7 Best 5th Wheel Hitch Lock Options for Theft-Prevention in 2024

LOOKING FOR THE BEST 5TH WHEEL HITCH LOCK FOR YOUR RV?

You are in the right place because the 7 best 5th wheel hitch lock options for your camper are all featured here. How do we know they are the best?  We have traveled in our RV since 2010 looking to bring you the best information, guides and products for your RV.

5th wheel theft is quite rare; in most cases, thieves want to break in and steal valuables. But for peace of mind for your high-dollar purchase, it makes sense to lock yours up with the best 5th-wheel hitch lock.

We do lock ours up when we store it and when we travel. You never want to show up, and your toy hauler or camper is missing. 

A 5th-wheel locking pin is a great deterrent, and it makes your 5th wheel a less desirable target. The best 5th-wheel pin hitch locks are key components to your camper security and are usually part of your comprehensive security strategy.

A highly specialized lock such as a 5th wheel hitch lock is perfect for your trailer security needs. Below you will find the best locks on the market today. 

In this guide, we’ll share the seven best 5th-wheel hitch lock options for theft prevention. Our options are rated for safety and good enough for all but the hardcore locksmith; not something a crowbar can pop off.

Quick Guide: 5th Wheel Hitch Lock

5th Wheel Hitch Locks 

1. BOYISEN 5th Wheel King Pin Lock

The BOYISEN 5th Wheel King Pin Lock tops our list of the best 5th wheel kingpin locks. It’s a cylindrical lock for a 5th-wheel hitch that keeps you at ease, knowing your trailer isn’t going anywhere. This is the lock we use, and we really like the bright color, weather-resistant dust cap, and the little warning tag.

This tag helps to make sure you have plenty of clearance from hitting your head on the lock or kingpin. 

It has a nice and sturdy design and spins freely around the kingpin, but it still provides a snug fit. The construction is also solid, and I like the drill-resistant steel construction. It ensures the thieves can’t get through it fast enough, and it’s not affected by inclement weather.

On top of the solid construction, this fifth-wheel lock has an upgraded lock, making it challenging to pick. The 5th wheel pin lock is keyed uniquely and can’t be unlocked even by someone with a similar product.

Using the Boyisen lock can’t get any easier. It’s a cylindrical lock, resembling a big coffee mug, and I like the cup handle. It makes it easier to attach and remove the lock. Meanwhile, I also love the bright yellow paint that sticks out to deter the thieves.

It also has a lockout tag attached, which signals that the lock is installed so you don’t accidentally hook up with it still on.

Overall, the BOYISEN Fifth wheel hitch lock is a great purchase and works fine to keep the kingpin locked when the truck is away from the trailer. It is a great option if you’re looking for something to easily install after setting up your leveling blocks.

➡ SHOP BOYISEN 5th Wheel King Pin Lock

2. CURT 5th Wheel Trailer Lock

The CURT 5th Wheel Hitch Lock is a simple-to-use U-shaped collar trailer lock and will do the trick of keeping the most determined thieves away.

Out of the box, this Curt lock feels ultra-lightweight and is easy to install. Although light, it doesn’t feel cheap, and it would be hard for thieves to remove it. It’ll reassure you that your trailer is safe when not hooked to the truck. It’s a great deterrent, the best you can hope for.

The u-shaped collar handles are rubber-made for easy handling. The grips make it much easier to grip the lock when attaching or removing the 5th wheel pin lock.

Installing the lock is equally simple, and all you need is to put the collar around the kingpin, thread the pin through the holes, and screw on the end.

Versatility is also another key strength of this Curt 5th wheel lock. It has a 2″ diameter, designed to fit in with a 5th wheel trailer with a 2” diameter pin.

It is colored black, thus complimenting most rigs, which many people like. However, after leveling our 5th wheel, the king pin and pin box and do some damage to your head or your kids’ heads if they don’t see it. The brighter-colored locks are much easier to see, so hitting your head is far less likely. 

The real concern with this fifth-wheel hitch lock is that the locking mechanism is a little awkward. You need to install the key and spin the rubber piece in the opposite way. But that’s just a small inconvenience when securing your 5th wheel, but Curt specialty locks do typically work well.

➡ SHOP CURT 5th Wheel Hitch Lock

3. Trimax TFW80HD 5th Wheel King Pin Lock

The Trimax TFW80HD 5th Wheel King Pin Lock locks tight and is difficult to remove without a key. It boasts sturdy steel and not the powder-coated aluminum construction of the TW50, giving you the confidence that it’s harder to break.

On top of that, it fits like a glove over the fifth-wheel kingpin, so you can hardly pry it off with a bar. You may need a torch to cut it off if you lose the key.

Installing and removing the Trimax TFW80HD lock for a 5th-wheel hitch is also easy. Simply turn the release core, slide the unit up over the kingpin, and push the core kingpin trailer lock back in place. Plus, a full-collar design ensures that your hands barely get messy when installing or removing it.

Meanwhile, the bright red makes it visible, while the little tag reminds you to remove it when hitching up.

➡ SHOP Trimax TFW80HD 5th Wheel King Pin Lock

4. Heavy-Duty – King Pin Lock

The Heavy-Duty – King Pin Lock is great and ticks most boxes for the best 5th-wheel kingpin lock. It also goes on easily and is made strong with solid steel for a long-lasting operation.

I love the thick metal band that fits snugly into the channel on the kingpin, and it doesn’t come off without a key. The heavy-duty solid steel construction is also a plus, and it’s designed to prevent theft and provide a lifetime of usage. Even a 5″ grinder, which opens just about any lock/chain, would have a problem with this lock.

Thanks to the handle and a super smooth hinge, it’s extremely easy to use and has a nice paint coating for maximum corrosion resistance. The barrel key glides easily when you lock and unlock it.

Overall, these trailer locks work very well, and you can park your rig with peace of mind knowing that it’s locked and secure.

➡ SHOP Heavy-Duty – King Pin Lock

5. AMPLock 5th Wheel Lock

The AMPLock U-LPCVR lock is easy to use, and you’ll love how heavy-duty it feels. While no lock is theft-proof, this one will make the task too difficult to be worth. Breaking through this kingpin trailer lock back takes a while unless you have a key.

I like that it’s heavy, which is precisely why you should purchase it over the competitors. Just from the sheer size and weight, you can already tell that it will keep your rig safe and secure as it won’t be easily defeated. Material aside, this lock also covers the hitch pin, so thieves can’t pry it.

Other security features on this lock include an un-pickable lock, a unique conical design, and a protective face to prevent drilling.

➡ SHOP AMPLock U-LPCVR Lock

6. Ultra-Fab Products UF 5th Wheel Sleeve with Lock

The Ultra-Fab Products UF 5th Wheel Sleeve with a Lock is a heavy-duty sleeve lock that slides onto the kingpin and is secured with a padlock. It’s a simplistic design with many benefits, but the main one is that it’s easy to install and remove.

I also like that the lock for a 5th wheel hitch is durable, and the steel construction isn’t vulnerable to inclement weather. The hanging padlock is visible, which goes a long way to acting as the perfect deterrent against thieves.

The biggest concern is the included padlock is flimsy and can be cut. But the advantage is that it’s replaceable, so you can always choose a heavier-duty padlock.

➡ SHOP Ultra-Fab Products UF 5th Wheel Sleeve With a Lock

7. Proven Industries 5 Fifth-Wheel Kingpin Lock

Our final pick, the Proven Industries Kingpin Lock, is heavy and solid. The locking mechanism seems to work great, and overall, it seems like it’ll do a great job of keeping thieves away unless the criminal is an expert.

For example, this sturdy 5th wheel lockout on the hitch is built with a solid steel collar. It means it’s hard to resist breaking power tools and inclement weather. On top of that, an internal lock mechanism makes it un-pickable, while the unique lock system ensures nobody gets a replica of your key.

➡ SHOP Proven Industries Kingpin Lock

Why You Need a Fifth-Wheel King Pin Lock

5th wheel king pin locks are necessary for enhancing the security of your 5th wheel when parked and not in use. In the absence of a 5th wheel lockout on a hitch, anybody can theoretically hitch up your trailer and drive with it.

Of course, due to the sheer size of the 5th wheel, you might think that stealing one is far-fetched. But it’s not as hard as you think, and a good 5th-wheel kingpin lock is necessary, especially if you own an expensive trailer or frequently park it in public spaces.

While a good lock won’t deter a determined thief, it is a fantastic deterrent and a great security measure. Generally, the harder it is to steal your RV, the likelier a would-be would skip it for an easier target.

What is a King Pin Lock?

A kingpin lock is a cylindrical-shaped shaft with a wider disc at the end affixed on the bottom of the front of a 5th wheel. The steel shaft slides into a truck bed hitch, attaching it to a truck. The kingpin lock secures the pin and prevents unauthorized towing of the locked 5th wheel.

Simply put, a kingpin lock is how a 5th wheel is attached to the truck pulling it, and it’s usually part of a comprehensive security strategy.

Buying Guide: Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best 5th Wheel King Pin Lock

If you’re in the market searching for the best 5th wheel king pin lock, there are a couple of things to remember to choose the best options for your needs. Prioritizing the important factors will make it easier to pick a lock that best fits your needs.

Ease of Installation

The biggest concern with most 5th-wheel kingpin locks is their ease of installation. You see when camping, you want a 5th wheel lockout on a hitch that you can install quickly and effortlessly. By nature, locks are designed for securing your 5th wheeler while installed, so it’s not a one-time thing.

You need to frequently put and take them off once you use and park your RV. The perfect option should be easy to use, making it quick and easy to set your wheel chocks and secure your 5th wheel.

Security

5th wheel king pin locks aren’t 100% theft-prof, but simply a deterrent. None will prevent a determined thief, but some locks have more deterrence than others.

Options with keyed locks offer the highest form of security but are harder to use if you lose your key. On the other hand, locks with combination locks are easier to use but not as secure as keyed locks. Meanwhile, electronic locks provide a good mix of security and ease of use.

Material

Generally, the choice of material determines the durability and hardiness. While some thieves focus on picking the 5th wheel lockout on the hitch, otherwise, skip the finesse and use brute force.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to pick a lock material that can withstand abuse for longer.

Weather Resistance

On top of standing up to brute force, the choice of material should also be able to resist inclement weather. Remember the lock box for a 5th wheel hitch is exposed to the weather most of the time, and it should therefore be able to tolerate moisture and UV exposure.

Visibility

A lock box for a 5th wheel hitch is designed as a primary deterrent against theft; therefore, visibility matters. If would-be thieves can see from a distance that your rig has a lock, they’re less likely to move to another target.

Of course, most RVers may prefer the small, subtle locks that blend with the rig- they look more attractive. On the other hand, other locks are much bigger, brightly colored, and a bit of an eyesore, but they usually send a message that this rig is protected.

Price

The price of a fifth-wheel lock varies, and as with most RV accessory purchases, you’ll need to compromise between cost and quality/longevity. While the more expensive locks aren’t necessarily the most quality options out there, the cheap options tend to be flimsy. The trick is choosing a lock that provides the most value for the money.

Pick a lot that is within your budget but, more importantly, one that provides adequate security for your rig.

How to Lock Up a 5th-Wheel Hitch

There are several distinct ways of securing a 5th wheel king ping lock. Ensure you refer to the manual. But generally, most models require that you first wrap around the kingpin before locking it.

How to Use a King Pin Lock

There are different ways to secure a 5th wheel pin lock, with each model having a unique process. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to consult the directions in the product manual before installing one.

But from experience, most 5th-wheel locks usually work by wrapping around the kingpin before locking it into place with a key or a combo of other security measures.

FAQ: 5th Wheel Hitch Lock 

Are Hitch Locks Effective?

Yes, hitch locks are effective in keeping your rig safe. While they’re not theft-proof and won’t stop the most determined thief, they are fantastic deterrents against burglary. Plus, they are usually a part of your comprehensive security strategy.

How Does a Fifth Wheel Locking Mechanism Work?

The 5th wheel lock bar is designed to fit over the kingpin and lock in place. The lock bar secures the lockjaw, and when engaged, it slides across the ring’s opening under the lockjaw to hold the kingpin firmly and secure it for transit.

What Are the Disadvantages of the Fifth Wheel Hitch?

The main drawbacks of a fifth-wheel hitch are a slightly lower towing capacity when compared to a gooseneck and the amount of space the hitch takes up in the bed. You will also find that many 5th-wheel hitches are very heavy with their unique shape and size.

Conclusion: 5th Wheel Hitch Lock 

Adding a hitch lock to your fifth wheel will give you the peace of mind of knowing your rig is secure. It acts as a fantastic deterrent and addition to your fifth-wheel security strategy. A hitch lock is an ideal solution to keep your trailer secure when in storage or when on the road.