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Old 07-14-2020, 10:05 PM   #1
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Trailer Hitch Lock recommendations?

Trailer Hitch Lock recommendations? Once our 21NE arrives in Sept. we hope to keep it for a really long time and would hate to loose it to some not so nice folks who want one for themselves but don't want to pay for it . So, we need to lock it down. What do you guys suggest?
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Old 07-14-2020, 10:40 PM   #2
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This is probably the best hitch lock money can buy. Mate it with a hardened stainless puck lock and that’s one tough package. We stayed with the standard lock for now. https://www.provenlocks.com/products/model-2178-a
Be prepared for a bunch of people to jump in about how this can be defeated. I challenge them to defeat it quietly which rules out your battery powered grinders.
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Old 07-15-2020, 12:45 AM   #3
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I second the Proven lock, very well made, keep in mind it's about 15 pounds
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Old 07-15-2020, 12:55 AM   #4
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Quote:
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I second the Proven lock, very well made, keep in mind it's about 15 pounds
Or One Stone
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Old 07-15-2020, 06:39 AM   #5
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Good insurance policy also........FWIW I have not heard of anyone losing their Escape to theft in the past 10 years.
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Old 07-15-2020, 09:39 AM   #6
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I use a Fort Knox lock. Very sturdy lock.
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Old 07-15-2020, 11:36 AM   #7
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I use a Fort Knox lock. Very sturdy lock.
That's another strong lock. A whole page with videos of locks defeated and you'll notice that Proven Industries locks are not on there and they also tried hard and cannot defeat their own.

https://ftknoxlocks.godaddysites.com/lock-fails
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Old 06-29-2021, 05:36 AM   #8
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Did you purchase this lock? If so, how is it doing?
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Old 06-30-2021, 03:47 AM   #9
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Sorry there are many threads on this. I can cut any lock off in 30 seconds with my DeWalt 20V cordless grinder. Another Forum user mentioned throwing the chains on the front of the trailer and not even using the hitch.

The most important is good insurance and never leave your trailer where it isn't safe. My trailer is stored at in a friends barn all winter and during the summer, a high security storage compound outside of town with lots of video cameras.

Most important, good insurance.
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Old 06-30-2021, 08:16 PM   #10
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This guy makes a living picking locks. Here he does the Proven Industry brand.
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Old 06-30-2021, 08:35 PM   #11
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That video is 2 years old. Proven has modified their lock since this video was made.
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Old 06-30-2021, 09:23 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Marla King View Post
That video is 2 years old. Proven has modified their lock since this video was made.
It’s now vulnerable to drilling. Always a weak link. Probably the best protection is to pair the Proven Industries lock with a hardened Mul-T-Lock MT5+ TR-100 puck lock. Pricey though.
https://www.amazon.com/Mul-t-lock-MT.../dp/B00JXXI3ZO
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Old 06-30-2021, 10:50 PM   #13
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Trailer Hitch Lock recommendations? Once our 21NE arrives in Sept. we hope to keep it for a really long time and would hate to loose it to some not so nice folks who want one for themselves but don't want to pay for it . So, we need to lock it down. What do you guys suggest?
It comes down to how to delay and/or deter the thief. Simple hitch locks (ca. $20-$50 type) can be easily removed with hand tools. Lots of youtube videos on how these locks are defeated within seconds. A more robust lock will require a powered grinder to remove. These include wheel locks or hitch locks like others have stated on this thread.

Insurance is recommended, but you probably already know the wait time for a new trailer.
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Old 06-30-2021, 10:58 PM   #14
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My hitch lock cost under $10 and has worked like a charm for 12 years.
My insurance went up again but covers replacement. Canadian dollars.
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Old 07-11-2021, 09:56 AM   #15
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What about wheel locks?
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Old 07-11-2021, 10:16 AM   #16
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That is what we use. Trailer theft is a high consequence, low probably event. Akin to a house fire. We also have insurance, that that only is a financial replacement, not trailer replacement.
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Old 07-11-2021, 10:26 AM   #17
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Everything works, until it doesn't. Spend thousands on a trailer and a few dollars on a lock.... or buy the best you can afford. Either way, you've made a choice.
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Old 07-11-2021, 10:27 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MVA View Post
That is what we use.
Are there advantages or disadvantages of a wheel lock over a hitch lock?
From what I can see, the larger size means more difficult to transport and store, but that's not too bad if there is better security from it.
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Old 07-11-2021, 10:36 AM   #19
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It becomes an engineering judgement. I reviewed some very good hitch locks (many on this forum) along with wheel locks. Simple pin or hitch locks can be defeated with hand tools (re - youtube videos, takes 5-10 seconds). Most better locks can be defeated, but require a powered grinder. I had looked at hitch locks but IMO a thief can still pull the trailer with the chains. The wheel lock disables motion of the trailer, but it can be removed with a grinder. It comes down to delay and persuading a thief to pick an easier target.

https://brahmalock.com/

2 cents
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Old 07-12-2021, 03:34 AM   #20
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Nothing's unbreakable, so lock security in practice is measured in minutes and noise. An angle grinder will open basically any lock eventually, but it might take 30 minutes of horrific screeching and showers of sparks.

Cable locks are pretty useless. Small cutters will go right through them silently in seconds.

The little hitch locks or a small padlock through the hitch pin is better, but won't hold up to larger cutters and can be bypassed with some care (rest the ball on top of the hitch, use an undersized ball, or tow by the chains). Will stop casual thieves, but not anyone putting in time and effort.

Bigger hitch locks mean cutters and undersized balls won't work, but it can still be towed off carefully by the chains. Some also lock up the chains to avoid this.

If you really want to make it difficult, the combination of a wheel lock and the Proven hitch lock will probably make almost anyone give up and move on to something easier.
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