We have a winterhoff stabiliser hitch on our caravan. We have owned our caravan for a year. Last year we just had a cheap hitch lock on from halfords with wheel clamps. The van is old so not a problem with insurance. This year we are using more basic site, one of which has little security, just a farm gate. So I bought a stronghold hitchlock. I read and watched the instructions of how to fit. Then followed them, but....I am a little confused as to how it actually works?
It is the type that has two metal rods, one large that goes under the hitch and a smaller one that sits through the holes in the stabilizer. And a ball thing to go tow bit. I just can't see how it stops some one taking the van.
Does anyone know how they work? What do the bolts actually stop?
Take the plastic ball and push it up into the hitch where your towball would fit. You need some pressure as you need to force it to close the stabiliser head and you will hear it snap shut when you have exerted sufficient force. Now your stabiliser head is closed insert the lock through the holes, as you have described, and lock it in place with the key. Your lock is now clamped around the plastic ball preventing anyone hitching up to your caravan.
To release it unlock the lock with the key, remove the lock, pull the stabiliser handle up and the plastic ball will drop out. You are ready to hitch up.
The smaller pin that passes through the hitch, blocks the movement of the release mechanism, preventing the hitch being fitted to a tow ball, OR released from a tow ball if hitched up, also it locks the plastic ball in place as an added hindrance to coupling to any other type of (non standard) ball.
In my opinion it isn't worth spending a lot on hitch-locks or wheel clamps. Anything that takes time to undo will deter a casual thief, and nothing will deter a determined "professional" caravan thief, who will come equippped with the appropriate gear to remove any locks etc. If one of those wants it, consider it gone.
However, if your caravan is old "professional" caravan thieves probably won't be that interested. It does depend what you call "old" though.
Quote: Originally posted by het and ben on 18/3/2024
Thank you for all your information. When I fitted the lock I couldn't understand how it worked.
I am glad that it is a good lock.
The caravan is 22 years old, so old. I am aware that it is unlikely to be wanted by criminals. However I would like to do all I can to keep it safe.
I quite agree, and mine is older still at 32 years old. I always fit my hitch-lock and wheel clamp when I leave it, but they aren't particularly expensive ones. The hitch-lock came with the caravan, but there is no brand name on it, and the wheel clamp is just a cheapie I bought online. I struggle to get it off sometimes, so a casual thief would too, but a "pro" would probably laugh at it, but then would a "pro" want a 32 year old caravan?
So called Travellers, there is a better unrepeatable name for them, tend to use old caravans just for mooving their stuff about,what we would put in garden sheds. See one few weeks ago front locker missing and front window replaced with plywood sheet.
Quote: Originally posted by birdman101 on 19/3/2024
So called Travellers, there is a better unrepeatable name for them, tend to use old caravans just for mooving their stuff about,what we would put in garden sheds. See one few weeks ago front locker missing and front window replaced with plywood sheet.
Probably true, but I doubt whether they'd bother cutting locks off. They would more likely look for one without.
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Topic: Hitch lock
via mobile 18/3/2024 at 12:49pm
