Blue Ox tow bar issue - locks or pins with clips?

[Skip426]

I have both , I install the locks ; if I'm overnighting in a rest area.
Luckily , with my base plate the safety cable hooks , prevent the pins from moving out even if the clips are missing , so I always install the pins from the safety cable hook side when attaching the toad.

[vsheetz]

Puns with clips. Never a problem. Check that all is well at every stop. Have never found a problem. Carry spare pins and clips.

[Ron_H]

We've used our Blue Ox tow system for over 45k now and we've had zero issues with either the pins or tow bar jamming. If you feel a hammer is required, you are doing something wrong.

If something is jammed, simply have someone turn your toad's steering wheel all the way one way and then all the way the opposite direction. At some point in this exercise all the pieces will be released of stress and move correctly. I usually pull our pins while my wife does the steering wheel. As we have to put the toad in park when disconnected, turning the wheels adds virtually no time or complexity to the disconnect process.

I have heard of a number of people who have had quick clip style pins come out while traveling. This in variably due to the clip being flipped the wrong direction, which is difficult to notice in a quick visual check. We use key matched locking pins for our tow bar as it eliminates this potential fail point. The key won't come out of the lock until it is fully closed so any error is visually apparent. We through all our tow pieces in a plastic bin when we disconnect. We also keep a can of silicone spray in that same bin. The locks will get gummed up and difficult to turn after driving through rain and left untreated. I regularly give each of the locks a liberal dose of silicone spray whenever they fail to turn freely or after a major wet drive day and the locks work without a hassle.

[Hgrace56]

Originally Posted by Skip426

I have both , I install the locks ; if I'm overnighting in a rest area.
Luckily , with my base plate the safety cable hooks , prevent the pins from moving out even if the clips are missing , so I always install the pins from the safety cable hook side when attaching the toad.

That's a great idea.
I have both too.
Keep the locks on the hitches and use puns on toad. If I ever leave it hooked up out of site I have locks for the toad too

[MisterT]

I've used these 'self latching' hitch pins successfully for many, many, thousands of miles - I usually replace them every 10,000 miles.... no problems, and no lock to deal with... : )

https://www.dultmeier.com/products/0...FY66wAodaKYEKw

[dennis45]

Originally Posted by Ron_H

We've used our Blue Ox tow system for over 45k now and we've had zero issues with either the pins or tow bar jamming. If you feel a hammer is required, you are doing something wrong.

If something is jammed, simply have someone turn your toad's steering wheel all the way one way and then all the way the opposite direction. At some point in this exercise all the pieces will be released of stress and move correctly. I usually pull our pins while my wife does the steering wheel. As we have to put the toad in park when disconnected, turning the wheels adds virtually no time or complexity to the disconnect process.

I have heard of a number of people who have had quick clip style pins come out while traveling. This in variably due to the clip being flipped the wrong direction, which is difficult to notice in a quick visual check. We use key matched locking pins for our tow bar as it eliminates this potential fail point. The key won't come out of the lock until it is fully closed so any error is visually apparent. We through all our tow pieces in a plastic bin when we disconnect. We also keep a can of silicone spray in that same bin. The locks will get gummed up and difficult to turn after driving through rain and left untreated. I regularly give each of the locks a liberal dose of silicone spray whenever they fail to turn freely or after a major wet drive day and the locks work without a hassle.

Ron, I agree 100%. Best advice of the day.

Blue Ox 3-Lock Kit - By Blue Ox | Hitchsource.com

[Dutch Star Don]

I use the pins in the first position in this link (910024). I've been using then for almost ten years and have NEVER had an issue. They spring lock into position when you rotate the ring down.

Roadmaster Inc. - Tow Bars, Braking Systems & RV Accessories

[TonyDi]

I've been using locking pins. I feel safer knowing someone can't mess with it.

[JFXG]

I have two locking pins that attach my riser and tow bar to the coach hitch. Everything on the toad end of the setup is retained with the standard, spring-lock linchpins, as in DSDon's picture-- what Blue Ox for some reason calls "quick pins". Never had a problem with them.

Linchpins spring load into the locked position. It is impossible for a properly installed linchpin to fall out unless it is physically broken.

[Ron_H]

It is true that if the quick pins are properly installed they will not fall out. Unfortunately it is easy to improperly install them and when that happens, it's not visually apparent at a glance. Invariably whe you hear about someone's pins dropping out, it is likely due to there having been improperly installed.

The other aspect of the locking pins that I like has to do with our tow car and its towing setup. We have to leave the key in the ignition of our 2008 Honda CR-V. Though the door will be locked it would be very easy for someone to pull unlocked hitch pins, pop a window and drive away. Having the toad locked onto the motorhome provides an extra level of security for piece of mind.

[Trapper2022]

Started with pins then after seeing damage from accidentally disconnected cars went to locks. Well worth the piece of mind they give you. If car burns with rig that would be the least of my problems.

Safe travels.

[lucyh]

Originally Posted by Ron_H

We've used our Blue Ox tow system for over 45k now and we've had zero issues with either the pins or tow bar jamming. If you feel a hammer is required, you are doing something wrong.

If something is jammed, simply have someone turn your toad's steering wheel all the way one way and then all the way the opposite direction. At some point in this exercise all the pieces will be released of stress and move correctly. I usually pull our pins while my wife does the steering wheel. As we have to put the toad in park when disconnected, turning the wheels adds virtually no time or complexity to the disconnect process.

Thanks!! I think this might be just the advice I needed. We have used the turning the steering wheel method to very good effect when one of the tow bar lock levers wouldn't easily release but hadn't thought of using it when the pins or clips are tight. I'm going to start using the locking pins and try the steering wheel movement when I'm tempted to whack them with a hammer. Thanks to everyone who answered. I love this forum so much!

[dennis45]

Originally Posted by Ron_H

It is true that if the quick pins are properly installed they will not fall out. Unfortunately it is easy to improperly install them and when that happens, it's not visually apparent at a glance. Invariably whe you hear about someone's pins dropping out, it is likely due to there having been improperly installed.

The other aspect of the locking pins that I like has to do with our tow car and its towing setup. We have to leave the key in the ignition of our 2008 Honda CR-V. Though the door will be locked it would be very easy for someone to pull unlocked hitch pins, pop a window and drive away. Having the toad locked onto the motorhome provides an extra level of security for piece of mind.

Must be looking in my window Ron. I agree 100%.

[BigSkyBob]

Originally Posted by USMCRET

I've been using the pins with clips with no issues. Never encountered nor heard of the jamming issue you describe. That's interesting.

Me too.