The locks have been in use for years, see arrows in diag to see where. I don't know why the dealer did not just sell us pins instead of padlocks.we are reluctant to oil them incase even more dirt gets into them!how do I clean them?should I?thanks allPS buying more ain't gonna happen!

If you want padlocks get something like this.Click here

Brake cleaner or contact cleaner will clean the junk out of them. Spray it in, let it sit for a moment or two and spray some more in. That will take every bit of lubricant out of them and they will probably rust easily inside after that. I usually re-lube them with silicone again. I do it every 2 - 3 years to most of my locks.Wear goggles or safety glasses when trying to spray a cleaner into the small lock holes.Bill

Dealer put padlocks so no idiot can uncouple you as a joke.you say they have been in use for years so what is your objection to investing in new locks?

if you don't like them, throw them away and buy some pins you seem to prefer. I would personally replace them with new locks. Your only talking about $20.Hose it with brake cleaner then lubricate. I have one on my storage building and ironically, i lubricate it with blue dawn dish detergent every so often when i clean it up. has worked perfectly for 8+ years now.

Buy new locks..............OR pins.

dirty looks? no, dirty locks | Good Sam Community

anon125
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
Thanks everyone
jbrad13
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
I have the same locks; lube them occasionally with some silicone spray. I also have pins.
rockhillmanor
Explorer II
Apr 28, 2015
I use locking hitch pins on the tow bar.

And I lock the hitch too. I would 'never' tow a toad or anything for that matter with just those pull pins most of the tow bars come with. Nor do I ever use cotter pins on a hitch. It's locking hitch pins all the way!

Many locking hitch pins come with plastic covers which keeps road debris and most of the water out. A must if you use them up north in winter/salted slush roads. So far so good 7 years and counting.

These are pricey but IMHO worth it because you can lock and unlock with one hand one key no fumbling. Push it and it's locked back in place. All three keyed alike.
cjoseph
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
darsben wrote:
You said 'PS buying more ain't gonna happen! ".
Sounded like you did not like them to me

I got that too. Now I understand the OP just wants to know how to properly care for these, if care is needed.

I would hit them with brake cleaner and after dry, graphite but I am no expert. Hey, they are only locks.

If I ruin locks, I cut them off and buy new.
Puddles
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
JoeH wrote:
John&Joey wrote:
I've heard stories of pins that were missing after parking. I will always use locks to be safe.

The locks you have are the same ones I used. A good spray in the keyhole with some silicone lube after doing the arms on the tow bar, and they were all good to go. Never had a problem, but the locks always looked dirty from road dirt. Just means you're using your rig. :)

Same deal with me.... concerned about someone pulling the pins so I bought the locks... same as shown. I've had them for 15 years and over 100,000 miles towing. No issues. Spray with silicone every once in a while

X3 padlocks don't fall out at rest stops...
JoeH
Explorer III
Apr 28, 2015
John&Joey wrote:
I've heard stories of pins that were missing after parking. I will always use locks to be safe.

The locks you have are the same ones I used. A good spray in the keyhole with some silicone lube after doing the arms on the tow bar, and they were all good to go. Never had a problem, but the locks always looked dirty from road dirt. Just means you're using your rig. :)

Same deal with me.... concerned about someone pulling the pins so I bought the locks... same as shown. I've had them for 15 years and over 100,000 miles towing. No issues. Spray with silicone every once in a while
John_Joey
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
I've heard stories of pins that were missing after parking. I will always use locks to be safe.

The locks you have are the same ones I used. A good spray in the keyhole with some silicone lube after doing the arms on the tow bar, and they were all good to go. Never had a problem, but the locks always looked dirty from road dirt. Just means you're using your rig. :)
rockhillmanor
Explorer II
Apr 28, 2015
Buy a can of this stuff. Will lube and break rust on ANYTHING.Its' the only thing I will use.

We found a horse shoe that was over a hundred years old in our pasture with barium caulks in it. We sprayed the Blaster on it and we were able to unscrew 100 year old rusted caulks!!!!:B

PB Blaster
darsben
Explorer II
Apr 28, 2015
You said 'PS buying more ain't gonna happen! ".
Sounded like you did not like them to me
Rangerider
Explorer
Apr 28, 2015
I have the same padlocks. They look just as bad but function very well. I haven't done anything to mine. I've used them off and on over the last ten years without failure.