When selecting a trailer lock, determine whether the lock is compatible with the trailer hitch. However, this lock doesn’t work when the trailer is connected to a vehicle. This design prevents a thief from connecting the hitch to a vehicle and stealing it from a driveway or work site. These locks feature a ball-shaped top that fits into the tongue of the hitch and a bar that sits on top of the hitch that connects on both sides to the base of the lock. Coupler-style trailer hitch locks have a U shape that looks similar to a bike lock.With this type of lock, thieves can’t remove the entire hitch, connect their own vehicle, and tow away the trailer. Hitch pinlocks, which typically come in ½- or ⅝-inch diameters, help secure the towing hitch to the vehicle or the trailer hitch to the trailer.If the coupling is already secured to a towing hitch when the latch pinlock goes through the latch, then the trailer hitch will remain attached to the towing hitch until the lock is removed. With the latch locked, the coupling can’t open. They slide through a hole in the trailer hitch latch to lock it in place. Latch pinlocks have a universal fit that measures about 9/32 inches in diameter.They can be used as latch pinlocks or hitch pinlocks, depending on the part of the hitch that’s locked. Receiver-style trailer hitch locks are metal pins with one or two locking ends.Trailer locks come in two main types based on their appearance and function: receiver and coupler trailer hitch locks. Photo: What to Consider When Choosing the Best Trailer Lockīefore choosing a lock for a trailer, first consider the type of lock, its material, the compatibility of the lock with the trailer hitch, and the level of security the lock will provide. BEST HITCH PIN: METOWARE Trailer Hitch Receiver Pin Lock.BEST LATCH PIN: Master Lock 3-1/2″ Long Shackle x 9/32″ Diameter Pin.BEST COUPLER: Tevlaphee Universal Trailer Ball Tow Hitch Lock.BEST RECEIVER: Master Lock 2866DAT 1/2 in.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Reese Towpower 7014700 Tow ‘N Store Lock Kit.

BEST OVERALL: Trimax UMAX100 Premium Universal Dual Purpose Lock.This list of top products includes several lock options to help you find the best trailer lock to secure your trailer and belongings. If not connected, the pin prevents ne’er-do-wells from connecting the hitch to their vehicle unless they first remove the lock.Ĭhoosing the best trailer lock to keep your trailer and its contents safe depends on the lock’s compatibility with the hitch, as well as the durability and strength of its material. This locks the trailer hitch to the vehicle if it’s already connected. These pins also slot through the hole in the locking latch to prevent the latch from opening. Other trailer locks replace the trailer’s hitch pins with locking pins, so the hitch can’t be removed from the trailer or the vehicle. Some devices secure the actual ball and tongue of the hitch, so the lock must be removed to connect the trailer to another vehicle. Trailer hitch locks come in different types. A trailer hitch lock helps prevent the trailer from becoming the target of thieves, whether it’s connected to a vehicle at a campsite or in the driveway at home.