What is a Trailer Hitch Lock?

A hitch is a connector between the vehicle and the object it is towing but how do you make sure that nothing will move around and disconnect when on the road or that someone will intentionally disconnect it?

A hitch lock is a piece of equipment that ensures the hitched load does not get connected to another car and taken away. This hitch lock is similar to having a plug in a keyhole so no one else can connect to your hitched load and tow it.

Note: A trailer hitch lock is totally different from a hitch lock pin. They are both useful but they are for different uses. To learn about “hitch lock pins” read this other article.

Having a hitch comes in handy as it is used in towing heavy objects such as trailers, boats, caravans, and other sports equipment but when you are not towing your load you keep it safe by putting a hitch lock on it.

In simple words, a hitch is a connector between the vehicle and the object it is towing. and a lock keeps anyone from towing something they should not be towing. Now that we have cleared what a trailer hitch lock is, let’s look into the importance of it, how to select the appropriate hitch lock and other related aspects.

Significance Of A Hitch Lock

A hitch lock may seem unimportant but if this hitch lock is not in place someone could take your trailer by hooking it up to his hitch ball and driving away.

Trailer hitch locks have a ball and a locking bar over it. The idea is to put this ball in the tongue of your trailer hitch and then secure this ball in place by putting the lockin bar over it. This way the whole thing remains in place and it cannot be taken off without the use of a key.

Choosing the right hitch is important but there are many elements and factor related to and choosing the correct hitch lock for your vehicle. These factors are explained below.

What Size Trailer Hitch Lock Do I Need?

The size of the hitch lock depends on the size of the receiver on your vehicle. The receiver of the vehicle is a kind of hitch that is attached to the lower side of the vehicle’s rear end. This receiver provides the feature to attach a hitch lock between the vehicle and towing object.

You need to measure the width of the external part of the receiver to determine the size of the hitch lock.
The standard size options for a class one or two receivers are about one to one-fourth inch of hitch lock but if you have a class three receiver then you will need a big hitch lock of a 2-inch receiver.

While measuring the width of the outer edge of the receiver you need to ensure that the outer circumference matches the inner width of the receiver as well.

When Should I Replace My Tow Bar?

The tow bar is assumed as a minor part of the vehicle, many believe that once you install it there is no expiration date of it. That is not true, every product has an expiration date so does a hitch. The life of the tow bar depends on its usage.

If you regularly tow objects, say every week then you will need to replace it after five years but if you rarely use it, say once a year then the hitch can last up to ten years unless and until damaged from unforeseen circumstances like a road accident.

In case any part of the hitch seems rusty and corroded, you should replace it immediately. Why? Because if you are towing a heavy object on the road and it breaks loose, it has the potential to create havoc on the road.

While assessing your tow bar the things you should keep an eye out for are the pins and bolts mounted on the hitch.

See if any of these parts are corroded or worn out. These pins and bolts may seem insignificant to the user but they keep the hitch in place and provide the desired flexibility to the hitch while traveling on a rough road.

If the above-mentioned parts are worn out or not in their original place then it’s time to replace the tow bar with a new one.

How Do I Choose A Hitch Lock?

Choosing a hitch lock is very important as it provides security of movement while towing an object. It keeps the towing object in place during a bouncy road. Not only this, a hitch lock secures your towed object from thieves as well.

You can lock and unlock it with the help of a key. It is easy to use, inexpensive and has a subtle appearance that does not make it look odd on your vehicle.

Choosing the right size of the hitch lock is an important factor while choosing a hitch lock. The size of the hitch lock depends on the measurements of the receiver mounted at the rear end of your vehicle.

There are two types of hitch locks mainly used by individuals. Both these locks have their attributes.

Users select these locks based on their personal preferences of usage.

The types of the locks are explained in detail below:

Receiver-Style Hitch Locks

The receiver-style hitch lock comes with a metal pin having a lock at one or both endpoints. This is a standard hitch lock used to prevent your towing object from being stolen.

This is ideal for individuals who want their towed object tied to their vehicle at all times. For example, you can use these locks if you want to keep your trailer attached to your vehicle all the time.

Coupler Hitch Locks

These locks are also useful in preventing your towed object from being stolen. These locks are suitable for individuals who want to keep their objects e.g. trailers parked outside, unattached, and unattended for a long period.

These locks come in a unique U-shaped design which makes it difficult for the thief to attach the hitch to the vehicle without the key.

Final Thoughts

To conclude, you should keep an eye on your hitch lock if you regularly use it. If it’s worn out before completing its shelf life you should replace it immediately to avoid any hazardous accidents while on the road.

The size of locks varies from vehicle to vehicle. The size of the lock depends on the measurements of the receiver mounted at the back of the vehicle.

There are two types of locks available in the market. Any lock can be chosen based on the preference of the user. Here is a list of popular hitch locks available.