How to Lock the Ark Articulating Off-Road Coupler to Deter Theft

Question:

Hey! I picked up a trailer recently that came with an ARK articulating coupler. I reached out to them about a lock that is compatible and they recommended I ask if you have any that you recommend. My plan otherwise is to just remove the coupler when I am not hitched to the trailer and putting a lock in the pin hole. Any other recommendations for locking that unit so the trailer doesnt wander off? Thanks!

asked by: Sam

Expert Reply:

Hey Sam, thanks for reaching out!

The Ark Articulating Off-Road Coupler for 2" Receivers # AR44FR is a great way to add some versatility in where your trailer can be towed, but since everything can move around it does present some challenges when we're looking for coupler locks.

The best option for keeping your trailer (and the Ark coupler) from walking off is for you to use the Stainless Steel Coupler Lock # e98882 to secure the Ark to your trailer, and then the BulletProof Hitches Extreme Duty Coupler Lock # BPH96VR to lock up your trailer coupler from being used when you don't want it to be.

I reached out to my contact at Ark just to get their take on adding a lock to the Ark coupler when it's connected to the tow vehicle and he said they don't have a lock for that and they actually recommend against it because any lock design would prevent the head from articulating so the user would have to remember to remove the lock prior to towing or risk damaging the whole system.

I know it's not the answer you were looking for but hopefully this gives you some peace of mind on how to secure your trailer!

expert reply by: Jon G

Tom

3/11/2024

I have a newly installed Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout - Bolt On - Disc - 2" Ball - Zinc - 7.5K - DX89FR. It is a straight tongue design, and I am wondering if the Bullet Proof (BPH96VR) lock's sliding bar conforms to the actuator closely enough that it cannot be pried off relatively easily, lets say with a crow bar or hammer. Does it meet your higher lock standard for this specific actuator? I tried the Fastway Universal Coupler lock FA86-0015-313, and though I did not try to pry it off with a crow bar or hammer, it looked too loose for the straight tongue design. Thanks, Tom

Jon G.

3/11/2024

@Tom The BulletProof Hitches Extreme Duty Coupler Lock # BPH96VR will fit a little more snug than the Fastway Universal Coupler Lock # FA86-0015-313 when it comes to the square design of your Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout # DX89FR, but it won't be form-fitting so I suppose a crow bar could be wedged in somewhere. For something that's a little more form-fitting and tough we have the AMPLock Trailer Coupler Lock for Square, 2" Ball Couplers # AMP84FR you might be interest instead (although it's a bit more pricey). I will say that it is important to remember that coupler locks are really just a theft deterrent, and anyone with the right amount of time, talent, and resources can break any lock out there.

Tom

3/12/2024

@JonG Hey Jon, Thanks for getting back on form-fitting discussion . Unfortunately, my DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator with Electric Lockout # DX89FR is not 2-5/16" so the AMPLock # AMP24FR will not work, correct ? Thanks, Tom

Jon G.

3/12/2024

@Tom You are correct. Sorry I posted the wrong part number; for a 2" coupler you need the part # AMP84FR instead, which I'm correcting for future reference as well.