Trailer coupler lock recommendation

[lkulus]

Anyone using something that is pretty thief proof.
I see the Mega hitch Lock most expensive but looks solid.
your input so appreciated.

Sisters, Oregon Newbies

[paulk]

Coupler locks suck. It's just too easy to bypass them and tow the trailer away using the safety chains. Even if you lock the safety chains up a thief could bring their own chains and secure them in seconds to the existing chains.

Like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9tbSzWkY1s

It's not much better when the trailer is hitched up. A thief can just unscrew the ball, or use the smallest of pliers to break those tiny ball mount pin locks, or the coupler lock.

This is far more secure:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQkoEj9GLtU

Unfortunately, the stock ETI wheels won't fit the big chain, but I think the Pewag 9/32" chain might work. I haven't tried it myself. I bought wheels with bigger holes so that I could get the big chain through them.

Pewag Square Security Chain from Westech Rigging Supply

Westechrigging also sells chain specific locks that look good paired with these chains. I think the 3/8” lock looks even nicer than the 7/16” lock, so I’m getting chain and lock sized to 3/8” even though the chain will be a little less beefy.

If you really want a coupler lock, the Mega Hitch looks like one of the better ones. Proven Industries also makes one that looks hard to remove after they've towed your trailer away.

[gbaglo]

I'm sticking with tried and true. Has worked for eight years and cost less than $9. If I ever lose the key, it's easy to remove.

[kirkman]

I like these! They are pricey but worth it.
Proven Industries - Best Trailer Locks

[Kountrykamper]

I use a coupler lock and carry replacement coverage through a good insurance company. If someone wants it bad enough not much is going to stop them. I'm not going to spend much time worrying about it or carry around some big boot or chain.

[Fox hunt]

Any ideas on how lock a 5th wheel? I know none are foolproof but interested in what others do?

[KarenH]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I'm sticking with tried and true. Has worked for eight years and cost less than $9. If I ever lose the key, it's easy to remove.

Thanks for my big laugh for the day!

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Fox hunt

Any ideas on how lock a 5th wheel? I know none are foolproof but interested in what others do?

The equivalent to a conventional trailer's coupler lock is a king pin lock. Fortunately, it is really not practical for a thief to bypass a king pin lock the way a conventional trailer can be towed without removing a coupler lock. We have one of this "collar" style:

A common and cheaper style is a simple U-shape (example: MasterLock 2999DAT) with a locking pin across the open side, but that looks much easier to cut to me. The pin is just like the one that holds the ball mount in a conventional 2" receiver:

[citabria90]

This is what I use on my 19. Can't attest as to how it stands up to an attack (haven't had any attempts), but it seems pretty substantial.

The Flexible Anti-Theft Trailer & Vehicle Wheel Lock | Brahma Wheel Lock

The company is in Burnaby.

[StanLewis]

I don't think coupler locks are much good, for all the reasons cited earlier. My first choice was the chain arrangement mentioned in post #2, but unlike paulk I wasn't willing to spring for new wheels. Next best choice, IMO, is the Brahma Wheellock used by citabria90. That's what we have as well. The cost is not much different from a high end coupler lock. Won't stop a determined someone with an 18v grinder, but might encourage them to try the next trailer over.

[advenas]

I second the Proven Industries coupler lock. Bought one for my 17B I just picked up. Hellishly stout locks.

The whole point is to have a thief look at my trailer and then look at the trailer next to mine and choose to take theirs instead.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by advenas

I second the Proven Industries coupler lock. Bought one for my 17B I just picked up. Hellishly stout locks.

The whole point is to have a thief look at my trailer and then look at the trailer next to mine and choose to take theirs instead.

Rick what do you think of the Mega hitch lock ? Pat

[advenas]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

Rick what do you think of the Mega hitch lock ? Pat

The Proven Industries coupler lock is very secure. When it's in place it covers the entire coupler, it's made out of steel and the lock is just as stout.

For me, it's worth it. I waited and planned for a year to get this trailer. I'm not planning on losing it anytime soon. I also got the hardened chain and security lock mentioned in the Locks & Chains thread below...

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8...ains-9686.html

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by advenas

The Proven Industries coupler lock is very secure. When it's in place it covers the entire coupler, it's made out of steel and the lock is just as stout.

For me, it's worth it. I waited and planned for a year to get this trailer. I'm not planning on losing it anytime soon. I also got the hardened chain and security lock mentioned in the Locks & Chains thread below...

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8...ains-9686.html

Will take a look at the Proven Industries coupler lock . Yep I have the lock and chain on my list from that thread . Thankyou . Pat

[paulk]

Originally Posted by StanLewis

I don't think coupler locks are much good, for all the reasons cited earlier. My first choice was the chain arrangement mentioned in post #2, but unlike paulk I wasn't willing to spring for new wheels. Next best choice, IMO, is the Brahma Wheellock used by citabria90. That's what we have as well. The cost is not much different from a high end coupler lock. Won't stop a determined someone with an 18v grinder, but might encourage them to try the next trailer over.

ETI will give you a credit of $80/wheel if you bring your own wheels & tires, so for new buyers it's significantly less than for existing owners to get different wheels. As I mentioned, the 9/32" chain could probably fit into the stock ETI wheels, either aluminum or steel. Even the 9/32" chain is very hard to cut with bolt cutters. Most thieves are going to have standard sized bolt cutters to cut standard locks, and they'll be surprised by something as strong as the Pewag chain (Rockwell hardness 62).

For those who want to do something similar, I got the Hispec Series 08 wheels, which have big openings that should make it easier to fit and see the chain. (Series 08 - HiSpec Wheel & Tire, Inc. - The Safety Wheel)
and Carlisle HD tires 6H04591 ST205/75R15.

The Brahma might also be pretty good. I didn't go that route mostly because it's big and bulky and I didn't have room for that in my 17b. I also wonder if a crowbar might be effective against it.. I didn't investigate since I had settled on the chain.

There's also the Trimex Chock Lock which works in a similar way, is much lighter and less bulky, but doesn't protect the lug nuts. You can buy keyed lug nuts to resolve that issue. It's unlikely though that a thief is going to change the wheel to get your trailer. More likely they'll just get out the angle grinder, or move on to another target.

I think for either the Trimex Chock Lock or the Brahma, you can still drive the trailer slowly away, although it will be bumpy and attract a lot of attention, but hey, it's not like any of these are perfect solutions.

[Losangeles]

I got a different trimax - one that does cover the wheel lugs.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003E1GLSM

and also a really good hitch lock. The Proven Industries one.

http://provenlocks.com/

I'm happy with it.

Be sure to get the right one - it is confusing as a couple different Proven models fit. Maybe call them. I would have a hard time telling you the best model. the one I got works well on our 21.

i figure with BOTH locks on, it is about as good as I can do.

john

[citabria90]

Originally Posted by advenas

I second the Proven Industries coupler lock. Bought one for my 17B I just picked up. Hellishly stout locks.

The whole point is to have a thief look at my trailer and then look at the trailer next to mine and choose to take theirs instead.

I ordered a Proven Industries lock (#2178) for my 19, but it didn't fit. Do you know what model # fits the 19' tongue? Perhaps the #2178A?

Thanks for all your help!
Chuck

[advenas]

Originally Posted by citabria90

I ordered a Proven Industries lock (#2178) for my 19, but it didn't fit. Do you know what model # fits the 19' tongue? Perhaps the #2178A?

Thanks for all your help!
Chuck

Yes, the #2178-A fits a 2in ball and all the new Escape trailers. That is the one I ordered and it fit perfectly.

See the second to last post in the link below. I called Escape and Proven Industries to get through the confusion.

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f1...er-9290-6.html

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

I'm sticking with tried and true. Has worked for eight years and cost less than $9. If I ever lose the key, it's easy to remove.

I use the same style lock and like you it has worked for 7 years.
I own a 17 ft Casita so I always try to camp next to a fancy trailer like an Escape. I figure if a thief is smart enough to steal a trailer than he 's going to steal the high buck trailer first.
So far , my theory has been correct.
Plus a battery power grinder can open any lock it wants.

[citabria90]

Originally Posted by advenas

Yes, the #2178-A fits a 2in ball and all the new Escape trailers. That is the one I ordered and it fit perfectly.

See the second to last post in the link below. I called Escape and Proven Industries to get through the confusion.

http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f1...er-9290-6.html

Wow! Thanks for the quick reply and the info, Rick . . . much appreciated!
Happy spring!

Chuck