Leaving your trailer unattended, especially when you are carrying valuable cargo, can be a nerve-wracking business, which is why many people keep their trailers safe using locking hitch pins; in this article, we will be looking at some of the best options available for locking hitch pins so that you can keep your trailer safe and rest easy.
We have searched the market to find some of the most popular locking hitch pin options, and now it’s time to see how they stack up against each other. There are a number of different factors that go into a quality locking hitch pin – we will primarily be comparing the products based on their features, construction, locking mechanism, and price. When it comes to keeping your trailer safe and secure, it is of the utmost importance to buy a quality product. This article should tell you all you need to know about these common options, allowing you to make the right choice. Let’s get started.
COMPARISON CHART
1. Master Lock 2866DAT 1/2 in. and 5/8 in.
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2. Reese Towpower 7014700 Tow ‘N Store Lock Kit
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3. Trimax T-3BLACK Premium 5/8″
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4. Cocoweb Chrome C-Lock Heavy Duty Locking 5/8″ Inch Hitch Pin
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5. Blaylock American Metal TL-33 Coupler Lock
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Specification
Type: | Hitch pin |
Size: | ½ inch and ⅝ inch included |
The first pin we will be looking at comes from a familiar name. Master Lock has been one of the most dependable lock makers around for roughly one hundred years, and their padlocks and other security devices are trusted by countless people to protect sensitive belongings. Given their reputation for quality, opting for a Master Lock hitch pin is a great place to start. This particular pin also has a lot going for it. For starters, it comes at a very reasonable price point – as the cheapest option on this list, you can be confident that you aren’t spending too much. In addition, it comes with two pins of different sizes, making it compatible with virtually any trailer. Its ½ inch pin is designed for class I and class II trailers and is rated for 3,500 pounds, while the ⅝ inch pin is designed for class III and class IV trailers and is rated for 10,000 pounds.
WHAT WE LIKE
The convenient design and weatherproof cap make the Master lock 2866DAT stand out in the hitch pin market. The lock is a simple swiveling head that is unlocked with a key, meaning you will not have to supply your own padlock, and it is protected by a waterproof cap to prevent moisture and debris from getting into the lock and causing issues. All in all, it is a great deal on an easy-to-use product from a trusted name.
PROS
- Affordable
- Easy installation and use
- Weatherproof
CONS
- Some reports of lock getting stuck
Specification
Type: | Hitch pin, coupler lock, and padlock |
Size: | ½ inch and ⅝ inch included |
Next, we have a set of locks from Reese Towpower that gets you some pretty good functionality for the price. The first part of this set is a locking pin very similar to the Master Lock version above. Like the Master Lock, it comes with two separate pins, one half an inch thick and one five-eighths of an inch. It also comes with a coupler lock, which will allow you to secure your trailer if you need to leave it unattended while it is not hooked up to your vehicle. To top things off, the set also includes a padlock, and each of the three locks can be opened by the same key – although you can rest assured that each set has its own unique lock. This set of locks is more expensive than the Master Lock pin, but it does include two additional forms of security.
WHAT WE LIKE
If you want to keep your trailer safe from theft while both hitched and unhitched, this set is definitely one to consider. Having one key for all three kinds of locks is convenient, and will allow you to protect against theft in most situations without having to keep multiple keys on hand. While some users have reported that the ball lock wears out fairly quickly, this set is still a great value given the items it includes. Grab this set if you want a hassle-free solution to trailer security at a good price.
PROS
- Three kinds of locks
- One key opens all locks
- Fair price
CONS
- Durability could be better
Specification
Type: | Hitch Pin |
Size: | ⅝ inch |
Like the options above, this locking pin has an integrated lock that can be opened with a key. While you get less here for the price – there is only one pin included – this is a solid product that works very well for theft prevention.
If you know you need a ⅝ inch lock specifically, and you want something durable, then this pin might be a good fit. It does not come in a set like the previous two options we mentioned, but that’s hardly a downside if you don’t intend to use the extra items. The one issue here that is worth mentioning, however, is weather protection. Although the corrosion-resistant coating helps with weatherproofing, the pin is still quite susceptible to the elements, leading to rust in some cases. Some users reported their locks getting stuck. But having a sticky lock is always better than having a weak one. For the price, this lock still does a great job at keeping your belongings secure right where you left them.
WHAT WE LIKE
This Trimax locking hitch pin is another rugged and simple option. Constructed from solid steel, this is a ⅝ inch pin, designed for class III, IV, and V trailer hitches. It is rated for a max weight of 32,000 pounds. The construction here is extremely solid, and it is coated in an epoxy powder meant to curb corrosion.
PROS
- Durable
- Simple, rugged design
CONS
- Can be susceptible to problems from weather
- Only comes in one size at a time
- Doesn’t fit all trailers
Specification
Type: | Hitch Pin |
Size: | ⅝ inch |
As many hitch pins will rust over the years, protecting the lock itself from moisture is arguably the most important thing to keep in mind, so the inclusion of a cap is great. This pin is also quite affordable, making it a good option for people who want to save money without sacrificing any security.
Like the Trimax pin, this is a single ⅝ inch pin with no frills. But if you really just need something simple, affordable, and effective, then you can’t go wrong here. Its price and weatherproof cap make this an attractive option.
WHAT WE LIKE
This pin is similar to the Trimax T-3 in many ways. It has a simple locking design that keeps its ⅝ inch pin secure. While this pin does not have the same powder coating as the Trimax, it does include a waterproof weather cap for the lock.
PROS
- Affordable
- Durable
- Weatherproof lock cap
CONS
- Only comes in one size at a time
- Doesn’t fit all trailers
Specification
Type: | Coupler lock |
Size: | Fits 2 inch to 2-5/16 inch couplers |
Finally, we have the Blaylock TL-33 Coupler Lock. While most of the above products are locking hitch pins, this is a coupler lock, meant for securing your unattended trailer when it is not hitched to a vehicle. This kind of lock is great for storing boats and other trailers in public storage spaces to make sure nobody can drive away with your property. This particular lock is solidly built and will fit on a pretty wide range of trailer couplers. Unlike the others listed here, this device does not come with an integrated lock and key. Instead, it requires you to supply a padlock. This can be a downside for some simply for the inconvenience of finding or buying a padlock, but it also means that the coupler lock itself will last longer. You won’t have to worry about buying a whole new one if the keyhole begins to rust.
WHAT WE LIKE
If you just need a coupler lock, this one is the way to go. While the set of three above comes with one, this lock is significantly more durable and should last a long time.
PROS
- Durable
- Allows you to use any lock you want
CONS
- Padlock is not included
- A bit expensive
Conclusion
Each of these trailer locks has some useful features and will help to keep your trailer safe. But in terms of build quality and usefulness, the Master Lock 2866DAT takes the cake. Since it comes with two separate pins, you will be able to use it no matter what you happen to be hauling. And with the Master Lock brand, you know you are getting a quality product. Get yourself a locking hitch pin today to make sure your trailer is always right where you left it – don’t wait for someone to remind you why you should have one!