Hitch lock
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 .