Mods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: Locking your hitch

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Locking your hitch

Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: Non-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Mods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Same as podmods, just... not for pods
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10042
Printed Date: 03 May 2024 at 12:37am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Locking your hitch

Posted By: Capperdan
Subject: Locking your hitch
Date Posted: 26 May 2017 at 12:26pm

I started worrying about someone hooking up my rPod and driving off with it. I've seen a few ideas for locking the receiver, wondering what you guys use? Thank you, from a newbie

Replies:

Posted By: Gregm
Date Posted: 26 May 2017 at 12:42pm

I got mine at Walmart. I don't remember the brand but it has a hitch like ball that fits into the receiver. It was about $20.00
You could try amazon as well

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Gregm
2014 171
2015 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner

Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 26 May 2017 at 1:04pm

We got a hitch lock from e-trailer. Made by Master Lock, and cost about $40. There are other more secure, and more expensive ones. We were interested in keeping the low-motivation thieves at bay.

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bp
2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River
2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 26 May 2017 at 1:20pm

No hitch lock is 100% reliable. What you are trying to do is to make yours less attractive than those without locks. The one I use came as part of a https://smile.amazon.com/Master-Lock-3794DAT-Trailer-Coupler/dp/B000VSY4HG/ - Master Lock kit with locks for the hitch pin and coupler pin. It had a zipper case for storage when these are not being used. There is sufficient room for me to carry a small container of Reese hitch grease as well. One of the best things about this kit is that all the locks are keyed alike.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 26 May 2017 at 1:57pm

We use a hitch lock, made by master lock, got it at a local hardware store. Works good, have never had a problem

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Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
Previously owned
2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171

Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 26 May 2017 at 2:06pm

I put a padlock on the locking lever for the hitch coupler. I suppose someone could sneak a smaller ball into the locked coupler, but that'd be pretty exciting watching them try to keep it connected as they race away. They could also cut the hardened hasp on the lock, but it's a lot of work. I guess you could fill the coupler hole with any old 2 1/4 ball that you happen to have laying around and lock it in with the locking lever and the padlock. Then the hole in the coupler would be filled but a determined their could still cut off the lock.

Are r-Pods commonly stolen? Seems like an awful lot of work with not much of a market in the world of stolen trailers. I think I'd worry more about the TV, especially Ford 150's and Chevy Silverados, numbers 4 and 5 of the most popular vehicles to steal. But, I have in my mind's eye the chase scene with the cops pursuing the stolen Silverado with the r-Pod in tow careening around corners and through the city streets. Yet another opportunity for a movie.

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Never leave footprints behind.
Fred & Maria Kearney
Sonoma 167RB
Our Pod 172
2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost

Posted By: JandL
Date Posted: 27 May 2017 at 8:26am

I use a pad lock thru the hole in the locking lever and I also use another lock and run it thru the the tow chains and around the crank handle on the tongue leveler. The lock is such that they can't get past the plastic handle on the crank. That way they can't wrap the tow chains around anything or raise the foot

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JandL
2013 Honda Ridgeline
2012 177
2 Paynes in a Pod

Posted By: lostagain
Date Posted: 28 May 2017 at 9:09am

I also keep my safety chains wrapped around the crank, secured with a padlock. The battery boxes and propane tank are also secured with a separate chain. It's all a matter of deterrence. The more impediments you put in the thief's way, the more likely the thief will for an easier target. It would only take a few seconds to cut the chains with bolt cutters, but they are costly and a hassle to carry around so you improve your odds of being left alone.

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Never leave footprints behind.
Fred & Maria Kearney
Sonoma 167RB
Our Pod 172
2019 Ford F-150 4x4 2.7 EcoBoost

Posted By: Capperdan
Date Posted: 11 Jun 2017 at 4:01pm

Thanks for all the replies. I did use a padlock thru the lock lever and looked at the others. Don't want to get too paranoid.

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 11 Jun 2017 at 4:23pm

At the house, I keep the Pod on power. The stabilizers are down, the hitch is locked, I have a nice sign on building that says, "Trespassers Will be Violated" and another sign that says I am a concealed handgun permit holder. I am a light sleeper and a veteran. I do not welcome a confrontation, but I am not shy about the consequences. My ADT signs are posted and my alarm and cameras always work. It is a shame but where we have gone. I have numerous other things on property that are secured. My advice is don't make yourself an easy target. Secure your stuff, lock your doors, have a legal defense strategy.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."