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Old 11-12-2020, 12:48 AM   #1
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Hitch lock: yeah or nay?

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.

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Old 11-12-2020, 12:52 AM   #2
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I use a lock on my dolly when its connected to the RV (and when its sitting in the storage lot). Don't remember the brand, however.
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Old 11-12-2020, 12:54 AM   #3
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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.
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Old 11-12-2020, 01:21 AM   #4
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Lock it, or lose it...
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Old 11-12-2020, 05:24 AM   #5
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Absolutely use a hitch lock as an anti-theft device!
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Old 11-12-2020, 01:40 PM   #6
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By all means, get a hitch lock. Can get an relatively inexpensive one at your local auto parts store or Wally World. While you're buying one for the hitch, buy another for the tongue of your tow apparatus.
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Old 11-12-2020, 02:42 PM   #7
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My son learned the valuable lesson about having a lock. He stopped at a gas station (while not towing) and they stole it when he walked inside to get his receipt. It happens that quick.
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Old 11-14-2020, 04:37 PM   #8
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Thanks to everyone for your input. Hitchlock installed!
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Old 11-14-2020, 04:40 PM   #9
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I always had my towbar locked. Carried the key with me in key case, so I always knew where it was. Strongly advise locking it.
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Old 11-14-2020, 04:45 PM   #10
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Originally Posted by Jinx View Post
Thanks to everyone for your input. Hitchlock installed!
Awesome!
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Old 11-14-2020, 05:22 PM   #11
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It seems the only difference between now and a couple hundred years back is we can't shoot the thieves without getting in more trouble than they do if caught

I lock mine when sitting but maybe need to rethink and lock it all the time
Never locked one for 50 years of towing and having many trailers but times are changing
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Old 11-14-2020, 06:04 PM   #12
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We lock the towbar on the motorhome and lock the toad crossbar when the Cherokee is hooked up.
Overkill? Maybe but the tow brackets on the toad are rather salty to replace and with the economy as bad as it is where we used to see one guy driving around on garbage day looking for scrap there are now 4 or 5
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Old 11-14-2020, 07:00 PM   #13
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In this World: it's better to be safe; than sorry...
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Old 11-15-2020, 12:33 AM   #14
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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.
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Old 11-15-2020, 12:35 AM   #15
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I'm now locked. Always loaded.:-)
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Old 11-15-2020, 12:37 AM   #16
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Smart advice from all. Certainly at least makes you more aware of clevis pens, and the like. I'm a boater (25 years in Mexico's Sea of Cortez) and my rule: if it can come loose or move, it will!
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Old 11-15-2020, 12:49 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jinx View Post
Smart advice from all. Certainly at least makes you more aware of clevis pens, and the like. I'm a boater (25 years in Mexico's Sea of Cortez) and my rule: if it can come loose or move, it will!
Yup! Murphy and his rotten law...
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Old 11-15-2020, 01:02 AM   #18
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Exclamation

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.Goodbar View Post
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.
A set of those locks came with the Blue Ox towbar I just had installed. Very good quality. Sure gives me some peace of mind.
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Old 11-15-2020, 01:56 AM   #19
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Roadmaster 4 down system.
Bought Receiver lock, and 6 matching keyed padlocks for all the clevis pins.
[Have had kids steal the clevis keeper pins... but left the clevis [main pins] in place ....grrrrrr
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Old 11-15-2020, 02:30 AM   #20
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Never had a lock on my setup. All the posts about locks has me thinking it's time to get some.
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