Class 3 hitch pin almost came out

[cospilot]

Has anyone ever had a coupler pin fall out? A few weeks ago when I went to unhook the camper I discovered the pin was half way out!
The cotter pin or hair pin was missing and I know for a fact it was installed when I hooked it up.
Has anyone ever known one to fall out?
I cannot imagine anyway it could have fallen out because the pin is very difficult to install and remove and I see I way for the pin itself to have enough sideways pressure to cause the hair pin to sheer off or fall out.
I want to replace it obviously but don't want to take any chance it might fall out again


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[Festus2]

You can get hitch pins with locks or safety pins to prevent them from being stolen or from falling out.

[bill-e]

I would agree that there is no way the hitch pin is going to move and sheer off the cotter pin. Either the fit was loose, the pin just happened to break and fall out on its own, you actually did forget to install it (I have) or someone sabotaged you.

I use a locking hitch pin like this and for the latch I use something like this pin.

Bill

[SteveC7010]

Originally Posted by bill-e

I would agree that there is no way the hitch pin is going to move and sheer off the cotter pin. Either the fit was loose, the pin just happened to break and fall out on its own, you actually did forget to install it (I have) or someone sabotaged you.

Yup, that's the sum of it.

In addition to using a locking hitch pin in the receiver, I've always used a long shank padlock for the coupler latch on any trailer I tow, and I now use a medium shank padlock on the latch for the fifth wheel jaws. Securing these devices with locks or padlocks is not so much a matter of preventing theft as it is ensuring that they are properly and safely secured for travel and can not be accidentally or intentionally disconnected.

[audio1der]

I have read about a case or 2 of suspected sabotage, where a 5th wheel came off the hitch after a rest/gas stop. I use a cotter pin with safety lock but I re-check everything (bars, pull-up pin locks, cams, hitch pin...) after rest stops or anytime I leave the truck.

Glad you're safe and it all mostly worked out

[cospilot]

no one sabotaged it, i hooked it myself and drove straight home with no stops in between.
i know i put the clip in because i usually loop the safety brake cable around the cotter pin when i make that step.

[Gadgetmonster]

Originally Posted by bill-e

I use a locking hitch pin like this and for the latch I use something like this pin.

Bill

Thanks for the link. I just went ahead and bought that locking hitch pin. Good idea.

[KSH]

Can I key it to the trailer door key?

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[B-O-B'03]

Originally Posted by KSH

Can I key it to the trailer door key?

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I ordered one that was specific to my Ford ignition key, the receiver lock came to day, it is very heavy and seems very well made, I followed the directions, put my truck key in it and turned it clockwise until it stopped. The truck key now unlocks it... I have not tried a different key, to verify only my key works, but plan to the next time I see my friend who also has an F150.

-Brian

[swanson]

I just use a grade 8 bolt, washers and a nut. You need tools at least to get this off.