New PROVEN INDUSTRIES hitch lock... can't make it work

[RFP]

OK, I know that I should just patiently wait until tomorrow morning when the company is open and give them a call... but dang, my $310 Proven Industries hitch lock just arrived via UPS and the darned thing won't go on the Airstream hitch.

Yep, the packing list shows that I ordered the right hitch, but the thing simply will not go onto the hitch. There is no marking that I can find on the hitch to verify that they shipped the Airstream model

Anybody else have this problem? Shouldn't this thing just slip on and lock right up?

Good thing I'm not camping, 'cause I wouldn't be a happy camper?

Rob

[Adventure.AS]

Is this the lock?

https://youtu.be/nyOHa1TZXXo

[RFP]

Originally Posted by Adventure.AS

Is this the lock?

https://youtu.be/nyOHa1TZXXo

Yep, well, it's the "Airstream version" of that lock. Here it is: http://provenlocks.com/products/mode...tream-couplers

Rob

[SteveSueMac]

Gotta say - the pic they provide of the Airstream-only snout doesn't look at all like my AS trailer snout....

Does this pic look like your AS?

[RFP]

Originally Posted by SteveSueMac

Gotta say - the pic they provide of the Airstream-only snout doesn't look at all like my AS trailer snout....

Does this pic look like your AS?

Attachment 277610

Yes, that's it.

[SteveSueMac]

Actually, I take that back....I guess it DOES look like my AS snout....it wouldn't work with mine because of the hitch I use (which stays attached).

My apologies. I did notice on their site they say the AS version doesn't allow you to put the chains in (like the video that was shared earlier).

🤔

[RFP]

The problem is solved, and the Proven Industries lock is on!!

This morning, I called Proven Industries support and talked with Jill. She was both pleasant and competent. So, after sending a few photos and measurements, we determined that the coupler was "overstamped" on the right (curb) side. Too much metal on that side wouldn't allow the lock housing to go into position. So, using my trusty angle grinder, it took all of about five minutes to get the right side to match the left, and - woo hoo - the lock assembly fits perfectly.

I'm confident that Proven Industries has one of the best hitch locks available, and their support was clearly interested in helping... kudos to them... 'specially Jill!

Rob

[KJRitchie]

But can you get it off now?

Kelvin

[RFP]

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

But can you get it off now?

Kelvin

Hmmmmmm...

[AWCHIEF]

Do your modifications effect their warranty, liability and otherwise?

[RFP]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

Do your modifications effect their warranty, liability and otherwise?

Oh, no. The 'grinding' was done to the top edge of the right side of the Airstream's coupler. It was only between fifteen and twenty thousanths.

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

Do your modifications effect their warranty, liability and otherwise?

Wise guy... 😀

[Caffeinated]

So you had to grind on your hitch to get their lock to fit? Pretty sure that's a deal breaker for me.

Mike

[FCStreamer]

Originally Posted by RFP

The problem is solved, and the Proven Industries lock is on!!

This morning, I called Proven Industries support and talked with Jill. She was both pleasant and competent. So, after sending a few photos and measurements, we determined that the coupler was "overstamped" on the right (curb) side. Too much metal on that side wouldn't allow the lock housing to go into position. So, using my trusty angle grinder, it took all of about five minutes to get the right side to match the left, and - woo hoo - the lock assembly fits perfectly.

I'm confident that Proven Industries has one of the best hitch locks available, and their support was clearly interested in helping... kudos to them... 'specially Jill!

Rob

Glad to hear it. I love my Proven Industries lock. If they steal my AS, they won't be using the coupler to do it.

[RFP]

Originally Posted by Caffeinated

So you had to grind on your hitch to get their lock to fit? Pretty sure that's a deal breaker for me.

Mike

It seems to me that it would be a shame to allow my experience to cause you to not consider the Proven Industries lock. Here's my thinking...

1. My Airstream's coupler is a freak! All the couplers are metal stampings and it's clear that mine was stamped in such a way that the upward-turned edge on the right side was too "tall."

2. Even on my "freak" coupler, the fix was super-simple and quick. Let me say it again, only a very small amount og metal had to be removed: twenty-thousandths of an inch or less.

3. The Proven Industries lock is a superior product; perhaps the best tongue lock on today's market.

Think it over.

Rob

[FCStreamer]

I think the tolerances are very tight because the lock is designed to stay on even if the coupler latch lock is defeated.

[RFP]

Originally Posted by FCStreamer

I think the tolerances are very tight because the lock is designed to stay on even if the coupler latch lock is defeated.

Right you are, defeating the coupler lock is not really going to help a potential thief to steal your trailer... not at all. Yes, the fit is 'snug' and quite precise. The lock itself must weigh ten pounds, it's a rock-solid deterrent.

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by RFP

Right you are, defeating the coupler lock is not really going to help a potential thief to steal your trailer... not at all. ... it's a rock-solid deterrent.

A good coupler lock helps deter 'honest' people, but check out this video. These guys don't even try and defeat the coupler lock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9tb...hB32dnoKakg27A

[Troutboy]

Rob,

Does your coupler latch close completely around the fake ball on the lock? Mine won't. They told me to insert it sideways then turn it while the coupler is in the x,oases position. This doesn't work either. So on mine, the coupler latch doesn't close, but it seems to be locked in place very well and sturdy even without a complete closure around the fake ball.


Also, I agree, the chains pose a big risk. I also purchased a brahma wheel lock which is great, easy to install and I think provides further deterrent to theft.

I also have a hidden spot trac gps tracker that I love. $90 a year and it sends me a text and email every day letting me know the unit is still where I left it. If it moves a all, it immediately send me a text that the AS is on the move and will allow tracking.

I am taking these precautions as I have to store it in a public storage place 20 miles from my house, until we get a garage built at the house that will keep the AS.

I figure this three pronged strategy will keep her safe and deter most.


Thx
Troutboy, aka Rich

[RFP]

Originally Posted by Troutboy

Rob,

Does your coupler latch close completely around the fake ball on the lock? Mine won't. They told me to insert it sideways then turn it while the coupler is in the x,oases position. This doesn't work either. So on mine, the coupler latch doesn't close, but it seems to be locked in place very well and sturdy even without a complete closure around the fake ball.
[ snip ]

Yes, Rich, it does close completely... it was 'fussy' a time or two, but I think the problem was 'pilot error.'

Rob