What do you do to secure your 5th wheel hitch?

r2millers · 01-30-2014, 08:41 AM

Not sure if many of you have to worry about leaving your 5th wheel hitch in your truck unattended but here in So Cal, nothing surprises us.

I've heard of two guys "lifting" one in a matter of seconds. Kinda like locking your tailgates today. Leave it unlocked and it's just a matter of time.

I've tried to use 1/2" locking pins but none seem to fit close enough to lock with the tight clearance. I do use a cable and padlock and go thru both the bottom and top pivot piece but there must be an easier way.

Russb · 01-30-2014, 09:14 AM

This is an item that may work for you.
http://www.etrailer.com/Locks/Reese/RP58093.html

Also if your pins have a hole for a locking pin they can be drilled out to 1/4" then use a pad lock.

johnboytoo · 01-30-2014, 09:45 AM

Along with locking my tailgate, I have a bed cover and follow the out of site - out of mind line of thinking.

Hopefully that does it for me ... and thankfully have been able to stay out of the 'bad areas' so far.

besides if they want to pick up my hitch, I'd rather not be around to fight them because it takes a MAN to just lift my old style 18k superslider, much less carry it around !!!

**Lloyd** · 01-30-2014, 09:54 AM

I have one of these and with the tailgate locked, I feel pretty secure.
http://www.bakfliptonneaucover.com/roll_x__new__

r2millers · 01-30-2014, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russb

This is an item that may work for you.
http://www.etrailer.com/Locks/Reese/RP58093.html

Also if your pins have a hole for a locking pin they can be drilled out to 1/4" then use a pad lock.

Wow. Such a simple idea that looks like it will solve my issue.
Many thanks.

rcflyer · 01-30-2014, 02:08 PM

I lock my hitch for two reasons.
First possible theft
Second and more important to me is someone pulling the pins which then could cause a serious accident when trailer and hitch leaves the truck.

My nephew has a Reese slider and his 8 year old pulled the slider locking pins. As a result the slider would activate when he stopped and started. If the 8 year old would remove the slider locking pins I can only assume he may also remove the hitch to truck pins if given the opportunity.

**DavisK** · 01-30-2014, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lloyd

I have one of these and with the tailgate locked, I feel pretty secure.
http://www.bakfliptonneaucover.com/roll_x__new__

Lloyd, did you install it yourself? The video they have online looks easy enough. I have a vinyl folding cover, but I really like the looks of this. Amazon has it for a very good price.

Loneoak · 01-30-2014, 02:28 PM

When we are camped for any length of time, we take the fifth wheel hitch out of the truck bed and chain it to the bumper of the trailer.

**Lloyd** · 01-30-2014, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavisK

Lloyd, did you install it yourself? The video they have online looks easy enough. I have a vinyl folding cover, but I really like the looks of this. Amazon has it for a very good price.

Yes I did the install. It's pretty straight forth.
"Do not" buy it from Amazon!!!!
If you want any warranty, or support from the factory, buy it from their authorized dealer.
When I got the first one they sent, (it was cut wrong) I called the factory, and the first thing they wanted to know was where I had purchased it. As soon as it was authenticated that I had purchased from one of their outlets, all was good.
They took my info and built me a new one and made arrangements to have the first one picked up.
They said they will not warranty anything purchased from Amazon.

mike06081969 · 01-30-2014, 07:51 PM

So far, I've used the "hope my insurance covers it" strategy, but maybe I should consider one of these ideas. Good discussion.

mb1953 · 01-30-2014, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lloyd

I have one of these and with the tailgate locked, I feel pretty secure.
http://www.bakfliptonneaucover.com/roll_x__new__

Just put one on my truck! For a Roll up cover this is awesome!

r2millers · 01-30-2014, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcflyer

I lock my hitch for two reasons.
First possible theft
Second and more important to me is someone pulling the pins which then could cause a serious accident when trailer and hitch leaves the truck.

My nephew has a Reese slider and his 8 year old pulled the slider locking pins. As a result the slider would activate when he stopped and started. If the 8 year old would remove the slider locking pins I can only assume he may also remove the hitch to truck pins if given the opportunity.

I'm sure like most of you, I have a routine for checking the trailer before moving.

I always check the rail pins and swivel kingpin to ensure they are in place and secured besides many other checks.

I sometimes think there are sick people out there to just screw with you. These locks would start to help relieve some concerns.

sking · 01-30-2014, 11:28 PM

My Anderson 5th wheel conversion can be locked with a cable to my bed tie downs with no effect of the hitch use. Most of the time I pull it out because it's only about 60 pounds. I like leaving it in site wherever I camp, curiosity gets to people so they come ask what it is.

gone camping · 01-31-2014, 06:08 AM

Never had to worry out it until now.

r2millers · 01-31-2014, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gone camping

Never had to worry out it until now.

Not to stir things up but I know of others that have lost their hitch assemblies.

Again, two guys pulling 4 pins and they can remove it in 15-20 seconds.

Not only a costly thing but can you imagine losing it out someplace where you have find a replace to just get home?

I need a little piece of mind here.

**mark5w** · 01-31-2014, 01:23 PM

saw this on a ebay

It's made by Masterlock.

Tim D · 01-31-2014, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark5w

saw this on a ebay

It's made by Masterlock.

FYI...Have seen these at wally world too.

geondebi · 01-31-2014, 04:50 PM

Bob,
I do not have a slider but I do lock one of the three legs with a pin lock I found someplace. But then I thought what is more valuable the frame or the hitch (rocker part) so I put a chain through it to lock it down when not towing. I guess something to slow someone down might let them move on to the next hitch.

r2millers · 01-31-2014, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark5w

saw this on a ebay

It's made by Masterlock.

Unfortunately, I too bought this to try and lock. The amount of room needed to lock this lock just isn't enough. I tried every which way to no avail.

Great idea, just not enough room. Thx guys.

I do like the padlock part shown from e-trailer and will give it a try.

**Lloyd** · 03-30-2014, 10:54 AM

Quote:
Originally Posted by Russb

This is an item that may work for you.
http://www.etrailer.com/Locks/Reese/RP58093.html

Also if your pins have a hole for a locking pin they can be drilled out to 1/4" then use a pad lock.

Quote:

Originally Posted by r2millers

Wow. Such a simple idea that looks like it will solve my issue.
Many thanks.

Has anybody used these yet?
I have the Reese Select 16K, and I'm not sure if there is enough room for a padlock.

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