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Big_Katuna's avatar
Big_Katuna
Explorer II
Jul 19, 2016

Lost a pin on the tow bar. Don't use these pins!!

Was headed north on I-95 near Ormond Beach and noticed the toad was wandering around and only one side of the tow bar connected.

Slowly coasted in N and pulled off, not using any brakes.

A pin was missing and I was towing with one arm. I unhitched, moved the car and reattached, no damage done. I always carry spare hitch pins.

I had been using the hitch pins with the swivel latch and the best I can figure is the little Chinese rivet fell out and the latch fell off. I KNOW I flipped it around.

I wont be using those anymore.

Scared the bejesus out of me.

Like these. CLICKY
Class A
  • Gjac's avatar
    Gjac
    Explorer III
    Jul 19, 2016
    rgatijnet1 wrote:
    After many years of towing with a tow bar, I noticed that the pins would always move in one direction. Because of that I always insert my pins from the inside to the outside so that the keeper for the pin is on the outside. I know some will say that it does not matter which direction you put the pins in but I have found out differently. In any case, by installing the pins this way, it puts no pressure on the locking pin. Pin install example
    I have noticed the same thing and always install pins from the inside also even though the safty chain is close to the pin end.
  • oldmattb's avatar
    oldmattb
    Explorer
    Jul 19, 2016
    I will not use that style of pin for a different reason. I tried to install one, and the clip activated INSIDE the receiver. I had to buy a small grinder, metal disks to get it out, and then buy a different style.
  • Big_Katuna's avatar
    Big_Katuna
    Explorer II
    Jul 19, 2016
    I will start watching. I install mine so the keeper is away from the safety chain.
  • 2gypsies1's avatar
    2gypsies1
    Explorer III
    Jul 19, 2016
    Never had a problem with ours coming out but like stated above, we put them on from the inside out.
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Jul 19, 2016
    After many years of towing with a tow bar, I noticed that the pins would always move in one direction. Because of that I always insert my pins from the inside to the outside so that the keeper for the pin is on the outside. I know some will say that it does not matter which direction you put the pins in but I have found out differently. In any case, by installing the pins this way, it puts no pressure on the locking pin. Pin install example
  • Dutch_12078's avatar
    Dutch_12078
    Explorer II
    Jul 19, 2016
    Good to know! I noticed early on that the pins in tow bar always crept to one side while under way. If I install them one way, the keeper clip rides up against the "knuckle", so if the keeper fell out or I forgot to put it in, the pin would eventually work its way out completely. If the pins are installed the other way, they ride up against the bent end and stay in place even with no keeper clip in place. I marked the connector knuckles so I always insert the pins the right way now.

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