Comparing the Leading Trailer Wheel Locks

Trailer theft is incredibly common in some states as owners aren’t required to register them. This anonymity is every thief’s dream, as once they have possession of your trailer, no one can officially prove it isn’t theirs. They can sell it off with no problems whatsoever. That’s why it’s important for you trailer owners out there to be informed of all the precautionary measures you can take to reduce the chances of theft. So, in this article, we’re going to be discussing the five best wheel locks for trailers. best trailer wheel lock Once you’ve seen the top of the choices, we’re going to run through an in-depth buyer’s guide and FAQ section to make sure you have all the info you need to beat the thief.

In a hurry? This is our Winner!

Our Top Pick
9.4/10 Our Score
Trimax TCL75 Deluxe Universal Wheel Chock Lock
  • Durable powder-coated steel construction
  • Rubber prongs protect your rim
  • Anti-pick lock
  • Industrial style color scheme
  • Comes with two keys

Trailer Wheel Lock – Top Model Compared

Image Product Technical Spec Price
OUR TOP PICK
Trimax TCL75 Deluxe Universal Wheel Chock Lock
Trimax TCL75 Deluxe Universal Wheel Chock Lock
  • Brand: Trimax
  • Color: Yellow/Red
  • Material: Synthetic
  • Dimensions: 4 x 13.4 x 19 inches
  • Weight: 4 Pounds
Check Price On Amazon
EDITOR’S CHOICE
Trimax Ultra-Maxadjustable Wheel Lock with Heavy Metal Disk
Trimax Ultra-Maxadjustable Wheel Lock with Heavy Metal Disk
  • Brand: Trimax
  • Color: Yellow/Black
  • Material: Synthetic
  • Dimensions: 11 x 28 x 8.5 in
  • Lock Type: Key Lock
Check Price On Amazon
BEST VALUE
VaygWay Tire Clamp Wheel Lock
VaygWay Tire Clamp Wheel Lock
  • Brand: VaygWay
  • Material: Metal
  • Finish Type: Powder Coated
  • Dimensions: 15 x 2 x 11 in
  • Weight: 3 Pounds
Check Price On Amazon
RUNNER UP
Goplus Heavy Duty Trailer Lock
Goplus Heavy Duty Trailer Lock
  • Brand: Goplus
  • Material: Steel
  • Finish Type: Powder Coated
  • Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 4 inches
  • Lock Type: Key Lock
Check Price On Amazon
RUNNER UP
Zento Deals 2-Pack Security Tire Clamp
Zento Deals 2-Pack Security Tire Clamp
  • Manufacturer: ‎Zento Deals
  • Brand: ‎Zento Deals
  • Color:  striking red & yellow
  • Weight: ‎9.48 pounds
  • Dimensions: ‎15 x 11 x 2 inches
Check Price On Amazon

Top 5 Best Trailer Wheel Lock

1. OUR TOP PICK: Trimax TCL75 Deluxe Universal Wheel Chock Lock

Trimax TCL75 Deluxe Universal Wheel Lock [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001H494DC?tag=atva03-20″ background=”#1700FF” size=”10″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow”]CHECK LATEST PRICE[/su_button] Summary Our number one pick is a classic wheel lock clamp design in bright yellow and red sure to strike fear into even the most brazen of thieves. Made from heavy-gauge, welded, powder-coated steel, the Trimax Deluxe will be near impossible to bend, or cut. Once it’s on, it’s staying on. The powder coating is a great touch. It prevents corrosion, makes them chip and scar-resistant, and pretty much weatherproof. Locks are one the most important parts of a wheel clamp, and Trimax have gone to great efforts to kit their deluxe option out with some of the most impenetrable mechanisms on the market. Anti-pick designs normally mean the top half of the pin stack has been specially modified or it has an extra set of tumblers. The chances of even a skilled thief getting into this mechanism are infinitesimal. It comes with two keys. Keep one as a spare, or share one with your cohabitant. These clamps are also shaped to double up as wheel chocks to keep your trailer firmly in place and add another layer of defense against thieves. Don’t worry about fixing the pincers to a hole in your rim, they just fit firm to the rim itself with protective rubber-coated tips. Keep in mind, the Trimax Deluxe is a fantastic boot, but it isn’t a coverall protection. It will work best as part of a multipronged approach to keeping your trailer secure. Pros
  • Durable powder-coated steel construction
  • Rubber prongs protect your rim
  • Anti-pick lock
  • Industrial style color scheme
  • Comes with two keys
  • Chuck shape ads a second layer of protection
Cons
  • A little pricey
  • Prongs can be bent under extreme pressure

2. EDITOR’S CHOICE: Trimax Ultra-Maxadjustable Wheel Lock with Heavy Metal Disk

Trimax Ultra-Maxadjustable Wheel Lock [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003E1GLSM?tag=atva03-20″ background=”#1700FF” size=”10″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow”]CHECK LATEST PRICE[/su_button] Summary Locking into our number two spot is another awesome Trimax boot for those of you looking for some full-coverage protection. Whereas normal wheel locks lock onto your rim with pincers, the Ultra’s steel disk fits over the entire central rim, covering all the lugnuts. A rubber lining protects your rim from scratches and keeps the disk securely in place. With one of these fitted, your wheel is near impossible to remove. Don’t worry if you have a particularly deep wheel. The Ultra has adjustable arms so you can get a secure fit on almost any wheel type. The bright industrial yellow of the Ultra gives it an indestructible and official look. Thieves won’t know if you’ve fitted or the council has. This design also features a pair of really strong horns that grip and dig into the ground should anyone try to drive your trailer without removing the clamp beforehand. This extra layer of security offers even more peace of mind. If you want to maximize your security and pair the Ultra with some other Trimax locks, you can organize to have them keyed alike. We thought this was really great, as the last thing you want is to carry a giant prison warden’s keyring around with you. Pros
  • Clamp covers all your lugnuts
  • Horns prevent wheel movement
  • Comes with three keys
  • Durable steel construction
  • Bright industrial coloring
  • Can be keyed alike
  • Weight makes trailer theft even less likely
Cons
  • Weight makes it slightly harder to set
  • Expensive

3. BEST VALUE: VaygWay Tire Clamp Wheel Lock

VaygWay Tire Clamp Wheel Lock [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XFPC35H?tag=atva03-20″ background=”#1700FF” size=”10″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow”]CHECK LATEST PRICE[/su_button] Summary Next on our immovable list of locks is another fantastic pincer design sure to give your local bad eggs the heebie-jeebies. We absolutely love the construction of this device because it’s made from ABS steel. ABS steel is designed to have even higher strength-specifications than normal steel. It’s used for building ships. So, if you like the idea of a trailer lock made of the same material as a warship, this is the one for you. Let’s have a look at the colors now. The ABS steel frame is tractor-yellow, giving it a strong industrial look. The PVC coatings on the pincers to keep your rims safe are bright red. Red is a natural indicator of danger. It’s a small deterrent, but one that works on innate and unconscious levels. You also get a nice red PVC coated tail to make carrying this lock more comfortable. This boot is fully adjustable, comes with two keys, and only weighs 3 pounds. You can tuck this out the way under your passenger seat or in the back when not in use, and set it up in seconds. It will work best as part of a network of deterrents. Pros
  • Great coloring is noticeable and deters thieves
  • ABS steel construction will make this lock almost impossible to bend
  • PVC pincer and handle covers make it comfortable for you and your rims
  • Comes with two keys
  • Affordable
  • Highly-rated
Cons
  • An anti-pick lock would sure this boot up on all fronts
  • Pincers may be bendable under extreme pressure

4. RUNNER UP: Goplus Heavy Duty Trailer Lock

Goplus Heavy Duty Trailer Lock [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NEAZDHI?tag=atva03-20″ background=”#1700FF” size=”10″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow”]CHECK LATEST PRICE[/su_button] Summary Our number four spot is another incredibly solid option that’s going to help keep your trailer stationary and safe. The Goplus is made out of incredibly heavy-duty steel, making them a nightmare for thieves to try and manipulate. It also has a lovely soft coating PVC on the pincers and handle, with anti-slip grip patterns. Travel to some pretty volatile weather systems? No problem.The steel frame is almost completely weather-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about maintenance or replacements every year. The adjustable pincers should make this a perfect fit on any kind of trailer, but also motorbikes, cars, scooters, and RVs. Just like our other picks, the striking yellow and red coloring is going to scare thieves from even trying to lift your vehicle. We really appreciate the PVC lock cover on this boot. A lot of wheel locks claim that they’re weather resistant but offer nothing in the way of protection for the lock. Quickly flicking on the cover of this device will keep the mechanism safe and dry, primed for long term use. Pros
  • Strong steel construction
  • Soft PVC handle and pincer coating
  • Grip patterns will prevent damage from dropping
  • Weatherproof design includes lock cap
  • Great industrial coloring
  • Will fit number of vehicles
  • Lightweight
  • Comes with three keys
Cons
  • Not an anti-pick lock
  • A little pricey

5. RUNNER UP: Zento Deals 2-Pack Security Tire Clamp

Zento Deals 2-Pack Security Tire Clamp [su_button url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MWBBC9K?tag=atva03-20″ background=”#1700FF” size=”10″ center=”yes” radius=”0″ rel=”nofollow”]CHECK LATEST PRICE[/su_button] Summary Stopping thieves in their tracks at our number five spot are these amazing value Zento wheel locks. They’re made out of the exact same, super-strong ABS steel as our number three pick, so you know they’re secure. Keeping up with the trend, they’re highly visible even at night due to the semi-fluorescent yellow and red color scheme. These locks also have some really secure lock-caps like our number four pick, keeping the mechanisms nice and secure in bad weather. Obviously, the thing that sets these apart is that they come as a 2-pack, making them the most affordable locks on our list. We highly recommend you use multiple security locks, so a multipack is a very attractive prospect. You’ll get two keys, so you’ll always have a spare, and both keys work on both locks. Both the handles and pincer have a soft PVC rubber coating to keep your rims sparkling and your hands soft. They’re lightweight and versatile so they should be an easy fit on most kinds of trailer wheels. Customers have claimed in the past that these locks aren’t as heavy-duty as advertised, but we think the visual of a double-locked trailer, and the time and effort it would take a thief to deal with both is a pretty good deterrent. Pros
  • Affordable
  • Comes as a pack of 2
  • Lock caps protect the mechanisms
  • Soft PVC covers protect rims and hand
  • Comes with 2 keys that fit both locks
  • ABS steel construction
Cons
  • May not be as durable as you’d think
  • Some customers claimed the keys didn’t fit both locks

Things to Consider when Shopping

Shopping for wheel locks for your trailer can be pretty confusing. They’re all relatively similar, and you don’t have time to trawl through a million products comparing minor details. This is why we’ve composed an in-depth buyer’s guide. Have a quick look below and you should have all the information you need to find a lock that’s perfect for your trailer.

Cost

Tire locks are sold at a variety of price points, but a steeper tag doesn’t always necessarily mean it’s made of stronger materials or that it works any better. It’s good to try and find out exactly what you’re paying for and where the costs are incurred.

Color

The color of a lock may seem insignificant, but it’s actually one of the most important features of the device.

Yellow

Yellow is a great color for your lock as it has industrial connotations. This particular shade of yellow makes the lock seem incredibly strong and resilient.

Red

Your lock should also have bright red or orangey-red on it. Red, in nature, implies danger. It triggers something on an unconscious level, sets off internal alarm bells. This is a small but intelligent way to make your lock even more of a deterrent.

Visibility

The main reason for the brightly colored yellow and red locks is to make them as visible as possible. The first line of defense your lock provides is always a visual deterrent. If your vehicle appears to have no security in place, thieves are far more likely to tamper with or damage it in some way as they try to steal it. It doesn’t just need to be visible in the day time, it also needs to be highly visible at night. Nighttime is when your trailer is most vulnerable to thieves. Having a lock with semi-fluorescent qualities will make them aware of the measures you’ve put in place. They’re then likely to choose an easier target.

Lock

The lock is an incredibly important part of your trailer’s boot. It needs to be a durable and secure mechanism. Looking for a clamp that has a lock-cap is a good start. This will protect the inner workings from the weather and prevent internal rust. Better yet, look for a clamp that has some sort of anti-pick mechanism. There are a few different methods that make a lock more difficult to pick. One is to give the pin stack an extra indentation or mushroom shape that catches during an attempt to pick the lock. Another method is to include an extra tumbler in the mechanism. Locks with these mechanisms are also effective against bumping. The locking mechanism should also be able to withstand a lot of force. The chances are the average thief isn’t going to be able to pick even a simple lock, but they’ll definitely have access to a hammer. Disabling the lock by force is loud and may raise alarms, but it’s fast. It gives the thief plenty of time to get away.

Keys

Ideally, you want your lock to come with at least two keys, but we recommend getting a couple more cut just in case. This way you’ve got a few spares, even if you give the original spare to someone else. The keys themselves should be short and strong. The last thing you need is to snap one off in the mechanism. No amount of spares are going to help you then.

Material

You absolutely must find out what materials your tire lock is made out of. It needs to be as strong as possible to prevent manipulation by a thief. Steel is the most commonly used metal. ABS steel is even better as it’s galvanized for use in shipbuilding.

Weld

Tire locks are never one piece of metal. They’re normally at least three separate parts welded together at the corners. Inspecting the weld will give you an insight into the strength of the lock. Checking the quality of a weld is quite difficult to do, so don’t worry if you don’t have access to the equipment you need to do it. You can do an x-ray test, a magnaflux test, a dye penetrant test, or an ultrasonic test to check for voids or lack of fusion in a weld.

Shape

You should consider locks with multipurpose shaping. Our number one pick for example is shaped to work as a chock as well. Other designs might use horns or blocks that work to prevent the wheel from turning.

Application

You should think about what it is exactly you’re trying to prevent when you’re buying your tire lock. The average tire lock should stop the wheel from moving but won’t protect against the removal of the whole tire. A lock like our number two pick will protect the lug nuts of your wheel.

Open Width/Closed Width

Finding a device that fits your wheel well is the most important aspect of picking a new wheel lock. If it doesn’t fit flush against your wheel, it’s only going to be a visual deterrent, and only if it’s seen from a distance. Trailers can have some very unusual sizes and shapes of wheel. To get this right first time around, take your wheel’s measurements and match them against the open and closed width measurements of a tire lock. The tighter you can get the fit the better as it will prevent the use of crowbars to bend the pincers.

Other Measures

It’s important to note that while our list has some quality tire locks, none of them are adequate security measures on their own. They’ll all best work as part of a larger defense. We recommend getting either a couple of the same products or mixing it up a bit with two different mechanisms. Having two of the same lock will be a great visual deterrent; however, if a thief can deal with one, they can deal with the other fairly fast. Using a variety of locks will take more time and more gear.

Are Wheel Locks Compatible with Fifth Wheel Hitches?

Certainly, expert fifth wheel hitches 2021 usually function effectively when used in conjunction with wheel locks. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the wheel lock is compatible in size and design with the specific fifth wheel hitch you have. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines before using a wheel lock with your fifth wheel hitch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do wheel locks actually work?

Yes and no. They pose a more difficult prospect to a thief so they’re likely to choose a different target. If a thief does try to break through your tire lock, it’s going to take much longer and it’s going to require certain equipment. This increases their chances of being caught. As we said in our buyer’s guide, mixing your defense up with some different styles of lock will make your vehicle more secure than having just one type of lock.

What if I lost my wheel lock key?

This is a difficult situation but a great opportunity to test your lock. Do whatever you think a thief would attempt. Try and break through the mechanism. Then you’ll have first-hand evidence of its efficacy. That’s not your only option though. You could try and contact the company to see if they have any way of supplying a new key that will fit the lock. If you don’t have time to wait for replies and postage, try and contact your local locksmith. A good locksmith can make a key with just the lock as a reference. To prevent this ever happening we recommend getting a number of copies cut. This is a common occurrence that can altogether ruin your plans. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

What are wheel lock nuts?

The nuts are locking security bolts that protect your wheel or rims from being stolen. The only way to loosen them is with a key. Use these in conjunction with a wheel lock for some serious security.

Safe and Secure

Thanks for reading our article on the five best wheel locks for trailers. We hope you’ve learned everything you need to turn your lovely trailer into an impenetrable fortress.

Our Top Pick
9.4/10 Our Score
Trimax TCL75 Deluxe Universal Wheel Chock Lock
  • Durable powder-coated steel construction
  • Rubber prongs protect your rim
  • Anti-pick lock
  • Industrial style color scheme
  • Comes with two keys

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

seventeen − six =