A trailer hitch lock helps to prevent your trailer, caravan or camper from being stolen. A chain-lock is often not sufficient enough to protect your trailer against theft. A caravan hitch lock is a sturdy metal or steel housing that is put around the drawbar, also known as the coupling. The trailer hitch lock makes it impossible for a thief to connect the trailer to his own tow bar and take off with your towed vehicle.
Types of hitch locks
There are different types of trailer locks. There are, for example, the strongbox, tube model and the hinge model. A strongbox model is a lock that, as the name says, is really sturdy. The strongbox model is a simple but very effective type of lock. This trailer lock is available with and without disc lock. The strongbox model fits almost all coupling systems. There is also the tube model. The tube model is, as it were, pushed over the coupling like a sleeve. The tube model can also be supplied with and without disc lock. Winparts also offers the hinge model. This model is separable using a hinge and can be mounted over the drawbar. Due to the hinging function, this lock encloses the entire drawbar.
Advantages & disadvantages of hitch locks
A trailer hitch lock certainly has a number of advantages. First, it?s very difficult for a potential thief to take your trailer. Another advantage is that these locks fit on almost all standard couplings. A disadvantage is that there is no 100% guarantee that theft will be prevented. A lock can still be broken open. Another disadvantage is that the insurance only reimburses theft if the lock has been inspected and approved by the insurance company. Please note that this differs between insurance companies. Another disadvantage is that the lock cannot be on the coupling while driving. You must remove the trailer lock first before driving off. Removing the trailer lock is strongly encouraged from a safety point of view.
Hitch locks and insurance
Many insurers have a number of requirements regarding the protection of a trailer of caravan. Insurers often require the trailer to be equipped with a drawbar lock and a wheel clamp. The drawbar lock must have an SCM quality mark. Locks with the SCM quality mark have been tested and offer a high degree of theft prevention. For the specific rules regarding the theft of trailers, it is best to contact your insurance company.
Buying a hitch lock
You can buy a trailer lock quickly and easily at Winparts. In addition, you can also order trailer covers, locks and pressure gauges. These products are available from popular brands such as Pro plus, Carpoint and Double lock.