Locking hitch pin recommendations?

[stevejones]

We have a new TV which has a 2 1/2" receiver and not a 2" so my old locking hitch pin is not long enough.

Looking for recommendations on a locking hitch pin that will fit a 2 1/2" receiver. I've looked at some on Amazon but see lot of user comments about the pins bending or getting stuck. Is there a good one out there?

Thanks,

Steve

[Adventure.AS]

A BOLT 5/8" Receiver lock will work and can be key (by you) to match your ignition key.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbwz...&frags=pl%2Cwn

[CRH]

Go to your local farm store and get a longer hitch pin. Cut it shorter if you need. Drill a hole in it for a padlock.

[TG Twinkie]

Buy a 5/8" grade 8 bolt long enough to be able to double nut it.
I also drilled a hole thru the bolt and pinned it to prevent the nuts from coming off.
Belts and suspenders.
I know it's a bit of a PIA to install and remove the stinger. But it is a lot quicker and easier than picking up the pieces of your coach along the road. Should it become unhitched.

[CRH]

I like the bolt idea, because I rarely take the hitch head out of my AS TV.

[Mattirs]

I vote for the Bolt also, no problems in the past two years of use, and one less key to worry about. It sets up easily.

Matti

[stevejones]

Thanks all. I've ordered the Bolt. Had to check with the manufacturer about model number first since their website only shows the Chevy model good for up to 2017 and I've got a 2018. Turns out they just haven't updated their website.

Thanks,

Steve

[RJJ]

I like the Bulldog dogbone style. Had to get a new one when I upgraded my truck. . This one is stainless steel with square keyway and key. Also has a cover to fit over the keyway to deter corrosion.

https://www.amazon.com/Bulldog-580412-Stainless-Universal-Receivers/dp/B01CKK2PUU?keywords=bulldog+580412&qid=1533405895& sr=8-1-fkmrnull&ref=mp_s_a_1_fkmrnull_1

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by stevejones

Thanks all. I've ordered the Bolt. Had to check with the manufacturer about model number first since their website only shows the Chevy model good for up to 2017 and I've got a 2018. Turns out they just haven't updated their website.

Thanks,

Steve

You might also find their padlock (for your coupler) and cable lock useful too. I like only needing my ignition key, although I did have an inexpensive non-chip ignition key made as a backup.

[thiel]

Do I really need a lock on this thing? I have never bothered...

[Adventure.AS]

Originally Posted by thiel

Do I really need a lock on this thing? I have never bothered...

I don't use a locking hitch pin to prevent theft of my trailer when it is attached to my tow vehicle but rather to prevent some 'prankster' from removing the pin while I am away from the rig (e.g. shopping at WM, rest stop etc.) One less thing to worry about as the ball mount could work its way out of the receiver creating quite an exciting result on the interstate.

[Mollysdad]

The Tundra has a very beefy receiver which is not 2 1/2" but has an extra layer of steel so a 2" pin is too short.
I wanted a USA made one, Class 5, and decided on this one:
C.T.Johnson RH5-XL 5/8" Hitch Lock

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051WS8K6..._t4_B003E1WQWM

[rmkrum]

Yup. That's the one I use on my Tacoma. The Toyota hitch receivers are rather thick for their size (mine is also only a 2") with some extra reinforcement over the sleeve. Takes a lock a bit longer than the usual cheaper ones.

Same reason here..keeps honest people honest. Any of these pin locks can be destroyed in an instant using a sturdy piece of pipe as a lever on the lock side, or a 1/4 inch sharp TiN-coated drill bit. Lost the keys on one--needed to hitch up. Took less than five minutes to drill the cylinder--disturbing!

Admittedly a standard bent 5/8 pin was all I could find the other day when I needed to move the AS a couple miles, so a tie-wrap through the hole in the end of the pin was enough to keep it in place for a few minutes. Now I gotta figure out the "safe, obvious place" I put the real locking pin...

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by rmkrum

Now I gotta figure out the "safe, obvious place" I put the real locking pin...

I settled on a small Rubbermaid tub that I keep the hitch pin, pins for the Equalizer bars, as well as the "L" pins for the hitch.
I try very hard to never set the pin on the rear bumper. I know what will happen!

[rmkrum]

On the road, I use a collapsible crate in the back of the TV to stow all the stuff and tools needed to hitch and unhitch, level, and connect utilities except for sewer connection stuff.

When The AS is in storage, as it was until a day or so ago, the hitch pin ends up somewhere in the TV, and the memory of that somewhere tends to fade a bit. I'm betting it's under the back seat right next to the standard towbar with the 2" ball on it...but the spare 'bent' one lives in the ProPride stinger so I can lift the darn thing. Once I find the locking one, it will probably become the stinger 'handle' instead, or live on the truck receiver like it should be. Sometimes I'm fun to watch, as I scrabble around like a demented cockroach trying to find some small part I need in the garage.

[RJJ]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

The Tundra has a very beefy receiver which is not 2 1/2" but has an extra layer of steel so a 2" pin is too short.
I wanted a USA made one, Class 5, and decided on this one:
C.T.Johnson RH5-XL 5/8" Hitch Lock

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051WS8K6..._t4_B003E1WQWM

I use the Bulldog Dogbone stainless steel lock on my Tundra. I had one for my 4Runner and was taken aback when it was too short for the Tundra's class v receiver. Right now, it's not available on Amazon, but other vendors have it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CKK2PUU/?coliid=IE1LOD7RPWDRY&colid=3NIUM1BNM0ANV&psc=0&re f_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

[switz]

We had to weld a washer to the Bolt lock pin as it would slide all the way in and the radius handle of the pin and started rounding out the hole in the receiver.

[Overstreet]

Just go to the farm store, auto parts store and buy a class 5 locking hitch pin. They have the tow capacity and are made for 3" receivers, which yours is likely.

You can buy a hitch adapter from 3" to 2". At those places above and or WalMart. Dealer is too expensive.

Don't do any of that redneck bolt stuff. Get the certified stuff to maintain your tow rating.