Community Forums

dpinvidic · 04-17-2016, 06:24 PM

I lost one of my hitch pins several months ago.
I "Thought" I had check the pin, but obviously I did not.

This was the type of hitch pin with a "Over-Center" lick ring that must be fliped the correct way. Doing it the wrong way will allow the hitch pin to fall out.

I came up with this second back-up retainer. YES...I know there are other type of pins.

I like this arrangement because everything stays connected to the main pin.
And even if I lost the primary retainer while camping, this sring loop will still hold the pin and prevent it from falling.
It is a simple 1/2" spring, and a small cable loop.

Photos below in case anyone is interested in doing this.

Regards,

Dan

mel s · 04-18-2016, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpinvidic

I lost one of my hitch pins several months ago.
I "Thought" I had check the pin, but obviously I did not.
This was the type of hitch pin with a "Over-Center" lick ring that must be fliped the correct way. Doing it the wrong way will allow the hitch pin to fall out.
I came up with this second back-up retainer. YES...I know there are other type of pins.
I like this arrangement because everything stays connected to the main pin.
And even if I lost the primary retainer while camping, this sring loop will still hold the pin and prevent it from falling.
It is a simple 1/2" spring, and a small cable loop.
Regards,
Dan

dpinvidic
I use 2 of these in place of the pins with the "Over-Center" lock ring.

Mel
'96 Safari

Old Scout · 04-18-2016, 07:41 AM

Appreciate your concerns over safety but any additional devices you add will increase the time needed to unhook the toad from the coach--in an emergency, a few seconds could mean the difference between saving the toad and a total loss.

**TonyDi** · 04-18-2016, 07:56 AM

I have locking pins for my Blue Ox Aventa.

BX88101 Receiver Lock Kit, 2-1/2, 1-5/8″ | Blue Ox

Skip426 · 04-18-2016, 08:17 AM

Dan , because you have the hidden base plate and the inserts add length to move the pins away from the safety cable attachment loop; this may not work for your set up .
I install my pins from the center of the vehicle, with the safety pin on the outside, when the cables are installed the hook of the cable blocks the pin in place, without the safety pin the main pin would rub the cable hook but it can't fall out.
Like I say may not work for all base plates.

Old Scout · 04-18-2016, 09:00 AM

I tried a similar "locking pin" product a few years ago, an found that the pins tend to rotate while going down the road--and will eventually wallow out the holes in the receiver or tow bar. Lubing the pins tends to attract dirt and grit and may add to the wear and tear.

stevemoores · 04-18-2016, 01:42 PM

I have these over-center pins as well, I didn't know there was a right way to flip them (or a wrong way).

I'm going to have to look at this a bit closer in future, thanks for the heads-up.

**Lt Dan** · 04-18-2016, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevemoores

I have these over-center pins as well, I didn't know there was a right way to flip them (or a wrong way).
I'm going to have to look at this a bit closer in future, thanks for the heads-up.

If you look at the pin, there is a flat side and an angled side on the head. The angled side needs to be away from the tow bar for the ring to fully snap closed.

Wayne M · 04-18-2016, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpinvidic

I lost one of my hitch pins several months ago.
I "Thought" I had check the pin, but obviously I did not.

This was the type of hitch pin with a "Over-Center" lick ring that must be fliped the correct way. Doing it the wrong way will allow the hitch pin to fall out.

I came up with this second back-up retainer. YES...I know there are other type of pins.

I like this arrangement because everything stays connected to the main pin.
And even if I lost the primary retainer while camping, this sring loop will still hold the pin and prevent it from falling.
It is a simple 1/2" spring, and a small cable loop.

Photos below in case anyone is interested in doing this.

Regards,

Dan

Dan, I like that. Did you make those loops and springs or are they ready made. Looks like it would only take about 1/2 second to remove the loop.

dpinvidic · 04-18-2016, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M

Dan, I like that. Did you make those loops and springs or are they ready made. Looks like it would only take about 1/2 second to remove the loop.

I bought a foot of cable at Lowes, and made the ferrules (you can buy them at Lowes too).
The time added is negligible. Having a pin fall out because you installed the hitchpin wrong....priceless (well expensive).

Regards,

Dan

dpinvidic · 04-18-2016, 07:43 PM

I am amused, two replies show that they use locking pins which require keys to remove.
Great to prevent theft, yet another post says that adding a second to the removal time could cost you your toad.

I guess this shows us why everyone doesn't drive the same color car

Dan

Wayne M · 04-19-2016, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpinvidic

I bought a foot of cable at Lowes, and made the ferrules (you can buy them at Lowes too).
The time added is negligible. Having a pin fall out because you installed the hitchpin wrong....priceless (well expensive).

Regards,

Dan

Dan, thanks for the info.

Did Lowes also have the springs?

dpinvidic · 04-19-2016, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M

Dan, thanks for the info.

Did Lowes also have the springs?

Lowes or Home Depot will have springs.
And instead of the cable loop, you can also just use a regular key ring.
None of this is critical as long as there is tension on the spring, and the loop or key ring fits over the pin.

Regards,

Dan

Wayne M · 04-20-2016, 07:36 AM

Thanks.

My reason for all the details is that I am going to rig something like that. Reason: While on the road once the ring snapped off of the pin where it rotates once and it weakened the tension when I snapped it back on. It was a day or so before I could get to a TSC to get a replacement. I used a Tie-tie to secure it until I got another one. In the mean time it just looks more secure with something holding the cir-clip in place. I also now carry a couple of the regular push on clips should I or anyone else need one.

Every one be careful regardless of what you may use. Pranksters have been known to pull a pin or two as they walk by. Do a walk around whenever you stop for a period of time and check everything.