---
title: "Best Trailer Hitch Locks: Deter Thieves and Protect Your Possessions"
description: "Looking for trailer hitch locks? Our team of experts narrowed down the best trailer hitch locks on the market. Read this review and save yourself time and money."
date: "2019-07-28"
modified: "2022-06-06"
authors:
  - name: "Noelle Talmon"
    link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/noelle-talmon"
url: "https://www.thedrive.com/reviews/29183/best-trailer-hitch-locks"
categories:
  - "RVs"
  - "The Garage"
tags:
  - "Buying Guides"
  - "commerce"
  - "NoAds"
  - "Roundup"
---

# Best Trailer Hitch Locks: Deter Thieves and Protect Your Possessions

![](<https://www.thedrive.com/wp-content/uploads/images-by-url-td/content/2019/07/best-trailer-hitch-locks.jpg>)
*\<em\>www.thedrive.com</em>*

You're baiting a thief if you leave an unlocked trailer unattended. It doesn't take much effort for a person to hook the trailer up to his vehicle and drive off with your equipment. Fortunately, a trailer hitch lock does a great job of preventing this from occurring. These devices make it much more challenging for a thief to steal your stuff. Many hitch locks are designed in bright colors that are visual deterrents and essentially a red flag to anyone who comes across your trailer with the intention of taking it. Instead of worrying about someone driving away with your trailer and its contents, get some peace of mind by using one of the following trailer hitch locks.

## Summary List

Best Overall: [Master Lock Universal Size Trailer Locks](<https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-Universal-Couplers-Trailer/dp/B01MYCT0LG/?tag=tdtrx232-20>)

Best Value: [Cocoweb Chrome C-Lock Heavy Duty Locking Hitch Pin](<https://www.amazon.com/Cocoweb-Chrome-Locking-Weather-Protection/dp/B00PSPSC20/?tag=tdtrx232-20>)

Best Heavy Duty: [Reese Towpower Universal Coupler Lock](<https://www.amazon.com/Towpower-72783-Universal-Adjustable-Heavy-Duty/dp/B0008FUH46/?tag=tdtrx232-20>)

Best Universal Fit: [Trimax UMAX100 Premium Universal 'Solid Hardened Steel' Trailer Lock](<https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000OC3Q2I/?tag=tdtrx232-20>)

Most User Friendly: [Master Lock 1/2 in. and 5/8 in. Swivel Head Receiver Lock](<https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0009V1WS4/?tag=tdtrx232-20>)

Honorable Mention: Best American Made: [Proven Industries Model 2516 Trailer Lock](<https://amazon.com/Proven-Industries-Lock-Model-Couplers/dp/B07B3YBQX4/?tag=tdtrx232-20>)

Also Consider: [CURT Black Trailer Hitch Lock](<https://imp.i128439.net/c/2095194/797249/11372?subId1=TD-RU&u=https%3A%2F%2Frealtruck.com%2Fp%2Fcurt-trailer-hitch-locks-coupler-locks%2F>)

## Our Methodology

We took several factors into consideration when compiling our list of the best trailer hitch locks. First, we made sure to include products from reputable companies known for producing high-quality products. This includes manufacturers such as Master Lock, which has been making padlocks and security products for over a century. We also included different types of hitch locks, so there are different options to suit different needs. Our list includes products in a range of prices to fit a range of budgets. We also spent a good amount of time consulting user feedback to see how these devices perform in real-world conditions so we could determine which ones performed the best in all types of weather and conditions. More information about our methodology can be found on [*The Drive’s* Gear About page](<https://www.thedrive.com/announcements/41112/about-guides-gear-and-the-drives-product-reviews-department>).

## Best Trailer Hitch Lock Reviews & Recommendations

### Our Verdict

Our pick for the best overall trailer hitch lock is the [Master Lock Universal Size Trailer Lock](<https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-Universal-Couplers-Trailer/dp/B01MYCT0LG/?tag=tdtrx232-20>) because it’s designed to fit most types of hitch couplers, and its red color makes it stand out to deter thieves. For a more budget-friendly option, consider the [Cocoweb Chrome C-Lock Heavy Duty Locking Hitch Pin](<https://www.amazon.com/Cocoweb-Chrome-Locking-Weather-Protection/dp/B00PSPSC20/>).

## Consider Secondhand

When we start shopping for tools and products, we never overlook the secondhand market. In fact, it’s usually the first place I look. Whether you’re scrolling through [Amazon’s Renewed](<https://www.amazon.com/b/ref=s9_acss_bw_cg_arhome_2d1_w?tag=tdtrx232-20&node=17871151011>) section, eBay for [car parts](<https://www.ebay.com/g/mygarage?mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5338659539&customid=tdht&toolid=10001&mkevt=1>) or [tools](<https://www.ebay.com/b/Tools-Workshop-Equipment/631/bn_1851815?mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&siteid=0&campid=5338659539&customid=tdht&toolid=10001&mkevt=1>), or flipping through the pages of [Facebook Marketplace](<https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=%2Fmarketplace%2F>) and [Craigslist](<https://www.craigslist.org/about/sites>), you have hundreds of thousands of used tools, parts, and gear ready to be shipped to your doorstep. Refurbished to like-new status, they’ll be willing to give you many more years of faithful service all while saving you money.

If those options don’t have what you need, your local salvage yard is great for car parts, while swap meets are a great resource you should tap. Just Google either and head on down.

### Secondhand Tips

To make your secondhand search easier, here are two tips for finding the best deals and making sure your new-to-you stuff wasn’t destroyed by the previous owner.

- If possible, inspect the lock to make sure it’s in good working condition and that the elements lock and unlock smoothly.
- Avoid trailer hitch locks that are rusted because they may not work properly.

## Things to Consider Before Buying a Trailer Hitch Lock

### Key Features

#### Materials

Check out the type of material used on the lock. The majority are developed with a strong metal while others are reinforced with a tough steel construction. Either will ensure anyone looking to steal your trailer has a much more difficult time doing so. A strongly built lock will resist being broken.

#### Fit

While not all hitches are the same size, the best trailer hitch lock should be able to fit the majority of modern hitches. To make sure a lock will fit your specific hitch, double check with the manufacturer’s guide to see the exact specifications of the hitch.

#### Visibility

One of the best ways to help prevent the theft of your trailer, boat, or RV is to make sure you have a visible lock on the hitch. A good way to deter thieves is to get a bright color lock or a large one that is easily spotted from a distance; colors such as red or yellow are the most common.

### Types

#### Coupler Lock

A coupler lock is the most common of all trailer locks. It fits over the couple on the trailer’s tongue. This prevents anyone from hooking up a vehicle and driving off with your trailer.

#### Pin Lock

This type of lock works by sliding into the fastener hole where the hitch meets the frame of your vehicle. Some are bent at the end to add an extra layer of security for anyone trying to force it out of the hitch.

### Trailer Hitch Lock Pricing

A good variety of trailer hitch locks are affordable and cost less than $30. They can be anything from pin locks to coupler locks and are typically made of durable metal materials. More expensive hitch locks tend to be more rugged and longer-lasting. Some include additional locking mechanisms for added security.

## FAQs

You’ve got questions. *The Drive* has answers.

## Author
When she's not at the keyboard, Noelle unwinds by exploring the northeast in her classic German sports car or custom Indian Scout. She's written about the joy and hardships of vintage car ownership for Porsche Club of America's e-Brake News. You can read some of her articles about the motorcycle lifestyle in an issue of MotoSpirit magazine.

### Author social links