Do you want to go a step further than keeping an honest man honest? If you value your trailer, boat, or RV – and chances are you do – it’s important to invest in a lock that’s not just there for show. After inspecting the top trailer hitch locks on the market, we found flaws in some of the most popular brands/models. For example, all it takes is a Bic pen to pick a tubular lock. In this guide, you’ll find the best trailer hitch locks on the market for maximum security.
Trailer hitch locks – also known as coupler locks, receiver locks, and pin locks – are the most common devices used to secure a trailer. Depending on the value of your personal property, you’ll want to stick with the first couple of locks in the chart below. In the chart, you’ll find the key specs to consider for each lock to help make your final decision easier.
After the comparison chart, continue on to read our reviews of each lock along with helpful tips sprinkled throughout the guide.
Best Trailer Hitch Locks Comparison
Lock | Description |
#1) AMPLock RV/Trailer Coupler Lock |
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#2) AMPLock Boat Trailer Lock/Trailer Coupler Lock/RV Lock |
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#3) Blaylock Universal Coupler Receiver Lock |
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#4) Master Lock Universal Trailer Coupler Lock |
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#5) Elemake Hitch Pin Lock |
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Best Trailer Hitch Lock Reviews
Currently, these five locks offer the most security for the money. While we don’t typically recommend Master Lock products, Master’s universal coupler lock is our top choice for folks on a budget. Believe it or not, Trimax uses a tubular lock on its universal coupler lock, which is a big red flag. Having said that, most lockpickers will scoff at the exposed Master Lock cylinder.
Below, we list additional key features to consider for each lock along with the pros & cons of owning each.
#1) AMPLock BRP2516 – Most Secure Trailer Hitch Lock
Of the five locks in this guide, this model is the best coupler lock for trailers and RVs. If you’re serious about securing your personal property and keeping thieves at bay, start with this model and work your way down. Currently, there are several versions of this lock to fit 2″ and 2 5/16″ couplers.
An easy way to distinguish between AMPLock models is to check the numbers following the letters in the model number. 2516 is compatible with 2 5/16″ couplers and 2 is 2″ couplers. AMPLock recommends its BRP locks for RVs & Trailers and its BRHT models for standard trailers & boat trailers. Be sure to match your trailer and coupler size to the model number to get the right fit.
Once you match your trailer to a lock, enjoy the convenience and security offered by these heavy-duty locks. AMPLock’s hidden cylinder is the most difficult to pick of the locks in this guide. Each lock features a unique code with millions of possible key combinations. Additional anti-theft features we like are the rotative face to prevent drilling attacks, resistance to liquid nitrogen & torch attacks, and the clever design that makes it mighty resistant to physical attacks.
Pros
- Significantly harder to pick than a Master Lock or other budget coupler lock
- Anti-drilling protection
- Excellent resistance to corrosion
- Made in Canada
- Keyed Alike available
- The Push and Lock system makes the lock very easy to operate
- The most substantial lock in this guide (4X the weight of a Master Lock)
Cons
- Highest cost
- Not compatible with some Airstream models
- You might experience some play
#2) AMPLock U-TLS2 – Best Coupler Lock for Boat Trailers
For less than half the cost of the BRP lock, you may want to opt for a TLS series lock to secure your boat trailer, RV, or any other standard trailer with 2″ and 2 5/16″ couplers. Similar to the BRP lock, TLS locks follow the same pattern for matching your coupler size to the lock. One key difference between the TLS and BRP locks is the weight. TLS locks weigh about half as much as the beefier BRP and BRHT locks.
The first feature you’ll like is the ease of use. This lock is incredibly easy to mount by simply sliding it onto your coupler and pushing up the cylinder to engage the lock. Removing it is just as easy as turning the key and sliding the lock off once the cylinder disengages.
Regarding security, you get the same type of high-security cylinder used in the BRP locks, protection against drilling attacks from the rotative face, and the same e-coat for protection against corrosion. All in all, we like this lock the most for the money of the models in this guide.
Pros
- More affordable than AMPLock BRP models
- Made in Canada with American materials
- The same high-security cylinder as BRP models
- Superior resistance to corrosion
- Extremely easy to use
- Order additional keys or get multiple locks Keyed Alike
Cons
- Reported compatibility issues
- Not as substantial as BRP or BRHT models
#3) Blaylock TL-33 – Best Universal Coupler Lock
We’re big fans of Blaylock American Metal locks because they offer excellent security and materials for a very fair price. Compared to buying a cheap Master Lock, the TL-33 universal coupler lock is a small jump in price. However, this lock does require the additional purchase of a padlock to pair with the pin. We recommend pairing this lock with one of the most secure padlocks for maximum security.
Keep in mind, there’s a 1/2″ hole in the pin to pass the shackle of your padlock through. The lock body is made of high-grade aircraft aluminum with a solid hardened steel lock rod. The 3-pin position design ensures that this lock works with over 30 different coupler styles, including U-Haul, Titan, Pro Series, and Demco.
Compared to AMPLock models, this lock is not quite as easy to use and doesn’t provide the same level of security out of the box since the lock rod is exposed. To cut down on exposure to cutting attacks, combining this lock with a concealed-shackle hockey puck-style lock will enhance security. Currently, Mul-T-Lock’s TR100 lock with the MT5+ core #ad is one of the best on the market.
Pros
- You have control over your padlock (no cheap tubular locks to worry about)
- Made in America
- The 3-pin design makes it easy to use with a wide range of coupler brands
- Tie the lock off with safety chains for enhanced security
- A substantial lock for the money
Cons
- Does not fit 1 7/8″ couplers
- The lock rod is exposed
- Requires a padlock
#4) Master Lock 389DAT – Best Budget Trailer Hitch Lock
For basic security as a visual deterrent, Master Lock’s 389DAT model gets the job done. If you desire to purchase multiple locks and get them keyed alike, choose model 379KA. The first consideration is security. Keep in mind, this forged steel lock is a lock, but any determined thief or skilled lockpicker will have no trouble getting past this one.
Comparatively, this lock weighs about 4X less than an AMPLock BRP lock, making it not near as beefy. One feature that is nice to see is the cylinder is not a tubular lock. Additionally, this lock fits 1 7/8″ couplers while the first three locks do not. Again, for basic security, this gets the job done, but if you’re securing your high-value personal property, look elsewhere.
As for ease of use, this lock is very easy to operate, and there’s no guessing where the keyhole is since it’s located on the side rather than at the bottom of the lock. Lastly, you may prefer the bright-red finish that can act as a visual deterrent.
Pros
- Basic security for a budget price
- Easy to operate
- Fits 1 7/8″ couplers
- The bright-red coating acts as a visual deterrent
Cons
- Easy to pick
- Exposed cylinder
- Not as substantial as an AMPLock
#5) Elemake TAL-002-MSUD – Best Trailer Hitch Pin Lock
Compared to coupler locks, hitch pin locks are more affordable, and this one by Elemake ticks all the boxes. For starters, the combination of the brass core and rubber cap makes this a great weatherproof hitch pin lock. After that, Elemake did not skimp on the materials, combining hardened steel with chrome plating to make this pin both substantial and resistant to corrosion.
Next, model TAL-002-MSUD includes 1/2″ and 5/8″ pins with a single locking mechanism to cover both 3″ and 3 1/2″ spans. The lock is rated to tow up to 20,000 lbs. Plus, Elemake advertises up to 15 years of service life with a 2-year warranty and money-back guarantee.
All things considered, this lock offers excellent value for the money, and its materials are better than competing locks in this price range. Lastly, the combo 1/2″ and 5/8″ package works with all Class I, II, III, IV, V hitches.
Pros
- Brass core and rubber cap to withstand extreme weather conditions
- Model TAL-002-MSUD includes two pins to fit all Class I, II, III, IV, V hitches
- Heavy and sturdy construction
- Smooth operation
Cons
- Difficult to get duplicate keys made
- Several rusting issues reported
Bottom Line
For maximum security, AMPLock manufactures some of the best trailer hitch locks on the market that are both substantial and easy to use. We really like that the company put in the time to design an efficient locking system with a keyhole located on the bottom of the lock, out of view.
Additionally, the core is the heart of a lock, and AMPLock didn’t skimp there with its unique identification key system that’s similar to what top names in the industry such as ABLOY and ABUS use. Plus, the rotative cover provides resistance to drilling attacks, and this is simply a feature you won’t find on a budget trailer hitch lock.
Finally, while we do like Master Lock’s universal coupler lock for basic security (mainly because it doesn’t sport a tubular lock), this lock should only be used as a visual deterrent. If you truly value your property and/or live in an area where trailer theft is common, it’s wise to stick with a high-security option.