Best hitch pin for 2023 Intl 23FB

[englewoodfl]

Most places have the hitch pin (not the receiver pin) as being 1/4" and 2 1/2". I just measured our 23FB and it appears the 5/16" (drill bit) and 2 3/4" (dial caliper) is the correct size. Assuming it's OK to have a tight fit and you bought one that has this sizing what exact vendor and P/N did you get? Did it work for you?

[ROBERT CROSS]

I use a 'D' ring...keeps the ball secured AND the umbilical cord out of harm way.

Bob
🇺🇸

[GCinSC2]

englewoodfl,

You have a DEMCO EZ Latch coupler, correct?

From the DEMCO website https://www.demco-products.com/trail...nents/couplers

"SAFETY - All Demco EZ Latch couplers exceed all required SAE J684 safety standards without the use of a safety pin."

I replaced my old Atwood with a DEMCO. While a locking pin is not required I wanted a hitch pin that goes thru the coupler latch and allows me to safely route the 7 way cable so it cannot get pinched under the coupler.

Found a 5/16" hitch pin square type with bail that works for me, it was at Tractor Supply. Goes thru coupler and routes cable.

Gary

[r3z]

I use this from Amazon. Works well and had to only spread the arm pieces a bit once from the corner angle. Agree it may not be required on the demco but I like the extra piece of mind.

Buyers Wire Lock Pin 1/4" X 3-3/4" Square 66070 https://a.co/d/afQU54v

[CharlesinGA]

New! CURT 5/16 in. Safety Pin with 12 in. Chain (3 in. Pin Length), 25034 at Tractor Supply.



Charles

[Dennis C]

My 2020 International with a Demco coupler came with a hitch pin from the factory. Is this no longer the case?

[englewoodfl]

Do you remember where the coupler pin was? Couldn't find on in the interior.

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

I use a 'D' ring...keeps the ball secured AND the umbilical cord out of harm way.

Bob
🇺🇸

I'm with Bob.
By using a round safety pin with the 7 way umbilical through it, there's never a strain on the plug in tight right turns.

[Escape21]

I use this. No necessarily for security, but it does both functions. Not really all that well made but it does fit and gives me peace of mind that the Demco won't release accidentally and it assures it is closed.

CURT 23523 Chrome Trailer Tongue Coupler Lock, 1/4-Inch Pin Diameter, Up to 3-3/8-Inch Span

[englewoodfl]

The CEO went thru every compartment and other location including the trash can and there isn't a 2 3/4" coupler lock (or any coupler lock). Just gobsmacked that AS with their buying power can't include such a fundamental item. But then there's sewer hoses, soft start for the A/C, aluminum in the rear bumper storage area and more. Arggh.

[Dennis C]

Mine was in the hitch when I bought the trailer

[Tomzstream]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

I use a 'D' ring...keeps the ball secured AND the umbilical cord out of harm way.

Bob
����

Wish I read this two days ago! I use a small D-ring too, but I have a Prodigy RF brake controller mounted to the frame and it came with an extremely long umbilical, and while driving up to a festival in SC last week, my umbilical dropped down and got road rash in two places. My GLS alerted me to the turn signals and brake lights going out and by the time I was able to pull off of I-95, the damage was done. But fortunately, I was able to pull off to a Camping World at that very exit in Ridgeland, and the good folks there assessed the damage and were able to shorten the prodigy's cord to a length suitable for my hitch, by adding a new 7-pin connector head. They performed the work the same day! Very pleased with their work, and from now on, I will feed the umbilical through the D-Ring as well. The GLS has a connector socket that angles down about 45 degrees, and is way too close to the ground to begin with IMO.

[ForteePlus]

Originally Posted by englewoodfl

Most places have the hitch pin (not the receiver pin) as being 1/4" and 2 1/2". I just measured our 23FB and it appears the 5/16" (drill bit) and 2 3/4" (dial caliper) is the correct size. Assuming it's OK to have a tight fit and you bought one that has this sizing what exact vendor and P/N did you get? Did it work for you?

I asked about it when picking ours up -the lack of a pin that is- and was told with the new Demco coupler it isn't required (etched on the composite handle itself even). One of the techs said some people still like to have a pin there so gave me a 1/4"(?) x ~3 1/4" bolt and nut. Being a bit new to the hitch I like to pin it because it tells me the dang thing is in fact engaged completely. That said, I'd much prefer a safety pin style so I can attach it to the WD bars or something when not in use rather than a bolt/nut simply rolling around.


I've checked Lowe's, Home Depot, Amazon, Tractor Supply and some local hardware type and towing places with zero luck. I can find pins long enough but never with a latch throw-over large enough to go over the coupler.

[ForteePlus]

Originally Posted by GCinSC2

englewoodfl,

Found a 5/16" hitch pin square type with bail that works for me, it was at Tractor Supply. Goes thru coupler and routes cable.

Gary

Gary - can you please share a picture of what you found? I was in TC with two TC folk working with me to find what I needed to no avail. Looked in both the tractor/farm section and the area with towing gear. I'm stumped.

Thanks

[Ndcctrucks]

I use a long shank padlock like this:

https://allpadlocks.com/products/ame...hoCz8gQAvD_BwE

[GCinSC2]

Originally Posted by ForteePlus

Gary - can you please share a picture of what you found? I was in TC with two TC folk working with me to find what I needed to no avail. Looked in both the tractor/farm section and the area with towing gear. I'm stumped.

Thanks

ForteePlus,

Pic of my DEMCO but it's a replacement not the same as the stamped OE DEMCO on Airstreams but it shares the same pin location and EZ Latch. This DEMCO is a cast head rated at 21,000 Lbs.

DEMCO EZ Lock coupler is a different setup compared to previous couplers used on Airstreams.

Pretty darn sure i found it at Tractor Supply.

Gary

[ForteePlus]

Thanks Gary!
I’ll look around more for that and the picture should help.

[Tyler2you]

Originally Posted by ForteePlus

Gary - can you please share a picture of what you found? I was in TC with two TC folk working with me to find what I needed to no avail. Looked in both the tractor/farm section and the area with towing gear. I'm stumped.

Thanks

Not Gary, but here you go:

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f46...ml#post2365844

It works, but is a tight fit. It goes in fine unhitched, but I usually have to tap it in with a block of wood when on the ball. In my case, a 1/4" pin would probably work better, but I haven't tried to track one down yet.

Looks like the OEM pin may be 1/4"

https://www.ordertrailerparts.com/pr...pler-pin-demco

[englewoodfl]

I went with the MasterLock 1481DAT set. The keys seem awkward and the plastic cover for the pin is too big and just falls off. Labeled as stainless steel - hopefully won't rust too quickly. We had an SS frig delivered some years ago that was pre-rusted - as soon as the delivery team took the protective box off they just put it back and into the truck.


I'll 3D print a new cap. And - you only get two keys for the two locks.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by Tomzstream

Wish I read this two days ago! I use a small D-ring too, but I have a Prodigy RF brake controller mounted to the frame and it came with an extremely long umbilical, and while driving up to a festival in SC last week, my umbilical dropped down and got road rash in two places. My GLS alerted me to the turn signals and brake lights going out and by the time I was able to pull off of I-95, the damage was done. But fortunately, I was able to pull off to a Camping World at that very exit in Ridgeland, and the good folks there assessed the damage and were able to shorten the prodigy's cord to a length suitable for my hitch, by adding a new 7-pin connector head. They performed the work the same day! Very pleased with their work, and from now on, I will feed the umbilical through the D-Ring as well. The GLS has a connector socket that angles down about 45 degrees, and is way too close to the ground to begin with IMO.

We road-rashed ours on the way home after delivery of our new AS.
Been using the 'D' ring ever since.
If you notice in the photo above there is also a zip-tie around the bumper socket just to stay on the safe side.

POI they now have reusable ties which come in handy.

Bob
🇺🇸