Any common sense logic on how the pins/clips face.

In aviation I was also taught to install fastener heads towards the front of the aircraft but I install my pins with the clips facing out because it is easier and doesn't matter as the only load is shear. One pin is padlocked to keep my hitch from being stolen. A neighbour had his stolen in daylight in a SoCal mall parking lot. I also padlock my release lever. It has to be safetied with something, so why not a lock.