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Old 07-20-2018, 05:21 AM   #1
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Using Locks on Tow Bar

I am about to begin towing four down having bought a new vehicle and previously using a dolly. One thing I have read on this and other forums is people having an issue with someone monkeying around with the tow bar pins while stopped or the tow setup is unattended.

Curious how many have replaced the linch pins with padlocks to prevent this or really how big of an issue is this?
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Old 07-20-2018, 05:31 AM   #2
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I do mostly short trips and use locking pins. We went to Myrtle Beach last month and stayed overnight in a CG on the way up. I used the locks. If you're going to be stopping for extended periods I'd suggest locks.
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Old 07-20-2018, 05:39 AM   #3
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I also double check the bar connectors and electrical connectors before departing after a stop, locked or not.
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Old 07-20-2018, 05:43 AM   #4
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I don't use a lock. However, I can see a couple the advantages;

1) it should reduce the risk of someone tampering with the pins, And,

2) It adds an extra layer of prevention to keep an improperly installed pin from falling out..
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Old 07-20-2018, 05:53 AM   #5
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We don't use them, but I can certainly appreciate the advantages that Waiter listed. I just don't want another key to keep up with.
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Old 07-20-2018, 05:56 AM   #6
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I understand the use for locks but one winter we were travelling west.
There was brine or salt being used for expected ice.
When we got to Colorado Springs we could not get any of the three locks open.

Good for us the campsite had a set of bolt cutters.
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Old 07-20-2018, 06:04 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vettenuts View Post
I am about to begin towing four down having bought a new vehicle and previously using a dolly. One thing I have read on this and other forums is people having an issue with someone monkeying around with the tow bar pins while stopped or the tow setup is unattended.

Curious how many have replaced the linch pins with padlocks to prevent this or really how big of an issue is this?
Not needed in My many years of Towing - JMHO, but the monkeys, were likely not far from Home - -

Get yourself into using a Checkoff list or a consistent set up system and it usually keeps the Monkeys at Bay. -

JMHO,

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Old 07-20-2018, 06:06 AM   #8
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I use locks for the reasons already mentioned.
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Old 07-20-2018, 06:10 AM   #9
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I lock 8" drop hitch to receiver,lock tow bar to 8" drop and 2 locks on tow pins. Keep locks greases and use covers. I also carry spare tow pins. I do check all at rest areas and after overnight stop. Also check connections. Overkill perhaps but No tow issues. Tom 07 Pacifica.
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Old 07-20-2018, 06:49 AM   #10
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I recently started towing my jeep 4 down. I noticed that the action of the train while towing causes the tow-bar-to- jeep attachment to jack on the hitch pin safety clips and generating some unexpected side loads. In fact, the action is strong enough to bend the pins.



This concerned me enough to where I made some hitch pins out of grade 5 bolts that I think can better tolerate the side loads.



I don't think that I am the only one that is experiencing this problem. I wonder if what I have found (side loads and bent clips) might account for some of the issues we have all read about re: missing clips.

I think that's why the tow bar ends look like this these days:


Instead of like this:
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Old 07-20-2018, 06:54 AM   #11
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We have been using the locking BO pins for last 4 years.
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Old 07-20-2018, 07:00 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by petrel View Post
We don't use them, but I can certainly appreciate the advantages that Waiter listed. I just don't want another key to keep up with.


My locks came in a set. One key fits all, and it’s on my key ring.
I lock em. Let the hoodies choose another rig
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Old 07-20-2018, 07:03 AM   #13
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Originally Posted by harris155 View Post
I understand the use for locks but one winter we were travelling west.

There was brine or salt being used for expected ice.

When we got to Colorado Springs we could not get any of the three locks open.



Good for us the campsite had a set of bolt cutters.


A spray lube fixes/prevents that. I lock em
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Old 07-20-2018, 07:24 AM   #14
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Where did you get the locks and did you have to drill out your pins?
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