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VegasBT's avatar
VegasBT
Explorer
Oct 13, 2014

Locking hitch pins for 5th wheel hitches?

I would like to secure my 5th wheel hitch in the bed of my truck using locking hitch pins. Are they universal? Does anyone have any experience using them? Any advice would be appreciated.

20 Replies

  • Buy a hitch like my Trailer Saver too darn heavy for any One or maybe even Two to carry. I install it with a cherrypicker. Never heard of anyone stealing a hitch but there is always the first time. Plus the fact that if installed and not in use the tonneau cover is hiding it
  • I never really thought about trying to padlock my hitch in the back of my truck. Someone probably has stolen one before but I have never heard of it.

    Like someone else already mentioned, a bigger concern is watching your release handle. I don't padlock mine but I do snake a clip through it while hooked up and traveling.

    If we stop in a rest area or truck stop that is the last thing I physically check prior to moving my rig. I do this because I have heard stories about folks thinking it would be funny to release the handle and sit back and watch the unsuspecting RVer pull away and drop their fiver.
  • A man walks into a pawn shop carrying a 5th wheel hitch. The clerk says " what the heck is that? " The man says a bad back and greasy clothes.
  • Frankly, it's more of an issue with a-holes messing with the locking lever on the hitch than hitches growing legs...at least IMO. I've never locked the lever on my B&W, but I always do a quick check after a stop because it's so easy to see if there's a problem.

    Lyle
  • I not only have never heard of anyone having a hitch stolen (or even "messed with"), I have never met anybody who has ever heard of such a thing.

    Suit yourself, but it seems like a huge waste of time and effort for little or no potential return.
  • I made my own using a bolt and drill. Installed a pad lock in the hole. I considered it a waste of time and did not secure my new one. Never heard of a hitch being stolen. I have insurance if it is.
  • ReneeG wrote:
    This is what those locking pins look like - which is what we do -

    We have these all the way around our Ford adaptor plate for our Hensley BD3.



    This is what I have also...
  • This is what those locking pins look like - which is what we do -

    We have these all the way around our Ford adaptor plate for our Hensley BD3.

  • Been using this set up with padlocks.
    http://www.amazon.com/Hitch-Plates-Fifth-Trailer-Hitches/dp/B00CFRERXM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413232337&sr=8-1&keywords=hitch+pin+lock+plates
  • I drilled out the pin hole to 3/16" and put a small long shackle padlock on each pin. Does not make it theft proof, but hopefully discourage a potential thief. If they want it you can't hardly stop them, but possibly make them decide to look for easier pickings. JMHO, :)