Recommendation for Most Secure Trailer Coupler Lock

Updated 03/26/2021 | Published 03/24/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Bulldog Lifelong Trailer Hitch Lock for 2" Hitches - Flush - 2-1/2" Span - Stainless

(360)

$27.12

Bulldog Lifelong Trailer Coupler Lock - Trigger Latch Style - 1/4" Pin Diameter - Chrome

(242)

$23.04

Channel Tongue Trailer Coupler - Trigger Latch - Zinc - 2" Ball - Bolt On - 5,000 lbs

(820)

$29.92

Fastway Universal Coupler Lock for 1-7/8", 2" and 2-5/16" Couplers - Key 305

(966)

$54.40

Question:

what is the most anti-thief lock to lock the trailer tongue to the hitch ball, while trailer is still attached to the car ball hitch?

asked by: Barry

Expert Reply:

The more secure coupler locks we offer are designed for be used when the trailer isn't hitched to the vehicle. They're designed to prevent the coupler from being hitched to a trailer ball, like # FA86-0015-305.

With the trailer attached to the ball, you'd want to use something that would prevent the latch mechanism of the coupler from being opened, as well as securing the ball mount into the hitch receiver using something like the # BD580402 hitch lock you'd looked at.

The latch locks aren't completely coupler brand specific, but they are specific to the type of coupler. If you have a standard latch coupler like # CT-5003-Z for instance, a latch lock like # BD580403 would offer a pretty good level of deterrence.

Sometimes just the presence of a lock will make a less-determined thief move on to easier targets. Like the old saying goes..'Locks are for keeping honest people honest'. A truly determined thief will steal your property if they want it bad enough and have enough time. The idea is to make it as difficult as possible.

On my PWC trailer, I used a latch lock on the coupler but also ran a chain lock like # 8291DPS through two holes in the wheel and around the trailer frame. This lock uses square chain links that would be extremely difficult to cut with bolt cutters (I tested it.)

Long story short, if you layer the security by using more than one lock it's much more likely that the thief will move along someplace else.

If you'd care to reply with a photo of the coupler on your trailer, I'd be happy to recommend a lock that's compatible.