Trailer Hitch lock

Jims5543 · 12-13-2006, 04:55 AM

I had one of those hitch locks that you use a key on so no one can steal whatever I have in the hitch reciever at the time.

The rubber cover fell off it somewhere along the way and the lock was full of dirt and sand. I did my best to blow it out with my compressor but to no avail it would not turn to open and, in my frustration, I broke the key off in it.

This pissed me off, I calmly walked ino the garage, grabbed a 4' long pry bar, walked back to the hitch, wedged the bar between the lock and the hitch and snapped it off in about 1 second.

This kind of changed my impression that this lock would actually secure my hitch.

FYI- I bought the lock at Home Depot and was suprised that it looked like pot metal inside after I snapped it off.

KFC911 · 12-13-2006, 04:59 AM

I've got locks that I use for my boat (both on the boat to the hitch, and the receiver the vehicle) that are tapered. When you screw the lock ends totally together, there isn't a way to get a prybar (or cutting tool, etc.) in between, so I really like the design. Get a better lock

Jims5543 · 12-13-2006, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by KC911
I've got locks that I use for my boat (both on the boat to the hitch, and the receiver the vehicle) that are tapered. When you screw the lock ends totally together, there isn't a way to get a prybar (or cutting tool, etc.) in between, so I really like the design. Get a better lock

Well, I don't think I can use that one anymore. LOL!

I will look for one of those, I am guessing a boating store?

KFC911 · 12-13-2006, 05:55 AM

Jim, here's a link that I found after a google search. While not exactly like mine, it's the same basic design.

http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.TextId?hvarTarget=search&hvarTextId=38021&cm_mmc=nextag-_-200-4-2-_--1-_-38-553-740-00&hvarAID=nextag&mr:referralID=ebe38a7e-fc52-4743-a2e1-6f36a010625e

Jims5543 · 12-13-2006, 06:01 AM

I am pretty sure I could snap that one off as well. I put the bar between the safety hook loop and the lock sticking out of the reciever, pulled up and it snapped just like that.

KFC911 · 12-13-2006, 06:13 AM

I see what you mean...

Jims5543 · 12-13-2006, 06:14 AM

I guess my point of this thread is that things are not as secure as you think they are with a hitch lock. Be careful.

This was a real eye opener for me.

fastpat · 12-13-2006, 06:15 AM

I look at locks as a way of stopping amateur thieves, nothing will stop a pro. Those bars you see on steering wheels...a cordless sawzall will cut the steering wheel in seconds.

Jims5543 · 12-13-2006, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fastpat
I look at locks as a way of stopping amateur thieves, nothing will stop a pro. Those bars you see on steering wheels...a cordless sawzall will cut the steering wheel in seconds.

With my new found skilz I am thinking about heading out and checking the local hotels for a new Bass Boat tonight.

charleskieffner · 12-13-2006, 06:25 AM

since we had a trailer stolen, we always back vehicle and trailer into area where trailer cannot be removed, then reattached to bad guys vehicle. or when in baja and leaving trailer unhooked from tow rig, we chain both wheels on one side with herky mongo chain and lock. NEVER LEAVE VALUABLES INSIDE when in baja. as far as bikes/race cars.............if you aint in it or on it..............its chained up and SOMEONE IS ALWAYS THERE TO WATCH! ALWAYS!

so if you plan on going in bar/restaurant, one person stays with vehicle and everyone takes turns.

when leaving vehicles.............secret kill switch or other means to disable vehicle. ie. if bike...........remove plug.

KFC911 · 12-13-2006, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jim Cesiro
With my new found skilz I am thinking about heading out and checking the local hotels for a new Bass Boat tonight.

Note to self: Only go fishing in FL (lower St. John's btw) when Jim C. is at his NC home...he's a pro!

Z-man · Z-man's Garage

Hmm - I guess I don't have to worry as much about losing the keys to my trailer hitch lock! Just gotta remember to pack my spare key, aka the crowbar.

I agree with fastpat (scary thought). Locks won't deter a pro. But if a hack sees two opportunities, and one has a lock, while the other doesn't, he's going to take the path of least resistance. And actually, so will the pro in many cases.

-Z-man.

Groesbeck Hurricane · 12-13-2006, 09:57 AM

Hmmm, spend your money on a locking bar that is rated for a class V hitch.

Super_Dave_D · Super_Dave_D's Garage

This makes me laugh because......if they want it - they will get it!

I was a specialist at a major grocery chain. My job was to set up new stores train the people and go through the grand opening (bad job). My boss used to make me pull this big grill behind me everywhere I went (to sell outside and create excitement). One opening someone did the same thing to my lock and stole my grill!!!! I couldn't have been more happy when I reported this to my boss. Bad thing was - he replaced it with two so I would have a back up!!!!!