What lock are you guys using?

[15hideout27rbwe]

Tried a search but didn't find anything.

Been seeing a lot of posts on local facebook groups about trailers being stolen lately. I currently only have a padlock on the tongue right now. Just want to know if any of you are using a lock or can recommend one.

Thanks!

[JRTJH]

I've used the Reese coupler lockset (yellow ball) until recently. I found that Curt builds one that I think is better. Harder to remove or cut and easier to store when not in use. https://www.curtmfg.com/part/23081

There are two sizes one for 1 7/8-2 and one for 2-2 5/16. Be sure to buy the correct size to fit your trailer.

For towing and locking to the tow vehicle I use a Curt Coupler Lock https://www.curtmfg.com/part/23521

Remember, the actual hitch is held in your receiver by a 5/8" pin, and there are also locks available for that part of the hitch assembly as well, but I've not yet felt the need to lock the hitch to the truck. YMMV

[SummitPond]

Originally Posted by JRTJH

... https://www.curtmfg.com/part/23081 ...

^^^ We use what John recommended. Easy to use, easy to store.

[flybouy]

I use Bolt locks. They key to the truck key so one or more les keys to worry with. I USE THE Bolt lock on the hitch and trailer and have a cable one as well. I went to Home Depot and had a key cut (no chip so won't start truck) that's on the camper key ring. Also changed all camper locks to same key (incl storage doors) so 2 keys are all that's needed. Downside to Bolt locks are price, and lock cannot be reprogrammed if you change trucks.
Added, nothing will stop a thief, the best defense is making it harder for them. that can also translate to making it take longer. I've read about criminals raking coupler parts with them and replacing the latch. Also read a couple years ago about thefts using a tow truck. That's why I store with the stabilizer jacks down, tire chocks in place, and battery disconnected. It takes me longer to hitch up so will it take the criminal longer as well.

[sourdough]

I also have the yellow ball plus the 2 items John has shown. I like the Curt better than the Reese ball lock. I also use a 5/8" hitch lock. I use one like this: https://www.amazon.com/Connor-Traile...tch+lock&psc=1
that has squared ends. I found that those that had a lock on one end and the other looked like a J really wallowed out the hole in the receiver. Changed to the squared ends and all that stopped.

[Old Mustanger]

I use a Husky 5th wheel lock

[travelin texans]

State Farm insurance! No hitch lock! My 5er is big enough that the dumb a## theif with his wore out F150 might get to end of the site before breaking that POS truck in half, that's if he could get ALL the jacks up, chocks out before someone saw him.
Without trying change the subject, I'm probably the ONLY born & raised Texan that's not packing heat, no weapons at all, but have nice baseball bat.

[GMcKenzie]

I use similar to what John has above. In the past I've also just used the padlock, but put a ball in before locking it. I had a ball from one of the change a ball hitches that I would stick in.

With just the padlock, thieves can use a kind of expanding ball to get past the lock and still be on their merry way. At least a ball jammed in there helped.

[LuvsPalmTrees]

We do lock our hitch to the truck. A lot of scrap metal people would love to walk away with the heavy hitch. As far as the trailer, we have never locked it, but it is stored in our back yard with a padlock gate and at the campground, well if you want it that bad, it is insured.

[Jefster]

I've read about thiefs backing up to a trailer and just using the safety chains to pull it away, so the hitch lock might not be as effective as we think. If they can be in and out quickly they will do it, so it would seem like the objective is to make it a longer process to get away with it. Vehicles parked in the way, behind a locked gate, etc all seem like good ideas. I like the stabilizers down idea, although they are so flimsy I wonder if they would just take off and let them break away. Wheel chocks seem like a good idea I hadn't thought of too, just makes it an extra step.

[JRTJH]

Using a coupler lock or a ball socket lock will "help keep an amateur thief honest" but won't do much to prevent a professional thief from getting what he wants. Most locks are a deterrent, not a sure bet. If I had to park my trailer in a location where I was concerned that there was a greater than normal chance it might be stolen, I'd probably find a master lock cable or a heavy logging chain and lock the two wheels on each side together. That way, the trailer ain't moving unless they cut a heavy chain or cable and/or replace the wheels with some without locks. Chances are most "non-professionals" would likely move on to an easier target. Otherwise, just "suck it up and call the insurance agent in the morning" .....

[vampress_me]

We don’t currently have any lock on the camper. But on the gooseneck horse trailer we have the Ft. Knox Lock in the link below. That bugger is heavy duty! And they do make many other locks for trailers too.

https://ftknoxlocks.com/shop?olsPage...-free-shipping

[Javi]

Just my opinion... keeping someone from towing the trailer off, just makes them mad... then they tear up the door and bust up the inside.

Why bother... that's why I pay for good insurance..

[Ken / Claudia]

I would like to know what lots of RVs stolen numbers are. Utility trailers are a whole different subject. After working auto theft full time for 6 years. Watching and reading all the numbers of autos, boats, TTs and 5ers, motorhomes etc . RVs as a whole were so far down on the radar I do not remember the %. I have to agree that some areas could have higher numbers. Not saying locks are a good thing but, stealing a RV being common or lots I do not believe it unless I have numbers.

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by Jefster

I've read about thiefs backing up to a trailer and just using the safety chains to pull it away, so the hitch lock might not be as effective as we think. If they can be in and out quickly they will do it, so it would seem like the objective is to make it a longer process to get away with it. Vehicles parked in the way, behind a locked gate, etc all seem like good ideas. I like the stabilizers down idea, although they are so flimsy I wonder if they would just take off and let them break away. Wheel chocks seem like a good idea I hadn't thought of too, just makes it an extra step.

I think they like the easy to steal, easy to sell stuff. Battery, propane tanks, spare tire, tv's, dvd players, etc.

[travelin texans]

Originally Posted by Ken / Claudia

I would like to know what lots of RVs stolen numbers are. Utility trailers are a whole different subject. After working auto theft full time for 6 years. Watching and reading all the numbers of autos, boats, TTs and 5ers, motorhomes etc . RVs as a whole were so far down on the radar I do not remember the %. I have to agree that some areas could have higher numbers. Not saying locks are a good thing but, stealing a RV being common or lots I do not believe it unless I have numbers.

I totally agree!
I would suspect that there's a much higher % of rv breakins stealing electronics than rvs stolen & hitch locks don't help that too much.
Not trying to say not to use a lock, by all means if using a hitch lock gives you piece of mind, use one, but the odds of stealing your rv are astronomical.

[Ken / Claudia]

Agree, break ins into any RV parked anywhere will happen if there are druggies and pawn shops in the area. They tend to be about as popular as motor vehicle break ins.

[Ittle Dew Too]

We have used the Proven Industries lock for years since traveling across the country. It is the only lock system I have found that also secured the safety chains as well to keep thieves from using them to tow a locked camper. They have an excellent video on just how fast and easy it is to break and remove many of their competitors locks. They are expensive, but knowing your camper is where you left it is a good feeling far from home. No lock is unbeatable, you just have to make yours harder to get than the guy next to you. Theives want easy and fast to beat, and these are not.

Proven Industries Couper Lock Test, Best Trailer Lock

[V2wings]

What do you use on a 5th wheel

[Pugfug]

Originally Posted by Ittle Dew Too

We have used the Proven Industries lock for years since traveling across the country. It is the only lock system I have found that also secured the safety chains as well to keep thieves from using them to tow a locked camper. They have an excellent video on just how fast and easy it is to break and remove many of their competitors locks. They are expensive, but knowing your camper is where you left it is a good feeling far from home. No lock is unbeatable, you just have to make yours harder to get than the guy next to you. Theives want easy and fast to beat, and these are not.

Proven Industries Couper Lock Test, Best Trailer Lock

We use this one as well...after months of research, I've yet to come across a TT lock that even comes close...though I am sure there are some out there.