Best hitch pin

[Stadger]

What's the best trailer hitch pin?

 

[manwithtools]

I really like this style of hitch pin - MasterLock 1465DAT or similar.

No clip to struggle with or loose, works equally well with or without gloves. I don't like the lockable versions as I prefer to remove the hitch from the receiver when it's not in use, instead of leaving it installed and creating a shin knocker like so many folks do.

Here's a link to a video of how it works in case it's not clear:

https://images.etrailer.com/static/images/video/Demo-Master-Lock-Hitch-Accessories-ML1465DAT.webm

 

[Niteman9]

BoltLock brand hitch pins and padlocks and tool box handles.
They key to your ignition key so you don't have to have a separate key.

I'm not understanding why the above poster thinks one with a lock cannot be removed and stored like any other.

What's the removal and storage difference between locked or not other than a key and two seconds?

Because if you remove it you don't need a lock.

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[manwithtools]

Because if you remove it you don't need a lock.

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Exactly, by not having a lock, there is no temptation to leave the hitch in the receiver. My typical operation is: install hitch, pull trailer, remove hitch and stow under back seat.

Also in rust prone areas, the locking hitch pins can be impossible to remove if left in place for extended periods.

And if the hitch is left sticking out, someone will eventually walk into the damn thing.

 

[ruffryder]

I think some of you are missing the scenario where you are traveling someplace with a trailer and need to leave the vehicle / trailer unattended for a short while. In those cases it is wise to have a lock on the hitch and on the trailer so nothing can be removed.

Just some thoughts / perspectives.

 

[ezover]

Exactly, by not having a lock, there is no temptation to leave the hitch in the receiver. My typical operation is: install hitch, pull trailer, remove hitch and stow under back seat.

Also in rust prone areas, the locking hitch pins can be impossible to remove if left in place for extended periods.

And if the hitch is left sticking out, someone will eventually walk into the damn thing.

no need for a lock, a couple of winters with salt. now I just carry balls to swap if needed. I converted all my stuff to 2 inch.

 

[manwithtools]

In a case where security is required, I'll either park where the trailer is not movable (if somehow separated from the tow vehicle) or I'll route the safety chain through the truck receiver hitch chain holes and padlock them.

Let's face it, it's easier to cut that 1/4" diameter lock pin or padlock hasp on the coupler anyway. In other words, if they want to steal it, they'll go for the easiest path.

 

[aussiek2000]

Grade 8 bolt and nut/washers

 

[D45]

Grade 8 bolt and nut/washers

F911 bolt and hardware

 

[gdocktor3]

A hitch pin really doesn’t mean anything in terms of weight capacity or anything like that. Any old pin, bolt, etc will work fine as long as it’s same diameter as the hole. I have locking hitch pins on my trucks and when the time comes I need to remove them, it will be done with a hammer. They’re rusted on there pretty good and the key doesn’t work.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have a hitch pin that I bought at Menard's. It has the clip leashed to it with a small cable. No more looking for the clip.

 

[apollo11]

A locking pin helps slow down trailer thieves.

 

[Advan]

I had this one in for probably 5 years straight now. Still works like new, even after 5 full winters worth of salt spray.

https://www.princessauto.com/en/det...-steel-dogbone-deadbolt-hitch-pin/A-p8290389e

 

[geartow]

a hardened 5/8 hitch pin requires a 160,000 lds resistance load to shear it . is what we were taught in class .

 

[mikegt4]

I have a DIY version of an Anti Rattle Trailer Hitch Tightener on my tow van. The thief would have to bring a wrench with him (or a cut-off grinder) to take my hitch. Then again he would spend a while to pull it out of the receiver as it's been in there for years. I use it as a step to get in the back door.

 

[mbshop]

I would have two pins. One for a quick tow and one for a longer tow that would require me to make stops. They are not expensive. I used my tow hitch on my jeep more for towing vehicles that were stuck, no reason for a lock.

 

[AZ Pete]

A firm tap with a hammer will shear off most of the locks on locking hitch pins, but they are a deterent since most do not carry a two pound hammer in their pocket.

I have used the same locking pin for ten years, bought from WalMart.


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[Heavy Metal Doctor]

I only use a locking pin when I travel with the weigh distribution head in the receiver since it's much more valuable than a generic drawbar / ball. The rest of the time it's just a plain pin w/clip.

 

[MattDanger]

18-8 Stainless pin (McMaster 94563A913) and a Stowaway hitch tightener has been a winning combo for me. Hitch tightener is a real game changer. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0001CMUV4/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1


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[kythri]

I use these, under one brand or another:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000W0OFXG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

No key to worry about.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I prefer the simple..... Grade 8 nut & bolt with a couple of washers

 

[jubilee]

I just drill the pin hole out a little and use a padlock. Or, make my own with grade 8 bolts. I have same keyed padlocks for all my hitch pins and a key in every vehicle.

 

[Wes Tex]

I use a name brand pin with a keyed lock. My son does the same with his equalizer head left in the receiver all the time. He sees it as his rear bumper guard. Twice he has been rear ended at stop lights. Both times the car hitting him had extensive damage with nothing but a scratch on the equalizer head. The pin was not damaged either time.

 

[Jason280]

My typical operation is: install hitch, pull trailer, remove hitch and stow under back seat.

I like to leave mine in, ensures small fender benders only hit the hitch...no damage to the bumper.

 

[inyoyote]

https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/speeco-safety-lock-hitch-pin/0000000027134

I don’t know how many miles of heavy loads I’ve got on my pin but it’s a lot. I’ve never had any issues and I put the breakaway cable through the spring eye. I’ve hung the cable up in brush many times and it’s never come off. I hung it up so bad the cable broke and it didn’t hurt the spring. I went to the red coated breakaway cables and that helped with snagging it on brush. I also only use steel forged ball mounts after breaking the standard and aluminum ones. NAPA has the best prices around me.

 

[mbshop]

Today I was out so I looked at all the trucks. I live in a town surrounded by farms, ranches and dairies. Half the trucks had nothing in the hitch. The vast majority had the carriers in secured with a std pin. Only one had a locking pin and it did not look like a working truck. So it seems that around here, taking a ball carrier is similar to stealing a horse, just not done.

 

[Roberts210]

I have a locking one. Works great and I keep the key on my truck keychain. I always remove the receiver so I don't bang it into anybody when backing up.

 

[Outlander]

Mine is locked, once year I crack open a cold one and remove everything to grease it all up.