There are so many stories about trailers being stolen lately, it made me wonder why don’t people secure their boat, Jet-Ski, and caravan trailers. Without a coupling lock, someone can just drive up to your trailer hitch up and drive off within 2 minutes.
Sometimes it will take 3 minutes if you have the wrong type of trailer hitch lock. Proven Industries was the only Hitch lock here that actually resisted being broken into.
With a good quality Tow Hitch lock this can delay your trailer from being stolen, but only with the correct anti-theft hitch. So it’s time to look at the Top 4 Best Trailer Hitch Locks available.
These 4 Hitch safety locks are very popular I see them around all the time. That being said some hitch locks are very simple to crack open and some are very hard. They are mainly there to stop an honest thief or as I would call it an opportunistic thief.
It is a shame we have to secure our possessions. If you are looking for a key safe for your car check out our review on a Car tow receiver combination safe. Now you can lock up your trailer and store the key in a safe place. Just don’t forget the pin number.
Table of Contents
- 1 Reese Towpower 72783 Universal Coupler Lock
- 2 Reese Hitch Lock Review
- 3 Master Lock 377KA Universal Coupler Lock
- 4 Master Lock Hitch Lock review
- 5 Tow Ready Gorilla Guard Coupler Lock review
- 6 The Best Trailer Hitch Lock from Proven Industries
- 7 Boat Thief
- 8
- 9 Trailer Hitch Type – Pictures Fitting Guide
- 10 Proven Industries 2516 Trailer Lock ( Fits 2 5/16″ couplers )
- 11 Proven Locks 2178 All Steel – Heavy Duty Design – Anti Theft Trailer Coupler Lock ( fits 2″ & 1 7/8″ )
- 12 Proven Coupler Lock 2178 B – All Steel – Heavy Duty Design – Anti Theft Trailer Coupler Lock ( fits 2″ Bulldog Side Latch Couplers )
- 13 Proven Trailer Lock 2516 A – Anti Theft Trailer Coupler Lock ( fits 2 5/16″ Atwood Yoke Latch Couplers )
- 14 Proven Industries Coupler Lock 2178 E – All Steel ( fits 2″ Raised Trigger Latch Couplers )
- 15 Proven Industries Trailer Lock 2516 B2 – Anti Theft Trailer Coupler Lock ( fits 2 5/16″ Ram Cast Couplers )
- 16 Proven Locks 2516 AS – Anti Theft Trailer Coupler Lock ( for 2 5/16″ AirStream Couplers )
- 17 Conclusion
Reese Towpower 72783 Universal Coupler Lock
- Will Fit 1-7/8 inch, 2-inch, and 2-5/16 inch trailer hitch couplers.
- All aluminum body painted safety yellow, with a heavy-duty steel locking bar.
- It will provide security for trailers while in storage but should be used alongside a wheel clamp for added protection.
- Adjustable quick-release ratchet design with eleven locking positions.
- Advanced lock resists picking and prying.
- 2 Sets of keys.
To remove the locking bar turn the key clockwise, hold it in that position, and pull the bar out. To lock turn the key and push down. The key lock holder is spring-loaded for added safety.
Reese Hitch Lock Review
This Reese hitch lock is very easy to use and looks great. Painted safety yellow it will give a visual indication that your trailer is protected. There is one flaw that with enough force from using a long crow pinch bar, you can bust the Reese hitch lock open.
If you combine it with a wheel clamp you will have an added layer of protection which should be enough to deter someone from wanting to steal your trailer.
The Trimax wheel clamp chock is your next level of defense. It’s able to be quickly attached to any wheel, preventing your trailer from being towed or drive away. The Universal design will fit any wheel size.
Master Lock 377KA Universal Coupler Lock
- Designed to provide safety and security for the trailer hitch coupler
- Will Fit the most common trailer couplers like 1-7/8 inches, 2 inches, and most 2-5/16 inches.
- Fully Chrome Plated
- Very easy to install and remove
- Corrosion-resistant.
Secures your trailer coupler fast and easy
The 377 model made by Master Lock is a universal coupler lock that is easy to install and remove. This makes it very easy to transport and use when your trailer is not in use.
The advanced locking mechanism resists picking and prying
The design of this lock makes prying off very difficult and the deep shackle helps to prevent picking. Lest you have peace of mind when you park your trailer.
Fits 1-7/8in (48mm), 2in (51mm), and most 2-5/16in (59mm) trailer couplers
This hitch coupler lock will fit most trailers. When you buy a new trailer, you can reuse this hitch lock over and over.
Master Lock Hitch Lock review
The Master Lock Universal Coupler Lock is made from strong alloy material and is finished with chrome plating. It’s one of the nicest-looking hitch locks around at a great price.
Like the Reese Towpower lock, it has one flaw where you are able to place a pinch bar in between the Master lock coupler and the tow ball. With enough force, you can break into this lock. Adding a wheel brace lock will solve this issue by adding another layer of protection.
All in all it’s a good lock for its price range.
Tow Ready Gorilla Guard Coupler Lock review
- Maximum protection for unattended trailers
- Fits into trailer 2-inch ball socket, solid steel bar slides into the coupler
- Spring-loaded key lock, removable in the open position.
- Coupler width (including lip) cannot exceed 3-13/16″ for 2-inch hitch locks
- The height of the hitch lip cannot be greater than 5/16″ for 2-inch locks
- Coupler width (including lip) cannot exceed 4-1/8″ for 2″ 5/16 locks
- The height of the coupler lip cannot be greater than 5/16″. for 2″5/16 locks
- 2 different models one for 2 inches and one for 2 5/156 inch hitch couplers.
- Limited 1-year warranty
The design of the Gorilla Guard by Tow Ready is unique as it uses the tongue of the trailer hitch to slide onto. A pin is then inserted via the key to hold the lock in place.
Like the other 3 locks, it has the same flaw if someone really wants your trailer they will get it if you are using this. A long pinch bar and some muscle will see this hitch coupler lock fly apart. Use it with a wheel clamp and you should be fine.
The Best Trailer Hitch Lock from Proven Industries
The Proven Industries hitch lock has taken the standard of locks to a new level. It’s all-steel construction, with thick armor plating makes this lock very hard to break into. It is off the scale when compared to the rest. With an emphasis on Anti Theft, you can rest assured that your Trailer Coupler Lock is top-notch.
It will fit most trailers, but you will need to check the pictures shown below to work out the model number you require.
- Made in the USA.
- The ultimate protection against theft – Bolt-Cutter Proof, Sledge Hammer Proof, Pinch Bar Proof.
- 1/4″ Inch Hardened all-steel Construction – Black powder coat paint finish
- Secures your Safety Chains
- CNC laser cut
- Aircraft Aluminum puck lock
- Very easy to install
- Robotic tig welds
- Custom-made for each trailer hitch type
- Lifetime warranty on the outer case
If you truly want the best trailer coupler lock available then Proven Industries is the one to get. Sure it is a little expensive but wow once this thing is on it is not coming off in a hurry. Unless you have the key.
They are also designed to not interfere with electric trailer jacks.
It’s quite heavy as well which is a good thing. It means it can take a beating.
Boat Thief
One of my friends recently had someone attempt to steal his Jet Ski from out front of his house. Lucky for him he also had a large anchor chain warped around the trailer and bolted into his concrete slab. The thief broke the coupling lock off but left after seeing the chain.
The harder you can make it for a low-life thief the better. They will just walk on to the next easy target.
Check out the video and how much damage this Proven coupling lock can take.
Trailer Hitch Type – Pictures Fitting Guide
Depending on the type of trailer you have will determine what Proven hitch lock you will require. All these locks are custom made to fit the many different types of trailer hitches out there.
Have a look at the pictures below to work out your trailer hitch size and type.
Proven Industries 2516 Trailer Lock ( Fits 2 5/16″ couplers )
Model 2516 fits most trigger latch and thumb latch couplers as shown above. This is a great hitch lock. If your hitch looks like the picture above this is the one for you.
Proven Locks 2178 All Steel – Heavy Duty Design – Anti Theft Trailer Coupler Lock ( fits 2″ & 1 7/8″ )
The 2178 model is the most popular trailer coupler lock out there. This is due to most people having these types of hitch locks on their boats and garden trailers. From an “A-frame” welded-on trailer to a straight bolt-on style trailer hitch coupler, the 2178 will fit them both.
Security for your trailer just got AAA+ rating upgrade if you get this lock.
Proven Coupler Lock 2178 B – All Steel – Heavy Duty Design – Anti Theft Trailer Coupler Lock ( fits 2″ Bulldog Side Latch Couplers )
The Proven 2178-B Model was hand-made to fit 2” BullDog style trailer couplers. This type is usually found on heavy-duty trailers such as those used in commercial applications and weight-rated trailer applications. In most cases, the Bulldog hitch will be found on commercial trailers, but sometimes manufacturers liked to offer Bulldog couplers on non-commercial home use trailers as an optional upgrade.
If you have a Bull Dog type hitch coupler 2″ 5/16 size you will need the Proven 2516 B hitch lock.
Proven Trailer Lock 2516 A – Anti Theft Trailer Coupler Lock ( fits 2 5/16″ Atwood Yoke Latch Couplers )
The 2516-A model is custom-made to fit the Atwood Yoke Latch trailer hitch couplers. Will fit the 2 5/16” inch size. This style trailer coupler is usually found on open Utility Trailers or Travel Trailers.
Proven Industries Coupler Lock 2178 E – All Steel ( fits 2″ Raised Trigger Latch Couplers )
2178-E model is designed to fit most raised trigger latch couplers. Fits 2’’ Trailer Couplers This model is manufactured with a larger rear mouth area in order to accommodate the raised latch area. This locking model will be able to accommodate most S-style safety chains.
Proven Industries Trailer Lock 2516 B2 – Anti Theft Trailer Coupler Lock ( fits 2 5/16″ Ram Cast Couplers )
Model 2516-B2 is specially designed to fit the Ram Cast Steel Couplers. This style of trailer coupler is usually found on equipment trailers or dump trailers.
Rest assured that Proven Industries trailer lock products will leave you with simply the best coupler lock on the market. Some types of safety chains may not be able to secure inside this style of coupler lock. This is due to the link size.
Proven Locks 2516 AS – Anti Theft Trailer Coupler Lock ( for 2 5/16″ AirStream Couplers )
Proven Industries noticed that there was a gap in the market for Airstream hitch locks. So, as a result, they designed a heavy-duty coupler lock that will fit all Airstream Trailers. This Proven Model 2516-AS was custom-made to have a very close fit to resist tampering.
Some style of safety chains you will not be able to secure inside this style of coupler lock. This is due to the safety chain link size.
As you can see, as there are many different types of tow ball tongues. Proven Industries had to make slight changes to each model so they will fit correctly and provide one of the strongest, safest, tamper-proof hitch locks available.
Conclusion
As you can see you get what you pay for if you want the best trailer hitch lock to get one from Proven Industries. It really outshines the competition. There is just no comparison. On the other hand, if you just want something cheap and don’t mind also using a wheel clamp for extra security, get the Master Universal Coupler Lock. At least it is stronger than the rest.
If you find your trailer hitch rattling then try these simple fixes.
After a great deal of research and just wanting peace of mind, I went with the Proven Industries trailer lock for my Sea-Doo Jet-Ski trailer. I still use a wheel chock sometimes as well when at a caravan park. This is due to the Sea-Doo trailer being so light that it can be wheeled away by hand.
I am a qualified Industrial Electrician for the past 20 years and I love to share my knowledge on home repair and maintenance jobs.
I love fast toys like Motorcycles, Cars, Jetskis, Boats, and Computers so writing about them is easy. Working on them is fun.
To keeps costs down I do all my own mods, repairs, and servicing. These skills I want to share with everyone. DIY is a skill everyone can learn.
which is best lock 2178 E or 2516 as?