Hitch pin

[Spower]

For all my years towing I never had any issues with a hitch pin except recently I lost the key so I had to bust it off and get a new one.
I got a similar new one that has the round key you push in and turn to lock it.
Long story short, as I was getting ready to get on the road, i was checking everything. I reached down to check the hitch pin and the locking part came right off in my hand! It would not lock. So I stuck a heavy duty cotter pin through it and made a safe journey.

Question.....what is a good hitch pin to use? I see a lot of different ones out there. I want it to lock, I just dont know which one to go with.


Thanks!!

[Scott]

I use this one: MaxxHaul 50058 Lock with 5/8" and 1/2" Pins for 1-1/4", 2" and 2-1/2" Hitch Receivers.

[Flyrotor]

This is what I use, never had any problems with it.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...RoCXiAQAvD_BwE

[DocBrown]

Originally Posted by Flyrotor

This is what I use, never had any problems with it.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...RoCXiAQAvD_BwE

I use the same one. I've been happy with it.

I keep one key with my set of trailer related keys clipped to my truck key when camping. And a duplicate set of keys hidden in my truck. My wife carries the other truck key.

[bankr63]

I carry the original (non-locking) pin in the truck just in case. I forgot to install it once and was long down the road before I noticed, so easier to have something on hand in a pinch. I normally use the same Master one linked by Flyrotor above for my tongue pin (suspect that is the one you may be referring to?)

If you have a removable foot on your tongue jack, you might find that the pin from that will also work if it is the correct diameter.

Note that I don't really trust any of these locking pins from a security point (how hard was yours to break off?) so I also use a Denver boot type clamp to deter thieves.

[madmaxmutt]

I never could stand carrying extra keys while camping. I use Bolt products. They all the same key. It is the truck key

[LuckyDuck]

I use the Andersen locking hitch pin. Been very happy with it. https://andersenhitches.com/Products...ts-2--212.aspx

[jbrnigan]

[QUOTE=madmaxmutt;875607]I never could stand carrying extra keys while camping. I use Bolt products. They all the same key. It is the truck key

I also use the Bolt product because it's keyed to the truck key.

[JFlightRisk]

Not as fancy as most pins, but we use this one, and a small Master padlock. Just enough to keep the hitch from being a quick target.

[Spower]

Originally Posted by bankr63

I carry the original (non-locking) pin in the truck just in case. I forgot to install it once and was long down the road before I noticed, so easier to have something on hand in a pinch. I normally use the same Master one linked by Flyrotor above for my tongue pin (suspect that is the one you may be referring to?)

If you have a removable foot on your tongue jack, you might find that the pin from that will also work if it is the correct diameter.

Note that I don't really trust any of these locking pins from a security point (how hard was yours to break off?) so I also use a Denver boot type clamp to deter thieves.

It was actually very easy to break off ☹

[Spower]

Originally Posted by madmaxmutt

I never could stand carrying extra keys while camping. I use Bolt products. They all the same key. It is the truck key

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My truck doesn't use a key, will this still work?

[Spower]

Ugh so many choices....I need a 3 1/2" - 4" size x 5/8"

[jpgale]

[QUOTE=jbrnigan;875640]

Originally Posted by madmaxmutt

I never could stand carrying extra keys while camping. I use Bolt products. They all the same key. It is the truck key

I also use the Bolt product because it's keyed to the truck key.

Same here

[jpgale]

Originally Posted by Spower

My truck doesn't use a key, will this still work?

Mine has a keyless ignition, all of those keys I have had still have an actual key inside of them. Normally the key is stored inside the main key, in my ford truck case there is a button on the bottom and the key removes from the bottom. It is very similar for my Chrysler key as well.

I was able to find the bolt lock that would work with my Ford key on their website. It is very handy to have and use.

[Cshenberger]

Not to hijack the thread but why the need for a lock in your hitch pin? do you actually leave your hitch in the truck when not towing your TT?

I have never understood leaving the hitch in so its a curiosity question to me. part of my setup I unhitch the TT, then remove the Hitch from the truck and put it in the passthrough of the TT

[Spower]

Originally Posted by Cshenberger

Not to hijack the thread but why the need for a lock in your hitch pin? do you actually leave your hitch in the truck when not towing your TT?

I have never understood leaving the hitch in so its a curiosity question to me. part of my setup I unhitch the TT, then remove the Hitch from the truck and put it in the passthrough of the TT

I always leave my hitch in. Mostly because if someone runs into me it will save my truck and mess up their vehicle.
And now I am a full timer so I never take it off.

[DocBrown]

Originally Posted by Cshenberger

Not to hijack the thread but why the need for a lock in your hitch pin? do you actually leave your hitch in the truck when not towing your TT?

I have never understood leaving the hitch in so its a curiosity question to me. part of my setup I unhitch the TT, then remove the Hitch from the truck and put it in the passthrough of the TT

Sometimes I do on trips, especially if I know I'm not going to be driving the truck much, but maybe leaving the campsite to ride bikes, hike, or go somewhere with others. It's not that I don't trust the other campers. It's the random people driving through and the occasional teenagers looking to do something they think is funny.

The other reason for the locking hitch pin is it prevents yahoos looking to cause trouble from removing the pin while we're inside somewhere eating lunch or paying for gas while traveling.

[JFlightRisk]

Most of the time, if it's a shorter stay, we leave the hitch on. However, now we have a F150 with the backup sensors. Our hitch sets off the "'Ummm, 'Yurr too close to something, Buddy" beeping, and it's annoying to say the least, when in reverse without the TT connected. So now it comes off, and I put it in the home made hitch holder on the tongue, and the pin and lock keep it there. Not a paranoid person, but if away from home, and the hitch disappears, there's no way to get it home again.

[Cshenberger]

Maybe I am just too country for that. I grew up without locking our house or cars and most of the time the keys were in the visor. Now I lock my house via garage door and don't even have a key to the locks on the doors.

Thanks for the replies, someone messing with it while you are stopped I also can understand.

Then again we don't pull with a wdh or any other fancy setup. Just a curt ball mount with ball on it.

[madmaxmutt]

Originally Posted by Spower

My truck doesn't use a key, will this still work?

Yup