You pull into a campground, hotel, trailhead, or overnight stop and leave your setup for a few hours. The trailer is parked. Your tow bar is still in the receiver. Maybe camping equipment, bikes, or other gear are along for the trip.
Before you walk away, ask one question: How easy would it be for someone to remove or take off with part of your setup?
Trailer locks and towing security products add another barrier between your equipment and someone looking for an easy target. They can't guarantee that theft won't happen, but a properly selected coupler lock, receiver lock, tow bar lock, wheel lock, or king pin lock can make your equipment harder to remove without permission.
For RV and trailer owners, that's a simple step worth adding to the routine.
Why Locking Your Towing Gear Is Worth the Extra Step
Vehicle theft has declined from its recent peak, but it hasn't disappeared. In 2025, 659,880 vehicles were reported stolen in the United States, which works out to roughly one stolen vehicle every 48 seconds.
A lock adds time and another obstacle when a trailer or towing setup is left unattended. For RV owners who regularly park at campgrounds, overnight stops, or storage locations, that's a practical step to add to the routine.
Match the Lock to What You're Protecting
Different locks protect different parts of your towing setup. Before ordering, identify the connections or wheels someone could use to remove equipment or move the trailer.
Coupler Locks for Parked Trailers
A bumper-pull trailer sitting by itself can be vulnerable at the coupler. If the coupler is left unsecured, someone with a compatible hitch ball may be able to connect and tow the trailer away.
A coupler lock secures that connection point while the trailer is parked. For couplers with different spans, an adjustable option such as the Blue Ox BX88402 Universal and Adjustable Pin Style Coupler Lock can accommodate several sizes. Check your coupler dimensions against the product specifications before ordering.
If you also want to secure the receiver on your tow vehicle, the Blue Ox BX88403 Coupler and Receiver Lock Kit covers both connection points in one kit.
Coupler locks make the most sense when a travel trailer, utility trailer, or boat trailer will spend time disconnected from the tow vehicle.
Receiver and Hitch Locks for Tow Bars and Accessories
A standard hitch pin keeps an accessory in the receiver. A receiver lock performs that basic connection job while adding a keyed lock to help prevent easy removal.
That's useful for equipment such as tow bars, drop receivers, and other compatible receiver-mounted towing components.
Because receiver and pin sizes can vary, check the available locks and pins against your setup rather than choosing one based on appearance alone. Confirm the pin diameter, receiver application, and product instructions before ordering.
Tow Bar and Baseplate Lock Kits for Flat Towing
A motorhome-mounted tow bar can have removable pins at several points between the coach and the towed vehicle. A lock kit lets you secure more than one of those connections.
For setups with several removable connection points, the Blue Ox BX88177 Receiver Lock Kit includes two 1/2-inch locks for the tow bar-to-baseplate connections and two 5/8-inch locks for the tow bar, receiver, and compatible drop-receiver connections. The four locks are keyed alike, so there's less to keep track of on the road.
If you don't need four locking points, the Blue Ox BX88101 3-Lock Kit offers another option for securing the tow bar at the baseplate and receiver hitch connections.
Either approach can be useful if your tow bar stays attached to the motorhome while you're parked or you regularly leave the full flat-towing setup unattended during a trip.
Wheel Locks and Tire Boots for Parked Trailers
A coupler lock protects the tongue. A wheel lock or tire boot takes a different approach by preventing the trailer from rolling. This type of security can be useful for trailers that spend long periods parked at campsites, RV storage locations, or beside a home.
For trailers that spend more time parked, Blaylock wheel locks offer a visible way to restrict wheel movement while also securing the coupler.
Wheel size and lock design matter, so confirm your tire or wheel dimensions against the current product specifications rather than assuming a universal tire boot will fit.
King Pin Locks for Fifth Wheel Trailers
Fifth wheel trailers have a different connection point, so a bumper-pull coupler lock isn't the right tool.
For a disconnected fifth wheel trailer, a king pin lock secures the king pin so another fifth wheel hitch can't simply connect to it. An option such as the Blue Ox BX88360 Universal 5th Wheel King Pin Lock is designed specifically for that connection point.
This type of lock can be especially useful if you store a fifth wheel away from home or leave it disconnected during an extended trip.
Where Towing Locks Make the Most Sense
You don't need the same locking setup for every stop. Consider how long the equipment will be unattended and which parts you can remove or move most easily. Locking products are particularly useful for:
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Overnight stops where your RV, trailer, or towing equipment is parked outside
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Campgrounds, trailheads, boat launches, and event parking where you may be away from the vehicle for hours
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Seasonal trailer or RV storage where equipment may sit unattended for days or weeks
For longer parking periods, using more than one type of lock can protect different access points. A coupler lock and wheel lock, for example, address two different ways someone might try to move a disconnected trailer.
Make Gear Security Part of Your Parking Routine
The easiest security routine is one you'll actually follow. Before leaving a trailer or towing setup unattended:
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Lock the connection points that can be removed without tools
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Confirm every lock fits fully and is actually engaged
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Store keys somewhere secure and separate from the equipment
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Check locks periodically for dirt, corrosion, damage, or difficult operation
Security products still need basic inspection. If a lock is damaged, doesn't fit correctly, or no longer operates as intended, replace it rather than forcing it into service.
Secure Your Towing Gear Before You Walk Away
The best lock fits the connection you're trying to protect and is easy to use every time you park. Whether you're leaving a trailer at a campsite, storing a fifth wheel, or keeping a tow bar attached overnight, the right lock can make the setup harder to remove quickly.
Browse Blue Ox locks and pins to find the right option for your towing setup. If you're not sure what fits your coupler, receiver, tow bar, baseplate, or fifth wheel, contact the Blue Ox Tow Bars team before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need special tools to install a trailer or hitch lock?
Many towing locks are designed for straightforward installation without special tools. Check the product instructions for the specific lock and make sure it seats fully before relying on it.
What should I do if I lose a key to my towing lock?
Check the lock manufacturer's replacement-key options before trying to remove or replace the lock. Keeping a spare key in a secure location away from the trailer or RV can save you trouble later.
When should I inspect my trailer locks?
Check them before a trip, after long-term outdoor storage, and periodically during regular use. Look for corrosion, damage, sticking mechanisms, or anything that keeps the lock from opening and closing normally.
Can rain, road salt, or dirt damage a towing lock?
Exposure to moisture, road salt, dust, and grime can affect lock operation over time. Keep the lock clean and follow the manufacturer's maintenance recommendations for lubrication or corrosion protection.
Should I use the same type of lock for long-term storage and travel?
Not necessarily. A tow bar lock used during travel serves a different purpose than a coupler, wheel, or king pin lock on a parked trailer. Choose the lock based on what you need to secure and how long the setup will be unattended.
