Demco EZ Latch Coupler Lock

[Makensmoke]

I am looking for a solution to lock the coupler on my enclosed trailer (to the truck). The pin on the 2 5/16 ball, Demco coupler measures 5/16” x 3”.

Every locking coupler pin I am finding is 1/4” diameter. Anyone know of something 5/16”? Tried all the big name lock companies as well as big name hitch manufacturers. Not even Demco sells one!

Thanks for your consideration.

MS

 

[GCroyle]

This may not apply or you may be well aware but the Demco quick coupler at least on recent airstreams was recalled for inspection and shimming to prevent possible uncoupling. This is the one that you can just drop down on the ball and it latches automatically.

Demco was very active in answering this on Airforums and I think the lock question came up too.

click on link Demco addresses question

How to lock Demco Coupler?

About that new Demco Hitch

 

[Makensmoke]

Thank you GCroyle. I didn’t know about the issue but see there is quite a buzz about it online. I have reached out to Demco to see if my Aluma trailer may be effected, and if they know anyone who makes a 5/16” locking pin.

I appreciate the heads up!

MS

 

[Makensmoke]

D

 

[Jihn]

Is this what you are looking for ???

Jihn

 

[Makensmoke]

Is this what you are looking for ???

Jihn

No sir, I am looking for a pin 5/16 in diameter, 3” long with a way to lock it in place.

 

[Jihn]

something like this ???

 

[Timd32]

Looks like 1/4" only.

https://www.etrailer.com/question-237132.html

For that above pic...
I had 2 of those types of locks, they both got stuck on the truck. Lock breaks after time. Should have taken it off more often.

I traded it in with the ball mount stuck for many years.

I have a non scale version of the weigh safe now and it has a nice locking pin and ball mount dual pin lock set up.

 

[Timd32]

If you build or are going to adapt something take a look at the American A2010 puck lock is pretty awesome little lock. I used them for many years on my service van, also works good for the side door of enclosed trailers.

Would not be that hard to weld something up with 5/16 pin and an adapter or flat plate.

I have used Taylor Security for about 15 years now maybe longer, they have some pretty decent locks.

When you finally pick out your lock before you buy go to youtube and look up your lock type and watch folks break into them first.

You will find the A2000 style by the same mfg has a zinc body only takes 1m 37s to burn off with a basic blue bottle torch. The A2010 is all steel.

https://www.taylorsecurity.com/mobi...6cJiLyOIVVqOCU3rzl_j7aEd_VfW3EIhoCv9AQAvD_BwE

 

[Jihn]

Here's what I use on the smaller holes.
Jihn

 

[Jihn]

A long shank padlock, it's quick and easy, and if you are worried about people cutting the open shank just put a bunch of short pieces of tubing on it(short so you can slide them around the bend)

Jihn

 

[Timd32]

I think the issue is the position of the hole on that specific coupler. And of course its diameter is larger then most.
.

 

[Jihn]

I think the issue is the position of the hole on that specific coupler. And of course its diameter is larger then most.
.

Which hole is the locking hole, the one on the flip tab, or the one beside where the ball is ???, and yes a padlock may not work there !!!
I would just buy a stainless steel 1/4" and use it, that will be as strong as a 5/16" mild steel pin.
It's a deterrent, nothing will stop someone who really wants it.

Jihn

 

[GCroyle]

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f464/about-that-new-demco-hitch-201251.html

https://www.airforums.com/forums/f464/how-to-lock-demco-coupler-204936.html

I tried my links and they didn't work for me. These above are duplicate links. NOTE this coupler was recalled for inspection, please contact Demco for details.

And this link is the NHTSA recall document, looks like the recall may be Airstream only.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2019/RCLRPT-19V753-9253.PDF

DEMCO link
https://www.demco-products.com/trailer-components/couplers

Gary

 

[Timd32]

From the above links, page 2 has this on the pin, says to use the 1/4"x3.

 

[Makensmoke]

I heard back from Demco, they confirmed that the only couplers subject to the shimming fix were on Airstream trailers.

And yes, they stated that the locking hole is “oversized” to accept a 1/4” pin. I have a 5/16 non-locking pin in it now...but I’m not going to argue. I will come across one some day (or try someone’s 1/4” in it for reference) but I don’t want it to be sloppy.

Thanks for all the feedback!

MS