Spring Maintenance Guide for Your Hitchlocks

Caravan theft remains a real problem in the UK — Metropolitan Police freedom-of-information data collected across 30 UK police forces recorded roughly 500–570 caravan thefts a year between 2020 and 2022. A well-maintained hitchlock is one of the simplest ways to keep a caravan an unattractive target, but like any mechanical lock it needs a bit of care to keep working properly.

The Heavy Duty Alko 3004 Hitchlock is built from 4mm steel, engineered in the UK, and tested to exceed both Sold Secure Gold and SCM MP03 standards, fitting Alko, AKS 2004 and AKS coupling systems.

Spring checks worth doing

After winter storage, give the lock body a wipe down to clear off any grime or salt residue that's built up, and check the key turns smoothly in the cylinder. If it feels stiff, a light application of a dry lubricant on the key (rather than oil, which attracts dirt) can help keep the mechanism moving freely.

Storage and use

Fit the lock every time the caravan is left unattended, whether on the drive, in storage, or on a pitch. Keeping it clean and dry between uses helps the steel body and locking mechanism last, and it's worth periodically checking the lock still engages fully and securely over the coupling.