Hitch Pin

[RUSSELL5000]

The TT in Sig has GVWR of 9.8K. Not been that heavy at the Cat scale - 9K.

Never paid attention - just used hand-me-down pin, but notice rusty, wearing.

Is there better/worse -should I pay more attention?

Thanks.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

I use a long allen bolt, with the smooth part long enough to go all the way through the receiver, and some of the threaded end cut off. They are grade 8 so are stronger steel than most pins.

 

[RUSSELL5000]

How do you lock? Did you drill hole at the threaded end and use a small lock?

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

yes, I ground the area and drilled so a small padlock would close. I use a spacer and nut to hold the pin securely, inboard of the padlock.

 

[KATOOM]

I'm not sure I know what "hitch pin" you're referring to. But if its the receiver pin then you can buy nice locking units for around $20 - $30.

 

[RUSSELL5000]

I'm not sure I know what "hitch pin" you're referring to. But if its the receiver pin then you can buy nice locking units for around $20 - $30.

Yes, the pin that goes through one side of the receiver on the truck, through the shank of the hitch ball mount, and out through the other side of the receiver on the truck.

Do you have recommendation?


I spent lots of time here on the forum learning about all the other parts of the system and never thought about the hitch pin at all - I am using one that got thrown into the deal when I bought my first travel trailer.

 

[KATOOM]

I have to be honest by admitting that I'm still using the same locking pin I bought at least 25 years ago. Works perfect. I would presume that any locking pin would be just fine too. If you live where road salt corrosion is a problem then you'd probably want to be sure it was stainless steel and has a cover for the key hole.

 

[mwilson]

Russell,

Just to put the pin into perspective....only 8 to 12 5/8" bolts hold the fifth wheel brackets to the frame on a Class 8 heavy tractor hauling 70,000 lbs plus of wood......you're good....

 

[B.G. Smith]

I would be leery of using any kind of bolt that was not intended for the pin. Some hardened bolts will shatter after much pounding. bg

 

[KATOOM]

I think Russell was merely making a relation of the total bolts used for a 5th wheel as compared to the one receive hitch pin. I agree, its not going to break if its a designated hitch pin.