I have the typical receiver hitch lock on my pickup. I usually have to change out the ball size several times a year so I have the different sizes on individual inserts. This last week I go to remove the insert like so many times before and low and behold when I removed the key from the lock the whole lock assembly came out with the key. What the hey?? The thing just came apart in my hands. SO just a heads up check these thing out occasionally could have been bad if it came apart towing as I was getting ready to do. Larry

I guess I am spoiled here in NM. Never locked mine and never had one walk away. I also keep a shovel, axe, and chains in the back of the truck and they have stayed put also. I guess some day somewhere I could lose something but it has not happened yet. I have had stuff stolen out of my vehicles in CA, just not here in NM but I do not live in Albuquerque or Santa Fe either.

There are still a few places where you can live without locks.

Don't have a fear of being stolen but loosing the trailer when the little pin comes out going down the road. I have not been struck by lightning either but the chance is still there :S

I drilled a hole just beyond the lock and put a pin clip through the hole just in case something like that happens.

I use the locking type because it was the only one I could find with square shoulders on both ends...I ruined one receiver using the J-pins that wallowed out the holes.OP, maybe post a brand or a pic so we know which one you had that failed?

Hitch Lock Hazared!! | Good Sam Community

NMDriver
Explorer
Feb 11, 2015
I guess I am spoiled here in NM. Never locked mine and never had one walk away. I also keep a shovel, axe, and chains in the back of the truck and they have stayed put also. I guess some day somewhere I could lose something but it has not happened yet. I have had stuff stolen out of my vehicles in CA, just not here in NM but I do not live in Albuquerque or Santa Fe either.
K_Charles
Explorer
Feb 11, 2015
There are still a few places where you can live without locks.
B_s_Bunch
Explorer
Feb 11, 2015
Don't have a fear of being stolen but loosing the trailer when the little pin comes out going down the road. I have not been struck by lightning either but the chance is still there :S
zigzagrv
Explorer
Feb 11, 2015
I drilled a hole just beyond the lock and put a pin clip through the hole just in case something like that happens.
BurbMan
Explorer II
Feb 11, 2015
I use the locking type because it was the only one I could find with square shoulders on both ends...I ruined one receiver using the J-pins that wallowed out the holes.

OP, maybe post a brand or a pic so we know which one you had that failed?
WyoTraveler
Explorer
Feb 11, 2015
B's Bunch wrote:
Don't have a fear of being stolen but loosing the trailer when the little pin comes out going down the road. I have not been struck by lightning either but the chance is still there :S

I agree. Every time I stop at rest areas etc. I aways walk around the vehicle. Check the hitch, safety chains, use thumper on my duals & feel each tire for unusual heat i.e. tread problems.
CavemanCharlie
Explorer III
Feb 11, 2015
zigzagrv wrote:
I drilled a hole just beyond the lock and put a pin clip through the hole just in case something like that happens.

That sounds like a good idea.
Fish__n___Grits
Explorer
Feb 11, 2015
If my hitch is going to be on the truck for a while, I use a grade 8 bolt with a lock nut. And just because I'm paranoid, I drilled the bolt and put a Cotter key in it.
Raften
Explorer
Feb 11, 2015
Fish 'n ' Grits wrote:
If my hitch is going to be on the truck for a while, I use a grade 8 bolt with a lock nut. And just because I'm paranoid, I drilled the bolt and put a Cotter key in it.

That is what I use and take it one step more. I drill thru the nut and not all the way thru the bolt. Then enlarge the hole in the nut. The bolt gets tapped for a set screw that uses a 1/8 Allen wrench. Unless a thief has a Allen wrench the stinger is staying put.
NMDriver
Explorer
Feb 11, 2015
Unless a thief has a Allen wrench the stinger is staying put.

Or a cheater bar and thick wall sockets :) But I agree most theft is spur of the moment and easy targets (like mine) are picked first. So what size bolt are you using to fit the hole and not have to much play under stop and go load?

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