How to Choose a Hitch Lock That Fits Your Coupling
A hitch lock is one of the simplest ways to stop someone hitching up your caravan or trailer and towing it away. The catch is that most hitch locks are designed around a specific coupling head, so the first step is knowing which coupling you have.
Why fit matters
A good hitch lock encloses the coupling head and its fixing bolts, so there is nothing for a thief to get a grip on. To do that properly, the lock has to match the shape of your coupling. A lock made for an AL-KO stabiliser head will not necessarily fit a Bradley or Knott coupling, and the other way round.
That is why our hitch lock range is listed by the coupling each lock suits.
Step one: identify your coupling
Check the make and model of your coupling head. Common makes on UK caravans and trailers include:
- AL-KO, including stabiliser heads such as the AKS 3004 and AKS 3504
- Winterhoff, including the WS3000 stabiliser
- Knott and Avonride
- Bradley
- Albe
- Indespension
Many Bulldog hitch lock product pages include a Hitch Head Identification Chart in their downloads, which helps you match your coupling to the right lock.
Step two: match the lock to the coupling
Some examples from the Bulldog range:
- AL-KO 3004 stabiliser heads: the Bulldog DKS fits both the original and the 2012 version of the AL-KO 3004, as well as the 1300 and 2004 models.
- AL-KO AKS 3504: the Bulldog DKW, or the SAS FORT 35 GOLD.
- Winterhoff WS3000: the Bulldog WW100 (with latch) or WW100B (without latch).
- Bradley unbraked hitch heads up to 2600kg: the Bulldog BR10.
- Knott K35 and K27: the Bulldog KN.
- Indespension Triple lock: the Bulldog BR30.
Many Bulldog hitch locks can be fitted hitched, unhitched, or together with a Bulldog lock post, so the same lock works on the road and in storage.
What if my coupling is not listed?
There are some universal options. The SAS Green Vital fits many 50mm ball-style trailer couplings, and the Fullstop Security Ball is designed to block 50mm couplings, including those with AL-KO and Winterhoff stabiliser heads.
If you still are not sure, call us on 01952 740308 with your coupling details and we will help you find the right lock.
Adding more layers
A hitch lock works best as part of a layered approach. Pair it with a wheel clamp and, if you store your caravan or trailer at home, a hitch post or ground anchor. Our Caravan Security Guide covers this in more detail.