Safety pin that hold the big pin in place on a hich

Another vote for locking pin.

Much easier to work with.

A longer pin is going to cure most of these issues and the key locking pin, as mentioned, is a good idea.

For an easy fix for removing the hair pin, use a carabiner through the hair pin. If you don't like it dangling when hooked up, it is easy to remove.

Pulling it isn't the problem, I usually just use a pliers. Now putting it in is where I rap my knuckles.

YC 1 wrote:
I tied a small cotton rope on mine with a small loop to run a couple of fingers through. Comes off much easier now.

X2 - I use a loop of nylon cord. You can yank the clip out.

Norm

Be aware that the pins do come in different lengths. Probably the vast majority of you have a 2" receiver that your draw bar fits. There are also 2.5" draw bars on Class V hitches and they of course require longer safety pins that can be obtained at RV parts stores. You won't find them at Walmart in all likelihood.

Those pins will also,work in 2" receivers and may ease your pain a bit in grabbing the smaller safety pin.

I have a Class V hitch since I needed a 24" hitch extension when towing in the days when I had a truck camper.

I had been using a locking pin that had a rubber cover to keep the key hole clean. Unfortunately with the new truck I cannot hook up my chains if I use the lock. I need to find a different lock or another way to hook up the chains.

Before I got a locking pin I thought the only way to remove the little clip pins was with pliers. Normal people's fingers can't pull those little clips. :)

I tried one of the locking pins. I live on a gravel road. The locking pin quickly got full of dust/mud and quit working. I had to cut it off.

I tied a small cotton rope on mine with a small loop to run a couple of fingers through. Comes off much easier now.

I was camped out one time and another couple came by looking for their hitch. They used a safety pin to secure the "big pin". It must have fallen out, because the whole hitch was missing. They gave up the search and spend some big $$ replacing their hitch so they could get home.

Buy a locking pin and use it. They are much easier to install, and can help prevent theft or loss of your hitch.