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01-14-2021, 10:50 AM
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#1
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Rivet Master
2019 25' International
Washington
, Washington, D.C.
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,260
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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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01-14-2021, 10:58 AM
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#2
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3 Rivet Member
Fair Oaks Ranch
, Texas
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 150
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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.
__________________
2016 Oliver Legacy Elite II #135
2020 Ram 2500 Laramie 6.7
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01-14-2021, 11:00 AM
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#3
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4 Rivet Member
2018 27' Globetrotter
Elbert
, CO
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 328
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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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01-14-2021, 11:07 AM
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#4
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Site Team
2002 25' Safari
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,606
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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...
__________________
Richard
Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
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01-14-2021, 11:19 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2019 19' Flying Cloud
Canyon Country
, California
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 909
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Time for me to weld the hitch to TV!!!!!!
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2014 Ford Explorer XLT with factory installed Tow Package.
2019 Flying Cloud 19CBB
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01-14-2021, 11:29 AM
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#6
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Site Team
2002 25' Safari
Dewey
, Arizona
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 15,606
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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
__________________
Richard
Wally Byam Airstream Club 7513
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01-14-2021, 11:39 AM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2019 19' Flying Cloud
Canyon Country
, California
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 909
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Quote:
Originally Posted by azflycaster
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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.
__________________
2014 Ford Explorer XLT with factory installed Tow Package.
2019 Flying Cloud 19CBB
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01-14-2021, 12:43 PM
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#8
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,977
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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
🇺🇸
__________________
"You don't know where you've been until you leave, enjoy life" RLC
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01-14-2021, 12:57 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Tampa
, Florida
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 7,620
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Quote:
Originally Posted by azflycaster
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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You beat me to it.
Do what the thieves do. snap the lock off.
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01-15-2021, 06:20 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2019 25' International
Washington
, Washington, D.C.
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,260
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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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01-15-2021, 06:29 AM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2019 25' International
Washington
, Washington, D.C.
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,260
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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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01-15-2021, 07:11 AM
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#12
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4 Rivet Member
2021 33FB Classic
City
, West Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 372
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PatLee
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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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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01-15-2021, 07:31 AM
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#13
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Moderator
2015 25' FB Flying Cloud
2012 23' FB Flying Cloud
2005 25' Safari
Santa Rosa Beach
, Florida
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 13,153
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I have always used just a plain hitch pin with a spring clip.
Brian
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SuEllyn & Brian McCabe
WBCCI #3628 -- AIR #14872 -- TAC #FL-7
2015 FC 25' FB (Lucy) with ProPride
2020 Silverado 2500 (Vivian)
2023 Rivian R1T (Opal)
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01-15-2021, 08:46 AM
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#14
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 19,977
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS
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It's this I worry about disappearing, not the trailer.
__________________
"You don't know where you've been until you leave, enjoy life" RLC
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01-15-2021, 09:16 AM
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#15
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Married with Airstream
2004 25' International CCD
Vancouver Island
, British Columbia
Join Date: Apr 2018
Posts: 934
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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!
__________________
La Dolce Vita Brick & Mona
We're Married With Airstream dot com
2004 International 25CCD Registered Name "Blue Streak"
2013 F-150HD FX4 SuperCrew Lariart (MaxTow) "Red Dragon"
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01-15-2021, 09:20 AM
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#16
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2 Rivet Member
Petaluma
, California
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 45
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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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01-15-2021, 10:42 AM
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#17
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3 Rivet Member
2017 23' Flying Cloud
Mesquite
, Nevada
Join Date: Jul 2019
Posts: 171
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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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01-15-2021, 11:04 AM
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#18
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Rivet Master
2012 23' FB International
Woodstock
, Ontario
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,423
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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
JCW
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01-15-2021, 11:26 AM
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#19
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4 Rivet Member
2007 25' Safari FB SE
2017 30' Flying Cloud
Highland
, California
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 431
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drbrick
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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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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01-15-2021, 12:13 PM
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#20
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2 Rivet Member
2018 28' Tommy Bahama
Silver City
, New Mexico
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 76
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A stick of dynamite will fix anything!
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Class A Safari Trek 2830 - SOLD; TC Lance 1010 - SOLD;
TT Arctic Fox 30U - SOLD; TT Forest River Mini - SOLD;
Class B+ Pleasure Way Pursuit - FS; $$$$ - GONE
If it ain't broke I can break it
A dime still makes a pretty good screwdriver
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