Blueox hitch, replacing original with secure bolts

[Vitaver]

Blueox hitch can be secured to the TV with a locking pin. The ball can be secured to the receiver with Hitchguard or others. The weakest links appear to be the two bolts (see pic) that set the height of the ball, and the bottom of the ball itself. Anyone with ideas on how to secure those 3 points?

[AWCHIEF]

Three years of Blue Ox use and never felt it was necessary. If you must you can possible drill holes in the bolts and use pad locks. Might have to use longer bolts for that to work.

[Caffeinated]

Why would you need to secure those?

Mike

[Airtandem]

The height bolts and the ball are torqued to 150#, just add some Lock-tite to them; I believe it is the red that is strongest. This should make it even more difficult to take. Thieves want some thing quick and easy as to NOT draw attention. Remember, if you make it permanent you will not be able to adjust if you trade TV.

[PKI]

Looks like a new product opportunity. Tamper proof hitch nuts like wheel lock lug nuts.

Or you could lock up the chains, so it does not matter if the bolts are removed.

Or you could install an anchor minder/geofence. Alarm goes off if the sensor moves from a specific GPS position.

Or you could beat the heck out of the threads so the nuts can't be removed without cutting them off.

Good luck with a solution. Pat

[Vitaver]

Well, the receiver on the hitch is 'secured' with the Hitchgard to the ball, the hitch at the TV is secured with a lock-pin. The weakest link on the setup appears to be the two bolts at the Blueox. Drilling holes on them and placing locks can be a good option but it also weakens those bolts at the holes. Yes, I did put permanent locktite, it surely helps. Ultimately, I do see a business opportunity there to make those bolts lockable and removable with a key. After all we go to expensive extents to secure the other two components of the hitch assembly, why leave a vulnerable link in that 'chain'? BTW, galvanized (SS is even weaker) chain is not quite safe for a chain cutter or handsaw, and requires shackles (D rings) making the system more complicated/vulnerable again, IMHO. All this assumes that trailers are somehow frequently stolen, which may not be the case. I asked on a different thread if anyone had first hand experience on such and got no accounts of such events.

[xrvr]

Much ado about nothing.

[Airtandem]

You might also check with local and state laws regarding traveling with your hitch attached to your TV. Also, some insurance companies are denying claims involving hitches.
I read this in a prev. thread (?)
Store hitch in TV or TT.

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by Airtandem

You might also check with local and state laws regarding traveling with your hitch attached to your TV. Also, some insurance companies are denying claims involving hitches.
I read this in a prev. thread (?)
Store hitch in TV or TT.

Never heard that. Sounds a bit far fetched to me.

[tblkfsh]

They are secured by the use of lock washers on the 3/4 inch hitch head bolts and torqued to 257 ft/lbs as per the Blueox installation instructions.
Terry

[Florida 55]

Originally Posted by Vitaver

Blueox hitch can be secured to the TV with a locking pin. The ball can be secured to the receiver with Hitchguard or others. The weakest links appear to be the two bolts (see pic) that set the height of the ball, and the bottom of the ball itself. Anyone with ideas on how to secure those 3 points?

I've owned my truck and trailer for over five years. I leave the hitch head in the tow vehicle receiver all of the time (except periodically when I'm giving it a new coat of paint). I've never experienced a problem with anyone trying to steal the hitch head or unfasten the bolts. I do use a locking pin to secure the hitch head into the hitch receiver of the two vehicle.

From a safety perspective, make sure the bolts on your hitch head and ball are tightened to the torque recommended by the manufacturer. Check the torque periodically. The chances a thief or vandal will try to loosen the hitch ball or bolts is extremely low. It is more likely a thief will break into the cab of your truck.

Fortunately after 5 years, nearly 40,000 miles, and 492 nights camping in the Airstream we've never experienced a theft or vandalism.

[Vitaver]

BTW I just called Blueox and they understand the issue but offer no solution. They said they will look into it and should they come up with solution they will call me. IF they do I will share here.

[Vitaver]

Originally Posted by avionstream

Much ado about nothing.

Our very expensive and dear AS can be stolen with two wrenches in 5 minutes removing 2 bolts, although we spend a lot on securing the other 3 components of the hitching system. No chain is tronger than it's weakest link, and the 2 $1 bolts are the weak link.

This does not sound like 'nothing' to me.

[Vitaver]

Thank you, that is reassuring. There is quite a bit of talk about securing our rigs in this Forum, being new I assumed it was a real threat. I also asked if some had actual experience or direct knowledge of trailers being stolen. Got no answer so probably the 'problem' is not such. Good news!

[joshjack]

Couple simple options here:
- get longer bolts and hammer a bend on them
- get a thick security cable in ADDITION to the safety chains. The purpose won't be to augment the safety chains but just to provide something that is very difficult to cut through with bolt cutters.

[m.hony]

Brand spanking new tow vehicle?

[Leslieotr]

I know there is a lot of discussion of hitches, but while we are talking about the BlueOx SwayPro- are users of it happy with performance? Thanks again for all the information.

Leslie

[bel73]

You could drop a spot weld on the threads of the two bolts. I would normally drop a weld on the nut and bolts but you might need to re-torque those at some time.

Remember.....all you can do to a thief is slow em down.

[MelGoddard]

Originally Posted by Vitaver

Blueox hitch can be secured to the TV with a locking pin. The ball can be secured to the receiver with Hitchguard or others. The weakest links appear to be the two bolts (see pic) that set the height of the ball, and the bottom of the ball itself. Anyone with ideas on how to secure those 3 points?

That hitch looks weird! Which way are you looking here?

Trailer Trash........"

[MelGoddard]

I'm puzzled here. Is this query about prevent theft of an RV from a Tow Vehicle when attached?
Or to prevent theft when the RV is detached and sittin on it's own?

Trailer trash..........."