Could anybody please advise us as to what type if lock would work to lock Erde 122 trailer to our car, whilst we are driving down to Spain this weekend .
Many thanks in advance
Sandra
Erde do one that is simple and cheap. It prevents the hitch lever being moved so the trailer cannot be removed from the tow ball. Halford sell it for £10 but you can get them for less than a fiver on eBay (search for erde trailer lock). Whilst it would not stop the most determined criminal it is better than nothing.
Yep, we use a 2m Length of Case Hardned Chain, the Links are 19mm thick, chain cost around £50 you can get it in Stainless but expect to pay £120 for 2m for that.
The Padlock for the Chain is a 19mm CISA high security lock, current price around £100,
It makes for a good visual deterrent and locks onto the towbar.
At the end of the day, you can't remove the risk, but you can reduce it!
I didn't want to intervene on this thread initially but have to agree with the above two comments stating not to lock the hitch whilst the trailer is in tow. I have not only read it in books but also seen it on a caravanning video as well and it went on to explain the reason why. When the trailer is in tow the hitch needs to pivot on the towball which it has to due to uneven road surfaces and pot holes etc. so by fitting a security device to the hitch restricts this movement which can lead to damage to the hitch.
Many years ago when the hitches were made from cast steel there used to be a hole which a padlock could be inserted and locked to prevented you from lifting the handle up and detaching the trailer so could be left locked when towing. The lifting handle no longer has a hole for a padlock because the security was inadequate as a potential thief could unscrew the two hitch bolts and make off with the trailer. The later security devices cover these two bolts so the lock is bigger that wraps more securely around the hitch itself.
The erde 122 does indeed have a fitting for inserting a custom lock barrel available from ebay and dealers. Check out the hitch handle and you will see a hole for this purpose.
Having this lock in place is in no way dangerous or detrimental. In fact it is a safety improvement. It stops the release handle being lifted and you don't really want that to happen when towing.