Trailer hitch lock

mzak · 03-02-2016, 01:31 AM

How many out there are using a trailer hitch lock at a campsite when trailer is unattended? If so, what type of lock is the best? Has anyone actually had their trailer stolen from a campsite with a trailer hitch lock? Has anyone that does not use a hitch lock have their trailer stolen?

youroo · 03-02-2016, 06:11 AM

I use a Lock when Towing down the road for Safety,not at the C/G. If "They" want to take Most TT,they only need to use a 2" ball in a 2-5/16 coupler and "Away They Go"! Stealing a TT that is "Set Up" at a C/G would be a LOT of work,while a TT at a storage Lot would be a Easy take! NOW if you owe $$,and NOT making payments the "REPO MAN" might go to the Extra effort!

Youroo!!

doc73 · 03-02-2016, 06:56 AM

No locks for me, I use a clevis pin when underway to keep the hitch latched I also use a Bolt lock on the receiver. It is keyed to the trucks ignition key. This is just to keep the receiver from being grabbed easily or messed with.

I remember a while back someone posted a video of someone "stealing" their trailer by just the safety chains. Like yooroo said, they want it, they will get it. I lock stuff to keep the honest honest, that is about all you can do.. Then I do not worry about it. I am there to camp and have fun. If I am worried about my stuff being stolen... I am at the wrong campground.

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Butch Wilson · 03-02-2016, 07:55 AM

I use a lock when towing and in the campground . True, if they want it they will find a way to take it. The best one can hope for is to slow them down.
Last year I had to go to Lowe's for some plumbing supplies. As I pulled in to park a fellow was getting out of his truck the next space over. Attached to his truck was a very nice equipment trailer. We completed our shopping at about the same time, all of a sudden the guy started cursing, yelling and throwing lumber . Sure enogh, someone had pulled up beside him, hitched up and driven away with his trailer. Yep I hope to at least slow them down .

Big Vic · 03-02-2016, 09:54 AM

There are boots that lock over the wheel and cover the lugs making it difficult to remove. Can't tow with the boot on.

fonzie · 03-02-2016, 10:40 AM

I have seen a few trailers with this type.......

Reese 72783 Universal Coupler Lock-UNIVERSAL COUPLER LOCK - Walmart.com

JustB_Rad · 03-02-2016, 10:54 AM

I have my hitched locked to the receiver with a pin lock, and a locking coupler pin. I use then more for safety that I know nobody can screw with my stuff when I'm parked for lunch or something than I am worried about somebody stealing my stuff.

danny4127 · 03-02-2016, 10:55 AM

Have one of the reese works very good

aceinspp · 03-02-2016, 10:57 AM

Nope do not use or have one. They want it they will get it. That's what I pay insurance for. Later RJD

doc73 · 03-02-2016, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustB_Rad

I have my hitched locked to the receiver with a pin lock, and a locking coupler pin. I use then more for safety that I know nobody can screw with my stuff when I'm parked for lunch or something than I am worried about somebody stealing my stuff.

After reading you and Herk saying the same thing I kind of wonder if I should maybe pick up a lock.

TimVWulp · 03-02-2016, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mzak

How many out there are using a trailer hitch lock at a campsite when trailer is unattended? If so, what type of lock is the best? Has anyone actually had their trailer stolen from a campsite with a trailer hitch lock? Has anyone that does not use a hitch lock have their trailer stolen?

Hi I lock the hitch with a padlock made for locking up a tow behind. The lock is made so it fits tight around the latch. If the lock dose not fit tight around the latch it is easy pickings with a bolt cutter!

I also went to Walmart and picked up a cheap china 2 5/8 ball. I have cut the bolt off the bottom of the ball so it can not be bolted to a hitch. I put this in the TT hitch when I lock up at site of storage. 2" ball will not work now and hopefully they will look for more easy pickings. I always lock the Hitch when I am towing. Have read about not so nice people unlatching the hitch
at rest stops or gas stations. Have a friend who did not lock TT came unhitched safety chains kept the TT behind him but TT and TV were a mess. lucky no one was hurt!

Have fun Tim

ChateauV10 · 03-02-2016, 12:36 PM

In 20 years, and five different towables, mostly in California, I have never used a lock.

jflarin · 03-05-2016, 08:30 AM

I use a lock for safety when it is hooked on the car. On a campground, I leave the lock there, so I don't lose it, it is free. If the camper is stolen and the insurance adjuster asks if the good was locked, I can always say YES, even if I know that a good battery-powered grinder can get through the lock within 15 seconds.

jf

D-mo · 03-05-2016, 07:35 PM

I carry a lock if i ever have to leave the trailer on the side of the road...thats it

chuck9997 · 03-06-2016, 10:07 AM

I use a hitch lock and hitch pin lock at home. I use the hitch pin lock while towing. It's mostly a mental thing.. if the hitch pin goes through I know the coupler is properly seated on the ball. I use the hitch pin while camping so I know where it is when I get ready to leave.

Teamfour · 03-06-2016, 10:28 AM

We use a hitch pin lock when towing, camping, and in storage. When camping or storing, I have an old 2 5/16 ball with the shank cut off that I insert into the hitch and lock in place. No one can use an undersized ball to hook up with my "plug" in place.

Teamfour · 03-13-2016, 04:27 PM

Finally got a photo of my crude hitch plug.

Pooneil · 03-14-2016, 08:23 PM

I use a fairly simple four digit combination lock on the coupler while towing and when at camp. It could probably be broken with a good crowbar. This draw bar has a solid locking pin.

The coupler lock is there to dissuade opportunistic thieves, the kind that think something that is not locked is there for the taking.

trbomax · 03-14-2016, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aceinspp

Nope do not use or have one. They want it they will get it. That's what I pay insurance for. Later RJD

^^^I agree completely^^^

Oaklevel · 03-14-2016, 08:48 PM

30 years of camping never locked a camper hitch in a camp ground never heard of a camper being stolen from a campground. I am sure it has happened.......but I am not worried about it.

I had a friend that could pick a master lock faster than I could open the same lock with a key............ Locking the trailer hitch would just be a mental thing........ no need........ Campgrounds would be the last place I would worry about the trailer being stolen.

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