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Master Lock 375DAT Snap on Receiver Hitch Lock w/ 5/8″Pin

After spending more than I care to mention on a bike rack and a hitch-mounted storage rack I felt I needed to protect them with a hitch lock. The Master Lock 375DAT is for a 2″ receiver and replaces a 5/8″ pin. I looked at a few bike and hardware stores and found it to be competitively priced on Amazon. It also appeared to be of better quality and lower price than some others I found at a hitch store as well. In assessing the lock I wanted to see how well it performed in three apsects: 1) Fit and ease of putting through the hitch pin opening 2) Ease of locking and opening with hitch attachments on; and 3) Did it make any noise or rattle.Overall I was more than pleased with the lock. 1) With regard to placement I was pleasantly surprised to find that it slid through my slightly rusty receiver hitch better than any of my existing pins. I think this was because it is a better quality SST than my other pins. I also found the locking mechanism to be easier to lock in place than the conventional pin. Since the locking head is symmetrical I did not have to worry about getting the hole lined up just perfect to insert a cotter pin (also minimized knuckle scraps). 2) It was also easier to mount my storage rack attachment since you approach the lock from the side rather than having to address the cotter pin through the attachment. I had also intended to use with my bike rack which is held in place with a bolt. I forgot the bolt is held in place with a nut welded to the inside of the receiver tube so the lock is unable to go through. Not the fault of the lock, just disappointing that I either have to keep using the bolt or somehow remove to enable the lock to pass through. 3) I was a little concerned that there was some play in the lock and that it might create some noise. The play I noticed helps engage the key in the lock and does not appear to be a problem. My only complaint is that I wish Amazon carried a version for my other car that has a 1 1/4″ receiver which needs a 1/2″ pin!

Update (5/19/2012): This item is currently on sale here for the lowest price I’ve seen.

The featured review for this product, Master Lock 375DAT Class III/IV Snap-On Receiver Hitch Lock with 5/8-Inch Pin Tools & Hardware, was written by M. Peterson.

The average rating for this item is 3.7 out of 5 stars, according to 3 reviews.