Introduction- The purpose of trailer locks is theft deterrence. The size and unwieldiness of trailers would seem to be a deterrent to theft; but they are in fact a tempting target for criminals who are aware of their value and understand that trailers will be probably left unattended for extended intervals, so that thieves have time and opportunity.
There are two major categories of trailer locks: Hitch locks and wheel locks.
Hitch Locks: Your first step is to decide which type of lock you need. Do you want to lock the trailer to the towing vehicle? You may be looking for a receiver hitch lock. Do you want to prevent the trailer from being taken while it is separated from the towing vehicle? You may want a coupler lock. Do you want to protect your trailer whether or not it is being towed? You may want both types of hitch locks. Alternatively, you may opt for something other than a hitch lock. The best trailer locks are the ones that meet your needs.
If you are purchasing a hitch lock, your next step is to make sure you purchase a lock that fits and works with your trailer and hitch receiver. There are several – five – classes of hitches, designated by numerals I through V.
Receiver Hitch Locks: The simplest types of hitch locks are receiver hitch locks that are simply metal bars (pins) with locks on the ends that fit through a hole in the receiver that connects the trailer to the towing vehicle. Be sure to choose the diameter of pin (half-inch or 5/8 inch) that fits your class of hitch.
There may two locks, one on either side; or one lock and a bend on the other end that keeps the bar from being pulled out. They serve to lock the towed vehicle into the hitch.
To use one of these locks:
1. Slide the bar or pin through the proper hole while the trailer is hooked to the hitch.
2. Turn the key to lock it.
Coupler Locks: Many of these are U-shaped locks, and they fit over the coupler on the tongue of the trailer; they are designed to keep other people from hooking up to your trailer and hauling it away while it is separated from your towing vehicle. Here you need to know the size of your coupler. You need to know whether the ‘U’ of the lock will fit around your coupler. You need to know whether you have a 1-7/8 inch, 2 inch or 2-5/16 inch coupler.
To use the ‘U’ shaped locks:
1. Separate the ‘U’ of the lock from the body of the lock.
2. Fit the ball on the body of the lock into the coupler where the ball of the trailer hitch would go.
3. Reinsert the ends of the ‘U’ into the body of the lock.
4. Turn the key to lock it.
5. To remove the lock, turn the key to unlock, and reverse the above procedure.
A reported problem with some of these U-shaped coupler locks is that someone with a hammer can come along and break them, or bolt cutters and cut them off, and haul your trailer away, anyhow. People have lost trailers by trusting them: You need to be careful to buy a good quality lock! Read customer reviews before purchasing these locks; some locks are designed to deter casual thieves and provide the appearance of security, but do not stop more skilled or better-equipped criminals.
A different design with no ‘U’ is The Master Lock coupler lock which gets good customer reviews:
This coupler lock adjusts to fit most trailer couplers 1 7/8 inch, 2 inch, 2 5/16 inch; it is made of zinc, chrome-plated and die-cast. It is heavy-duty and customer reports indicate that it would be difficult to pick or cut off.
Simple to use: You lock and unlock The Master Lock Universal trailer coupler lock with a key; there is no ‘U’ to remove.
1. Turn the key to unlock the lock.
2. The slide comes out.
3. Insert the slide of the lock where the ball of the hitch would be in the coupler and push the lock together again, far as you can, while latching the coupler.
4. Turn the key to lock it again.
5. Take the key out.
6. Reverse the process to uninstall the coupler lock.
Wheel locks: There are several types of wheel locks.
The first type, perhaps most familiar to people who have parked in the wrong place, or overstayed a parking limitation, is the ‘boot’ type lock.
A wheel-lock developed by Brahma to serve law enforcement and insurance companies, who may need to prevent the movement of vehicles for parking violations and other reasons, can also be used for anti-theft purposes by private individuals, and is to be recommended because it cannot be pulled off the wheel. www.brahmalock.com
The Brahma Wheel Lock consists of a steel cap that covers the lug nuts of the wheel, to prevent removal of the wheel, and a frame with arms that fit over the wheel, and is a ‘slider foot’ that is adjusted so that it fits tightly when installed. Installation is simple and straightforward:
To use:
1. Bring out the steel lug nut cover, frame and slider foot, and place them near your wheel
2. Hook frame over wheel
3. Pull out on frame and install lug nut cover
4. Slide the slider foot so it fits tightly
5. You must use the key if you wish to remove the Brahma Lock
Another wheel-lock type is exemplified by the TriMax TCL65 and TCL75 wheel lock chocks, which serve a dual purpose as chocks – to steady the trailer - and locks. These TriMax wheel locks are bright yellow, made of steel, with rubber coated arms that serve to protect your wheels. The TCL 65 is for smaller, 8 to 15-inch wheels; the TCL75 adjusts to fit 12 to 16 inch wheels.
To use the TCL65 or TCL 75:
1. Unlock with key, turn ¼ turn clockwise, lock cylinder pops out
2. Take arms off or just pull out to desired width
3. Put lock on wheel and reinsert arm
4. Push in lock cylinder to lock
5. To remove, reverse the process
Finally, a security-chain wheel lock is available from a couple of sources.
From Amazon.com you can obtain a Pewag security chain that threads through holes in your trailer’s wheels and is secured by a hybrid ASSA/Stanley high security lock padlock, that is supposed to be pickproof and bolt cutter-proof.
To use: The chain is inserted through triangle holes in the wheels of the trailer and over the spring hanger under the trailer. If your trailer has wheels with smaller, round holes this won’t work as the chain won’t pass through, and you will need to purchase different wheels. The setup works with 13-inch or 15-inch rims.
The chain can’t be cut with bolt cutters, and the kit features a Viro Panzer lock; thieves supposedly can’t get a bolt cutter or other tool on this lock because of its design, so it can’t be cut or opened.
To use: No details are offered at the website regarding use of this kit for trailer security.
Conclusion: If you purchase a receiver hitch lock you will likely find yourself purchasing a coupler lock as well, and vice-versa, because you probably need your trailer secured while it is unhitched as well as while it is hooked up. A trailer wheel lock can be used any time you wish to secure your trailer, hooked up or not. So you may find that good-quality wheel locks are your best trailer locks all-round.
