Key Lockable Hitch Pins?

JWA · 09-10-2019, 05:05 AM

I've crafted a rear step for my work van using Reese hitch parts along with some homebuilt tubes, all connected and held to the frame with usual hitch pins. The idea to make this step removable is ease of towing when/if I need to be towed by anything other than a flat bed or roll back truck. With the raised roof were this van to be hauled on a roll back there could be bridge clearance issues.

I doubt someone would steal this step but one never knows so I'm thinking to add key locking hitch pins. Anyone here used them and to what success--or failure? Since its unlikely I'll need to remove these ever I'm looking for the best quality with a strong locking mechanism and certainly some sort of weather protective cap or cover.

So whatcha got?

TIA

**BroncoHauler** · 09-10-2019, 07:54 AM

I use two keyed-alike locking hitch pins. Keyed-alike is great if for no other reason than one less key to carry/lose. No issues, other than the strap holding the rubber dust cover tore. I've been using these two hitch pins for 8-10 years.

I can't remember the brand off the top of my head, but I can check when I get home.

Herb

carringb · 09-10-2019, 07:59 AM

For something like this, where you aren't routinely removing it, I'd just go with some bolts, anti-seize and Ny-locks.

Keeping keyed pins outside full time without regular use, you're likely to find the seized up come time to unlock them.

I doubt anybody would steel the step, but for some reason, hitch pins do walk away shockingly often.

shenrie · 09-10-2019, 08:19 AM

I have a set of locking hitch pins to lock my spare tire to my aluminess swingaway and my winch caddy to the receiver. Carringb is correct about rust, but I lube both of mine each tire rotation and haven’t had any issues yet. Plus the ones I ended up with have rubber caps that help keep dirt out of the lock mechanism.

They aren’t bulletproof, but they are enough to keep the lazy thieves at bay. Someone motivated could make their way around them, but not without setting off the alarm.

shadetreevanman · 09-10-2019, 09:56 AM

I use the Bolt hitch pin, which I like because it uses the Ford key I already carry.

TheLetterJ · 09-10-2019, 10:42 AM

I hate having a zillion different keys, so I use a hitch pin that allows me to run a regular pad lock through it. That lets me use the same key as a bunch of other locks that I have.

boywonder · 09-10-2019, 02:06 PM

..works fine....

Fork-N-Road · 09-10-2019, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shadetreevanman

I use the Bolt hitch pin, which I like because it uses the Ford key I already carry.

x2

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=BOLT+7018447&ref=nb_sb_noss

Very nice not having to carry separate key, I just wish their other stuff (bike locks, etc) were priced a little better.

Otter · 09-10-2019, 02:19 PM

I’ve had many kinds over the years and a lot of them are junk. I started buying these a couple of years ago and think they’re the best. You can buy them keyed alike. I’ve even bought some later and they keyed the new ones alike for me, too. ETrailer has great customer service.

https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Locks...er/e98880.html

Twoxentrix · 09-10-2019, 03:20 PM

I chose a locking Hitch Pin with the cable - Cable comes in handy to secure items of concern in our absence. Will also confirm that periodic maintenance and a dust cover are solid advice. I had to cut one off because the key no longer moved the internal tumbler - I (as well as a locksmith) tried everything to loosen that thing up.
https://www.amazon.com/Master-Receiv...ateway&sr=8-23