Trailer coupler lock

[blacksapphirez]

I use this coupler lock on my trailer but it keeps bending when I tow.

Is there one that doesn't bend?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Reese-Towpower-Adjustable-Coupler-Lock/50437640

 

[itsdgm]

I use this coupler lock on my trailer but it keeps bending when I tow.

Is there one that doesn't bend?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Reese-Towpower-Adjustable-Coupler-Lock/50437640

Just checking, You aren't using that lock to join the hitch to you tow vehicle, right?

That lock looks like it's simply as a security measure to lock the coupler on the trailer. I don't know how that could bend unless your coupler for some reason is trying to forcefully open under a load. In that case I would be concerned about why it wants to uncouple at all.

 

[blacksapphirez]

yea hitch to truck is not it...

I noticed the review saying they bend while towing ...

 

[GoVols01]

I have a Bulldog (580410) Coupler Lock and it's bending as well. This occurs when maneuvering the trailer at very sharp angles (i.e. 90 degrees) getting into the driveway and garage. The area where the lock must be installed is subject to hitting the actual hitch bracket coming off the car. Not sure how this can be fixed, but I've resolved to removing the locking coupler and installing the factory pin-style coupler before backing the boat/trailer down the driveway and into the garage.

 

[Andy S]

I had the same problem. To fix it I purchased a 1/4" x 4" (wanted 5" or 6'' but having a short bolt in normal for me) stainless steel bolt and cut a groove in the right location for the lock to attach. I used my dremel tool to cut the groove and it only took a few minutes.

 

[Wayloncle]

This is what I use on my camper, the boat I just use the little pin that came with the trailer.
I still can't picture how it is hitting anything, must be at an extreme turning angle that I would never attempt, looks to me like if it is hitting something your trailer is very very close to hitting the bumper or something as well.

 

[Andy S]

View attachment 57856 This is what I use on my camper, the boat I just use the little pin that came with the trailer.
I still can't picture how it is hitting anything, must be at an extreme turning angle that I would never attempt, looks to me like if it is hitting something your trailer is very very close to hitting the bumper or something as well.

I believe the lock assembly of gets stuck pointed backwards not downward and then when you stop the tongue slides in hitting the lock which puts pressure on the pin causing it to bend.

Here is my poor attempt to show the lock part stuck in pointed backwards and not downward.

 

[swatski]

I use this coupler lock on my trailer but it keeps bending when I tow.

Is there one that doesn't bend?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Reese-Towpower-Adjustable-Coupler-Lock/50437640

Mine is bent, too. I decided to just live with it.
Like so many other things in my life (bent out of shape). Hehe.


But seriously - I wish I could modify the factory pin to lock.
--

 

[Wayloncle]

I believe the lock assembly of gets stuck pointed backwards not downward and then when you stop the tongue slides in hitting the lock which puts pressure on the pin causing it to bend.

Here is my poor attempt to show the lock part stuck in pointed backwards and not downward.
View attachment 57860

Ahh.
Got it now, I was picturing a normal "old school" hitch coupler.

 

[RiverRat]

I use a Master lock version. It's bent as well.

 

[AndyD]

I use these from Cabela's for my coupler and hitch lock. They're designed so you can set them to match your truck key so you don't have to keep up with an extra set of keys. Work great and mine hasn't bent yet.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Bolt-reg-Coupler-Pin-Lock/1926321.uts?searchPath=/browse.cmd?categoryId=734095080&CQ_search=bolt+lock

http://www.cabelas.com/product/BOLT-reg-Receiver-Lock/1926319.uts?searchPath=/browse.cmd?categoryId=734095080&CQ_search=bolt+lock

 

[GoVols01]

When you're turning the trailer at severe angles, like getting 90 degrees to the garage and such, the pin can hit the side of the bracket that the ball is mounted on. This does not occur from the brake actuator. Here's a picture of my coupler when I hitched the boat to the truck the other day. I could not put my locking or smaller factory pin inside the hole because of the ball bracket angle to the coupler. When backing the boat up, the larger pin hits the side of the bracket and bends it. I now must remove the larger locking pin and install the factory pin before I got 90 degrees to the trailer.