A hitch lock pin does two jobs at once. It keeps your ball mount, cargo carrier, or bike rack locked into the receiver, and it stops a thief from walking off with hundreds of dollars of gear in the time it takes you to grab a coffee. A plain spring clip pin will rattle loose and offers zero theft protection, which is why a proper locking pin is one of the smartest small upgrades you can make to a towing setup.
We looked at fit across standard 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch receivers, lock mechanism quality, corrosion resistance after real winter road salt, and how easy each one is to insert and remove with cold or gloved hands. Below are seven hitch lock pins that earned their place, ranked best first, with honest notes on where each one falls short.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Trimax TS32 Premium Receiver Lock Best Overall 5/8 in pin, fits 2 in receivers, hardened steel, dual locking |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
CURT 23022 Hitch Lock Best for Receivers 5/8 in pin, fits 2 in receivers, chrome plated, push-button lock |
9.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Master Lock 377KA Receiver Lock Most Trusted Brand 5/8 in pin, fits 2 in receivers, swivel head, keyed alike option |
9.0 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Reese Towpower 7014300 Professional Hitch Lock Best Value 5/8 in pin, fits 2 in receivers, weather seal cap, two keys |
8.8 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
AMPLOCK U-BRP218 Receiver Lock Most Secure 5/8 in pin, fits 2 in receivers, fully enclosed puck-style lock |
8.6 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
MaxxHaul 70334 Hitch Pin Lock Best for Cargo Carriers 5/8 in pin, fits 2 in receivers, extra long reach, anti-theft |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
 |
Connor Stainless Steel Hitch Pin Lock Best Corrosion Resistance 5/8 in pin, fits 2 in receivers, full stainless steel, rust proof |
8.2 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Trimax TS32 Premium Receiver Lock: Best Overall
The Trimax TS32 is the pin we kept reaching for when security mattered most. The 5/8 inch hardened steel body shrugs off the kind of casual bolt cutter attack that defeats cheaper pins, and the included weather cap keeps road salt and grit out of the lock cylinder, which is usually the first thing to fail on a towing lock. The standout feature is the ratcheting anti-rattle collar. Instead of a fixed pin that lets the ball mount clunk around in the receiver, you snug the collar down and the hitch sits tight and quiet, even on washboard gravel.
The honest weakness is flexibility. The TS32 is built specifically for 2 inch receivers with a 5/8 inch pin hole, so anyone running a 1.25 inch Class I or II receiver is out of luck. We also found the rubber weather cover gets noticeably stiffer in freezing temperatures, so on cold mornings you may need to work it free before the key will seat. Neither issue is a deal breaker for a full size truck or SUV owner, and for that buyer this is as good as a single hitch lock pin gets.
- Hardened steel 5/8 inch pin resists hacksaw and bolt cutter attacks
- Ratcheting collar design pulls slack out so the hitch does not rattle
- Weather resistant lock cover keeps the keyway clear of grit and ice
Pros: Excellent build quality with a reassuringly heavy, solid feel; The anti-rattle ratchet genuinely quiets receiver noise on rough roads; Hardened steel gives real resistance to cutting tools
Cons: Only fits 2 inch receivers, so 1.25 inch users must look elsewhere; The protective cover can stiffen in very cold weather and need a wiggle
2. CURT 23022 Hitch Lock: Best for Receivers
CURT is a name most tow shops trust, and the 23022 is a clean, no fuss locking pin for anyone with a standard 2 inch receiver. The 5/8 inch pin drops straight through Class III and IV hitches, and the push to lock design means you simply insert it, press, and walk away. The chrome and nickel plating is the quiet hero here. After a stretch of salted winter roads our test pin showed only faint surface marks rather than the flaky orange rust that plagues unplated pins.
Where it gives ground to our top pick is raw security and noise. The pin body is solid but not specifically hardened, so a determined thief with proper bolt cutters has a better chance against it than against the Trimax. There is also no anti-rattle collar, which means you may still hear a faint clunk from the ball mount on rough surfaces. For everyday confidence on a trusted brand though, the 23022 is an easy recommendation and a strong value.
- 5/8 inch pin sized for standard 2 inch Class III and IV receivers
- Chrome and nickel plating fights rust on long highway trips
- Push to lock mechanism with two keys included in the box
Pros: Trusted brand with consistent fit across CURT and most other receivers; Plating held up well against light surface rust in our salt exposure; Simple push to lock action is easy to use one handed
Cons: Standard pin diameter offers less cut resistance than hardened versions; No anti-rattle feature, so the hitch can still clunk slightly
3. Master Lock 377KA Receiver Lock: Most Trusted Brand
Master Lock built its name on security, and the 377KA brings that pedigree to the hitch. The headline feature is the swivel head, which pivots so you can line up the key barrel even when the receiver sits buried behind a bumper or close to a wheel well. That sounds minor until you are crouched in a parking lot trying to thread a stiff pin into a hidden hole. The keyed alike option is also genuinely useful, letting you set up one key to open your hitch lock, coupler lock, and other Master Lock products so you carry fewer keys.
The trade off for that swivel convenience is complexity. More moving parts means more places for road grime and salt to work in, and we noticed the pivot needs an occasional shot of lubricant to stay smooth through a hard winter. It is also strictly a 5/8 inch receiver pin, so smaller Class I and II hitches are not covered. Maintained properly though, this is a dependable, well secured pin from a brand that takes locks seriously.
- Swivel and pivoting head reaches awkward receiver positions easily
- Available keyed alike so one key opens all your matching locks
- Rugged construction from a brand built around lock security
Pros: Swivel head makes installation simple even in tight wheel well spaces; Keyed alike option lets one key run your hitch, coupler, and more; Strong reputation and warranty backing from Master Lock
Cons: Swivel mechanism adds parts that can collect grit over time; Fits 5/8 inch receivers only, not the smaller 1/2 inch class
4. Reese Towpower 7014300 Professional Hitch Lock: Best Value
Reese Towpower has been making towing gear for decades, and the 7014300 is a sensible, honest locking pin that covers the basics well without asking much of your wallet. It uses the standard 5/8 inch pin for 2 inch receivers, ships with two keys so you are not stranded if one goes missing, and includes a rubber weather seal cap. That cap matters more than it looks, because keeping water and salt out of the keyway is what keeps these locks turning smoothly years down the line.
This is a value pick rather than a fortress, and it is fair to be clear about that. The pin is not specially hardened, so its resistance to bolt cutters is moderate, on par with most pins in this tier rather than the hardened steel of our top choice. We also saw a little surface rust begin where the cap had been left off during testing, so it pays to actually use the weather cover. For a casual tower who wants real lock security at a friendly price, it delivers.
- Includes a rubber weather seal cap to protect the cylinder
- 5/8 inch pin fits the most common 2 inch receiver size
- Two keys supplied so you have a backup from day one
Pros: Strong value from a long established towing accessory brand; Weather cap noticeably extends the life of the lock cylinder; Smooth key action straight out of the package
Cons: Not hardened, so cut resistance is moderate rather than high; Pin can develop minor surface rust if the cap is left off
5. AMPLOCK U-BRP218 Receiver Lock: Most Secure
If theft is your main worry, the AMPLOCK U-BRP218 is the pin that makes a thief give up and move on. Rather than a thin exposed pin, it uses a fully enclosed puck style body that wraps around the locking element so there is almost no surface for a bolt cutter or pry bar to bite. The billet construction is genuinely heavy in the hand, and the protected finish held up against salt exposure better than the plated pins, with no visible corrosion after our winter cycle.
That security comes with real world trade offs you should weigh. The U-BRP218 is bulkier and heavier than a simple pin, so it takes up more room in a glovebox and feels like overkill on a lightweight bike rack. The shrouded keyway that defeats thieves also slows you down a little, since you cannot just glance and slot it home the way you can with an open pin. For high value cargo carriers and ball mounts that live outside overnight though, this is the lock that buys you the best sleep.
- Fully enclosed puck style body shields the shackle from cutters
- Solid billet construction with a thick hardened locking pin
- Stainless and powder coated finish for heavy corrosion resistance
Pros: Enclosed design leaves almost nothing for a cutter to grab; Feels like the most theft resistant pin in the entire group; Excellent corrosion resistance from the protected finish
Cons: Heavier and bulkier than a conventional pin and clip lock; Removal takes a moment longer because of the shrouded keyway
6. MaxxHaul 70334 Hitch Pin Lock: Best for Cargo Carriers
The MaxxHaul 70334 earns its spot by solving a specific, real problem. Thick walled cargo carriers, cargo baskets, and some bike racks have a wider shank than a bare ball mount, and a standard length pin can come up short or barely engage. The 70334 runs a longer 5/8 inch pin that reaches fully through those bulkier accessories and still locks solidly on the far side, which is exactly what you want when a loaded carrier is swinging behind you on the highway.
The flip side of that length is that it is overkill on a plain ball mount, where the extra shaft sticks out and looks a bit ungainly. The lock cylinder itself is perfectly serviceable but is not as refined as the premium options higher on this list, and the key action is a touch grittier. As a purpose built pin for cargo and bike rack owners though, it fills a gap that the standard length pins simply cannot, and it does so at a sensible price.
- Extra length suits thick cargo carrier and bike rack shanks
- 5/8 inch pin diameter for standard 2 inch receiver tubes
- Includes keys and a protective dust cover for the lock
Pros: Longer pin reaches through bulky carrier mounts other pins miss; Good value for owners of hitch mounted cargo and bike racks; Easy keyed operation with a usable dust cover
Cons: Extra length is wasted and can look oversized on a bare ball mount; Lock cylinder quality is decent but not on the level of premium picks
7. Connor Stainless Steel Hitch Pin Lock: Best Corrosion Resistance
For anyone towing near salt water, the Connor stainless steel pin is the one that still looks and works like new after a season that would leave plated pins crusted in rust. The full stainless construction is the whole point. Boat trailer owners, coastal drivers, and anyone who launches at a ramp will appreciate that the pin does not seize or bloom orange, and the sealed lock core keeps the keyway turning smoothly even after repeated dunkings and splashes.
The honest caveat is the nature of stainless itself. While it beats everything here on corrosion, stainless steel is generally a little softer than the hardened carbon steel used in the most cut resistant pins, so its outright resistance to a determined bolt cutter is good rather than class leading. Think of it as the right tool for a wet, salty environment rather than the maximum security choice for a high crime parking lot. In its lane, protecting gear against the elements, it has no equal in this group.
- Full stainless steel construction resists rust in marine and coastal use
- 5/8 inch pin sized for common 2 inch receiver hitches
- Sealed lock core designed to keep water and salt out
Pros: Outstanding rust resistance, ideal for boat trailers and coastal driving; Clean stainless finish stays presentable far longer than plated pins; Smooth, consistent key turn even after water exposure
Cons: Stainless is more rust resistant but slightly softer than hardened steel; Security is good rather than top tier against serious cutting tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What size hitch lock pin do I need?
The two common sizes are 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch. The pin diameter must match the hole in your receiver, not the receiver opening itself. As a quick rule, 1.25 inch Class I and II receivers usually take a 1/2 inch pin, while 2 inch Class III, IV, and V receivers take a 5/8 inch pin. The vast majority of trucks and SUVs use a 2 inch receiver and therefore the 5/8 inch pin. If you are unsure, measure the pin hole in your receiver with calipers or simply slide your old pin out and measure it before buying.
Are hitch lock pins actually worth it for theft protection?
Yes, for most owners they are well worth it. A standard spring clip pin offers zero security, so a thief can pull your ball mount, cargo carrier, or bike rack out of the receiver in seconds. A locking pin forces them to either pick the lock or cut the pin, both of which take time, noise, and tools that draw attention. No lock is uncuttable, but a hardened or enclosed puck style pin is enough of a deterrent that opportunists move on to an easier target. For anything valuable that lives in the receiver outside, the protection is worth the small outlay.
Why does my hitch still rattle even with a locking pin?
Rattle comes from the gap between the ball mount shank and the inside of the receiver tube, and a plain pin does nothing to close that gap. To kill the noise you need a pin with an anti-rattle feature, such as the ratcheting collar on the Trimax TS32, or you can add a separate anti-rattle clamp or stabilizer bracket. These pull the slack out so the shank sits tight against the receiver walls. Without one, even the best locking pin will let the hitch clunk on bumps because security and rattle are two separate problems.
How do I keep a hitch lock pin from rusting or seizing?
Three habits make the biggest difference. First, choose a pin with good corrosion protection, whether that is chrome and nickel plating, a powder coated puck body, or full stainless steel for wet and coastal use. Second, always use the rubber weather cap if one is included, since most lock failures start when salt and grit get into the keyway. Third, give the cylinder an occasional shot of dry lubricant or a light penetrating oil, especially after winter or a trip near salt water. A little maintenance keeps the key turning smoothly for years.
Can one key open all my hitch and trailer locks?
It can if you buy locks that are keyed alike, which many brands offer as a matched set or a keyed alike option. Master Lock, for example, lets you set up a hitch pin, coupler lock, and other products to all open with the same key, which means fewer keys to juggle and lose. The trade off is that a keyed alike system is only as secure as that one key, so guard it carefully. If you prefer separate keys for each lock for added security, buy them individually instead and accept carrying a small key ring.
Our Verdict
For most tow vehicle and trailer owners, the Trimax TS32 is our top pick. It pairs hardened steel cut resistance with a ratcheting anti-rattle collar that solves the security and noise problems in one pin, and its weather cover keeps the lock alive through hard winters. If theft is your single biggest concern, the AMPLOCK U-BRP218 is the runner up worth a serious look, since its fully enclosed puck design leaves a thief almost nothing to cut or grab. Match the pin diameter to your receiver, use the weather cap, and either of these will protect your gear for years.
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