Hitch Pin Locks?

[blacklab]

I've read mixed reviews of the effectiveness (or not) of various brands and styles of Hitch Pin Locks.

While I recognize that a determined thief with the right tools can't be deterred from removing the Hitch Pin, I would like to have some level of comfort---even if it is just to deter the "casual" thief---with a locked Hitch Pin versus one that is not.

Any recommendations/suggestions?

Thank you.

Cheers,

Bryan

[Steamy1]

I have used Trimax receiver and hitch coupler locks for over 10 years now. I feel more secure knowing that someone could not just remove a pin when I am parked to cause mischief.

[Tall Grass]

A long shank padlock will give pause to casual mischief-makers and opportunistic thieves.

[jeffmc306]

I’ve used this one from Amazon on three different tow vehicles. Easy to use and secure: https://www.amazon.com/Locking-Hitch.../dp/B0716SFRLX

[Bobbo]

I use a Bolt brand padlock and receiver lock. They use my tow vehicle's ignition key, so that is one less key to carry. They also make locks specifically for other towing applications that use your tow vehicle's key.

[CRH]

I drill out the hole in the hitch pin and use a padlock.

[sheriff1]

Padlocks are EXTREMELY easy to defeat.

[Tyvekcat]

Yeah I kinda worry about this as well. I had read on here, long time ago, about a locking hitch pin coming loose and a travel trailer passing a tow vehicle. Yeah, didn't end well. But it was supposedly a locking Hitch pin related issue. Maybe they just didn't get it locked completely?
I used to use Locking hitch pin exclusively and really never had any issues, but looking at the notch and small brass tumbler that locks it, well its small.
Granted the tension/force is pulling straight back and the lock just keeps the pin in place. yeah I don't know. So I threw the baby out with the bath water.

I have been using Grade eight bolts, with double washers on each side, two hex nuts, and a third hex lock nut with nylon insert.
I have my open end wrenches to get those nuts off, takes some time, but its solid. I know it can be stolen, battery powered grinders are readily available but grade 8 is strong steel. I keep an eye on it in the campground.
I know it isn't coming apart going down the highway ! I check it when we stop for breaks or fuel, food.

will be watching this thread. I'd like to know what everyone else uses and new ideas on hitch pins. I'd like a heavy duty lock for sure.

Best regards

[CRH]

Originally Posted by sheriff1

Padlocks are EXTREMELY easy to defeat.

A padlock is harder to defeat than a hitch pin clip. That is all that I am after.

[Boxite]

Originally Posted by sheriff1

Padlocks are EXTREMELY easy to defeat.

ALL hitch locks are easy to defeat. They only make a locked hitch less attractive than an unlocked one.

But they ALL are relatively ineffective to a determined thief.... who simply has to ignore the hitch and use the safety-chains to pull the trailer to a place they can take their time to remove the lock.

I use a cheap hitch lock. I also use a hardened chain and lock thru both wheels which discourages wheel-theft.

But I recognize these devices only make my trailer less convenient than others nearby.... so I carry insurance.

[21Airstream]

My Dad used to say that “a lock just keeps an honest man honest”.

[Adventure.AS]

If you are talking about a locking pin for the receiver, then I also recommend the BOLT as it can use your ignition key.

However, if you are talking about locking the coupler as others have said that won't stop a determined thief. A wheel 'boot' might be more effective.

I use a SPOT trace so that I can track the trailer if it is stolen.

[blacklab]

Here is a Receiver Hitch Pin Lock that has gotten good reviews in multiple places.

Made in Canada.

Not inexpensive.

https://www.amazon.com/AMPLOCK-U-HLP.../dp/B00NUNFS6A

Cheers,

Bryan

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by blacklab

I've read mixed reviews of the effectiveness (or not) of various brands and styles of Hitch Pin Locks.

While I recognize that a determined thief with the right tools can't be deterred from removing the Hitch Pin, I would like to have some level of comfort---even if it is just to deter the "casual" thief---with a locked Hitch Pin versus one that is not.

Any recommendations/suggestions?

Yes.

First, I was shocked to see how easy it was to defeat the hitch pin lock. YouTube shows a guy with a 2' section of pipe that slips snugly over the lock. A quick pull sideways and the lock snaps off. Maybe 3 seconds.

However, like all things with locks the goal is to deter. I wanted a lock that was made in the US, so I bought the CT Johnson. After many miles it barely shows any finish wear.
I have a Tundra, and the receiver is so beefy that your standard pin lock is too short. I went with a lock for a 2.5" receiver, and added a couple hose washers so it stays snug. (Hose washers are 5/8"!!)

[dlfphoto]

Originally Posted by blacklab

Here is a Receiver Hitch Pin Lock that has gotten good reviews in multiple places.

Made in Canada.

Not inexpensive.

https://www.amazon.com/AMPLOCK-U-HLP.../dp/B00NUNFS6A

Cheers,

Bryan

Alright. So I purchased this lock. The all-stainless construction seems top notch and super solid. But I started looking for specs and found that AMP only rates this lock as a Class III, which is only 4000 lbs, not quite enough for our 8800lb 30' AS. I'm a little surprised given that all the Class V hitch pins (and much cheaper hitch locks) are the same 5/8" diameter with a similar shape.

For those that use hitch pin locks, do you remove them and replace with a simple bolt for towing? Am I missing something?

[ROBERT CROSS]

No...the locks stay in 24/7/365 towing or not.
W/O a lock the "fancy" disappears.😂
BTW...I found with our 1st AS that the 'bent end' pins help with elongating the hitch pin hole. I wouldn't use the "AMP"

Bob
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