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Ben Kasierski is a North Carolina native who covers the latest automotive and motorcycle products. He has tested hundreds of car detailing products – including tire shines, car wash soaps, and full detailing kits – as well as gadgets to make life easier for the everyday driver like key finders and GPS trackers. Rebar Stirrup Bending Machine
A top Amazon pick with unbeatable value.
An adjustable lock with bright warning colors.
A trailer tongue lock with adjustable options.
A high-quality hitch pin lock for any 2.0-inch receiver.
A very sturdy upgrade to ward off tough opponents.
Imagine you’re on a camping trip and you’ve come back from a hike only to discover your mobile trailer is gone. Unfortunately, trailers are still susceptible to theft like any other item, but this is where the best trailer hitch locks can come to the rescue. Trailer hitch locks prevent your trailer from being coupled to another vehicle. There are many good reasons to use such a lock, with peace of mind being the first and foremost. And at a fraction of the cost of replacing a trailer, investing in a great trailer hitch lock has long-term benefits.
Our product review team has tested and reviewed the top five best trailer hitch locks on the market. We break down everything from fit to durability to give you the most comprehensive review possible. Although many locks act as a preventative measure, no lock is absolutely theft-proof and each has its pros and cons.
The trailer hitch locks in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching Amazon for top products, looking at factors like Prime shipping eligibility, customer ratings, Amazon superlatives, and prices.
The locks that best met these standards were ordered by our team for testing. A team member tested each product on a car, taking note of how well the lock fit our trailer, its accessibility, and its value. Each trailer hitch lock was given a rating out of five stars based on these criteria.
Based on ease of use, accessibility, and value, we think the best trailer hitch locks are:
The following characteristics were used to rate each lock during our testing process:
Each year, we review over 350 auto products. Our team of product experts thoroughly researches top products and tests items on real vehicles when possible before making our recommendations.
We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to give car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here .
Trailer hitch locks come in several styles and sizes. When comparing trailer hitch locks, in addition to cost you should compare fit (available sizes), and warranty.
The MasterLock Universal 389-DAT offers a universal fit, so this lock pairs with various 1 7/8-, 2.0-, and 2 5/16-inch coupler sizes. The exterior of the lock is chrome to prevent rust and corrosion while a forged steel body improves both security and longevity.
Although the 389-DAT’s advanced locking system prevents picking and prying, users can easily secure and remove the lock with the included keys. MasterLock even provides a limited lifetime warranty on their locks, guaranteeing a full refund in the event that a lock may not have been a strong enough deterrent.
The MasterLock Universal 389-DAT is the ideal choice for anyone who needs to securely park their trailer and wants peace of mind when doing so. And with its steel construction at a reasonable price, the 389-DAT provides unmatched security.
Based on our experience, we rated the MasterLock Universal 389-DAT lock at 5 out of 5 stars. It is strongly built but also accessible in a pinch, plus we admire its ease of use and security at a competitive price.
Amazon review score: 4.7 out of 5.0 based on over 15,000 ratings
Most of the positive reviews focus on the 389-DAT’s easy installation. There are also a high number of customers who claimed thieves attempted to steal their trailers but couldn’t due to the 389-DAT’s superior durability. Despite the high number of positive ratings, negative reviews highlighted the 389-DAT’s poor performance in harsh wintry environments.
Even at its incredibly low price, the Reese Towpower Coupler Lock outperforms most other hitch locks on the market. The steel lock bar is nearly impenetrable while the bright yellow color warns would-be thieves to stay away. Its U-shaped design is very simple to install, plus offers various fits thanks to its 11 adjustable positions.
The Towpower Coupler fits most 1 7/8-, 2.0-, and 2 5/16-inch couplers, making it universally versatile. While it may stand strong against a lockpicker’s arsenal, the keys are unfortunately not unique to each lock and can open other ones of the same model.
Reese is a dependable name in the lock industry, so it stands to reason that the Towpower Coupler Lock is a worthwhile investment. This lock should help prevent anyone from tampering with your trailer.
We had a positive experience with the Towpower Coupler, which led us to rate it at 4.7 stars. It has many similarities with our top overall pick for best trailer hitch locks but loses some points for its materials and fit.
Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on over 16,000 ratings
Positive reviews acknowledge the Towpower Coupler as a great theft deterrent. Users are pleased that this lock is easy to use and offers effective security.
One of the most common complaints that customers have about the Towpower Coupler lock is about sizing. Reese insists the distance between the ball mount and lock shackle holes is 4.5 inches, yet some Amazon customers say their locks don’t fit due to shorter-than-advertised width.
The MasterLock 377-DAT may look like something from the distant future, but its present-day security is real and very strong. Its gray zinc nickel-plated body reduces rust and corrosion even in the toughest elements.
The 377-DAT has a front access keyway with three adjustable positions that make installation a breeze. This doesn’t compromise its advanced locking system, either.
The MasterLock 377-DAT is perfectly designed for easy access and a very tight fit with little adjustments. Our product review team recommends this lock to anyone who’s willing to spend a few extra bucks for increased durability and a stable fit.
The 377-DAT earned a rating of 4.6 stars for its accessibility and comfortable fit. It is relatively expensive compared to other locks.
Amazon review score: 4.6 out of 5.0 based on over 1,600 ratings
There are countless positive reviews that praise the 377-DAT’s strength. Some customers even claim to have caught potential thieves unsuccessfully attempting to steal their trailers because the 377-DAT wouldn’t budge against hammer blows. A few of the negative reviews wished the 377-DAT had chrome plating instead of zinc for extra protection against the weather.
When you’re on the go with your trailer and don’t want to detach it from your vehicle, a locking hitch pin fastens the two together so thieves can’t separate them. The Curt 5/8-Inch Pin Trailer Hitch Lock has a reinforced carbon steel body that makes it an ideal theft deterrent. Its black powder coat and watertight keyhole dust cap are weather-resistant for almost any condition.
The Curt Pin Hitch’s locking head can be unlocked with a quarter-turn of the key for easy access, making it one of the best trailer hitch lock options. And because it installs into a vehicle’s receiver, there’s minimal risk of this lock being thwarted by bolt cutters.
The Curt 5/8-Inch Pin Trailer Hitch Lock can keep your camper or travel trailer safely secured for parking overnight. The unlocking mechanism can be sticky, though, so be careful when detaching it.
While the Curt Hitch Pin installs with no fuss and has an incredibly simple yet sturdy design, it is difficult to remove and scratches easily. We give it a 4.5-star rating overall.
Amazon review score: 4.5 out of 5.0 based on over 16,000 ratings
A common subject among the reviews is not the quality of the lock, but the keys that come with it. There are multiple complaints that the keys are made of plastic and break off too easily inside the Curt Hitch Pin when trying to lock it. Other reviewers are not happy with the dust cover, which they also say fell off of their locks quickly after buying. Some reviews claim that adding O-washers to each side of the lock improves its fit significantly.
A popular upgrade to the Reese Towpower Coupler Lock, the Reese Towpower Heavy-Duty Lock adds a few extra features to improve security. Its sturdy aluminum body, for example, is a heavier weight than its hollow counterpart. The Heavy-Duty Lock also has a much thicker steel arm for increased durability.
All things considered, the Heavy-Duty Lock does share many likable features with the Reese. For example, it also has universal compatibility, 11 adjustable locking positions, and a 1-year limited warranty. Both are theft-deterrent colors, but the Coupler’s yellow burns a bit brighter than the Heavy-Duty’s silver coat.
For an upgrade to the Coupler, the Reese Towpower Heavy-Duty Lock is our top pick. It’s designed to withstand nearly any attempt to break it and is backed by the Reese name for quality assurance.
Our review team gives the Heavy-Duty Lock a 4.5-star rating for its hefty design. It was very difficult to take off of our testing trailer due to its sticky keyhole, but its superior strength is worth noting.
Amazon review score: 4.3 out of 5.0 based on over 4,000 ratings
Top reviews for the Heavy-Duty Lock are mixed. Some customers believe it to be a very well-designed lock that offers improved protection against thieves, while others claim their locks broke on first use. The most common complaint is about the quality of the keys and locking mechanism. However, the vast majority of reviews are positive and praise the Heavy Duty Lock’s construction.
Before you start shopping for trailer hitch locks, it can be helpful to know about the different types of locks, materials, and more.
Trailer hitch locks are designed to prevent thieves from stealing your trailer by attaching the hitch to their own vehicle. There are three types of trailer hitch locks: coupler, pin, and wheel.
Many trailer hitch locks are made of heavy-duty steel or other corrosion-resistant metals to improve security and durability. Locks made with materials such as aluminum should be considered carefully because of their potential to rust when exposed to grime and other contaminants, which decreases their strength.
Unlike combination padlocks, trailer hitch locks are secured with a unique key. The most common hitch locks are designed to fit 1 7/8-, 2.0-, and 2 5/16-inch trailer hitch mounts. These are generally Class I or II trailers, but most of these are designed to fit Class III and above, as well.
Dependable trailer hitch locks are built with heavy-duty materials such as stainless steel, forged steel, chrome, or similar metals. These work best not only because they’re tough to break, but can repel water for improved rust and corrosion resistance.
A coupler lock attaches to the coupler of a trailer to prevent it from being attached to anything else. A receiver lock hitches to the receiver to prevent a trailer from being separated from its tow vehicle. Coupler locks are generally larger than receiver locks and more expensive but can protect your trailer when it stands alone.
Many trailer hitch locks on the market are known as universal coupler locks, which are designed to fit almost any 1 7/8-, 2.0-, and 2 5/16-inch mounts. Odds are if you have a trailer for day-to-day use such as transporting boats or small campers, these locks will fit. Always check your trailer’s guide, though, to be sure your trailer fits these required measurements.
*Data accurate at time of publication. Products subject to availability.
Ben Kasierski is a North Carolina native who covers the latest automotive and motorcycle products. He has tested hundreds of car detailing products – including tire shines, car wash soaps, and full detailing kits – as well as gadgets to make life easier for the everyday driver like key finders and GPS trackers.
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