Search the Community

Features/Specifications: Opens With Your Vehicle Ignition Key Works with late model Chevy, GMC, Buick & Cadillac keys Stainless Steel 5/8″ Diameter Shaft Fits Class 3, 4 and 5 Hitches (2-2.5″ square receiver) Weather Proof Auto Return Spring Locks Automatically When Key is Removed Double Ball Bearing Locking Mechanism Plate Tumbler Sidebar to Prevent Picking and Bumping Stainless Steel Lock Shutter to Keep Out Dirt and Moisture Limited Lifetime Warranty Cost: $44/$28 (receiver lock/padlock) Review: The line of BOLT locks aims to take all those extra keys off your truck's key ring. And considering they are made by the same company that supplies the big three with keys and locks to begin with, we have high hopes for this product working as intended. But is it easy to calibrate? And does it work reliably? Come with us as we install and use a receiver lock and a padlock on Project Sierra. Receiver Hitch Lock View attachment: 2013-11-12 15.13.32.jpg Strattec, the world's largest automotive lock and key manufacturer, is the primary OE lock supplier to GM. Because of this they know the keys and locks for our trucks inside out. View attachment: 2013-11-12 15.13.25.jpg Here's our receiver hitch lock, new in bag. View attachment: 2013-11-12 15.13.57.jpg Unwrapped you can see the locks look good. Included instructions are clear and easy to follow. As you can see in the video, calibrating the lock to our key was easy. All we had to do was turn the key one rotation counterclockwise and we were done. We then tested the key a few times and to our delight it worked flawlessly. View attachment: 2013-11-12 15.21.36.jpg View attachment: 2013-11-12 15.21.42.jpg Here's our current setup. Notice how easy it would be for someone to steal the hitch ball and mount. View attachment: 2013-11-12 15.23.02.jpg And now with the new BOLT lock! The receiver lock installed as expected on Project Sierra's hitch. This should make it A LOT less tempting for a would-be thief! View attachment: 2013-11-12 15.23.09.jpg The pin is a little long for our class 3 hitch. Oh well. Padlock View attachment: 2013-11-12 15.12.41.jpg Now lets look at the padlock. This one came in the retail packaging which clearly states what the product is intended to fit on. Our padlock, model BLT7017418, is intended to work with keys from late model Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC's. View attachment: 2013-11-12 15.15.07.jpg When you open it up you find that the lock has a protective rubber cover over the keyhole with a sticker identifying the keys it works with. Our 2011 GMC Sierra is a "GM B". We took that off using our key. View attachment: 2013-11-12 15.18.07.jpg We are now ready to 'calibrate' the lock to our truck's key for a second time. View attachment: 2013-11-12 15.19.23.jpg Again, to calibrate you simply insert and turn the key once. That's it. You're done. View attachment: 2013-11-12 15.20.20.jpg Perfect fit and should deter someone from rolling away with the trailer. How it works: Conclusion: Both products that we tested from the BOLT lineup were easy to calibrate and install. After a few days with the locks we are happy with their operation. We find the fit and finish to be on par or better when compared to other locks on the market. We like the high quality look and feel, and the red styling is a nice finishing touch. We will continue to use these locks on Project Sierra in the coming months through a New England winter. Salt, dirt and grime will soon be an everyday part of these locks new lives. Are they up to the challenge? We will post an update on how they do. Let us know if you you have any questions or comments about our install and review on BOLT locks.