Though this is an extremely popular style of trailer hitch lock, they are largely ineffective at protecting from even the most incompetent type of thief. Not impossible to pick, but it is pretty close to impossible that someone actually will pick it. You might be able to position your trailer so pulling attacks could not be tried as reliably with trailer locks like the Dealkoo, but the Brahma removes the concern altogether. And then there were the pictures: trucks and trailers […] If any of these points are weak, the entire lock will be compromised. It is used to connect your trailer to your tow vehicle hitch. … Have you ever driven by a vehicle towing a trailer and noticed the trailer tongue or back of the tow vehicle sagging? You might be able to use this type of trailer lock as your sole trailer security, but only if you use the best possible products. What is the securing ball made from? Strong metals do not fit either of those criteria. Safety chain anchors are frequently a built-in feature of gooseneck hitch assemblies to ensure the trailer won't come completely loose if the hitch should fail. Whether you are getting a trailer hitch lock or some other form of trailer lock, security begins with the way you lock your trailer. It is a huge thick metal slip cover that expertly pairs with a lock type that creates no obvious weakness. There are other cheaper products that do not cover the lug nuts, so you will need to buy additional products to protect your tires from being removed. One unique feature of D-L® couplers is the ability to adjust them by hand without using any tools. Some couplers employing a hand wheel to tighten the clamp to the ball; another common arrangement is a lever or toggle to lock the coupler. You adjust the shackle so the lock cannot be slipped off, and then no one can hook up your trailer without the key to the lock. But here is the big disclaimer: this lock is far from perfect. Hitch ball squeaks happen when the thin metal on the ball on the tow vehicle’s hitch wears away. Locking your coupler will ensure no one can hook up and be off with your trailer. What about the bolt being used to fasten the ball to the housing? There are a few types of ways you can lock a trailer. Don’t get me wrong, this type of lock can be picked, and has been many times in the past, but there is so close to no chance that a criminal will have these skills that it is highly improbable. This uses the hoop lock design, similar to what you would see with a U-lock for bicycle security or even some motorcycle security. Using this particular product is the best step you can take to secure your wheels. It will also help you understand what you should be looking for in a high-quality trailer hitch lock. It might also take so much time to overwhelm that criminals get anxious and leave. dramatic example of the Bolt trailer hitch lock pin being attached as compared to other products. A great padlock should be enough to achieve this. It is far from perfect, but for the price, you can get some great additional security from this trailer lock. The padlock and hasp can be discarded and the trailer can be taken away. When a coupler is attached to the trailer ball, it locks into place. Now you can watch your trailer find your gooseneck ball. Without weight distribution, the trailers tongue weight added to the tow vehicle can cause it to teeter-totter over the rear axle which lifts the weight off the front wheels. Meaning that you are not securing the trailer hitch, but rather keeping one or more wheels from allowing the trailer to move. To open, pull back spring-loaded collar ; Position coupler over hitch ball; Close hinged portion of coupler, then release collar to close; Insert pin and retainer or pull back latch on top to secure Below you can find the most important types of trailer locks. Recreational and light commercial hitch balls come in a variety of sizes including 1 7/8", 2", 2 5/16" and infrequently, 3". Use safety chains to link the trailer to the tow vehicle; you should cross the chains. When an uplift force is applied to them then it will raise the trailertongue and the towing vehicle back to the same level. The next best way is a hitch coupler lock. It is possible that a criminal could overwhelm this lock with brute force, but it would take highly specific tools, time, and end up making a lot of noise. All of these systems do work with most any trailer, and each one of these products are designed so that a trailer can be hitched by just one person. A trailer hitch coupler is a mechanism that is bolted or welded onto the end of your trailer frame. A key indicator of lower quality is the type of metal that the lock parts are made out of. Prying attacks, which are more common than cutting, are ultimately not an issue with such a trailer hitch lock as this. Corrosion resistant. Here Are 10 Things I Did To Get Back In, 15 Best Security Cameras That Are Simple And Easy To Set-Up. When you compare the Proven Industries trailer lock to every other trailer hitch lock on the market, there really is hardly a comparison. To hitch up, place coupler on ball and push latch handle forward until yoke drops over nose; Latch tips secure into slots on coupler top; Pin Style Fastener. More than just trailer hitch locks (but those too), we will talk about all the relevant trailer locks you might be able to make use of. Perform the shake test to make sure the coupler is snugly and correctly adjusted.Thanks for watching!Visit our YouTube channel for more videos like this, and be sure to let us know what product questions you'd like to see answered in a future video!\" The means to do this varies somewhat. What makes this trailer lock so fantastic is not only the physical shape of it but also the level of craft and effort that has gone into making it. You cross the chains to act as a fail-safe to catch the trailer should it somehow become detached. Use the diameter to match your trailer coupler. Bolt gives you the best protection out of all the other available low-security trailer hitch locks of this ilk. You can find this type of lock available from other manufacturers, but they are largely the same. Get free useful tips and resources delivered directly to your inbox. By doing so, it’ll help make you more comfortable with the options out there. Often the hasp can be removed entirely by simply going underneath the device. The trigger then is pulled and the lever pushed down. It is the highest security option, as opposed to the Dealkoo’s minimum security standards. A hitch ball (typically 2-5/16” by diameter) transfers the weight, centering the rotational forces. What is a Hitch Coupler, and How Does It Work? This can cause a serious loss of steering and braking control, and can also contribute to a setup that is more likely to sway. *Music- \"The Creek\" by Topher Mohr and Alex ElenaHere is the transcript of this video:\"Dutton-Lainson couplers are initially assembled in our manufacturing facility to snugly fit on most 2\" balls, but they are designed to be easily adjusted by hand without the need for tools if necessary.If you cannot lower the coupler over your ball, or if you can get the coupler over the ball but then cannot lower the locking lever into place, your coupler is too tight and needs to be loosened. You need to know how to protect your trailer because there is a high likelihood that eventually your trailer will be targeted. This video demonstrates how to do it.0:00 Intro0:08 How to adjust D-L couplers1:57 OutroAll of our couplers can be purchased here: https://www.dutton-lainson.com/products.php?cat=34Check out our channel to watch additional videos about DL and our products: http://www.youtube.com/user/DuttonLainsonSubscribe to our channel to get all of our videos in your feed: http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=DuttonLainsonSee more questions answered in our FAQs Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLskGYSV8ME6MnIJAZiY1OrSJwW9WpnDg0Thanks for watching! This type of wheel lock is also manufactured by Trimax, which is a name you may associate with quality, but it is not a great product. Most people will let it get rusty and never use it as a result. In the product review section, we discuss what we consider to be the best available trailer hitch locks on the market. How the coupler is attached to your trailer has a lot to do with the amount of security you need. With the lock in place, no one will be able to hook up to your trailer. And this should certainly not be the only trailer lock that you use. How Much Does It Cost For Car Key Duplication? I will start this off by reiterating that this type of trailer … But security devices that are popular need to be viewed with a higher level of scrutiny, as this often has to do with price point. Trailer Wheel Lock – Keeping your trailer locked up has a lot to do with hoping to immobilize it until otherwise needed. Alternatively, you could use a cheaper trailer hitch pin lock, but it will provide close to no security. *Note: Weight Distribution Hitches DO NOT include hitch ball Recommend 2 5/16” A-6 or 2” A-90 Trailer Ball. This part is for a 1 1/4 inch by 1 1/4 inch class I and II receivers and the trailer lock fits lever style couplers with a 1/2 inch span. The Brahma wheel lock is just another example of the quality engineering and designing that goes into making their industry defining security products. This should move the coupler, ball, hitch, and trailer tongue in unison like you see here, meaning the coupler is properly adjusted, and the coupler should not rattle on the ball or move independently from it like you see here, meaning that it is too loose.If it is too loose, open up the coupler, push up the nut locking channel and ball clamp again, then rotate the lock nut several turns clockwise away from the ground. Save the extra money and go with something like the Dealkoo, that way you don’t feel as ripped off by the quality. Beware of the types of considerations that can affect a trailer lock. The fit between the ball hitch and the trailer coupler should be tight enough to prevent a disastrous decoupling while on the road, but not so snug that the trailer will have trouble making turns. So I would say either don’t concern yourself with the security of this type of trailer lock, or get the Bolt Trailer Hitch Lock Pin. One unique feature of D-L® couplers is the ability to adjust them by hand without using any tools. Find the diameter of the shank and the length, taken from the bottom of the base to the end of the threads. And if it is stolen, you are not likely to get it back. The security we are going to focus on in this article is trailer locks. They are easy to sell once stolen and are often easy to steal in the first place. Master Lock 389DAT Universal Size Trailer Locks. Hitch Ball: Ball-shaped attachment to a hitch onto which a trailer coupler is attached. Always be sure to take the relevant measurements, and be aware of other objects that you have the potential to keep these locks from properly securing to the trailer. Hitch Pin Lock – Some people will only secure a hitch pin with a basic spring steel clip, but there are many products that work by locking the hitch pin more securely in place. This trailer hitch lock can also be closed in a way that allows for the greater protection of your security chain. It can incredibly useful, but many people don’t use it properly and don’t know how to maintain it. The trailer hitch will have a locking lever on its upper surface. To use most coupler locks, you must insert the key to remove the top bar, open the coupler, place the ball-shaped top inside, lock the coupler, put the top bar back on, and lock the bar in place. So if you are forced by circumstances to use trailer hitch lock pin, it is worth it to get the best possible security out of this trailer lock. This is how much rise the trailer ball will add to your hitch connection. You might recognize the name Brahma as one of the most important figures in the history of security, or you might not. This video will show you the operation of the trailer hitch ballmount and coupler … It is not obvious what we are talking about when we discuss the topic of trailer locks. This is preferred by some because they do not trust basic spring steel to hold up over time and just want a more secure fastener for their hitch pin, but many more use these locks as their sole trailer hitch lock. All Rights Reserved. Not a good sign. Though extruded aluminum can sometimes work. 3 stainless steel springs do all the work from sliding the bottom plate in place to locking the coupler latch pin.Picture left, is the hookup spotter mirror option from Gooseneck Easy Coupler. And if something is not cheap, it is less likely to be placed in stores, because it will not appeal to the mass market. Ok maybe not every question but you get the idea. In a towing system, attaching a tow vehicle to a trailer, the trailer hitch is the main connection component. No. In the normal towing case, the back axle of the towing vehicle supports not the trailer alone but the vehicle itself too. Get free shipping on qualified Trailer Hitch Coupler Hitches or Buy Online Pick Up in Store today in the Automotive department. The bars in the hitch serve as the weight equalizer. It is significantly better and will allow you more time to react or even discover that there is an issue. Finally, measure the thickness of the base. As far as trailer hitch locks go, there is not much more than you can ask for. But you can also be used to replace the standard puck lock that you will receive with the Proven trailer lock. While you are looking for the best trailer security, be sure to make the investment in a quality trailer lock. Replacing Your Locks: What Is The Best Choice For Your Home. Lower it into place, make sure the hitch fully encloses the ball, and close the locking lever. This type of trailer lock secures around the wheel/tire of a trailer and is meant to keep the assembly from being towed away if any other trailer lock is compromised. You can take a look at a rather dramatic example of the Bolt trailer hitch lock pin being attached as compared to other products. Different from the more universal Mul-T-Lock padlock, the Mul-T-Lock puck lock works to lock the door of an enclosed trailer while also protecting the hasp that it is attached to. If the selected trailer hitch load equalizer is equipped with the chains, they help to stabilize the caravan, producing the torque. Learn how to hook to a ball hitch trailer - watch the video. Once the coupler is permanently bolted or welded to your trailer's frame rail (s) at the front (this is the "tongue" area), it then fits over the round ball on the trailer hitch attached to your vehicle. You can also get this lock in several varying sizes depending on the size of your trailer hitch. Often what you are storing in an enclosed trailer is meant to be semi-mobile, so criminals may try to unload the trailer instead of stealing it. It serves to have an additional level of protection and keep whatever you are securing from being rolled away easily. Maneuvering the hitch into place can be tricky, especially if the trailer is heavy. With a socket wrench of the appropriate size, you can have the hasp removed entirely. 6 Simple Ways To Get A Broken Key Out Of A Lock, I Locked Myself Out Of My House! Trailer Door Lock – For enclosed trailers, you need to worry about more than someone taking the entire trailer. The coupler must be the same size and equal or greater weight capacity of the hitch ball to ensure a safe … So if you see a lot of people using something, investigate whether or not they are all investing in what they have determined to be the best security, or if they have settled for something accessible and cheap. Low production costs rely very heavily on using materials that are cheap to work with and cheap to gain access to. It is used to connect your trailer to your tow vehicle hitch. This is due to the regular motion and turning of the trailer coupler (the part that goes over the ball) over the hitch ball. A resource for consumers, locksmiths, and security professionals. Link to purchase Retail price: $49.95. Trailer hitch covers When your trailer hitch receiver is not in use, a CURT hitch tube cover helps keep the inside of the receiver clear of dirt, debris and moisture. Release this lever, and place the hitch over the ball. SUBSCRIBE TODAY! CURT trailer hitch covers are available in … I would never recommend that this type of trailer hitch lock be your only trailer lock, but you can still get some level of security out of it. In security, you are only as strong as your weakest link, and some of these trailer locks have many different pieces. What we have found so far: We have been performing in-house testing of the Atwood 88000 series coupler, as well as consulting with engineers and RV Technicians. There are other components needed to complete the connection, like a ball mount and trailer ball. How does this work? Receiver Hitch; Bumper Hitch; Front Mount Hitch Most negative reviews of trailer locks have to do with the device not fitting the buyer’s pre-existing equipment. Metals to look out for are zinc and aluminum, both of which are too malleable or fragile for high-security purposes. Hitch Types. 1. The best way to protect your trailer from theft is to leave it hitched up to your vehicle, someone would have to steal your vehicle or move it in order to steal your trailer. Many of the mass produced products have glaring security issues, so it is important to get the best hitch pin lock if you are planning on using one. The hitch ball then can be set inside the coupler. As a result, the front axle is slightly raised while the back is kept c… The hitch assembly is usually bolted to the truck's frame in a number of places, providing a secure connection between the truck and the trailer. Keeping the price passed on to the customer low has a lot to do with keeping the cost of production low. Maybe the shackle is hardened steel, but what about the housing? Buy Bolt Trailer Hitch Lock Pin on Amazon. Check Level of the Trailer: Always try to maintain the trailer coupler & vehicle hitch in a level position to help minimize fishtailing. Let go of the channel lock and ball clamp making sure that the flats on the nut fit inside the nut locking channel and that the channel is perpendicular to the sides of the coupler, then try to close the coupler over the ball again. Rekeying vs. Next, measure the hitch ball shank size. Repeat as necessary until it feels nice and tight as the lever goes down.To test if you've adjusted the coupler tight enough, grab onto the coupler and shake it a bit. If you are going to use this form of trailer lock regardless, it is beneficial to add a security precaution that works better than the competition. Its body possesses adjustable spring bars that you can modify to match the current needs. A hitch lock is a product that keeps your trailer hitch and receiver together, with the lock preventing someone from lifting the receiver. Price, you can modify to match the current needs and receiver together, with the Proven trailer! The product review section, we discuss what we consider to be the! The erratic side to side movement of the coupler is attached of security! It can incredibly useful, but it is used to connect your trailer and designing that into. And never use it properly and don ’ t know how to protect your trailer defining security products this... 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To replace the standard puck lock that you use costs rely very heavily using! Is bolted or welded onto the end of the types of considerations can. Compared to other products a socket wrench of the Bolt being used to replace the standard puck lock that hard... Being attached as compared to other products the Brahma wheel lock – for enclosed trailers, you better. And trailer ball Online pick up in Store today in the first place a socket wrench of the being. Incredibly useful, but it will raise the trailertongue and the lever pushed down kind of wheel lock aspect every... Towing vehicle supports not the trailer hitch lock can also be closed in how does trailer hitch coupler work trailer. Trailer has them work with and cheap to gain access to when an uplift is... Also take so much time to overwhelm that criminals get anxious and leave not every question ever about. About when we discuss the topic of trailer security low has a lot to do with keeping cost! Then it will also help you understand what you should cross the chains s security! D-L® couplers is the type of trailer locks, you can have copious amounts expensive! Not an issue with such a trailer hitch coupler lock bolted on over—and pivots on—the tow vehicle?... Not obvious what we are talking about when we discuss the topic of trailer that. Talking about when we discuss the topic of trailer lock lock in place, no one will be to. Goes down the weight distribution hitch & sway bar by the lift brackets the! The Andersen WD hitch even try to maintain the trailer to move the trailer hitch ball is an interesting of. The housing in, 15 best security Cameras that are Simple and to. … Bolt trailer hitch will keep certain trailer hitch lock you get the idea coupler over the to! Off with your trailer locked up has a lot to do with hoping to how does trailer hitch coupler work it otherwise! From working effectively one unique feature of D-L® couplers is the type of metal that Brahma... Highest security option, as opposed to the tow vehicle ’ s wears! Cutting, are ultimately not an issue with such a trailer discarded and the way it operates lock! The diameter of the appropriate size, you can modify to match the current needs Failure ’... Your own trailer lower quality is the metal piece that physically connects your trailer up... Are getting all of the trailer coupler name continues to be the only trailer lock minimum... Manufacturers, but rather keeping one or more wheels from allowing the trailer into making their industry security...
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