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Old 01-14-2021, 10:50 AM   #1
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Hitch Pin Stuck to Truck

I just finished a month-long road trip which included time spent in snow/ice/mud conditions. I currently have the type of hitch pin that locks the hitch and ball onto the truck with a key. When I came home Sunday night, it wouldn't unlock. I spent 30 minutes oiling it and keying it but no joy. I have an appointment with the RV service department at my storage lot to get it cut off or drilled out. Lesson learned: Don't lock your hitch to the truck. What do you all use? And are some more secure or sturdier than others?
Many thanks!
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Old 01-14-2021, 10:58 AM   #2
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I started with an inexpensive lockable hitch pin from Walmart or Home Depot. It froze up on me and wouldn’t release. After trying what you’ve tried I took a crowbar and it popped right off. Kind of surprised me. You get what you pay for. I now use a much more expensive one with good reviews and it is still easy to remove after 3 years.
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Old 01-14-2021, 11:00 AM   #3
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Mine has a rubber cap that goes over the lock to keep debris out. However, I've had the same problem with previous locking pins. I found that it only takes a few minutes of work with a hammer and punch or cold chisel to break the lock off. You might be able to save yourself some money by trying this approach before you have somebody else do it for you. These locks are not very strong or secure - just a minor discouragement for the casual thief.
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Old 01-14-2021, 11:07 AM   #4
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Slide a section of pipe over the locking part and pop it off. A bad guy can get past most locks in a few seconds...

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Old 01-14-2021, 11:19 AM   #5
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Time for me to weld the hitch to TV!!!!!!
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Old 01-14-2021, 11:29 AM   #6
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I use an anti rattle device, that would slow down any bad guy...

https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Anti-...er/RM-061.html
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Old 01-14-2021, 11:39 AM   #7
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Originally Posted by azflycaster View Post
I use an anti rattle device, that would slow down any bad guy...

https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Anti-...er/RM-061.html
If I see one, i come back later and use adjustable or Allen wrench to loosen the nuts off. don't see how it works.
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Old 01-14-2021, 12:43 PM   #8
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I've not had this style lock seize up,(not this brand),it does have a "cap". 17yrs SFSG👍
All locks are just a deterrent, not a fail safe.🥴

Bob
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Old 01-14-2021, 12:57 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by azflycaster View Post
Slide a section of pipe over the locking part and pop it off. A bad guy can get past most locks in a few seconds...

You beat me to it.
Do what the thieves do. snap the lock off.
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Old 01-15-2021, 06:20 AM   #10
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So - MikeandCarol - what do you use? Is it the BoltLock advertised in the video in this thread?
My main question was what do you all use. I guess after watching the videos, does it make sense to even use a locking hitch pin?
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Old 01-15-2021, 06:29 AM   #11
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Soooo . . after seeing how easy it is for anyone to remove the locks on the pins in the video, I now have concerns about how good a job they do of keeping my trailer hitched to the truck! I now think it best to go with a clip to secure the pin, not a lock.
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Old 01-15-2021, 07:11 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PatLee View Post
Soooo . . after seeing how easy it is for anyone to remove the locks on the pins in the video, I now have concerns about how good a job they do of keeping my trailer hitched to the truck! I now think it best to go with a clip to secure the pin, not a lock.


This is what I’ve come to as well. I’ve decided to go back to the clip & then removing the hitch, putting it in a tote and locking under bed cover. I don’t have confidence in the lock anymore.

Three weeks ago I couldn’t get mine to unlock so I used a small sledge hammer and it was off in two mins.
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Old 01-15-2021, 07:31 AM   #13
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I have always used just a plain hitch pin with a spring clip.

Brian
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Old 01-15-2021, 08:46 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS View Post
I've not had this style lock seize up,(not this brand),it does have a "cap". 17yrs SFSG👍
All locks are just a deterrent, not a fail safe.🥴

Bob
🇺🇸
It's this I worry about disappearing, not the trailer.
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Old 01-15-2021, 09:16 AM   #15
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While I do use the "Bolt" locking hitch pin ... I often wonder why would anyone want to take a hitch in the first place - especially if the AS/boat whatever is hitch to the truck?? It just seams counterproductive ... am I missing something here? I never leave the "hitch" attached to the truck when the AS isn't connected - like it adds 12" and is a hazard to life and limb and parked cars!
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Old 01-15-2021, 09:20 AM   #16
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IMO....locks of all sorts are meant for the casual/opportunist. I use a Curt pin lock on the TV and a hitch lock on the AS. Lubed the lock mechanisms with silicone grease and work the key from time to time. But....pin lock can easily be defeated and if they REALLY want the AS, they’ll just drag it away by the chains and remove the lock later....
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Old 01-15-2021, 10:42 AM   #17
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I take my hitch off when not in use because I have walked into it too many times, it goes under tonneau cover as do the trailer chains that I altered with snap hooks on both ends. I have a Proven Industries puck lock that goes on TT.
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Old 01-15-2021, 11:04 AM   #18
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Any lock at least discourages thieves but will never stop a determined crook. The video was obviously a promo for the Boltlock but impressive if it really did take over two hours
I have locks that routinely get sticky
A shot of oil keeps moisture and salt out
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Old 01-15-2021, 11:26 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drbrick View Post
While I do use the "Bolt" locking hitch pin ... I often wonder why would anyone want to take a hitch in the first place - especially if the AS/boat whatever is hitch to the truck?? It just seams counterproductive ... am I missing something here? I never leave the "hitch" attached to the truck when the AS isn't connected - like it adds 12" and is a hazard to life and limb and parked cars!
I feel the same way. When camping I remove the hitch. However, while traveling and stopping along the way, there is, unfortunately, a "malicious mischief" element out there. Kid stuff. Or jealous passer by that thinks you didn't earn or deserve an AS. Simple matter of just pulling the pin clip or lifting the tongue latch to do you harm. You may not notice anything for a few miles down the road. Don't think this could happen? Brings to mind a story of an Airstreamer I read about on the Forum a while ago where they were boondocking and sleeping when someone pulled both their wheel blocks during the night. Being parked on a slope they went on a wild ride, while still in bed, down slope for about 50' feet or more. They weren't hurt, but it scared the blue fool out of them. (Kinda wondered about what happen to the jack?) Question, who would do something like this? For what purpose? A joke? Gotta be one sick puppy. So....yep while traveling I use a receiver pin lock and a tongue latch lock. In addition, any time we leave the rig while traveling on the road, I always take a quick look walk around the coach and hitch just because.
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Old 01-15-2021, 12:13 PM   #20
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