Are you worried about your caravan’s security?
You should be. Australia has one of the highest rates of trailer theft in the world. Unfortunately, these include caravans as well as other camping vehicles like RVs. That’s why you should make life difficult for would-be thieves.
One of the easiest solutions is a trailer hitch lock. SA Police recommend that caravanners protect their home-on-wheels with this kind of device. But which model is best for your needs?
Let’s look at some of the best products on the market today and keep those thieves away!
| Kovix Alarmed Trailer Lock | ARK Double Heavy Duty Trailer Lock | Saracen Off-Road Hitch Lock | Saracen Gull Wing Euro Hitch Lock | Hayman Reese Heavy Duty Trailer Coupling Lock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Our Pick  |  |  |  | Best Value  | |
50mm/DO35/Treg etc. | 50mm | DO35 | AL-KO and other stabilizer hitches | 50mm and 1 7/8" | |
1 Year | 1 year | 2 years | 5 years | Lifetime |
Best Trailer Hitch Locks Australia
Kovix Alarmed Trailer Lock
Best Premium Option
The Kovix Alarmed Trailer Lock is a premium option.
Several impressive features make this arguably the best trailer hitch coupler lock you can buy. It has a double-locking system with an 18mm pin for increased security.
Meanwhile, there is even an alarm. A motion sensor triggers this system and emanates a loud sound for 10 seconds. This is superb as a deterrent for would-be thieves. Many of them will just run away.
The lock is durable and weatherproof so don’t worry about the electronics in bad weather. It’s also smash-proof and has an anti-cutting sleeve.
Furthermore, the Kovix trailer lock is compatible with standard 50mm hitches as well as several other styles.
If there’s one potential negative, it’s the price. It costs almost $200 and comes with a 1 year warranty (less than some of the other options on this list). However, this is a high-end hitch lock with some of the best features you’ll find.
ARK Double Heavy Duty Trailer Lock
Perhaps you just want a good, solid lock without any bells and whistles.
If that’s the case, then consider the ARK Double Heavy Duty Trailer Lock. There are no fancy alarms or electronics. Simply attach it to your freestanding trailer. You can also use it when your stationary caravan is hitched to your vehicle.
The lock is easy to use and very reliable.
It’s made from heavy-duty steel with a chrome finish for extra protection. As a result, it’s also weatherproof. The double-locking mechanism clicks into place and offers a strong deterrent.
The only downside is the lack of visibility. A bright colour can act as a deterrent to intruders. It’s also useful if you’re walking by because you won’t accidentally knock it.
This trailer coupler lock is about $80 with a 1 year warranty. If you have several trailers, you may end up buying multiple ARK products!
Saracen Off-Road Hitch Lock
Off-Road Option
This Saracen trailer hitch lock is made in Australia and they are proud of the seven-pin locking mechanism.
It’s easy to install and use. Just place the backing plate in place. Then clamp over the cover and seal the locking pin. The robust metal construction is difficult for casual thieves to crack. Furthermore, it’s bright orange so they will spot it quickly.
The price is a significant negative. It’s about $200 with a two-year warranty.
The main issue with this is that it’s only compatible with DO35 offroad hitches. However, the competing Kovix Alarmed Trailer lock works with multiple styles of trailer hitches and has more features.
Saracen Gull Wing Euro Hitch Lock
Best For Stabilizer Hitches
Saracen intends their Gull Wing Euro Hitch Lock for use with stabilizer hitches such as the AL-KO.
Like their off-road version, it comes in a highly visible bright orange colour. They believe that this will be a deterrent to enterprising criminals. Furthermore, it’s simple to install and clicks into place.
Made from durable metals, it’s a robust set-up. You can attach it to hitched or unhitched trailers.
However, it is still expensive with a price of a bit under $150. But Saracen does offer an impressive 5 year warranty for this trailer lock.
Hayman Reese Heavy Duty Trailer Coupling Lock
Budget Option
Finally, let’s look at the Hayman Reese Heavy Duty Trailer Coupling lock.
This is one of the cheapest trailer coupler lock systems available. Meanwhile, Hayman Reese offers original owners a lifetime warranty. You just have to provide proof of purchase and fill in the warranty form.
The bright yellow colour makes it highly visible.
It’s also very strong and durable with a 15mm steel lock bar. The design is pickproof and it’s compatible with multiple styles of towbars including the 50mm. They include two keys, so you’ll always have a spare.
However, some customers find this lock frustratingly difficult to open. The ARK double heavy lock may be a more reliable option.
Points to Consider When Purchasing A Trailer Hitch & Coupler Lock
Before rushing out to make a purchase, take the points below into consideration so that you buy right the first time.
Compatible Tow Bars
There’s no point buying a new hitch lock if it isn’t compatible with your caravan.
It’s important to check the style of the tow bar because there is a variety. Most hitch locks will work with 50mm hitches. However, there is a range of others. For example, Saracen offers off-road and stabilizer options.
Frequency of Use
Your frequency of use and the places you go should inform your decision-making.
If you plan on spending your vacation on a modern campsite and normally store your caravan in a shed, you may not need the best hitch lock. A lot of campsites will have CCTV so it’s rare for a camping vehicle to be stolen here.
Travelling off the grid and leaving your caravan in the garden are riskier moves. In this case, a premium option may be for the best.
Budget
Usually, you get what you pay for.
However, that’s not always true. You don’t have to spend a fortune to buy a good trailer lock. But you will compromise on fancy features. The ARK system is one of the best you’ll find but it doesn’t have any electronics.
A decent lock will come with a warranty. The importance of this should never be underestimated because you never know when you’ll need to make a claim.
If you buy a very cheap lock, it’s likely to be less effective so exercise common sense!
Insurance
Let’s imagine it’s the worst-case scenario:
You bought and used a hitch lock but somebody still stole your caravan. Nobody wants to be in this situation but hopefully, you insured your caravan. In this case, your hitch lock could save you a lot of money.
Most insurance companies demand that you use coupling locks and wheel clamps as a base level of security. Without evidence of these, you may be unable to make a claim.
Trailer Hitch Locks - FAQs
What is a trailer coupler/hitch lock?
A coupler/hitch lock is a speciality mechanism designed to protect your caravan or trailer.
It is more secure than a standard padlock. They are small, portable and easy to use. Some have advanced features like alarms for increased security. Most of them are brightly coloured as an added deterrent.
Essentially they place a locking bar over the top of the coupling. This prevents access to grinders and other electronic cutters.
Are trailer hitch locks effective?
Trailer hitch locks are effective at preventing opportunistic thieves.
They will not guarantee 100% protection from criminal activity. But they will prevent somebody from reversing into your yard and towing your caravan away. Most specialty trailer locks require heavy tools to remove without a key.
Some, like the Kovix Alarmed Trailer Lock, even have alarms to frighten would-be criminals away.
Final Thoughts
A good coupling lock is an essential purchase for your caravan.
You never know when an enterprising individual may attempt to steal it. With a trailer hitch lock, you can add an extra layer of protection. Sure, it might not save your van from thieves, but it will make it more challenging.
If you want a premium system with an in-built alarm, consider the excellent Kovix Trailer lock.
For a budget option, the ARK Double lock is a standout. Meanwhile, Saracen offers a range of specialised locks for specific types of towbar and vehicles.
As ever, if you have any questions, please leave a comment below.
This article may contain affiliate links. I will earn a commission if you choose to purchase a product or service after clicking on my link. This helps pay for the cost of running the website. You will not be disadvantaged in any way by using my links.
Note that while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this page, there may sometimes be errors. Check all specifications with the manufacturer before purchasing any product.
I realise this is probably a little far fetched, however, is there a way for stopping someone removing the complete caravan hitch, including the lock, and replacing it with another?
Put as few small tac welds… it will have to be ground off if you need to remove it. But it will stop a quick swap.
thanks Louis. I believe the Kovix is a good option. One question – will it still work / or be unlockable if the battery runs flat?