PDB TESTED BOLT Trailer Lock

When it comes to “real world” testing with a collection of trailer locks, it doesn't get more real than having to leave your pontoon in the parking lot of a hotel located on the outskirts of Chicago, Ill. It's one thing when your boat trailer is still hooked up to your tow vehicle, but I decided to unhook and head into the city for the day and left the trailer and boat unattended, hoping they would still be there when I returned. Finding parking in downtown Chicago is hard enough for a full-size pickup truck, but having a 30-foot pontoon trailer behind it makes it nearly impossible, so I didn't feel I had much of a choice.     

On this recent road trip adventure I picked up a Barletta pontoon for the summer in Indiana and made my way back to Idaho, which round trip was around 3,400 miles. I knew there would be some overnight stops on this trip so I planned ahead by researching trailer locks.

A quick search online and you'll easily discover there are a ton of trailer lock options available these days. However, the trouble with all those locks is that you end up with all those lock keys. Wouldn’t it be nice to have all these locks work with just one key … say, even your truck ignition key? This is where BOLT Locks comes in.

Why BOLT
BOLT has designed a series of locks that can accommodate all your needs and can be programmed to match your truck key. The secret is you use your truck key to set the lock tumblers. The process is simple—remove the warning sticker, insert your key and turn it clockwise as far as it goes. Once it’s done, it’s done. One ignition key will fit all your programmed locks. Plus BOLT has locks to fit receivers, tool boxes, spare tire locks, coupler pin locks, padlocks, cable locks, off-vehicle coupler locks, collar/kingpin locks, etc.

Receiver Lock
Starting with the 5/8-inch receiver lock, I knew I first needed to make sure I secured my hitch. With the stainless steel pin and the weatherproof lock, it's something I can leave in year-round, not just when I'm towing. It retails for $39.99 and since it's permanently programmed to my truck key, I know I can easily remove my hitch at any time if needed.

Coupler Pin Lock
Unless you want to run the risk of having your boat trailer pass you on the highway, every trailer needs a coupler pin to ensure the coupler stays on your hitch. The math doesn’t get any simpler than that. But instead of going with the cheap coupler pin that came with your trailer, BOLT offers a locking version. The weatherproof lock retails for $31.99 and at that price I think it’s worth it to not have to carry around an extra key just for the coupler lock.

Off-Vehicle Trailer Coupler Lock
I knew the BOLT Trailer Coupler Lock was a must for this trip, but I was thinking of getting one before anyway for when my trailer is unattended in storage. The Off-Vehicle Coupler Lock ($74.99) is solid and well-designed to secure the hitch. It's made from hardened steel hardware for extra security and is corrosion resistant. The locking system is clean and easily accessible, plus it takes only a minute to attach it.

Cable Lock
Lastly, I added the BOLT Cable Lock to complete my pre-trip order. I knew I could find a good use for it after my trip for securing equipment or kayaks and thought it would be good to have when I left the trailer in the hotel parking lot. Looking back now the Cable Lock ($41.99) was totally overkill for this situation, but visually it might have prevented a thief from even attempting to steal my boat. The 6-foot long, 1/4-inch thick black vinyl coated coiled cable provides a lot of different ways it can be used.

Final Thoughts
When I returned to the hotel parking lot after my day in Chicago and found the Barletta pontoon safely on the Boatmate trailer where I had left it, I gave a clear sigh of relief. BOLT provided the peace of mind I was needing and I never worried about someone stealing my boat again for the rest of my trip. I stayed at a couple more hotels on the way back and never had a single issue or concern.

The thought of having four separate locks that all are in sync with my truck key is truly amazing. BOLT Locks are made to cover major automotive brands such as Chevy, RAM, Jeep, Ford, Toyota and Nissan. The automotive grade technology used provides enhanced security, and each BOLT Lock comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

My trip inspired me to invest in a collection of locks, but in reality it's something I should have done sooner.