7 Steps to Maximize Trailer Security (2024)

Out on the open road, the last thing you want is to have your cargo – or worse, your entire trailer – stolen. It’s up to you to make sure your items, vehicle and trailer are secure for the adventure ahead.

In this guide, we will discuss the best way to lock a trailer and achieve greater trailer security. From hooking up to parking your trailer long-term, preventing theft starts by being prepared.

One of the best ways to keep your trailer secure is with a quality trailer lock. Because your trailer will spend a considerable amount of time parked by itself and left unattended, you need to make sure someone can't easily drive up and tow it away.

A trailer lock is designed to install in or over the trailer tongue, preventing a hitch ball from being inserted. With the trailer tongue blocked and locked up with a key, a potential thief will have a difficult time lowering the coupler onto their ball mount.

Some trailer locks are also multi-functional, allowing you to secure the coupler latch as well, whether the trailer is parked out or hitched up to your vehicle.

The first step of hooking up any trailer is to install a ball mount into the receiver tube of your trailer hitch. However, to achieve greater trailer security, you must understand how to lock a trailer. Instead of using a hitch pin, install the ball mount with a hitch lock.

Slide the ball mount into place, line up the holes in the shank and receiver tube, and insert the hitch lock pin through both holes. Then, apply the key-operated cap, cylinder or padlock.

Couple your trailer to your vehicle, following the standard trailer hookup process.

Engaging the trailer coupler is a key part of that process. However, when your goal is maximum trailer security, it’s worth mentioning how the coupler should be engaged.

After the coupler latching mechanism has been engaged with the trailer ball, install a coupler lock. A trailer coupler lock has a pin that passes through the latch to prevent it from being engaged or disengaged.

Insert the locking pin and then secure the lock cylinder or padlock.

With both the hitch lock and coupler lock installed on your towing setup, make sure you place the primary key and spare key in safe spots.

We recommend keeping the primary key on your keychain with your car keys and kept in your pocket. This way, you will always know where they’re located and they’ll always be on hand, ready for use.

For the spare key, consider storing it in your glovebox. It’s important to keep it accessible but not easily found by prying eyes. You may also wish to invest in a magnetic key box that can be hidden somewhere on the underbody of your vehicle.

Keeping the spare key with the trailer is not advised because you may forget to retrieve it after the trailer is parked, leaving it exposed to theft.

With your trailer hooked up, locks in place and loaded with cargo, it’s time to secure that cargo with tie downs. You can use cargo straps to simply keep items from moving around during travel, or you can tie everything down with binder chains or safety chains.

For some cargo, chains may be excessive. But for expensive machinery, equipment or supplies in an open trailer, chains may be exactly what your towing setup needs.

Make sure the straps or chains are taut without crushing the cargo and that they are tied down to solid anchoring points.

With your trailer locked on and your cargo tied down, drive to your destination following all rules of traffic and guidelines for towing a trailer.

If you’re only travelling a short distance without stopping, no additional security will be needed. If you’re traveling a greater distance or planning to make any stops along the way, be sure to park your vehicle and trailer in plain view, and if it’s nighttime, park under a street lamp or other light source. Keep your vehicle locked and your keys on your person at all times.

Making stops along the way is also a perfect opportunity to check your vehicle-trailer connection and any cargo you’re hauling. If you need to uncouple and leave your trailer parked for any amount of time, be sure to protect it with a trailer lock.

Bonus Step: For an added measure of security while your trailer is parked and left unattended, you can invest in a wheel chock lock. This type of lock clamps onto the trailer wheel and provides yet another obstacle for determined thieves.

A wheel chock lock is also a great security measure for your trailer when it is parked and not being used over extended periods of time.

After you’ve finished towing and your trailer is uncoupled and parked, make sure you remove the ball mount from your receiver hitch. This will keep it protected from the elements and safe from potential theft.

Remove the hitch lock using the key, and then remove the ball mount. Insert the hitch locking pin back through the ball mount shank and secure it once more with the lock cylinder. Keeping your towing equipment together like this will help prevent lost pieces. Find a safe, dry location to store your ball mount, such as a compartment at the back of the vehicle.

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Now that you know how to lock a trailer and vehicle for towing, let’s discuss some added measures. If your trailer or vehicle has a spare tire mounted on it, consider buying a spare tire lock. This simple, subtle lock can be installed over one of the wheel bolts, keeping the tire secured to the vehicle under lock and key.

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A trailer tongue box is simply a storage box that mounts onto the front portion of your trailer’s frame. This tool box can be used to store essential towing equipment and to keep accessories on-hand. Best of all, trailer tongue boxes have an integrated locking latch, promoting theft resistance for your items.

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If you’re towing a bike rack with or without a trailer, a cable lock is recommended to protect the bikes. First, install a hitch lock to keep the bike rack fully secure in the receiver. Then, install the bike lock whenever your bikes are hung on the rack.

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If you’re hauling a hitch cargo carrier along with your trailer or just by itself, you can add security by using a CURT cargo bag. These weather-resistant vinyl bags come with a zipper closure that can accept a padlock. With the zippers pulled together and a padlock installed, your items are kept safe inside and protected from tampering.

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