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Trailers aren’t cheap and theft seems to be at an all-time high, which is why it makes sense to lock your trailer down at the coupler with one of the best trailer hitch locks. Whether it is you boat trail, utility trailer, camper or snowmobile trailer, it represents an investment, and as you’ve undoubtedly come to find out, a very important piece of equipment for you. Most trailer theft is a crime of opportunity. Someone will see that the trailer is sitting there and they will latch on with their vehicle and take off. A sturdy hitch lock that keeps them from accessing the coupler will nip that opportunity in the bud and keep your stuff that much safer. While any lock is better than nothing, getting one of the best trailer hitch locks will keep your stuff safer, giving you more peace of mind.
Cover Image of the Bolt Trailer Lock by Derrek Sigler
Best Trailer Hitch Locks
| Bolt Off-Vehicle Coupler Lock | Trimax UMAX100 Premium Universal 'Solid Hardened Steel' Trailer Lock | Reese Towpower 7014700 Tow 'N Store Lock Kit | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | |||
| Lock Type: | Uses your specific vehicle key | ½ turn technology | Key, includes a swivel clip |
| Size: | Adapts to 1-7/8 and 2-inch balls | One Size Fits Most | Fits most |
| Construction: | Solid steel construction | Hardened steel | Steel and die-cast steel |
| Features: | Adjusts for a wide range of trailers | 360-degree protection, keyhole is covered | Simple to Install, budget friendly |
Also see: Best Trailer Hitch Locks Comparison Table
Quick Answer: The 5 Best Trailer Hitch Locks
- Bolt Off-Vehicle Coupler Lock
- Trimax UMAX100 Premium Universal ‘Solid Hardened Steel’ Trailer Lock
- Reese Towpower 7014700 Tow ‘N Store Lock Kit
- Master Lock – Universal Size Trailer Hitch Lock
- Master Lock 377KA Trailer Hitch Lock
- TowWorks 5/8″ Trailer Hitch Locking Pin – Black Tow Hitch Receiver Lock
Best Trailer Hitch Locks Reviews
#1 – Bolt Off-Vehicle Coupler Lock – Editor’s Pick
- Lock Type: Uses your specific vehicle key
- Size: Adapts to 1-7/8 and 2-inch balls
- Construction: Solid steel construction
- Features: Adjusts for a wide range of trailers
One of the worst things about having things be secure is dealing with all the keys that you wind up having. Sometimes I swear I have a janitor’s set of keys on my key ring, just because of all the padlock keys and other stuff I wind up carrying around. That is the beauty of the Bolt system. You buy the right design for the type of vehicle you drive, and the lock mechanism uses your vehicle keys as the key for the lock. Once you insert the key for the first time and turn it all the way, it is now set to that specific key and cannot be changed. Bolt makes a wide range of locks that can all be set to use that key, too, so you can greatly reduce the amount of keys you carry, while still having that peace of mind that you have when everything is locked up and secure.
The coupler lock itself is made from extremely durable steel and then powder coated for durability. There’s no die-cast here, so even a sledge hammer isn’t going to help a thief. The lock and mechanism adapts to all sorts of couplers, so you can use the same lock on your boat and then swap it over to your RV if you’re needing to.
#2 – Trimax UMAX100 Premium Universal ‘Solid Hardened Steel’ Trailer Lock
- Lock Type: ½ turn technology
- Size: One Size Fits Most
- Construction: Hardened steel
- Feature: 360-degree protection, keyhole is covered
This lock is durable so you can rest assured if you’re leaving your vehicle with a trailer on it at a hotel overnight, that no one can break it off. Being durable also means you won’t have to worry when you hit bumps or potholes in the road. The keyhole has a cover to keep out dirt and grime.
If you want even more security, you can add a cable or chain to an anchor point from whatever you’re towing. It can easily be removed by using the key and sliding the trailer lock down. It universally fits just about anything that can be hitched onto a vehicle but is especially great for travel trailers like campers and RV’s. One of the best things about the Trimax brand is that they offer lifetime warranties on everything they sell.
#3 – Reese Towpower 7014700 Tow ‘N Store Lock Kit
- Lock Type: Key, includes a swivel clip
- Size: Fits most
- Construction: Steel and die-cast steel
- Feature: Simple to Install, budget friendly
#4 – Master Lock – Universal Size Trailer Hitch Lock
- Lock Type: Key
- Size: Fits all 1-7/8″, 2″ and 2-5/16″ couplers
- Construction: Steel
- Feature: Limited lifetime warranty, Key entry covered
With this lock you don’t have to worry about it rusting or corroding away from dirt or snow. The key entry is protected so that grime and gunk can’t get inside. A unique thing about this lock is the fact that Master Lock made it bright red. This color psychologically deters thieves.
The locking system has mechanisms in place that won’t allow people to break in by picking or prying at the lock. No two of these locks are keyed the same so you won’t have to worry about someone with the same lock breaking into your trailer.
#5 – Master Lock 377KA Trailer Hitch Lock
- Lock Type: Matching keys
- Size: Fits all 1-⅞ inch and 2-inch trailer coupling along with most 2-5/16 inch
- Construction: Hardened steel
- Features: Keyed alike, rust and corrosion resistant
They’re also equipped with advanced locking mechanisms that won’t allow anyone to try to pry the lock off or pick the keyhole. It’s made out of zinc which is how the lock is able to stop from rusting and corroding when left out for long periods of time in extreme weather.
#6 – TowWorks 5/8″ Trailer Hitch Locking Pin – Black Tow Hitch Receiver Lock
- Lock Type: Key with spring clip, push-lock design
- Size: One size fits most
- Construction: Steel
- Feature: O Rings Included
If you’re wanting a lock that is quiet, this TowWorks one has rubber o rings that keep the hitch pin from moving and stops any rattling before it starts.
There is a rubber cap over the keyhole that is watertight and prevents any dirt or grime to get inside. Since it is a barrel lock, it’s already hard to pick than most other types of locks out there. Lastly, it comes with a lanyard so it can be kept in a safe place without getting lost when it’s not being used.
Best Trailer Hitch Locks Comparison Table
| Trailer Hitch Locks | Lock Type | Size | Construction | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolt Off-Vehicle Coupler Lock | Uses your specific vehicle key | Adapts to 1-7/8 and 2-inch balls | Solid steel construction | Adjusts for a wide range of trailers | |
| Trimax UMAX100 Premium Universal 'Solid Hardened Steel' Trailer Lock | ½ turn technology | One Size Fits Most | Hardened steel | 360-degree protection, keyhole is covered | |
| Reese Towpower 7014700 Tow 'N Store Lock Kit | Key, includes a swivel clip | Fits most | Steel and die-cast steel | Simple to Install, budget friendly | |
| Master Lock - Universal Size Trailer Hitch Lock | Key | Fits all 1-7/8″, 2″ and 2-5/16″ couplers | Steel | Limited lifetime warranty, Key entry covered | |
| Master Lock 377KA Trailer Hitch Lock | Matching keys | Fits all 1-⅞ inch and 2-inch trailer coupling along with most 2-5/16 inch | Hardened steel | Keyed alike, rust and corrosion resistant | |
| TowWorks 5/8" Trailer Hitch Locking Pin - Black Tow Hitch Receiver Lock | Key with spring clip, push-lock design | One size fits most | Steel | O Rings Included |
How To Choose The Best Trailer Hitch Lock
- Material
- Lock Design
- Coupler Size / Hitch Class
- Lock Durability
- Style
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Buyers Tips
If you own a trailer or tow anything like a camper or boat, it’s important to have a quality trailer hitch lock. You wouldn’t think someone would steal something as big as a boat or a trailer, but there’s a reason trailer hitch locks exist.
Whether you’re moving a trailer full of all your belongings across the country or you’re going up to the cabin to relax on the boat for the weekend, protecting your valuables is important and hitch locks do just that. Just like anything else you buy, there are certain things that can help you decide which item is best for you and your needs. There are some features that can be crucial, while others are just a preference. Below we discuss what the top things to look out for when you’re buying your next trailer hitch lock.
Material
When it comes to a locks material, it’s important to know what’s easy for thieves to break into and what’s not. It doesn’t take a genius to know that steel is much hard to break through than aluminum.
When you’re looking for your next lock consider the ways the material could be broken for someone to steal the trailer, camper or boat or the contents inside. Thieves don’t want to use more than the bare minimum effort so having a lock that’s hard to bust will help deter them. If you see a lock for sale that’s made out of cheaper materials like aluminum, don’t buy it just because they’re lightweight because this makes them easier for thieves to take off. Look for locks that are made from hardened steel as they are the hardest to remove without the keys.
Lock Design
It may seem like design doesn’t matter when it comes to locking devices but it’s definitely more than just aesthetics. Depending on the manufacturer, one lock can be opened by anyone that has the same one since all of their keys are the same.
A few you read about above do not have this business model, therefore, you’re way less likely to get broken into. Would you want your neighbor with the same trailer lock to be able to unlock your trailer? I don’t think so. The whole point of getting a lock is so that your valuables and often expensive items, are safe and secure. That’s why this is one of the most important things to consider when buying your next trailer hitch lock. If it costs you a few extra bucks to get a lock that has a unique set of keys, that could be well worth it if the worst happens.
Coupler Size / Hitch Class
When it comes to coupler trailer hitch locks, you need to match it to your coupler’s ball size. If these don’t match, you could face a lot of problems. It’s pretty easy to make sure they match up. Get the diameter of your coupler’s ball and that’s the size of lock you need. If you’re looking at a universal lock, it will most likely fit the ball just fine.
If this sounds intimidating to you, try reading some of the customer reviews online and see if they answer any of your questions. If you’re buying in store, there is likely an automotive employee available that may have answers for you. If you have an RV, you know that the hitch has its own class, vehicle hitches are the same way. The classes vary from class I to class V. It’s helpful to know which one your vehicle has because not all trailer hitch locks fit every class of hitch. Think of it as getting a phone case; you wouldn’t buy an iPhone 7 phone case if you have the iPhone 8, it wouldn’t fit and it’s a waste of your money.
When you’re window shopping, you may notice trailer receiver locks and receiver hitch locks come with one of two sizes of pins: ½ inch or ⅝ inch. Make sure your hitch will work with one of those sizes before buying! Class II hitches all need to have one with the ½ inch pins verses any class above III will need the ⅝ inch pins on their trailer lock. If you get the wrong size, just like the iPhone analogy, it won’t fit and will be useless until swapped with one that does fit properly.
The last thing when it comes to this topic is to make sure the receivers match on both your vehicle and the lock you’re considering. Classes I – II usually match with a 1.25 inch receiver, while any class above that will use a 2 inch receiver. Again, if these don’t match, the product will be useless to you.
Lock Durability
Wanting a durable lock should be at the top of your important features list. One of the main things to consider when it comes to a locks durability is the climate you live in. Do you live somewhere where it rains a lot? Perhaps you live in Alaska and have a lot of snowy days and harsh winters. Not all trailer hitch locks will last in every climate.
A couple locks in the review earlier were rust and corrosion resistant. These are great features if you live anywhere wet or snowy. If your lock ends up rusting or corroding it could stop working entirely. You then would have a useless lock that you paid money for. This is another area you could check the reviews for information or it can be found in a lot of product highlight sections.
On the topic of a locks durability, have a cap or cover for the keyhole is a must. This is another area that could rust if given the right conditions. Having a cap or cover also keeps out dust, dirty and other grime that could get stuck in a keyholes crevices. Making sure the keyhole is covered and the lock is either waterproof or rust resistant could save you a lot of hassle down the road, literally.
Style
There are several different style of hitch locks. The two most popular are coupler hitch locks and receiver hitch locks. Receiver locks have metal pins that have the locks on the ends. While the trailer is attached to your vehicles hitch, it’s safe, but as soon as it’s not connected, the lock no longer serves a purpose. These are for people that tow and are on the road a lot rather than keeping it locked at all times for safety.
On the opposite end of that you have the coupler style. If you’re wanting a lock that will protect your trailer at all times, a coupler lock is for you. We listed some of the best trailer coupler locks above that make sure your belongings stay safe whether you’re towing something overnight or just wanting to keep everything safe in the driveway at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can someone still steal my trailer even if it has a lock on it?
A: The short answer is yes. There is no lock out there that can 100% guarantee that someone won’t break it off. Depending on the style of lock you choose and the material it’s made out of can be determining factors of how easy it could be to steal your trailer. Stealing a trailer is a lot easier than people think and this is why it’s important to know what to look for when buying a lock.
Q: How do I unlock the lock?
A: Depending on which specific lock you have, it’s usually as simple as inserting a key and turning clockwise until you hear a clicking sound. After you hear that click sound you usually just pull down and viola!
Q: Are trailer hitch locks hard to install?
A: Again, depending on which one you have the answer varies but most of the time they’re fairly easy and just take a few minutes. You do want to make sure it’s installed properly by doing a slow, small test drive if you’re traveling long distance with it. The last thing you’d want is to be driving the day of a big move or event and it comes off.
Buyers Tips
You are now well-versed when it comes to trailer hitch locks, nearly an expert. After reading the reviews, the buyer guide and the FAQ, hopefully you have a better idea in mind of which lock you’d like to get. Remember the different styles and to consider what you’ll be using it for most. If you live in a climate with seasons, get a lock that’s rust resistant to save yourself money and stress down the road.
If a lock is made out of material like aluminum, it can be busted open with a few swings of a hammer. Consider putting in a few extra dollars to buy one made out of hardened steel. Lastly, remember to have your measurements down so you don’t end up with a product that is useless to you. If you keep all this in mind, you’re that much closer to being on your way to buying your next trailer hitch lock. Good luck!
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