Hitch Receiver Locks
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Junior User
Joined: Aug 2014
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Hitch Receiver Locks
So I already had my first tow hitch stolen not being locked (I think it was swiped by the guys who did my bed liner, but I can't prove that as they say it may have been taken in their parking lot). Fortunately, this was a very cheap tow ball. But, I am now buying a nice one so want to make sure it is safe and locked nicely.
My questions are this:
1) What is the best (your opinion) tow receiver lock on the market?
2) I have 2 other vehicles with tow hitches and would like to have the same lock on all 3. Is there any way to get 3 locks with the same key?
Thanks!
My questions are this:
1) What is the best (your opinion) tow receiver lock on the market?
2) I have 2 other vehicles with tow hitches and would like to have the same lock on all 3. Is there any way to get 3 locks with the same key?
Thanks!
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 23,174
Likes: 1,678
From: Stephensville WI
I use a cheap locking pin that I purchased from the local Farm and Fleet store. It really does not inspire a lot of confidence. I think it could be defeated in about 30 seconds with a hammer, but it will slow down a thief a little.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,778
Likes: 153
Same here on the cheap pin...I had my Pintle stolen off my truck in the Chilis parking lot at lunch. That is a costly item and I parked over next to some oil field trucks who stole it, they use a lot of pintle/lunette setups in the oil fields.
Don't you hate it when someone steals from you like that. I remember they did not have a seat where I could set and watch my truck, if they had, I would have seen the action taking place and some guy would have been squatting down and looked up into the barrel of my carry pistol as I hand him my cell fone and tell him to punch in 911 and ask for HELP...
Don't you hate it when someone steals from you like that. I remember they did not have a seat where I could set and watch my truck, if they had, I would have seen the action taking place and some guy would have been squatting down and looked up into the barrel of my carry pistol as I hand him my cell fone and tell him to punch in 911 and ask for HELP...
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,748
Likes: 118
From: Tallassee, ALabama
I had the same problem when I needed two receiver locks and one of the tongue locks. Each Wal Mart, Lowe's or Home Depot I went into, I would search through them to finally find 2 that had the same keys that matched the tongue lock. One reason took me so long to find the other two, was I didn't start searching till about a year after buying the first one. Plus, these are not fast moving items.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,938
Likes: 1,355
From: NY/Canada border
I have a lock for the ball mount, but only use it on long distance trips where truck/trailer might be in a motel parking lot overnight. It looks very similar to the BOLT brand that watchluvr4ever mentions, it's just not that particular brand.
Other than that, if I'm not pulling a trailer, there's no ball mount left in the receiver. That eliminates the theft hazard and the banging my shin hazard.
Other than that, if I'm not pulling a trailer, there's no ball mount left in the receiver. That eliminates the theft hazard and the banging my shin hazard.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
I have a BOLT lock made by Strattec on my truck. What I like about it is that it uses your truck ignition key to unlock it so you don't have to worry about carrying around extra keys. You can find them on Amazon.com. They are manufacturer specific.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...+receiver+lock
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...+receiver+lock
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,357
Likes: 250
I have a BOLT lock made by Strattec on my truck. What I like about it is that it uses your truck ignition key to unlock it so you don't have to worry about carrying around extra keys. You can find them on Amazon.com. They are manufacturer specific.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...+receiver+lock
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...+receiver+lock
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,449
Likes: 70
From: South Jersey
I bought a solid stainless locking hitch pin from Walmart thats made by MasterLock. Ive had it for at least ten years now and its still that nice dull stainless finish, no rust at all, and the lock turns beautifully still. (I switch from 2" to a 2 5/16" weekly)
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,202
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
I use this on my truck:
Rapid Hitch Adjustable, Locking, Aluminum Ball Mount Kit w/ 2 Chrome ***** - 3-1/2" Drop Andersen Ball Mounts AM3400
Just anti-seize the hell out of it! Also, remove it every couple months or so, and anti-seize some more.
Rapid Hitch Adjustable, Locking, Aluminum Ball Mount Kit w/ 2 Chrome ***** - 3-1/2" Drop Andersen Ball Mounts AM3400
Just anti-seize the hell out of it! Also, remove it every couple months or so, and anti-seize some more.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,902
Likes: 9
From: Northern IL
I bought a solid stainless locking hitch pin from Walmart thats made by MasterLock. Ive had it for at least ten years now and its still that nice dull stainless finish, no rust at all, and the lock turns beautifully still. (I switch from 2" to a 2 5/16" weekly)
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 329
Likes: 1
From: Full time RVer
I have a lock for the ball mount, but only use it on long distance trips where truck/trailer might be in a motel parking lot overnight. It looks very similar to the BOLT brand that watchluvr4ever mentions, it's just not that particular brand.
Other than that, if I'm not pulling a trailer, there's no ball mount left in the receiver. That eliminates the theft hazard and the banging my shin hazard.
Other than that, if I'm not pulling a trailer, there's no ball mount left in the receiver. That eliminates the theft hazard and the banging my shin hazard.
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