locking bulldog hitch

[schmism]

In the past when ive wanted to lock the hitch on my trailer i usually put a paddle lock through the hitch release. Its enough to keep the honest guy from takeing the trailer all im really interested in deterring anyway.

Anyone do this with a bulldog style hitch? i guess there is a hole you can pass a pin through that keeps the collar from sliding backward keeping the hitch "locked closed" anyone use some sort of "lock" in that hole?

 

[CliffordK]

I've never locked mine.

I had this type of hitch

Which technically would be easy to lock, but not very secure.
I ended up cutting the part extending upwards off so I could drive with the tailgate down.
The only time I was worried about it, I backed it up to a place that it would have been a pain to get out, despite it being a light trailer, then went off camping for 3 days. The trailer was where I left it when I got back.

A lock like this might work for your hitch above. Best if it could be pushed up tight against the hitch, so perhaps the second one is best. It would have to clear the hitch, but otherwise a little amount of drilling would be acceptable.

Another option would be to lock the safety chain.
Chian is easy enough to cut, but it would provide a secondary deterrant from taking the trailer. And if there was an insurance claim, you could at least prove an intent to lock it.

 

[Diamondpilot]

You can also run chain through the wheels and lock.

Chris

 

[QRTRHRS]

I have had one of these for years. Do a search on bulldog hitch locks. You have plenty of options.

 

[schmism]

im familure with the standard aftermarket ball locks. And ive also done the chain through the wheels. unfortunately my wheels have no holes to run chains through.

Ive used a long style paddlock before on the lever style before (infact i have one), but i figured there wasnt enough "loop" to get around half the diam of the hitch.

perhaps i just stop at HF and pick up an aftermarket version....