Locking Pin Sets

ResidentEvil · 11-01-2015, 12:27 AM

Hello all, new to the forums. Next week I'll take possession of a new to me 2013 361REQS. Really excited to get her out on the road. So my first question is about security, specifically of the slider hitch and a 5th wheel pin box lock.

First a little about my setup:
2015 Ram 3500 with 5th wheel prep group installed
Pull Rite 4439 rail set
Pull Rite 2700 Super Glide
5th wheel with Mor Ryde pin box

So I'd like to get locking pins to ensure the security of my hitch when I'm out and about, as well as a pin box lock to secure the trailer when we aren't at the campsite or when its at the storage facility. The pins I'm thinking about are like the pins that are used to secure a bumper ball hitch to the vehicle.

There are four sets of pins I need to worry about, but just need to lock one out of each set:
#1: 1/2"(od) x 4" pins that attach the 4439 side rails to the 5th wheel prep mounts
#2: 5/8" (od) x 5.5" pins that attach the side rails to the cross rails
#3: 1/2" (od) x 4" pins that attach the hitch to the rail set
#4: 1/2" (od) x 2.25" pins that attach the hitch head to body

I haven't bought the king pin lock yet, so I dont know what size pin would come with it.

I could buy separate pins for each one, but really want to avoid having a million different keys. I'd like to get like keyed locks for each pin. Worst case scenario I could drill out the holes on each pin and use like keyed padlocks, but I'd rather not have padlocks bouncing around and they are somewhat easier to cut also.

I doubt I'm going to find a "set" of pins that fit my needs exactly, so my question is if anyone knows of a company that I can contact who will put me together a set of pins with like keys. Or a brand of locking pins that are able to be re-keyed so they can all use the same key?

Thanks in advance!!

**norty1** · 11-01-2015, 07:31 AM

Do you live in a high crime area? In almost 20 years of pulling campers, I have never had anything stolen, even if left laying on the picnic table.

The only thing I ever lock is my power pedestal where the PT50c EMS is plugged in.

Just wondering.

ResidentEvil · 11-01-2015, 11:39 AM

I live in Vegas. Just seems to me like it would be really easy to remove my $1,500 worth of hitch and adapters from the back of my truck, seeing as how it is just held in by pins with R-clips.

I dont see it as any different from using a locking pin on your bumper tow shank. Obviously its much heavier, thus harder to remove. Maybe I'm being overly concerned, but it would suck to be out and about and have my hitch stolen; with no way to haul my RV home with me.

robkelly · 11-01-2015, 02:19 PM

I did a search on Amazon for keyed alike locking pins and came across a set by Master. Considering going with them for the same reasons you are - not in Vegas, but the area I have to park in to go to work isn't the greatest and I don't want to get back to the truck to find the hitch missing.

**norty1** · 11-01-2015, 03:22 PM

I'm not being critical for you wanting to be pro active. Seems like one locking pin would work.

I know people who just drill a hole in one where the latching pin goes and put a padlock in it.

Kahoneys · 11-01-2015, 04:15 PM

I also have security concerns (most likely unfounded) as I am the head of our Sheriff Dive Unit and carry many thousand dollars worth of scuba gear. I use a "Bak-Flip" folding tonneau cover and after we unhitch the RV we close the tonneau and lock the tailgate and all is covered and secure. This tonneau folds up far enough while towing to never cause any issues with the trailer! I am sure there are many other brand covers that should fit your needs.

JohnWedell · 11-01-2015, 05:56 PM

When I had my 5th wheels I put locks on all the pins. Not only was it about theft but I heard stories of kids removing the pins just for fun. Better safe than sorry.

**norty1** · 11-01-2015, 06:07 PM

Good point! I make it a practice to look in my bed after every stop and verify the pins and latches are properly attached.

Never had a problem but it's a good habit to develop.

namusmc65 · 11-01-2015, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norty1

Good point! I make it a practice to look in my bed after every stop and verify the pins and latches are properly attached.

Never had a problem but it's a good habit to develop.

X2. Never had locks on any hitch and never had any problems. We do have folks in our camping group that have all kinds of locks on their rails and hitch pin. I guess each to their own.

ResidentEvil · 11-01-2015, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by norty1

I'm not being critical for you wanting to be pro active. Seems like one locking pin would work.

I know people who just drill a hole in one where the latching pin goes and put a padlock in it.

No worries. I wish I could just do 1 pin, but there are basically three levels of fastening from the truck frame up to the hitch. If I just lock one level of fastening, then the other two are still vulnerable areas.

I'm definitely not looking to put 16 locking pins on there, just 1 of every 4 pins at each level of fastening. At minimum it would be 2 of the 1/2" pins and one of the 5/8" pins, that would prevent any theft (without a lot of work on the bad guy's part) assuming I remove the hitch head and store either in my truck or camper.

I have thought about drilling out the pin ends for padlocks (as another poster mentioned), that would accomplish what I need to do. But, at least IMO, padlocks are easier to defeat and I dont want them rattling and bouncing around as I'm driving.

I may try to call a couple of the companies that manufacture these locking pins and see if they can make me a custom set of like-keyed locking pins in the sizes I need. If not, I'll go the padlock route and just buy a set of 4 keyed alike and drill out the pin ends.

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