Hitch Pin disaster Almost!

[Comptech]

Hi,
So my wife come to me and said look what I found in the driveway... It was the hitch pin for one side of the head... Could have lost the whole 5th wheel, we are heading out on Sunday.... Dont know how it came off or what, but this design (see pic) scares me. I am looking to find something better than a little wire clipped over the pin....... any ideas?

[dhn]

I use these on my hitch, after I had a hitch stolen.
http://www.etrailer.com/Locks/Reese/RP58093.html

[Martydonna]

I use plastic cable ties.

[tcreek]

I found pins that have holes in them instead of the clips. Had to drill the holes a little, but was able to get a small set of master locks that were keyed the same, and locked the pins in place.

[gearhead]

If you have a Tractor Supply store nearby check their pin selection. I use one on my trailer receiver that is straight and has a bigger hole. Also has a wire pull handle, you can cut that off if you like.

[hankpage]

There is a slim possibility of the clip coming off and the pin working it's way out but, For the pin to end up in your driveway it needed help. Someone does not like you or is playing a cruel joke. I drilled holes in three of my hitch pins and replaced the clips with small padlocks keyed alike. One lock on the release handle, one on the rail and one on the head but this was to deter theft or accidental release. It is amazing what some folks think is funny these days. I have had my breakaway switch pulled out on two separate occasions. Even with the locks I check all pins every time I get into my truck. JM2¢, Hank

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by Martydonna

I use plastic cable ties.

Wonder how you figure a plastic cane tie is better than the Spring steel clip, unless you use them to secure the wire clips.

Pin laying in the driveway could have been dropped by the installer also (yes you).

[spicercars]

Pins can easily be replaced with better ones at any fleet supply store. Just bring one of your old pins in and find on the same diameter with a hole threw the end. You can then either use push in pins or cotter keys. Good luck.

[gearhead]

I don't lock my hitch pins but I might start now. However, I do turn the pins on the hitch legs so that I can see the clip when I look in the truck bed.

[jsmith948]

I have thought about using grade 8 bolts with ny-lock jam nuts. Never had a problem with the spring clips, but ......

[MarkS]

The clips are surprising easy to knock off. If you are in the bed of the truck, you can kick the pin and sometimes the clip will pop off.

My pull rite hitch has 8 pins. I have lots of opportunity to kick them. I try to check before each trip.

[SAABDOCTOR]

Lots of good ideas. To help reduce the chance of kicking a pin. I put my pins in withe the hole /grove facing inward,under the hitch. That way you need to work at kicking them. but finding the lock pin in the driveway.. someone has a bad idea or hates you. but you learned a valuble lesson. ALL WAYS CHECK BEFORE YOU GO!

[Comptech]

And sorry I wanted to clarify, it was the pin clip my wife found in the driveway not the 5/8 pin itself.... And it was the clip holding the hitch head on the two right and left pins of the hitch head. I ended up going to the store and buying two grade 8, 3" bolts and nylon locking nuts to replace just these two pins and clips. The other four I install with the clips inward, therefore reducing the chance of them getting accidentally kicked off.

I think what might have happened is I was cleaning the truck and getting it ready for our trip and must have hit the clip in such a way it popped off. But not anymore.....