What I can't find is what are the preferred coupler locks to use that fits through the latch holes on a Shelby 5104 coupler, something that doubles as both a snapper pin and a security device when not hooked to the tow vehicle.I found this old thread which describes and shows this coupler in great detail. Lots of pictures and description. Unfortunately there does not seem to be any way to reply to that thread so I must start a new one.I tried this Master Lock and it physically would not fit. The shoulders of the coupler rise too high and it won't go into the hole.I bought this lock but it looks like it's so wide on the coupler. The coupler hole is almost 7/8" wide but this is about 2" wide, which means there is lots of exposed shaft for someone with a good hacksaw to get at it. I'll try it and update with my results.I saw that Shelby has some coupler locks on their site but I just am not clear from the descriptions which will work with this coupler. I'll try to contact the company Monday or Tuesday.Does anyone know for certain which lock is best to use?

That is the coupler I have on my trailer and I simply use an old fashioned Master combination lock. It has been on there for 11 years and still opens fine. You don't have to use a "coupler lock" but just any lock that will fit will work. Barney

I have 8 different places around the house and on my trailers that use padlocks that are keyed alike. Just use the padlock, of your choice, that fits the hole.

Hi,I 100% agree that when towing you want/need to have the coupler pinned or locked closed. That said, I pin mine. I do have a long shank Master Pad lock in the camper that I have 3 of them keyed alike. I use 2 of them on my generator cable and the other on the bicycles. Here is a quick hit on a similar one. Mine came in a set of 3. Master Long Shank lockI use those 3 locks for multiple things on the camper from time to time.As far as camper theft, just locking the coupler will not slow down a low life from stealing your camper. If you have a 2 5/16" coupler like many campers do, they can steal the camper with a 2" or 1 7/8" ball and haul it off to later cut off the lock and use a 2 5/16".For security, I use this one. It works with that Shelby couplerMaster Ball Coupler LockThe ball coupler types of locks slow the low life down, but if they want the camper bad enough, even these will not stop them. If there are a lot of campers around to pick from, using a ball coupler lock may deter them to move on to easier picking. If you have an old tow ball, cut the thread shank off of it, put it in the coupler and lock the coupler. It works as good as the store bought ones. Hope this helps and good luckJohn

Thanks all. The coupler lock I bought does physically fit but has the concern of the exposed shank, which can be sawed or cut with bolt cutters. Wouldn't the Master Long Shank lock have the same issue?

The hardened shanks will slow them down, even with a bolt cutter. They will need a real big one... but cutt'able. Anyone who works in an industrial maintenance dept knows how to get through a lock... They call it "The Master Key".... About a 4 foot long bolt cutterShank exposed or not, a battery powered grinder with a cut off wheel on it will cut through lock or shank in no time. Just it makes noise.Like this oneIf they want it bad enough, there is no lock that will stop them. Locks are for honest folks or at least those with some level of self worth. The low life that steals someone's camper, a lock will not matter. It will however slow them down to give you a chance and at least tell your insurance agent, it was locked. Stay warm down there is Fla. Send some heat up our way...John

Lock for a Shelby 5104 coupler | Good Sam Community

SlowBro
Explorer III
Feb 16, 2015
LarryJM wrote:
Master Lock used to make a extra secure padlock just like you are looking for, but don't think it's available anymore. I bought one some 20+ years ago and is in the pics below. Also, both sides of the "U" locks into the main body so to remove you have to remove the entire main lock portion and not just cut the top part loose. It's about the best you can do IMO, but like has been mentioned nothing is 100% and if they really want it the will get it.

I bought this, which from your pic looks the same, but it simply would not fit. The shoulders of the coupler interfered. Your coupler looks different.
deltabravo
Nomad
Feb 16, 2015
BarneyS wrote:
You don't have to use a "coupler lock" but just any lock that will fit will work.
Barney

That's what I use - a regular master padlock.

As a theft deterrent, (when I leaver my cargo trailer parked at an event I am attending) I use a big lock that inserts in to the coupler.

Not this one, but something similar:

http://www.etrailer.com/Locks/Tow-Ready/63226KA.html

I don't consider a padlock (or pin style coupler lock) through the coupler latch as a theft deterrent. Someone determined enough to steal something can drop the trailer on to a hitch with a smaller ball and still drive off with it. This is why I use a security device that inserts in to the bottom of the coupler.
gijoecam
Explorer
Feb 17, 2015
I use a Fulton Gorilla Coupler Lock. It's not a great fit, but the most secure I've found.

http://www.pacifictrailers.com/FULTON-Gorilla-Guard-Brass-Trailer-Coupler-Lock-BHLO-0600/

:)
SlowBro
Explorer III
Feb 17, 2015
Do you use that lock on this exact model coupler?
SlowBro
Explorer III
Feb 17, 2015
Lynnmor wrote:
When camped, I attach the hitch to the coupler and padlock it. That way both the trailer and the hitch is secured with a hardened padlock. Yes, it is still only a padlock, but better than nothing.

Couldn't a thief pull up, slide the hitch into his hitch receiver, and done?
SlowBro
Explorer III
Feb 17, 2015
deltabravo wrote:
BarneyS wrote:
You don't have to use a "coupler lock" but just any lock that will fit will work.
Barney

That's what I use - a regular master padlock.

As a theft deterrent, (when I leaver my cargo trailer parked at an event I am attending) I use a big lock that inserts in to the coupler.

Not this one, but something similar:

http://www.etrailer.com/Locks/Tow-Ready/63226KA.html

I don't consider a padlock (or pin style coupler lock) through the coupler latch as a theft deterrent. Someone determined enough to steal something can drop the trailer on to a hitch with a smaller ball and still drive off with it. This is why I use a security device that inserts in to the bottom of the coupler.

Good point. Theives are by nature lazy, but some of them are creative, and that does dramatically increase security. I think I'll get something like that in addition to locking the coupler hole itself.

Thanks all! I know insurance would cover the loss, but not after a deductible, and besides, I just found a near-perfect trailer. I'd hate to have to start completely from the beginning for lack of some good $20-40 locks.
gijoecam
Explorer
Feb 17, 2015
cdevidal wrote:
Do you use that lock on this exact model coupler?

It looks the same to me... I'll try and remember to get a picture of it when I get home this evening...
Lynnmor
Explorer
Feb 17, 2015
cdevidal wrote:
Lynnmor wrote:
When camped, I attach the hitch to the coupler and padlock it. That way both the trailer and the hitch is secured with a hardened padlock. Yes, it is still only a padlock, but better than nothing.

Couldn't a thief pull up, slide the hitch into his hitch receiver, and done?

Well it would take two thieves and some time to do that. The trailer will have to be adjusted to the correct height and then the truck backed in just right to insert the pin. Unless the trailer is parked in a secluded spot, that ain't gonna happen. If they can cut the padlock, that is how it would be taken.
gijoecam
Explorer
Feb 17, 2015
Lynnmor wrote:
cdevidal wrote:
Lynnmor wrote:
When camped, I attach the hitch to the coupler and padlock it. That way both the trailer and the hitch is secured with a hardened padlock. Yes, it is still only a padlock, but better than nothing.

Couldn't a thief pull up, slide the hitch into his hitch receiver, and done?

Well it would take two thieves and some time to do that. The trailer will have to be adjusted to the correct height and then the truck backed in just right to insert the pin. Unless the trailer is parked in a secluded spot, that ain't gonna happen. If they can cut the padlock, that is how it would be taken.

I've done it before... took about 40 seconds. (Forgot the coupler key at home, drove two hours and wasn't going back for it!)
SlowBro
Explorer III
Feb 17, 2015
gijoecam wrote:
Lynnmor wrote:
cdevidal wrote:
Lynnmor wrote:
When camped, I attach the hitch to the coupler and padlock it. That way both the trailer and the hitch is secured with a hardened padlock. Yes, it is still only a padlock, but better than nothing.

Couldn't a thief pull up, slide the hitch into his hitch receiver, and done?

Well it would take two thieves and some time to do that. The trailer will have to be adjusted to the correct height and then the truck backed in just right to insert the pin. Unless the trailer is parked in a secluded spot, that ain't gonna happen. If they can cut the padlock, that is how it would be taken.

I've done it before... took about 40 seconds. (Forgot the coupler key at home, drove two hours and wasn't going back for it!)

Yah but your hitch was already at the right height though.

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