Hitch locks

[oil8390]

I am going to be parking my trailer at a storage yard , what recommendations do you have for hitch locks ? Is putting a lock in the hitch pin enough or should there be one on the coupler too ?
Thanks

[2manytoyz]

I had a camper stolen. I had a hitch lock. They hooked up the safety chains, and drove off. Full story here: http://2manytoyz.com/stolen.html

I now use a Trimax wheel lock. Got mine on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2D96O91



Bottom line, if the trailer can roll, you've not even slowed down a thief.

On my utility trailer, I use a Python lock. The coated cable slides easily through the wheel spoke, and through a stake bed pocked welded on the trailer frame. Also available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2UZVNRo

[_1nobby]

allenm wrote:
In fact, I run a chain through a tire rim and around the axle springs (only when stored, haha).

I always keep 2 on the hitch, 1 on receiver pin and 1 on the ball, even when traveling.

SAME.

[allenm]

I'm not saying locks are pointless. I still plan to use them, even after seeing how easily they can be broken. In fact, I run a chain through a tire rim and around the axle springs (only when stored, haha).

I always keep 2 on the hitch, 1 on receiver pin and 1 on the ball, even when traveling. Years ago I saw someone at a rest stop with his trailer hitch on the pavement. Apparently, a prankster had pulled his receiver pin for laughs.

[2012Coleman]

allenm wrote:

As someone said, locks only stop the casual thieves.

And casual thieves are what you have at RV storage places. What's the alternative - leave everything unlocked/open?

OP - take the battery home with you too. Ge a smart charger to keep it charged.

[seaeagle2]

allenm wrote:

As someone said, locks only stop the casual thieves.

But its like the grizzly bear attack story, you don't have to outrun the bear, just the other guy, given the choice between beating on mine with a hammer, or taking an unlocked one, which one is the meth head going to take. If a pro wants it, there's nothing you can do to stop them.

[allenm]

Thought I would pass on an experience I had the other day with a hitch pin lock, the kind that replaces the regular 5/8" hitch pin that goes through the receiver and hitch.

We needed to change to a hitch with lower offset but couldn't find the key to the lock. One guy suggested getting a reciprocating saw and cutting it off, but I figured it was hardened steel. So, I got my hammer out. 3 or 4 heavy blows later the pin broke right off at the lock. Took about 30 seconds.

As someone said, locks only stop the casual thieves.

[NWnative]

I use this.... Hitch coupler Lock

[bob2194]

this is what I use much better then a hitch lock. For extra security put on some locking lug nuts



clicky

[downtheroad]

We use one similar to this....not sure why because it probably can be easily defeated. But, it makes me feel better.
A good insurance policy is the best way to go.

[Johno02]

We have a small MH instead of a trailer, but we have noticed an increase in the number of trailers of all types being hooked up and driven off by someone other than the owner. So I would use everything I could to keep it safe. Have even heard a several being stolen from public or private campgrounds while the owners were out touring or shopping. Thieves are learning about people that reserve sites, them bring their trailers out and leave them just to hold a site for the weekend. Easy enough to hook up and pull off with no one suspecting anything.

[BarabooBob]

When I leave my TT unattended at campgrounds, I install a lock that goes into the ball opening of the coupler, I lock the couple down, and I always have a locking pin in my hitch so that someone can't steal my insert/ball. Please remember that these things will only keep an honest person honest. A determined thief can get rid of those locks in minutes. With my battery powered angle grinder, I could remove all of them in under 30 seconds. I still use them to prevent crimes of opportunity.

[Lwiddis]

Both and padlock your safety chains.