5 Best Selling Insurance Approved Caravan Hitch Locks for AL-KO & Winterhoff Coupling Stabilisers

When you buy your very first Caravan there are a few Caravan Accessories that really are 'par for the course'. While Security may yield second place to the sexier caravan awning, Caravan Security is by far the most important purchase, second only to the Caravan itself. After all, what use is the latest inflatable awning if it's packed neatly away inside your stolen Caravan, on-route to an unpronounceable remote French village, while you and your family sleep-on unaware?!

If we assume your Caravan has some kind of Alarm System and possibly even a Tracking Device already fitted, then a good quality Hitch Lock would come a close second behind a comparably competent Wheel Clamp. We strongly recommend you take care of Security before the rubber on your Caravan tyres meets the road. There are four compelling arguments for owning a good quality Hitchlock:

1. Caravan Hitch Locks are ideally suited to use while stationary on-route to your destination, as they are light, compact and quick and easy to install. In the event you stop for a roadside break they provide ample Security to deter opportunistic criminals, given the time required to remove the lock and the overt visibility typically provided by motorway service stops.
2. In the absence of a Hitchlock a coupling style stabiliser is seriously vulnerable to theft. The high expense and common use of these types of stabilisers has lead to an increase in theft. Therefore, a Hitch Lock provides secondary Security to the stabilisers as well as protecting the Caravan.
3. Always check with your insurers, for the validity of your policy may rest upon the purchase and use of, a suitably qualified Hitchlock.
4. Used in combination with a wheel clamp while in storage during the winter will provide an extra layer of Security for your Caravan. A Hitch Lock alone does not provide sufficient Security to prevent your Caravan from being stolen, especially from less well protected Caravan storage facilities.

Check with Your Insurance Policy First

So you're sold on the idea of utilising a Hitchlock as part of a wider approach to Security – that's great! So where's a good place to begin the search? We'd suggest checking your insurance policy first to see if there are rules in place, recommendations or discounts offered for following insurer recommendations?

Insurer recommendations often come in the form of an industry recognised standard of accreditation or certification. Look out for Sold Secure, an independent organisation that carries out testing on a wide range of Security devices including, Caravan Hitchlocks and wheel clamps. You may also see Thatcham approved products and those accredited by European bodies such as TUV and SCM. The SOLD SECURE logo will be seen on many Security devices sold in the UK with GOLD, SILVER & BRONZE ratings.

READ MORE: 5 Top Selling 'Insurance Approved' Caravan Wheel Clamps

In the absence of guidance from your insurers we recommend you buy a Hitch Lock that meets one of the below (see list) approvals / accreditations – check the packaging, ask staff, and/or by all means visit the manufacturers website if you're unsure.

• Sold Secure Approved & Tested to Bronze, Silver, Gold & Diamond Standards.
• Thatcham Approved % Tested to category 3.
• SCM Dutch Institute for Certification of Vehicle Security Systems.
• VbV Dutch Security System Classification.
• TUV German Institute for Certification of products of all kinds including Caravan.

Constructing the Perfect Hitchlock

Owning a Hitch Lock that is easy to manage and install has to be the most important factor. There really is no point buying a Hitchlock that is simply too cumbersome or too difficult to install, it's only a matter of time before you avoid using it and/or have the additional expense of replacing it with something better.

The design, colour and condition of your Hitch Lock is your first line of defence and an effective deterrent for opportunistic criminals. An old rusty and faded Hitch Lock is not likely to deter experienced criminals, quite like a clean, modern and brightly coloured lock.

Construction is of course important. However, if you follow our guidance on meeting requirements as set out by your insurers, you can skip worrying about construction – it's baked into the cake! If not we would recommend heavy steel construction, with the least amount of welded joints for enhanced strength. Check for welds that maybe nefariously exploited.

You also want the device to cover the hitch head bolts, otherwise it's going to be a cakewalk for experienced criminals to remove. A good quality Hitchlock will incorporate a robust casing / cover that fits over the fixing bolts of the coupling stabiliser or traditional press steel hitch. This feature helps to prevent the hitch / stabiliser from being stolen / removed, and a compatible tow-hitch from being fitted to facilitate the theft of the Caravan.

The quality and position of the locking mechanism is also very important. The Lock itself should be heavily protected against attack, it should not be possible to leverage the lock off using heavy tools or break the barrel. A high Security Lock is an absolute must, offering thousands of unique combinations and are all but impossible for most thieves to pick apart.

As mentioned previously, some models of Hitch Lock can be fitted when the Caravan tow-hitch is connected to the towball of the towcar. This is invaluable when stationary at a service station, allowing you to quickly install the Hitchlock with disconnecting the Caravan from the towcar, making theft of the Caravan significantly less likely.

IMPORTANT: In the interests of safety, using a Hitch Lock to lock the Caravan / trailer tow-hitch onto the towball of the towcar while travelling, is not recommended! Having to cut the Caravan away from the car in the event of an accident could complicate an already complex situation and lead to loss of life.

Feature Recommendations Summary

• Insurance approved
• Ease of use
• Modern design with strong visual appearance to deter opportunistic criminals
• Protected from the elements, rustproof and waterproof
• Heavy steel construction with the least number of welded joints
• Hitch head bolts covered and protected
• Integrated and attack resistant high Security lock with thousands of combinations.
• Hitchlock can be fitted while the Caravan is hitched onto the car (stationary only)

The following Hitch Lock product recommendations meet each of the points listed above. Most models of Caravan Hitchlock offer a Plastic Security Safety Ball, these fit within the coupling head to prevent the Caravan being towed away by someone using a hook device.

1. AL-KO AKS2004 / 3004 Premium Safety Hitch Lock

As you would expect from market leaders AL-KO the AKS2004 / 3004 Premium Safety Hitchlock is a very substantial Hitch Lock that has been specially designed for use with AL-KO AKS2004 and AKS3004 Stabilisers. The specialised design of the lock provides greater Security and ensures the best possible fit.

The lock slides over the coupling handle, enabling the stabiliser handle to be lowered. When fitted the Premium Safety Hitch Lock covers and stops access to the coupling handle and the heavy duty cross bar design prevents lever attacks. The heavy duty steel construction provides excellent resistance to forced attacks.

When used with the popular AKS3004 stabiliser it can be fitted whilst towing the Caravan or trailer. Use the lock with the optional Plastic Security Ball when the Caravan or trailer is decoupled from the towcar.

Features:

• Brand: AL-KO
• Suitable for AL-KO AKS2004 / AKS3004 Stabilisers Red & Black versions.
• Tested to Sold Secure Gold Standard & SCM tested & approved.
• 2 Year warranty.
• Can remain fitted whilst towing (not in the UK).
• Engineered in Germany.
• Boxed Weight: 5.2kg.
• Colour: Black.
• Keys supplied: 2.
• Plastic Security safety ball ( available separately).

2. FULLSTOP Saracen Gullwing Hitch Lock

The Saracen Gullwing Hitchlock offers quick installation, convenience and world leading performance. It has been specially developed for compatibility with AL-KO Coupling stabilisers AKS2004 & AKS3004 to guarantee the optimum fit. The patented design prevents use of the hitch handle and can be fitted using only one hand in less than 10 seconds!

The compact dimensions and lightweight designed of the Saracen Gullwing has universal appeal among Caravanners and makes it ideal for use at service stations and car parks. The bright Orange finish of the robust steel case is an obvious sign to criminals looking for a soft target. Not only does the Gullwing look good but it offers a high level of resistance to attack and is Tested & Quality Assured by Thatcham 'category 3'. The Fullstop Saracen Gullwing Hitch Lock incorporates a British made anti-pick 9-pin lock from premier lock manufacturers Lowe & Fletcher, so you know you're in good hands.

Installation involves fitting a small receiver to your hitch. The receiver is a permanent fixture and only needs to be fitted once, during initial installation. The Saracen Gullwing slides over the hitch handle, before pivoting down the like the wing of a gull, locking into the receiver, securing the hitch and preventing the handle of the hitch from being lifted.

The Saracen Gullwing comes complete with a free carry case and Security hitch ball.

Features:

• Brand: Purpleline
• Suitable for AL-KO AKS2004 / AKS3004 Stabilisers Red & Black versions.
• Tested & Quality Assured by Thatcham 'category 3'.
• 5 Year mechanical warranty.
• Will not fit when Caravan is hitched onto the towcar
• Designed in the UK.
• Weight: 2.3kg.
• Colour: Orange.
• Keys supplied: 2.
• Included: Plastic Security ball and handy carry/storage bag.

3. STRONGHOLD AL-KO Hitch Lock

The Stronghold AL-KO Hitchlock is a popular traditional style Hitch Lock that's suitable for a wide range of AL-KO hitches and coupling stabilisers including, AK130, AK160, AKS1300, AKS2004 and AKS3004. It has a robust water & corrosion proof anti-saw steel casing, with unique high Security pick-free locks that have thousands of possible key combinations. The exterior is coated in an attractive and very visible yellow paint to deter opportunistic criminals.

Supplied with a 5-year warranty and offering impressive performance against attack, the Stronghold AL-KO Hitch Lock is Approved to Sold Secure Gold standard and is VbV/SCM MP03 Approved in the Netherlands. Weighing in at just over 3 kg it's easy to handle and can be fitted in under 10 seconds. It is possible to fit this Caravan hitch lock when the car and Caravan are parked together, which is beneficial when parked at service stations and car parks.

Features:

• Brand: Stronghold
• Suitable for AL-KO AKS2004 / AKS3004 Stabilisers Red & Black versions. AL-KO AKS 1300 Stabiliser & AL-KO press steel hitches AK130 & AK160.
• Tested to Sold Secure Gold Standard & SCM tested & approved to MP03.
• 5 Year mechanical warranty.
• It provides Security for a car and Caravan when they are parked coupled together.
• Designed in the UK.
• Weight: 3.13kg.
• Colour: Yellow.
• L 27 x W 20.8 x H 13.5
• Keys supplied: 3 & key identity tag.
• Included: Plastic Security ball & robust & durable plastic storage/carry case.

4. STRONGHOLD Hitch Lock for Winterhoff WS3000

The STRONGHOLD Hitchlock for Winterhoff WS3000 is a lightweight and compact Security device designed for Winterhoff WS3000 coupling stabilisers. At only 2.5kg it's enormously user friendly and can be fitted in under 10 seconds.

The Stronghold Winterhoff WS3000 Hitch Lock offers robust steel casing with anti-saw features and a unique high Security pick-free lock with thousands of possible key combinations. Tested to Sold Secure Gold Standard and SCM tested & VbV/SCM MP03 approved in the Netherlands. It provides Security for both car and Caravan when they parked and coupled together.

Comes with impressive 5 Year Mechanical Warranty and should be considered as a great alternative to the expensive official Winterhoff Hitch Lock.

Features:

• Brand: Stronghold
• Suitable for Winterhoff WS3000 Stabilisers.
• Tested to Sold Secure Gold Standard & SCM tested & VbV/SCM MP03 approved in the Netherlands.
• 5 Year mechanical warranty.
• It provides Security for a car and Caravan when they are parked coupled together.
• Designed in the UK.
• Weight: 2.5kg.
• Colour: Silver.
• Keys supplied: 3.
• Included: Plastic Security ball robust & durable plastic storage/carry case.

5. MILENCO Super Heavy Duty AL-KO Hitch Lock

Superior high quality British manufactured Hitchlock suitable for AL-KO AKS2004 and AL-KO AKS3004 coupling stabilisers, with an integrated high quality, high Security lock that is drill and cutter resistant. Engineered and designed to be one of the strongest Hitch Locks ever made. Super heavy duty 4mm steel finished in attractive yellow painted finish provides high visibility. Far exceeds all standards for Security with SCM MP03, Sold Secure Gold and SBSC SSF Approval.

Suitable for installation when the Caravan is coupled to the towcar, providing Security for both car and Caravan when at motorway service stops and car parks.

Despite the inherent strength of the Milenco Super Heavy Duty AL-KO Hitch Lock it weighs only 2.92kg making it easy to manage. Supplied with a plastic Security ball, handy carry case and 3 durable stainless steel keys.

Features:

• Brand: Milenco
• Suitable for AL-KO AKS2004 / AL-KO AKS3004 Stabilisers Red & Black versions.
• Tested to Sold Secure Gold Standard & SCM tested & VbV/SCM MP03 approved in the Netherlands.
• Strongest lock ever used in a Hitch Lock.
• 2 Year warranty including lock.
• It provides Security for a car and Caravan when they are parked coupled together.
• Manufactured in the UK.
• Weight: 2.92kg.
• Colour: Yellow.
• Supplied with 3 stainless steel keys.
• Plastic Security ball and handy carry / storage bag included.

All the above Hitch Locks and many more are available to buy online or in-store, at our 15,000 square foot Caravan Accessory Showroom in Essex. Call 01255-830-229 for more information.