Best Trailer Hitch Locks For Peace of Mind

You might be surprised to learn that travel trailers or fifth wheels are among the most frequently stolen types of vehicles, since they can be unhitched and hooked up to any vehicle with the right hitch and towed away in less than a minute, sometimes just seconds with a pro.

As your home on wheels is quite a substantial investment, you need to protect it from theft by using the best trailer hitch lock when you must let your trailer get out of your sight now and then. After it’s secured by a hitch lock, your trailer could never be moved by anyone else besides its owner.

Fortunately, there are hitch locks for both hitched and unhitched trailers, so you can secure your investment while at the campground as well as when it’s parked in your driveway at home in the off season. As with other RV accessories, the market for this product is vast and diverse.

But we have done the hard work of browsing and comparing models and diving into in-depth trailer hitch lock reviews to evaluate their performance to bring you a selected list of the very best lock for trailer hitch models for different purposes. They will give your trailer extended protection for many years to come, and you your peace of mind to better enjoy your trips.

To make your purchasing decision and user experience as silky as possible, this comprehensive guide will also explain how the different types of trailer hitch locks work, how to use  and take care of them for maximum longevity, important buying criteria, the most prestigious manufacturers, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Quick Recommendation

• Best Overall: Master Lock 2866DAT Receiver Lock
• Best Value For Money: Reese 72783 Coupler Lock
• Editor’s Choice: Curt 23518 Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock

The Basics Of Trailer Hitch Locks

What is a trailer hitch lock?

An RV hitch lock is designed to keep your trailer hitch and the receiver together, unless you unlock it with a key. These locks prevent anyone from lifting the receiver and unhitch the trailer while you’re away from your rig.

Why you absolutely need a trailer hitch lock

Theft of a trailer or a boat can happen fast. It just takes mere minutes, even less than a minute, for the experienced pros to back up a truck, jump out, unhitch the trailer, then hook up the trailer  to their vehicle and take off with your valuable investment.

In recent years, with the rising popularity of RV life, trailers and other classes of recreational vehicles were considered the 4th most common vehicle type to be stolen, given the fact that a trailer or fifth wheel can be unhitched without a lock and simply hooked up to another towing vehicle.

And since your home on wheels is such a substantial investment, it’s logical to invest in insurance by getting the best locking hitch pin to protect your beloved RV from theft.

While some skeptical campers might argue that the real pros should be able to handle these locks anyway, the best trailer hitch locks on the market today have stood the test of time, as testified by many full-time campers.

And should the worst scenario happen, they would still deter and make the stealing much more difficult, thus making it more obvious that your trailer is being handled by someone other than its owner. 

Here, it’s important to point out that some folks are using a padlock instead of an actual trailer hitch lock. An experienced and well-equipped thief can easily cut through a conventional padlock, but no so with the best trailer hitch locks.

Types Of Trailer Hitch Locks and How They Work

Travel trailer hitch locks come in different shapes, sizes and locking mechanisms, so to understand how a trailer hitch lock works, or how to lock a trailer hitch, things must be put into perspective, regarding the different types of hitch locks.

Coupler Hitch Lock

A coupler hitch lock is the ideal protection for your home on wheels if you need to unhitch your trailer and leave it at the campground to take your tow vehicle away on a grocery shopping trip or running errands. If you park your rig on your driveway at home in the off season, you’d need a coupler hitch lock to protect it from theft.

Coupler locks have the unique ability to protect your travel trailer when it’s unhitched from your towing vehicle. Coupler hitch locks usually have a U-shaped design and mount to the top of the coupler on your trailer’s tongue.

The lock has a ball that would fit up into the coupler and thus locking the entire setup down. This prevents anyone with a towing vehicle equipped with an appropriately-sized hitch ball from hooking your unguarded trailer up and towing away.

Receiver Hitch Lock

The average receiver locks for trailers look like small metal pins with locks on the ends. Some models even have locks on curve ends that could take time to pull out. Receiver hitch locks are designed to fit crosswise and slide into the designated fastener holes on your hitch receiver, where the hitch meets the frame of the tow vehicle. Once locked in, the pin slips between the trailer tongue and the receiver.

This type of trailer hitch lock excels at securing hitched trailers and is designed to replace the standard hitch pin that simply secures with a metal clip. That said, once your trailer is unhitched from your towing truck, these locks won’t offer the kind of protection that a coupler hitch lock can.

In addition to securing your trailer when it’s hitched to your tow vehicle, receiver hitch locks are also very handy for locking a second compact vehicle behind your motorhome. It’s also ideal for locking the various hitch-mounted accessories that can be installed on the back of your rig, including bike racks, kayak racks and cargo carriers, or any other accessory that you might secure into your hitch receiver. 

Selecting the best trailer hitch lock for your rig starts with determining whether you need a receiver lock or a coupler lock or both. If you know what you’re looking for, dive into our handpicked list of the absolute best trailer hitch locks on the market today based on their specifications, features, materials and level of protection, as testified by thousands of customers’ in-depth trailer hitch lock reviews as well as experts’ opinions. 

There are both receiver locks and coupler locks for you to choose from. But if you don’t know what to look for in the best trailer hitch lock for your circumstances, skip to the next section to learn the most important buying criteria, including how to select an appropriate hitch lock of the correct size for the best locking performance. 

Best Trailer Hitch Locks

Now, let’s dive into our delicious handpicked list of the very best trailer hitch locks on the market.

Our selection is based on the products’ specifications, which are matched with in-depth trailer coupler lock reviews by verified buyers and experts’ opinions to gauge the true capabilities of these locks in different towing settings.

In addition to utmost security from the unscrupulous minds, these trailer hitch locks also offer a good balance of all the most important buying criteria for the most pleasant using experience over the years.

Here, you will find both receiver locks and coupler locks for different purposes. If you know what you need for your specific towing circumstances, dive right in.

Otherwise, skip to the next section to learn crucial buying considerations in to get the best band for your buck!

1. Master Lock 2866DAT Receiver Lock – Best Overall

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Features:

• 4-pin cylinder
• Snap-on cover
• Swivel locking head

Why This Is The Most Well-Rounded Trailer Hitch Lock:

By employing a 4-pin cylinder, the Master Lock 2866DAT Receiver Lock excels at resisting picking attempts, giving you complete peace of mind when you’re away from your trailer. Boasting a swivel locking head that could rotate 360 degrees, Master Lock 2866DAT is a breeze to operate with a highly accessible keyway. 

Thanks to the snap-on cover, the lock is well protected from dust, dirt and moisture on the open road, thus maximizing the unit’s longevity and minimizing the likelihood of seizing. Moreover, as this lock from Master Lock is made from premium-grade steel and chrome plated, its longevity is outstanding, even when subjected to varying weather conditions on the road, as testified by full-time RVers who travel year-round.

Engineered as a plain push-to-lock model, 2866DAT would be locked once you push the lock body into the pin and remove the key. Regarding ease of use, Master Lock 2866DAT Receiver Lock is deemed unmatched in its price range by many trailer hitch lock reviews. To reassure buyers, Master Lock backs its lock with a sublime limited lifetime warranty, which should speak volumes about the reliability and durability of this trailer hitch lock.

As for compatibility, Master Lock 2866DAT Receiver Lock fit hitches that come with a 1.25/2-inch receiver. To maintain safe operation, you need to pay attention to the load rating as well.

The Master Lock Receiver Lock with 1/2 in. and 5/8 in. Swivel Head Receiver Locks is a highly recommended security enhancement for any vehicle. Its durable, weather-resistant construction ensures long-term reliability, providing peace of mind in various environmental conditions, especially here in Texas. The included sturdy keys and lock mechanism make accessing and securing your receiver hitch very easy.

This receiver lock’s versatility is a nice feature, allowing both 1/2 in. and 5/8 in. receiver openings with its cool swivel head design. It doesn’t matter what you’re towing: a trailer, bike rack, or cargo carrier,- this lock offers robust security and ease of use, making it an essential accessory for worry-free towing experiences.

Shared by Maxim Zhukov

Pros:

• Long-lasting, backed with limited lifetime warranty
• Snap-on cover for protection from the elements
• Excellent security

Cons:

• Instances of seizing has been reported
• Flimsy keys

2. Reese 72783 Coupler Lock – Best Value For Money

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Features:

• Adjustable
• Steel lock bar
• Aluminum body

Why This Offers The Best Value For Money

Reese is a renown manufacturer of a wide variety of trailer hitch accessories, and they also excel in the arena for the best trailer hitch locks. The 72783 Coupler Lock is no exception. What sets this Reese 72783 Coupler Lock apart from its competitors is that it incorporates a first-class ratchet design that boasts an assortment of locking positions for universal fitness. Therefore, adapting 72783 to different towing setups is essentially a walk in the park. 

In terms of security, the Reese lock is made to resist picking, prying and drilling which means it keeps your trailer secured at all times. In the case that you must leave your unhitched trailer unattended every now and then, 72783 would be a worthwhile investment. Durability is also its strong point, thanks to a combination of aluminum body and steel lock bar, making it both light and heavy-duty. 

It’s worth noting that for its all-around excellent design and performance, Reese 72783 Coupler Lock is available at an affordable price too. This gives it extra points in the eyes of RVers seeking the best trailer hitch locks without breaking the bank.

Another handy feature is its bright yellow finish that is highly visible from a distance and good at deterring the unscrupulous minds. As for post-purchase support, Reese 72783 Coupler Lock is backed with a limited lifetime warranty. Hence, if your hitch lock fails because of manufacturing defects, it’s possible to claim a free replacement.

After having one of these for 10 years in Florida so it has proven to be very tough at least to the weather and I have not lost any equipment. I am tempted to buy one and try the sledgehammer test and a 4″ cutoff wheel just to see what it might take to break it. It is very easy to put on and take off and it looks intimidating. My original lock is still working fine and I put the new one on another trailer, life is good.

Shared by WFTL

Pros:

• Economical
• Sturdy and compact
• Unrivaled adaptability

Cons:

• Keyway should be overhauled
• Flimsy keys

3. Curt 23518 Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock – Editor’s Choice

See it

Features:

• All-steel construction.
• Powder coat finish.
• Watertight dust cap

Why It’s Our Editor’s Choice:

Thanks to the integration of barbell-style locking mechanism, the Curt 23518 Receiver Lock presents an impenetrable layer of security to trailers. Another plus is that it’s very easy to use: as it’s a turn-lock model, the Curt lock could be locked as well as unlocked easily. 

Made from quality carbon steel, the Curt 23518 Receiver Lock is often praised for its solid construction. Another feature that would ensure longevity is its use of an advanced watertight dust cap that stops the elements from reaching its internal components, allowing it to work reliably in a variety of camping and towing settings. Therefore, Curt 23518 Receiver Lock is known as the best trailer hitch lock for those that hit the road year-round.

For the sake of convenience, the Curt lock is delivered to customers alongside two keys. Thus, you may keep one key around for regular use and put the spare in a discreet location for emergencies. Regarding compatibility, Curt 23518 Receiver Lock is made to suit 2-inch receivers but it’s not suited for doubled-walled types. As 23518 packs a comparatively basic setup process, you don’t have to spend too much time and energy installing it.

We moved from Atlanta to Vancouver, taking the scenic route (basically going straight west and then straight north). I put the hitch on my 2014 Audi Q5, and rented a U-Haul 4 x 8 trailer. Since our most important items and essentials were in the trailer, I spent a little extra money to make sure the trailer was as secure as possible. This Curt hitch lock felt like it did what it was supposed to, and seemed solid the 4000 miles we logged. It is a little tricky to lock/unlock because it is cylindrical, but that made me feel it would be a little harder to get off if someone tried to. Overall I’m happy with the purchase, and now that we have experience with a trailer, we will definitely use it again.

Shared by Irate B.

Pros:

• Easy turn-lock mechanism
• Watertight dust cap for better protection from the elements 
• Heavy-duty material for extra longevity
• Slim and sleek
• Excellent value for money

Cons:

• Less than ideal quality control
• Not long enough for certain setups

How to Choose The Best Trailer Hitch Lock

Just as receiver locks and coupler locks are made for different purposes, the best trailer hitch lock for your towing situation depends on many factors. For instance, no matter how solid and expensive a hitch lock is, it’ll be utterly useless if it doesn’t fit the hitch ball or pin hole on your tow vehicle.

While comparing different models, keep in mind the following important criteria to make sure your money is well spent on a compatible hitch lock that will be easy to maintain and will provide you with good service for many years to come.

Size

For coupler locks, the diameter of the ball on the coupler lock must match the diameter of your hitch ball; that’s the only measurement you need to make to ensure compatibility. Meanwhile, if you’re buying a receiver hitch lock, the lock size you need will depend wholly on the hitch class on your towing vehicle. 

There are five classes for the hitches on towing vehicles as well as recreational vehicles:

• Hitch Class I: ½-inch pin, 1-¼ inch receiver
• Hitch Class II: ½-inch pin, 1-¼ inch receiver
• Hitch Class III: ⅝-inch pin, 2-inch receiver
• Hitch Class IV: ⅝-inch pin, 2-inch receiver
• Hitch Class V: ⅝-inch pin, 2-inch, 2-5/16-inch, and 2-½  inch receiver

The class of your hitch will decide the size of the pins on the receiver lock. A class I or a class II hitch will require a 1-1/4 inch receiver lock. A class III, class IV or class V hitch will require a 2 inch receiver lock.

Of course, you can always directly contact your tow vehicle’s manufacturer to confirm the appropriate size of a compatible trailer hitch lock. And to double-check to make sure the receiver lock you’re planning to buy will fit your hitch snugly, it’s recommended that you measure the overall width of the outside of the receiver on your tow vehicle at the hitch pin hole. Then, make sure the inside width of the receiver lock you want is at least as wide as the width measurement you just made. 

Compatibility

As the hitching arrangement changes considerably between trailers and some locks are built for very specific vehicles and purposes, you have to give compatibility some thoughts before buying a hitch lock. In the case that you grab a lock that fails to match the towing setup of your trailer, it’s as good as a paperweight. 

In addition to picking a lock of the right size as above, you should opt for a unit labeled as a universal trailer hitch lock which can work with a variety of recreational vehicle and hitch accessories. This is especially so if you rent RVs for occasional camping trips or if you own more than one trailer for different purposes. Universal locks often fit with coupler sizes 1-⅞”, 2”, and 2-5/16”. 

Security

Most trailer hitch locks feature a keyed locking mechanism to keep them from being tampered with (you probably won’t find a combination lock for a trailer hitch though). For instance, a barbell locking mechanism is quite formidable in deterring picking and prying attempts, since it is designed to fit more snugly into your hitch, making it extra secure. Some of the best trailer hitch locks today even allow you to use a third-party padlock for reinforcement to provide an extra layer of security.

The most important point when it comes to security that many buyers overlook is that you’d want to make sure that the lock you buy comes with keys that are manufactured specifically for that lock alone, instead of sharing the same keys with that the next customer who buys the same lock has, or the same keys with many other towing accessories made by the same manufacturer. 

For utmost security and your peace of mind, you should look for a lock that comes with keys produced uniquely and specifically for that lock, and it may cost you a bit more money, but it won’t break the bank and it’s well worth it. There’s not much point trying to save a few bucks, knowing that your trailer hitch lock is exposed to the following risks:

Nowadays, many manufacturers of trailer hitch locks mass produce the keys for the same model, so that you and any other buyer who buys the exact same hitch lock would have identical keys. This is a problem when you, just imagine, park your RV at a crowded campground, and many people might be walking around with the keys to each other’s hitch locks. 

What’s worse than this is that some manufacturers actually mass produce keys for different accessories for RVs, trucks, or devices for the home that they sell. For instance, a buyer of a locking product for residential use from the same manufacturer as your hitch lock may have a key that can unlock your trailer hitch lock. 

Weather Resistance

The vast majority of trailer hitch locks spend their entire lifetimes outdoors and thus are constantly exposed to damaging UV radiation, rain, snow, dust and dirt. The good news is that the best trailer hitch locks these days are specifically designed to handle a whole host of additional environmental factors. 

Look for models made from heavy duty material and have a powder-coated finish to hold up well under varying weather conditions and reduce the amount of rust that builds up on and inside the lock over time. Additionally, the most weather-resistant trailer hitch lock should come with a cover to protect both the exterior and interior parts of the lock. 

Regarding materials, a high-quality or hardened steel would be the most heavy-duty. The best trailer hitch locks are often made from steel, which is both long-lasting and extremely difficult to break, even when subjected to a strong set of bolt cutters. The second most popular material for the best trailer hitch locks is aluminum.

The main selling point for aluminum is that it’s reasonably strong while being lighter than steel. Meanwhile, some manufacturers are using less than ideal materials in an effort to reduce the weight of their locks as well as manufacturing cost, thus compromising their hitch lock’s ability to deter picking and cutting.  

Ease Of Use

It’s a good idea to prioritize dependable hitch locks that keep trailers secured and give thieves a tough time. That being said, you should avoid overly complex models as they may add unneeded complications to the coupling/decoupling process.

For ease of use, look for a push-button lock mechanism. Towing operations already pack a wide range of issues that require attention so it’s best that you select an intuitive lock for your trailer. Don’t let ease of use compromise security and durability though as in the end, you still need a solid hitch lock that deters theft.  

Price

Nowadays, hitch locks for trailers come at an assortment of prices so plenty of models exist for every shopping budget. The price range for trailer hitch locks these days are actually quite wide. There are models that cost less than $20, many that cost more than $100 and some other that cost north of $200.

RV owners often don’t need to spend a lot of money on good hitch locks, but you should always keep in mind that you usually get what you pay for. All in all, if you’re looking for a solid lock that’s going to provide reasonable security as well as being user-friendly and durable, we’d recommend identifying a hitch lock in the $50 to $150 range. 

Best Trailer Hitch Lock Brands

The number of trailer hitch lock manufacturers is enormous, and if you well understand your towing needs and know what you want in a hitch lock, feel free to try out the products that you believe will be a good fit for your towing setup. That said, going with major manufacturers is always a safe bet. 

Firstly, since their products are more widely known and popular, the pool of buyers is larger, so there are more in-depth reviews for you to rely on when comparing models and more people for you to ask questions.

Secondly, prestigious manufacturers, like the ones below, typically provide good customer service and after-sale support as well as a warranty, so you’ll more likely to have a smooth purchasing experience.

CURT

CURT is a name that you would come across several times in any reviews on any product related to trailer hitches. In this arena, the name CURT is synonymous with quality and longevity.

With substantial experience in designing hitches and associated accessories, CURT knows exactly what most people come across in towing operations. Their towing accessories are top-notch, and their hitch locks are praised for their well-rounded design and performance.

Reese

Once it comes to hitching goods, Reese is the name that you could count on. In the case that all you need is a robust trailer hitch lock, you should think about buying from Reese

Proven Locks

Known for using high-quality materials in its products, Proven Locks is considered to be one of the leading brands of hitch locks for trailers. In use, models of Proven Locks would handle essentially everything that people throw at them.

Master Lock

By constantly incorporating new production techniques, technologies and so on, Master Lock is able to assemble outstanding hitch locks that work well in multiple settings. Being a long-established brand, Master Lock possesses a well-developed customer service as well.

BBOLTolt

Bolt is known for their innovative hitch locks that boast a single-key mechanism. You might be aware that while your ignition key might have the same cut and looks just identical to your neighbor’s who owns the same Ford, the two keys are different inside.

So this break-through BOLT’s locking mechanism allows for security while saving you the trouble of having to carry around extra keys and looking for the spare one when you lose your primary key, which happens to be very common.

Trimax

Headquartered in Colorado, Trimax tirelessly analyzes the latest market demands and produces goods that meet the expectations of the customers. In addition to that, hitch locks for trailers of Trimax also come at reasonable prices.

Connor

Boasting rigorous quality control checks and tests, Connor is held in high esteem by owners of trailers around the globe. Unsurprisingly, regarding reliability and consistency, trailer hitch locks of Connor prove to be unmatched.

AMPLOCK

AMPLOCK produces durable and extra strong locks for a variety of setups, including hitch trailers, commercial trailers, gooseneck trailers, boats, and door padlocks. Every single lock that AMPLOCK offers receives at least 4.5-star ratings on Amazon and other major e-retailers. They are know more for their strong, rust-resistant coupler hitch locks.

FAQs About Trailer Hitch Locks