Last Updated on April 1, 2024 by Jessica Lauren Vine
Are you trying to figure out which trailer hitch lock is the best trailer hitch lock for RVs?
If you recently purchased an RV, you understand how big of an investment it is. New and used RVs can cost between $10,000 and $200,000. Because of how expensive RVs can be, it’s important to protect your investment with whatever means necessary.
One of the best ways to protect your RV from getting stolen is by using a trailer hitch or receiver hitch lock. By using a locking hitch pin or coupler lock, you ensure that no one will be able to steal your trailer when you’re not around. Trailer hitch locks are available in several different designs, and choosing the one you’re most comfortable with is crucial.
If you’re ready to invest in a trailer hitch lock for your RV, you’ve come to the right place. This article will go over the different types of trailer locks and help you decide which one is right for you. We’ll include a list of pros and cons for each trailer lock to help make your decision as easy as possible.
Why are Trailer Hitch Locks Necessary?
In most cases, a trailer lock is the only thing standing between the safety of your trailer and thieves who want to claim it as their own. When you’re living in your RV or actively staying inside of it, trailer locks aren’t that important. However, if you’re keeping your RV in storage and aren’t around to check on it regularly, a trailer lock is a worthy investment.
Overall Best Trailer Hitch Lock for RVs
- Adjustable Storage Security
- Heavy-Duty Steel
- Built to last
- Easy to adjust
- Highly visible
- It is a deterrent vs a preventer
If you’re looking for the best trailer lock on the market, look no further than the Reese Universal Coupler Lock. This option from Reese is a universal trailer lock that will fit on any coupler of any size. It’s the best trailer coupler lock available because of how it combines an affordable price, a heavy-duty locking mechanism, and rustproof materials.
This coupler hitch lock has a dozen different locking combinations and will fit any trailer coupler, no matter how big or small your RV is. Each of the components on this trailer coupler lock is made of stainless steel, which means it won’t rust if you store your RV outdoors. It also comes with an extra key in case you misplace the original.
Runner Up for Best Trailer Hitch Lock for RVs
- Universal
- Dual Purpose
- Extremely durable and heavy duty
- Works universally
- A little pricey
If you’re looking for another great trailer coupler lock, look no further than the Trimax Umax100. The Trimax Umax100 is either as good or better than the Reese trailer coupler lock listed above, except in one area. The price is anywhere from two to four times as much as the Reese unless you manage to find the Trimax on sale somewhere.
As with the Reese, this trailer lock is a universal coupler lock that fits trailer hitches of all sizes. It features ballistic-grade nylon housing and stainless steel components that will stand up to any kind of weather or mischief.
Best Trailer Hitch Lock for RVs on a Budget
- 1/2 in. and 5/8 in.
- Very easy to install and use
- Affordable
- Includes a protective cover
- Not great for heavier RVs
With a name like Master Lock, you know this receiver lock style hitch lock is going to be good. The Master Lock receiver lock isn’t necessarily the most high-tech option on the market, but it’s affordable and will get the job done. As with any receiver lock, the Master Lock pin inserts into your receiver hitch in place of the receiver hitch pin.
You can then lock the pin in place so that the only way to remove it is with the Master Lock key, which you should keep on your person at all times. This Master Lock pin has a swiveling feature that allows for 360-degree turning and will fit any receiver hitch. However, you should only use this pin with RVs weighing 10,000 pounds or less. For anything heavier, you should upgrade to a larger Master Lock pin.
Another thing we like about the Master Lock is that it has a four-pin key cylinder, which makes it much more difficult to tamper with. It also comes with a protective cover so that dirt and moisture can’t get into the locking mechanism.
Best Heavy Duty Trailer Hitch Lock for RVs
- Fits 2 5/16 inches coupler
- Innovative design
- Rust and weatherproof
- Extremely heavy duty
- Not a universal coupler
Each of the hitch locks we’ve looked at thus far is reasonably affordable and great for small to mid-sized RVs. However, if you have a large RV that you want to protect at all costs, you should consider the Amplock U BRP2516. This coupler lock puts other hitch coupler locks on the market to shame.
It’s one of the most heavy-duty and infallible trailer coupler locks on the market but only fits larger RVs with a 2 5/16 head. The design of the lock looks very intimidating, which is often enough to deter potential thieves. However, those who are brave enough to tamper with the AMPLOCK U BRP2516 will soon realize they’re wasting their time.
Unlike other coupler locks that have a U-shaped ring that straps around the top of the coupler, the AMPLOCK has a front panel that tightens to the front of the coupler. This makes it one of the most innovative coupler locks on the market and arguably the most secure. It’s made of a combination of stainless steel and cast iron, ensuring that it’s solid and safe from the elements.
Best Hitch Pin Lock for RVs
- 5/8-Inch Pin Diameter
- Fits 2-Inch Receiver
- Tight install for added security
- Super strong due to reinforced carbon steel
- Affordable
- Not a good fit for larger RVs
If you have a 2″ receiver hitch and need the best receiver lock available, look no further than the Curt Trailer Hitch Pin Lock. The Curt hitch pin lock is similar to the Master Lock listed above but sleeker and more secure. It provides a tighter fit between the receiver and the trailer hitch, which makes it more difficult to tamper with.
This receiver lock hitch pin measures 5/8″ in size and is made of reinforced carbon steel. The tight installation leaves no room for prospective thieves to cut or tamper with the locking mechanism. It’s also fashioned as a barbell locking mechanism, further adding to the security it provides.
How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Lock for Your RV
When you’re trying to figure out which trailer hitch is the best for your RV, here are some things to think about.
Lock Type
As you’ve seen in this article, there are two basic types of trailer hitch locks.
Coupler Hitch Locks
Coupler hitch locks are the most popular type of hitch lock mechanism available and are the most difficult to infiltrate. This type of hitch lock consists of a ball on the bottom and a U-shaped mechanism that attaches to the ball on either side. The ball slips into your trailer hitch coupler, and you then tighten the U-shaped mechanism around the outside of the coupler.
Receiver Style Hitch Lock
With a receiver lock, the goal is to keep your RV from getting stolen while it’s hooked up to your vehicle. It’s not uncommon for people to store their RVs with the RV hooked up to the truck so that it’s ready to go at a moment’s notice. However, someone who knows what they’re doing can unhitch the RV from the truck and hook it up to their own vehicle.
If you have a receiver lock on the connection between your RV and receiver hitch, however, doing this is impossible.
Locking Mechanism
The locking mechanism refers to how you lock and unlock the trailer lock to fasten or loosen it. Most trailer locks feature a standard key, or they will have a combination lock that you can set to your liking. Combination locks are slightly more secure because most companies make universal trailer lock keys.
Lock Material
The material that the lock is made from will greatly determine how durable and weather-resistant it is. For best results and security, you should look for a trailer lock made of stainless steel and/or cast iron.
Budget
As with everything else in life, your budget will play a significant role as you choose your trailer lock. Most locks cost between $20 and $100, with some of the more heavy-duty options costing upwards of $250.
Final Thoughts
While choosing the right trailer lock for your RV is a tall task, it’s one that you should take your time with. A trailer lock is often the only thing standing between you and a stolen RV, depending on where and how you store it. As long as you use our buying guide to make your decision and purchase one of the RV hitch locks on this list, you’re sure to keep your rig safe and secure from thieves.
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Thank you for letting us know that hitch locks are an important investment to RV trailers if we keep them in storage without checking on them regularly since it’s the one thing standing between the safety of our trailer and thieves who want to break inside. I’ve been living in an RV for a year now, but since I plan to go back to my family home temporarily, I need a lock for the RV while I keep it in storage in the meantime. I’ll keep this in mind while I look up online where I can buy duo-locking trailer locks soon.
Hi, Elina! 🙂
You’re most welcome. Thanks for sharing this information with us. I hope your trailer is safe and sound with your new trailer lock after a year of full time RV travel.