Community Forums

Twilightzone · 05-21-2017, 12:20 PM

>"go to harbor freight and get a small grinder with a cutoff wheel. Most likely the cheapest way to go."

Yup. Cheap 4-1/2" angle grinder. $14 at HF. Put 'em periodically on sale for $9.
Good basic tool. You don't know when you need to cut something off... or clean up rusty metal, or sharpen a mower blade... or...

okmunky · 05-21-2017, 08:37 PM

Success!!! THanks to your sage advice, a good dousing of PB Blaster and about 1,500 curse words the lock gave in and it allowed me to win. Once I got the lock removed it had another rally trying to defeat me. This was one of those locks designed for both diameter hitch pins using a metal tube to create the larger diameter. Of course, the lock slipped out and left the tube behind. It took more PB Blaster and vice grips to get that out. Both are now at the bottom of the recycling cart, hopefully destined to become something more useful.

Before you guys mentioned it I had no idea what PB Blaster was. My first thought was some peanut butter concoction from Dairy Queen. I can now sing it's true praises, loud and clear. That stuff works miracles! I won't go anywhere without it, now.

Ok, one last question -- should I just use a standard hitch pin, or is there something more secure. I bought that #%€*^ lock out of fear that the clip would get knocked out of the pin and the tow bar and car would become a missle. Back in the 70s a friend's parents were killed when a boat came loose, crossed the median and hit their car head on.

My thanks to each of you for your help!

Busskipper · 05-21-2017, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okmunky

Success!!! THanks to your sage advice, a good dousing of PB Blaster and about 1,500 curse words the lock gave in and it allowed me to win. Once I got the lock removed it had another rally trying to defeat me. This was one of those locks designed for both diameter hitch pins using a metal tube to create the larger diameter. Of course, the lock slipped out and left the tube behind. It took more PB Blaster and vice grips to get that out. Both are now at the bottom of the recycling cart, hopefully destined to become something more useful.

Before you guys mentioned it I had no idea what PB Blaster was. My first thought was some peanut butter concoction from Dairy Queen. I can now sing it's true praises, loud and clear. That stuff works miracles! I won't go anywhere without it, now.

Ok, one last question -- should I just use a standard hitch pin, or is there something more secure. I bought that #%€*^ lock out of fear that the clip would get knocked out of the pin and the tow bar and car would become a missle. Back in the 70s a friend's parents were killed when a boat came loose, crossed the median and hit their car head on.

My thanks to each of you for your help!

When desperate just used ATF, it works pretty well.

nothermark · 05-21-2017, 08:53 PM

Your root cause is probably dust and moisture getting into the lock mechanism. Whatever lock you choose will crude up over time. That is why the PB blaster did the trick.

I would consider drilling out the hole in a standard pin to put in a small padlock. Easier to cut and looser tolerances so less likely to jam up. If I was leaving the pin in place for very long it might be a really good place for some electrical tape over the keyhole. Probably a strip over the end and up the sides then another strip wound around to keep the ends in place. Utility knife in the tool kit to get the tape off. Keeps the crud out of the lock mechanism.

Unplanned Tourist · 05-21-2017, 11:56 PM

I have drilled out the pin hole to 9/64 inch and used a good padlock. Easy to use and if the lock gets dry, just give it a little grease.

wingnut60 · 05-22-2017, 06:28 AM

If you want to use a locking pin, get one that comes with a cover over the lock, or tape it as mentioned. However, have not read or heard of a tow bar being stolen...

vsheetz · 05-22-2017, 07:11 AM

I had a similar experience with locking hitch pin. My case was I lost track of the key. Could not pound or cut the lock off primarily due to the limited access. A super concentrated and lengthy search finally found the key.

I reinstalled with non-locking pins so as not to be in such situation again. I have de-rattlers so a thief would have to cut them or have tools to remove, slowing them down a bit. Plus I think unlikely to be stolen anyway.

JoeSR · 05-22-2017, 07:44 AM

Simple is sometimes the best way to go. Get one of these>>> https://www.amazon.com/Curt-Manufact...ords=hitch+pin

You should have no problems finding one locally.

plasma800 · 05-22-2017, 07:57 AM

i cut one off once with just a hand held grinder.. cut through it like butter.. it was off in about 45 seconds.

vsheetz · 05-22-2017, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plasma800

i cut one off once with just a hand held grinder.. cut through it like butter.. it was off in about 45 seconds.

If you have clear access, agree. When similar occured to me I had access limitations as did the OP.

JUS1MO · 05-22-2017, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeSR

Simple is sometimes the best way to go. Get one of these>>> https://www.amazon.com/Curt-Manufact...ords=hitch+pin

You should have no problems finding one locally.

I have used these pins on trailers of all types for years... They work perfectly just not much on security...

Trapper2022 · 05-22-2017, 08:17 AM

Having seen a trailer lose it's tow there is know way I would not use a locking device. Not only do I use a lock at the trailer end I use two locking devices to secure the car to the tow bar. The added security is well worth the trouble. With out a lock to easy for someone to play with it.

Mudfrog · 05-22-2017, 08:39 AM

I too want the security of a locking pin. Not that i think someone will steal the trailer but that i don't want some sick goofball pulling the pin when i wasn't looking.

Like someone suggested above, i ended up using a small padlock on one of my pins. I did have to drill out the clip hole to make it fit. It's small enough that i could break it lose if it developed a problem but at the same time, wouldn't allow someone to just walk by and easily remove it. For the same reason as above, i also lock the hitch lever when we're on the road.

I think most any lock should work fine but like many other things on the RV, it needs to be exercised and maintained to keep functioning correctly.

okmunky · 05-22-2017, 10:28 AM

My concern is not theft, but it coming loose and killing someone and or totaling the toad. I found 2 that I'm considering, but we are parked now until mid October so I have plenty of time to decide.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E4LIBJC...d=UHC7EQPCUYNS

https://www.amazon.com/Master-Lock-1...3JE281XD200NA7