Trailer hitch pin

Gdetrailer wrote:

As far as strength of the hitch pin goes, don't know exactly, but the same diameter pin is used for 2x2 and 2.5x2.5 hitches.. Just the length of the pin is longer for the 2.5 hitches.. Can't say for sure on the 3x3 hitches but I suspect most likely the same diameter to allow compatibility for using an smaller hitch accessory like a bike rack or lighter weight hitch via adapter sleeves.

Nope, the 3" uses a 3/4" pin. I think that most are using a 5/8" and that is unsafe. Those using adapters would need to drill the holes larger on the adapter and the shank, do you think that ever happens?

Gdetrailer wrote:

canoe on top wrote:
That's why they make locking hitch pins.

Locks CAN be easily defeated or broken and only deter "casual thieves" or "casual pranksters".

A determined thief or prankster can disable most locking hitch pins (or locks) in seconds flat.

Additionally in Northern areas were salt is heavily used to "de ice" roads you might find yourself with a rusted/damaged/frozen lock that won't easily come apart when you want it to..

That's why they make oil. And if you've froze one of the good hitch pin locks on from corrosion, and had to remove it, you'd realize that the determined prankster would need a die grinder, sawzall or equivalent.
It's not getting unhooked by anyone who isn't serious about stealing the trailer and not without some noise and sparks.

What's your foolproof solution? Use a normal hitch pin with a cotter pin and hope noone steals your hitch when the trailer isn't hooked up?

"but I always have worried about the safety pin that holds the hitch pin from sliding out."

Another reason for a locking pin.

canoe on top wrote:
That's why they make locking hitch pins.

Locks CAN be easily defeated or broken and only deter "casual thieves" or "casual pranksters".

A determined thief or prankster can disable most locking hitch pins (or locks) in seconds flat.

Additionally in Northern areas were salt is heavily used to "de ice" roads you might find yourself with a rusted/damaged/frozen lock that won't easily come apart when you want it to..

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Also why everyone should check/recheck there equipment ANYtime you get ready to GO.
Prior to leaving CG
Before leaving Rest Area
After stopping at a restaurant
ANYTIME you have been away from your rig

I do a walk away everytime. Habit!

Yes, before you leave. But I like to check every thing just as soon as I stop. Touch each tire and hub for heat. Earlier I find the problem the better.

As for the pin. When you think about the TW forcing the ball mount off-center of the hole, it would take a lot of force to pull the mount out even without the pin.

Also why everyone should check/recheck there equipment ANYtime you get ready to GO.
Prior to leaving CG
Before leaving Rest Area
After stopping at a restaurant
ANYTIME you have been away from your rig

I do a walk away everytime. Habit!

That's why they make locking hitch pins.

That’s what locking hitch pins are for.
Also helps keep your hitch in your possession.

I've seen video of it being done to semi drivers after another driver was upset over some slight on the road. That's why experienced drivers do a tug test, better to have it crash on the truck than all the way to the ground, much easier to get the landing gear deployed.

Gdetrailer wrote:


May not just be an "Operator error" if the clip "disappears" via a third party "prankster" that happens along when you are away from your vehicle..

Have heard of that happening, fortunately have never had that happen to me.. But I do typically do a quick walk around and check to make sure everything is in it's proper place as it should be when taking rest stops and such before I get back on the road..

Happened to me about 5.5 years ago. Had everything set the night before an early departure. Truck was attached to the trailer with the tongue jack down just enough to release the weight from the hitch. In the morning I simply raised the hitch and left. Little did I know that someone decided that pulling my pin would be a funny 'joke.' As I crested a small hill on the way out of the campground early the next morning, the stinger slid right out of the hitch and the tongue came crashing to the ground.

NOT a funny joke, but it was my bad for not checking things in the morning. Luckily the sound and the scare were much worse than the real damage. Chocked the tires, jacked up the tongue, reconnected, and moved on.

Never happened in 5 years of towing before that, and would likely never happen again. Still, I now double-check ever point of the connection after every stop!