Hitch lock: yeah or nay?

[Pete'sMH]

I had a fancy locking pin for a time but when it failed I had one dickens of a time getting it off. Now I use ordinary padlocks.

[jjoster56]

I lock my hitch. Had the electrical cable stolen while getting gas. Looking for a way to secure the whole package now. I currently just weave the electrical cable around the tow bars and safety cables. Pain in the butt to unhook when the time comes...but harder to steal.

[MTHook]

Originally Posted by Mr.Goodbar

I have always kept my towbar locked to the frame hitch on the motorhome.
Earlier this year, we had a mishap, that could have been worse, where one of the clevis clips that holds the receiver pin to the base plate, came out or broke and then the receiver pin worked loose and dropped out. Fortunately, I immediately noticed in the rear view camera that the toad was swaying back and forth and was able to pull over. By getting some regular bolts at a store in this really small town, we were able to get back on the road.

When we got home, I ordered from Amazon, this set of locking pins made by Blue Ox. I had thought about ordering them to keep people from messing with my hitch pins, anyway, but now I have a second reason for having locking pins. All 3 use the same round key.

That's what I use ,very happy. I will say you probably need to lube the locks on a regular basis, the one holding the drop hitch in place is frozen( rusted)

[DogLovers]

Wanna keep your stuff? Lock it up always. I have always used a hitch lock and also a trailer coupling lock when disconnected or not. They can still steal anything if determined enough but a couple quality hardened steel locks will make them bring a cutting torch to steal it and cutting torches operating bring a lot of attention they don't want. Then of course there is the second best prevention. Hire Bob to sit and watch your rig.

[Bob Denman]

Originally Posted by DogLovers

...Then of course there is the second best prevention. Hire Bob to sit and watch your rig.

That's a pretty poor "second best":

https://www.thorforums.com/forums/at...1&d=1605729875

[droregon]

Originally Posted by DogLovers

Wanna keep your stuff? Lock it up always. I have always used a hitch lock and also a trailer coupling lock when disconnected or not. They can still steal anything if determined enough but a couple quality hardened steel locks will make them bring a cutting torch to steal it and cutting torches operating bring a lot of attention they don't want. Then of course there is the second best prevention. Hire Bob to sit and watch your rig.

I always put a coupling lock on my horse trailer. They’ve been known to disappear from a ranch or campground.

[MaceMan]

Most assuredly lock it. I always do, mine just replaces the hitch pin.

[paulwadley]

I too use a hitch locking pin.


Paul

[MLP]

Originally Posted by ducksface

Post 292 in my signature thread has info on a hitch lock that uses your ignition key instead of a key of its own.
They have matching padlocks available.
https://www.thorforums.com/forums/sh...&postcount=292

And
Dash cameras are so inexpensive now. One will fit in your rear window and has motion detection recording and email/text alerts. $40 gets you a good one.

I had several hitch locks from my old class C. I used them on my Class A, but I wished I knew about the BOLT hitch lock. That is cool and if you need one, is the one to get. Get an RV and boy what a key explosion!

[Elite Washington]

I always take everything off and either locked in the Jeep or the Moho. I always have room but if I didn’t a hitch lock would be used for sure.

[Connieb]

Yes lock on hitch, also on baseplates, one night while staying in a truck stop, one somehow got disconnected. Sure glad I saw it in my walk around.

[danl61]

Originally Posted by Jinx

After spending a good chunk of change having a Roadmaster tow package installed on my Thor Axis 24.1, I read that it can be stolen. So, more research told me there is a hitch lock that replaces the pin and clip with a locking device.
That said, I also saw pros and cons, but went ahead and bought a Bulldog brand Hitch lock.
Would like to hear from you smart folks out there what you think, and if you have any other suggestions to thwart thieves.

Just one point of view. We have been camping/RVing since grand parents did it. Although 'it' does not happen often (as a percentage), if 'it' does, 'it' will compete ruin your entire day if not longer, 'it' is theft. Hitches, car dolly's utility trailers etc have all grown legs and walked off never to be seen again. I have actual seen the damage when a prankster decided to remove the hitch pin locking clip and the hitch slide out when traveling. Although locks are just a deterrent, as the old saying goes 'locks are just to keep honesty people from stealing', we use locks wherever we can just to help others not steal my stuff.

[Bob Denman]

I agree: nothing can be made "Theft-Proof"
The trick is to make the dirtbags want to look for something that is easier to steal...

[paulwadley]

Plus what is one more key on that extra large r v key ring.

Paul

[Bob Denman]

Swing that key-ring at somebody; and they might arrest you for assault with a deadly weapon!

[Down South]

Just installed a hitch lock on my new Roadmaster Nighthawk tow bar the other day. These tow bars aren't cheap and there are a lot of people who are sleazebag crooks.