Can anyone recommend a good locking hitch pin?

[qqzj]

That is hard to be pried off and awkward to be sawed? I read online that there's a type that can be locked with a pad lock, but I can't find one. Does it actually work? Thanks.

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[metaleltr]

I have one from Bolt lock on my truck. It is one of the locks that self keys to your trucks ignition key. The business end that usually leaves locking pins vulnerable is pretty beefy. Stainless pin will also be harder to cut.

 

[TuxThePenguin]

don't know of any good ones (not necessarily saying they don't exist). You get junk brands like Master and Reese selling them. Very low security.

As for the padlock kind, many hitch receiver pins have the hole... example: https://www.homedepot.com/p/CURT-5-8-in-Hitch-Pin-2-in-Receiver-in-Black-21578/205631526

you just drop a padlock through that hole. Problem is that's like a 1/4" hole, which really limits your shackle size on a padlock. You could get a guarded lock that has less exposed shackle though. But even a half an inch of exposed shackle is going to let someone get in there with bolt cutters.

Then you get to the tradeoff, with locks, of how weather resistant vs strength you want. You can get a steel lock for higher strength but could rust and become hard to remove in the future, or you can go for like a brass lock that will be more durable in the weather but weaker. Or stainless.

Whichever style you go, avoid the heck out of Master. Absolute garbage locks. Good reputation with a lot of people, but really, really terrible products. Go look on Youtube and LockPickingLawyer and BosnianBill have a lot of videos showing how bad Master locks are.

 

[4xdog]

I don't know how *secure* it is, but the BOLT receiver pin I have for my Tacoma is super convenient using that system's technology for keying the pin to the ignition key.

If one of the BOLT lock receiver locks is available for your vehicle I can definitely recommend them.

Here's a link to the 5/8" locking pin page:
https://www.boltlock.com/locks/5-8-inch-receiver-lock

 

[RTM]

I have the Bolt for my Tacoma as well. Saw lots of videos of how to snap most of them, decided this was the least bad choice.

My Tacoma needs an extra long one, so a few were off the table.

 

[qqzj]

The bolt lock looks nice. It doesn't work with my car. Can I still use it with its own keys? Or, is there something similar to it and has its own keys?

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[cpttuna]

You can buy hitch pins at TSC. The have a hole in the end for a padlock. If your hole is 1/2 or 5/8, you can ream it out for a pin with a 3/4 hole. then get a good lock. Nothing is fullproof.

 

[RivennHewn]

I lost the key to my nice SS receiver lock.

My M12 cutoff tool fixed it in about 45 seconds.

 

[RTM]

Cheater pipe will often break it in five seconds.

 

[RTM]

The bolt lock looks nice. It doesn't work with my car. Can I still use it with its own keys? L]

Does not come with keys. Does it work with a second car you have, just use that key? Or borrow a friends car key and make a copy? With permission of course.

 

[qqzj]

So what is the correct approach here? I want to install a nice hitch step. But I am super annoyed that a thief might steal it. Seems the only good way to go is to weld step in the hitch, but that's not very desirable obviously.

I lost the key to my nice SS receiver lock.

My M12 cutoff tool fixed it in about 45 seconds.

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[Two Speed]

Use a 5/8 bolt (if that is what your hitch hole size is),double nut it and crank the two nuts as tight together as you possible can. It'll stop casual theft of your step, but take some work if somebody is determined. If you are really worried, tack the nut to the bolt. Easy to grind off if you only tow something rarely.

Alex.

 

[qqzj]

Thanks. That is great. I don't have welding tools. Maybe I can use red loctite

Use a 5/8 bolt (if that is what your hitch hole size is),double nut it and crank the two nuts as tight together as you possible can. It'll stop casual theft of your step, but take some work if somebody is determined. If you are really worried, tack the nut to the bolt. Easy to grind off if you only tow something rarely.

Alex.

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[qqzj]

How to deal with cotter pin though? I heard some cops insist all hitch pins have cotter pin.

Use a 5/8 bolt (if that is what your hitch hole size is),double nut it and crank the two nuts as tight together as you possible can. It'll stop casual theft of your step, but take some work if somebody is determined. If you are really worried, tack the nut to the bolt. Easy to grind off if you only tow something rarely.

Alex.

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[Firebrick43]

People steal hitches??? I have had an unlocked one for my over 25 years now without issue.

 

[Ign]

I've got this one, I actually got it as a 2pc set from NT over 12 years ago - it also came with a smaller lock for the coupler mechanism. I don't know how secure it really is but for me I'm just looking to stop the average scumbag.

https://www.buyersproducts.com/product/bone-style-locking-hitch-pin-232

I primarily only use the nice, solid forged draw bars and one of those with a 1-1/4" shank 2-5/16" ball can easily total $100+. I had one stolen once, never again.

 

[Mikeybc]

People steal hitches??? I have had an unlocked one for my over 25 years now without issue.

Think people have had trailers or boats stolen while the latch is still locked to the ball on the receiver.

It’s easy to remove a non-locking pin and slide the receiver right out of the hitch while its still attached to the trailer and locked to the ball. Locking the receiver is just as important as locking the ball latch.

 

[metaleltr]

How to deal with cotter pin though? I heard some cops insist all hitch pins have cotter pin.

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Sinch it is not being used for towing that shouldn't be an issue. Additionally i've never seen a locking pin with a cotter pin so that seems to negate that argument.

 

[jshillin]

I just have a masterlock locking hitch pin. It's been working fine for several years now. I also use a locking pin on the actual trailer, so when it's not connected I lock it in the closed position to at least slow them down a bit, but in all reality when my truck is parked they couldn't get to it to steal it anyway.

 

[Indexmill]

On whatever you decide to buy, check that the pin portion is HARD. Otherwise, it 10 seconds with a Sawzall.

 

[Aquamoose]

When I travel overnight with a trailer, I simply use 2 hardened locks and lock the safety chain to the truck receiver at two separate points, bypassing the need to lock the ball & hitch. When it’s not in use, the hitch gets taken out & stored in my truck. [emoji6]


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[MikeinNorthWales]

Anyone I know that decided to leave a hitch in their receiver year round eventually found that the locking device had corroded to the point where it was inoperable, whether it was a pin or a separate lock. Not sure where you are, so keep weather in mind.

Hitches are made to be removed. You don't install it, like an accessory. Best practice is install it when you need it, and remove it when you are done. Some states' vehicle codes say you must remove it when not in use. Store it in a toolbox or in the cab. It won't be stolen, and your shins will thank you.

If you really want to do this, add an anti-rattle device along with your locking pin. Crank it tight and double nut the u-bolt. This accomplishes 2 things. Now they need tools to remove it, and you don't hear the rattle while you drive.

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[Jazz1]

People steal hitches??? I have had an unlocked one for my over 25 years now without issue.

I don’t lock mine either
I left my hitch in truck for years. Went to pick up a vehicle and I needed to flip my hitch for tow trailer. It was seized, would not budge. Went to a shop in Cedar Falls Iowa where owner heated it up cherry red to remove. Put some grease or Neverseize on hitch

 

[4xdog]

I spray my receiver tube with Fluid Film once or twice a year. Keeps it corrosion free quite nicely, and not as gunky as grease.