tow vehicle. Only a couple of inches will do.
- Have someone remain by the trailer to keep an eye on the coupler.
- Back up the vehicle towards the trailer.
- Keep backing the trailer up until the ball hitch is under the coupler. The closer you get, the simpler the remainder of the procedure will be.
- When the hitch is under the coupler, stop your vehicle, put it in park, and pull the emergency brake.
- Wrench down to bring the coupler onto the ball hitch.
- Lock the coupler and ball into place. There is a gadget known as a coupler brace that is utilized to secure this.
- Secure the coupler clip with the hitch pin that accompanied the hitch.
- Use security chains to connect the trailer to the tow vehicle.
Conclusion
The lock that you pick is reliant upon your financial limit. Even the least expensive option is still a great theft deterrent tactic to execute. Hopefully with the options, with the information laid out above you feel more confident in your decision.
