Trailer/Hitch Locking Pin Problem

[ljp]

We have a key operated locking pin used to secure our travel trailer to our truck receiver.

This afternoon I inserted the key into the locking pin so I could remove the hitch and the pin would not turn. I tried several times to turn the key and when I removed the key the tumbler assembly came out with it. The pin remains and I'm now unable to remove it in order to remove the hitch.

I called Good Sam Roadside Assistance and this is not a covered item. I called Camping World and their service department suggested I have it removed with a torch or by using a Sawzal blade.

Any other ideas?

[chuckster57]

Your choices are very limited at this point. We use a cut off saw, they aren't that expensive.

[sourdough]

I think I would probably try a Sawzall first. If you've got a compressor and cutoff tool you could use that.

[PARAPTOR]

Interesting I thought Good Sam Roadside included locksmith services. Then again have enough services, probably have them all confused.

[JRTJH]

As above, a sawzall, grinding wheel or possibly a hack saw (although that probably wouldn't cut through a hardened shaft. If you don't have those tools, almost any "service station" or body shop would help you for a small charge.

Something we all can "take away" from your problem is the effects of ice, salt and corrosion on any lock that's "normally under our truck"... That includes spare tire locks, receiver pin locks, tool box locks, and any other lock that's exposed to the elements.

As we're getting ready for camping season, it would benefit all of us to spend a few minutes checking all the locks and "gear/cable/worm" actuated devices on our trailer and tow vehicle. Nothing is more frustrating than having a flat tire and not being able to get the spare tire mount unlocked so you can change the flat and get back on the road... Well, maybe "nothing"....

[Mikey]

One idea might be to find a local fire department. They may be able to help. Coming from a volunteer fireman of over 15 years, I can tell you that our department has done some stuff like this before. They have lots of equipment and are generally a helpful bunch.

Sent from my VS995 using Tapatalk

[Frank G]

You may be lucky! as it is unlocked... sort of. Look at the end of the tumbler there should be a tab that activates the release lever(up in the lock) as the tumbler is turned. If you can duplicate this tab, like maybe a screw driver, you should be able to remove the lock from the pin. A little WD40 may necessary.

Good Luck

[ljp]

I placed the tumbler back into the pin in a final attempt to unlock, moved the key around and then was unable to remove the tumbler assembly.

Drove the truck to a locksmith who stated if I had not placed the tumbler assembly back into the pin they could have used a screwdriver to knock the pin out. They drilled through the keyhole to release the pins for the lock. A screwdriver was then used to turn and separate both sides of the pin so they could be removed. I could have done this at home but it was an immediate $15 fix.

Thanks for your feedback.

[CaptnJohn]

Guy at the storage facility lost the keys to his expensive lock. After hours of trying I came along and went to the office. Choose huge bolt cutters (would not work on the expensive lock) or a battery powered cutoff tool. Borrowed that and 5 minutes later lock was off.

[66joej]

In the old days we used 2 large ball pein hammers. One on either side. Would break almost any hardened lock. Also worked for seized bearing races on shafts. Crude but quick.

[Joe592]

Like 66joej said. hit it on the side with a hammer. they are hardened which will allow them to break easier. I had one seize up and a hammer broke it easily.