Top 5 Best Locks for Moving Trucks in 2024 [Uhaul & Penske]

Welcome to our complete guide to choosing the best locks for moving trucks. When selecting your lock, it’s very, very important to avoid compatibility issues. You wouldn’t believe the number of complaints we found while putting this guide together. The problem is that people often assume that a lock will fit only to find out later that it’s no good.

The two most common issues people run into are:

1. Choosing a lock with too thick of a shackle – The locks in the guide stay just below a 1/2″ shackle diameter, which we found is the sweet spot for use with all types of moving trucks, including U-Haul and Penske.
2. Choosing a lock with too little clearance – This is another common issue we found reported by people who bought shrouded padlocks. Shrouded padlocks do provide a higher level of security, but popular models that are actually some of the most secure padlocks aren’t compatible with moving truck door latches. The solution is to choose a disc-style padlock to get shrouded protection.

Below, you’ll find a helpful overview of our top picks that lists the key features for each lock. After the table, continue on to read our reviews of each lock and pick up some valuable tips along the way.

Best Moving Truck Locks Comparison

Best Moving Truck Lock Reviews

As you probably already noticed, the two best lock types for moving trucks are disc padlocks and long-shackle padlocks. These types of locks ensure you don’t run into any compatibility issues, and they give you peace of mind while traveling to your new home.

The main benefit of long-shackle padlocks is the increased clearance below the shackle. The extra room makes it easier to attach and detach the lock from your moving truck door latch without having to wrestle with the lock. Next, you have the disc padlock that gives you shrouded protection.

With a disc padlock, there’s minimal shackle exposed for thieves to access. Also, disc padlocks are usually key-retaining and very easy to operate. The trick is to choose the right model disc-style lock because not all of them are compatible with moving trucks. For instance, some popular models are too tight because there’s not enough space in the opening at the top.

U-Haul sells its own 70 mm disc padlock, but it’s very basic security. Both disc padlocks in this guide are better options. Now, let’s go over the reviews of each lock.

#1) ABUS GRANIT Padlock 37/55HB50 B/DFNLI

Out of the five locks in this guide, this lock is the most secure and best all-around lock. With this lock, you get complete protection against physical attacks and picking attacks. Each ABUS GRANIT model sports an ABUS-Plus disc cylinder that’s astronomically harder to pick than the commonly used 4-pin cylinder.

In addition to the cylinder, the lock body is the most substantial and toughest. GRANIT locks can take an absolute beating without losing their integrity. Plus, the black GRANIT coating provides the highest level of resistance against corrosion, which means this lock will stay with you long after you finish moving.

Regarding the size, the long shackle design gives you just under 2″ of vertical clearance below the shackle. Next, the 7/16″ shackle diameter is about the max size to look for when choosing a universal moving truck lock that works with U-Haul and Penske trucks. One final highlight is the base package includes two keys with one light key, so you’ll have no trouble operating the lock at night while on the road.

Pros

Cons

#2) American Lock A701 Rekeyable Solid Steel Padlock

The second lock in our guide gives you the most value for the money. This is a great overall lock that works with the most common types of moving trucks. Similar to the ABUS lock above, the key feature offered by the A701 is increased vertical clearance below the shackle. This ensures you don’t run into any annoying compatibility issues at the last minute. Also, the 7/16″ shackle diameter matches ABUS’ 37/55.

Regarding the materials, the A701 sports a chrome-plated solid steel lock body to hold up against the most brutal physical attacks and nasty weather & road conditions. Another excellent touch is the hardened boron alloy steel shackle that resists cuts by bolt cutters like a champ. However, keep in mind that all padlocks can be cut using power tools, especially locks with exposed shackles. For better protection against cuts by power tools, stick with the following lock.

One final consideration is the cylinder. The A701 offers a choice between a 5-pin and 6-pin brass cylinder, so if you prefer better resistance against picking, be sure to choose the 6-pin version. Also, either version gives you better protection than the 4-pin cylinder commonly used in Master Locks and other budget padlocks.

Pros

Cons

#3) ABUS 26/80 Diskus Padlock

If you prefer a disc padlock over a long shackle model, this is the best one available. There are two versions of this lock available in the 80 mm size, the 20/80 and 26/80. The main difference between the two locks is the core. Model 20/80 features the flagship ABUS-Plus disc cylinder while model 26/80 features ABUS’ drill & pull-resistant cylinder. For this reason, model 20/80 offers better security, and it costs more.

For use with moving trucks, model 26/80 is more than enough lock, and it’s a much better overall lock than the U-Haul disc lock or similar Master Lock. One of the advantages of choosing a disc padlock is how easy it is to operate. The key-retaining feature ensures you never separate the key from the lock while it’s open, and the design makes for smooth operation to avoid any annoying issues.

Several final highlights of the 26/80 are it’s made in Germany, scores 8/10 on the ABUS security scale, and the hardened alloy steel shackle provides superior protection. All things considered, if you desire a disc padlock for maximum security during your move, this is the lock to check out first.

Pros

Cons

#4) Schlage 994831 Solid Steel Round Padlock

Now for a good budget version of the American Lock A701 padlock. If you need two locks, a 2-pack of this lock offers just about unbeatable value. The first highlight is the standard 6-pin cylinder. You’d be hard-pressed to find a quality lock with a 6-pin cylinder that matches the current price of this lock. Even the A701 5-pin model currently costs a good bit more than this lock by Schlage.

After the cylinder, the materials used to build the lock are no slouch either. The entire body is made of hardened solid steel with a double-deadbolt locking, high-security molybdenum steel shackle to boot. However, one difference to note between this lock and the American Lock A701 lock is the smaller 3/8″ shackle on Schlage’s lock. Overall, this is a smaller lock than the A701.

One final feature we want to highlight is the Keyed Alike 2-pack. This is a nice convenience feature for folks who need two moving trucks or multiple locks to get the job done. Additionally, this lock comes backed by Schlage’s lifetime warranty.

Pros

Cons

#5) Master Lock M50XD Magnum Discus Padlock

Last up is one of the best budget locks for moving trucks that’s a cut above the U-Haul disc lock. Also, it’s a cut above the standard Master Lock disc lock that’s not built with as heavy-duty of materials. Our one gripe is that Master Lock uses the same 4-pin cylinder in this lock that it uses in its basic disc lock.

The upgrades found in this lock lie in the materials. Several of the upgrades are the Tough Cut octagonal boron-carbide shackle for enhanced resistance to cutting, a reinforced body bumper to prevent scratches, and the covered keyway to block out the elements while on the road. All in all, this lock is worth the small increase in price compared to a basic disc lock, especially for use with moving trucks.

A couple of final considerations are the extra vertical clearance below the shackle compared to competing locks and the Master Lock Lifetime Guarantee. Plus, this lock is specifically made for use with moving trucks, so it’s highly unlikely you’ll run into any compatibility issues.

Pros

Cons

Bottom Line

Before making your final decision, it’s wise to consider the value of your possessions, where you’ll be stopping & traveling through, the total distance from point A to B, and predictable weather conditions along the way. For maximum security, stick with an ABUS GRANIT or American Lock for greater peace of mind while on the road.

Additionally, always be aware of your surroundings, especially when choosing where to park your truck if you need to make any overnight stops. Parking in a well-lit area that blocks access to your moving truck door is the ideal scenario. Also, choosing hotels with enclosed parking areas and security personnel helps to keep thieves at bay.

One final tip is to only go with a Master Lock or the U-Haul disc lock if basic security is all you need. If there’s any doubt in your mind when choosing one of these minimal security locks, go a step or two up the security ladder to set your mind at ease.

Jump Back to Top 5 Chart