Really scary incident tonight - almost lost my tow!

[rgnprof]

We had just driven about 500 miles and were about 2 miles from home. Pulled off I-35, made a right-hand turn and just about lost the Subaru. The hitch pin was completely gone, and it was a brand new pin that I installed this trip. I usually eyeball the cotter pin along the trip, but didn't this time...

I don't know if I lost the cotter pin then the hitch pin pulled out, or if the hitch pin sheared off...no idea!

One of the Blue Ox safety chains broke right at the hook, while the other stayed intact. The hitch in pulling away damaged the underside panel on the rear of the motorhome, but no big deal.

We got LUCKY!

Needless to say, I'm in the market for better tow chains/safety cables and the best hitch pin available!

ryan

[way2roll]

I have found that on my setup (blue ox base plate and ready Brute Elite bars) that if I put the pins in from the outside to the inside they work toward the outside and when I get where I am going they are really tight against the cotter pin. I can see where it would eventually cause a failure. So, now I put the pins in from the inside out and it works it's way to the curve in the pin which is far less risky and no stress at all on the cotter pin. I hope that made sense.

[rgnprof]

Thanks for all the replies - appreciate the concern.

I've been towing - pop-up and now my car - for years, first time anything like this has happened. A little unnerving!

I'm also trying to figure out why the NSA (NOT Blue Ox as stated above) safety cable broke - my car is about 3300lbs and the cables are each rated for 4000lbs, I think...


NSA safety cables


I will definitely make a hitch pin change and will find a way to lock it up. This one was purchased at either Home Depot or WalMart - don't remember the specific brand.


Appreciate the suggestions!

[ron_dittmer]

folivier wrote:
Replace the hitch pin with a correct size grade 8 bolt and don't worry about it. No rattles either. Also anyone who wants to steal your towbar better have tools!

.....With Nylon Locking Nut!

[folivier]

Replace the hitch pin with a correct size grade 8 bolt and don't worry about it. No rattles either. Also anyone who wants to steal your towbar better have tools!

[naturist]

There is at least one YouTube video from a security camera of someone pulling a hitch pin while the driver was elsewhere.

[youracman]

I always had a feeling that the minute movement (moving a few thousandths of an inch fore and aft) in the shear plane there at the pin connection was not a good thing. I installed a hefty anti-rattle device thinking that it might just eliminate movement/jiggling in that area and it appears to have done that. Probably overkill and not needed but it gives me a bit of a "warm fuzzy" feeling. https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Anti-Rattle/Malone/MPG908.html


Glad it ended OK for you ..... except for the damage to the MH, that is. Thanks for the heads up.

Good times and safe travels.

[Rolin]

I heard of one person who had damage to tow car and motorhome because someone sabotaged the tow connections. I now use padlocks in place of cotter pins just to be sure now one can sabotage the connections to my tow vehicle.

Sorry for your difficulties.
Rolin

[ron_dittmer]

Oasisbob wrote:
I wonder if someone just removed it?

X2

I always inspect my tow vehicle setup for tampering. That is why I use common-key padlocks in places instead of pins (where possible)

[Lwiddis]

A locking hitch pin is my choice.

[Oasisbob]

Very scary indeed. Glad you are OK. Was the pin locked on? I wonder if someone just removed it? The safety chain breakage should be reported.

[MDKMDK]

Out of curiosity what brand or where did you get the hitch pin? The Blue Ox stuff did it's thing, I would stick with it but that's just me.
I'd say your new pin was the root cause.