Do You Trust Hitch Locks?

Hi,

There are pins that have a clip to secure them. The lock adds a hint of protection.

I may be wrong here but I suspect that 99% of all draw bars are held on with a hitch pin of some sort whether locking or not instead of a nut and bolt. I use a locking type myself.

I use one like this as it keys to your ignition key
https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch-Lock/Bolt/BL7018448.html

One less key to keep track of or lose. Not getting out of the driveway without the ignition key for the truck no matter what. They also make other types of locks that also use your ignition key.

I had a hitch arm fail and bend over one of these Blue Ox pins. Hitch Pins To disconnect the toad I had to remove the locking end and pound the pin out but the key port was destroyed. It took a VERY large hammer, a very heavy drift and a LOT of pounding before the locking end finally let go. Once that end is properly locked on, It won't let go. Not sure about your pin pictured.

On my ATV trailer I use a locking pin similar to those above, plus a hitch anti-rattle, Not so much for the anti-rattle, but as a secondary means of securing the hitch for added peace of mind.

Another method is to find small locks that fit the grooveon the hitch pin in pianotuna's post. I've got the same quandry with my tow setup; I want to lock everything that is in sight.
For the pins that are out of sight and won't be removed until the end of the towing session, I'll probably use lynch pins such as these on those hitch pins:



then wrap a stout wire tie around the pin and object to keep it in place.
My MH mounted Roadmaster is the crossbar type with these lynch pins; I have a pair of padlocks for them but need 4, and will have to lock the pin on the MH hitch as well.

Use a regular pin with the hole in it. Buy a padlock and Drill out the pin to the size of the lock. I did this when I had my WD hitch on the Excursion.

I currently have a similar pin as you shown. Had it with our sleds and now for the towbar. Haven’t had an issue with it!

The lock keeps some one from (as a prank ???) removing the pin while parked at rest area or at truck stop.

Watch the you tube video on how easy those are to pry off, I bought a brand called bolt from strattec. That you can key to your rv ignition key, now I don’t worry about losing the hitch key

travisc wrote:
Watch the you tube video on how easy those are to pry off, I bought a brand called bolt from strattec. That you can key to your rv ignition key, now I don’t worry about losing the hitch key

If they are easy to pry off then I won't worry much about losing the hitch key but it is a pain that I am accumulating more and more keys. My biggest concern is I don't want it to accidentally come off while towing and see my safety chains get tested. That's the point of my question, not so much the security from theft. It sounds like maybe it's more work for thieves to unscrew the nut and bolt than to pry off the lock?

TenOC wrote:
The lock keeps some one from (as a prank ???) removing the pin while parked at rest area or at truck stop.

Or Walmart? That's where I'm more likely to be parked. But it sounds like I need to re-check all connections when we leave, if we stop to do some shopping along the way.