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Towing Locks + Hitch Pins

Trailer Locks + Hitch Pins

Trailer Lock Hitch Pin

If you have any type of trailer, locks and hitch pins are essential trailer accessories. Hitch pins are small metal rods used primarily to keep the shank of a ball mount or other trailer hitch parts from sliding out of the receiver tube. A typical hitch pin forms an L shape that slides through the side of the receiver, passes through the ball mount shank, then comes out the other side and is secured in place with a cotter-style pin. Some pin-style locks are designed exclusively to replace a hitch pin. The primary function of a trailer lock is to prevent anyone without the specific key to that lock from lifting the receiver off the hitch and disconnecting the trailer. The lock should be secure and sturdy enough to prevent potential thieves from separating your trailer from your vehicle. Our hitch pins and trailer locks are available in a variety of rock-solid materials, choose from brass, carbon steel, double nickel chrome plated, hardened steel, stainless and other solid metals.


Trailer Locks + Hitch Pins Frequently Asked Questions:

Are there specific trailer locks designed for different trailer types (e.g., boat, RV, utility)?

Specific trailer locks are designed for specific trailer hitch types, and hitch types vary from trailer to trailer. The three basic trailer hitch types are receiver, fifth-wheel and gooseneck. Among these types, the most common is the receiver, which comes in five classes based on size and weight capacity. (Class 1 is the smallest size with lightest weight capacity and Class 5 is the largest with the heaviest weight capacity.) Fifth-wheel and gooseneck coupler locks are designed to work specifically for those types of hitch locks. Receiver hitches are compatible with pin or receiver hitch locks. To choose a proper lock for your trailer, it’s critical to identify the type of hitch (and class of hitch) appropriate for your trailer and then identify the type of lock that works with it.

What features should I look for in a high-quality trailer lock?

Look for a lock that’s weather resistant and made of high-quality hardened steel for security and longevity. Locks with a chrome or zinc finish add extra resistance to rust and corrosion.

What should I do if I lose the key or forget the combination to my trailer lock?

If you get just a single key for your trailer lock, ask a local locksmith to make a duplicate of it and keep it in a safe place since not all lock models come with an extra key or offer replacements. If you forget the combination to your lock, you will need to take it to a locksmith who can determine the combination by listening for sounds and detecting vibrations while turning the dial.

Are there any special precautions or safety tips related to using hitch pins?

First, choose a hitch pin that’s matched, in terms of size and weight capacity, to the class of hitch with which it will be used. In addition, choose a hitch pin with a locking device and use that lock to help ensure that the hitch pin doesn’t loosen and fall out. Also, check your hitch pin regularly for signs of wear or damage and replace it if it appears weakened.