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

[DavisK]

Originally Posted by Lloyd

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.







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

I have a Reese 16K, and I use them. There is plenty of room for a good sized padlock. I use these padlocks with them, http://www.lowes.com/pd_310430-382-M...y|Master Lock.

[Lloyd]

Originally Posted by DavisK

I have a Reese 16K, and I use them. There is plenty of room for a good sized padlock. I use these padlocks with them, http://www.lowes.com/pd_310430-382-M...y|Master Lock.

Thanks for the come back.

I had to order a set of grease seals, so while I was at etrailer I did some looking around and came up with this.
http://www.etrailer.com/p-TR63254.html

I talked with them on the phone just to confirm it would fit/work.

[r2millers]

Originally Posted by Lloyd

Thanks for the come back.

I had to order a set of grease seals, so while I was at etrailer I did some looking around and came up with this.
http://www.etrailer.com/p-TR63254.html

I talked with them on the phone just to confirm it would fit/work.

Let know because the unit you show looks very similar to what I tried on my 16k hitch but there was no way it was close. Let's see if the phone conversation was correct?

[avvidclif]

I have a cable lock snaked thru both pieces of my slider. It won't stop anyone but it would slow them down a few seconds.

[r2millers]

So I stopped by my local Harbor Freight and found a 1/2" x4" hitch pin, #60440.

I think it was 3 or 4 bucks.

It included a Clevis pin but I drilled out the hole to fit a lock shackle. It's long enough to get the clearance needed and I also had to shave off a ridge on the other side for a clean fit.

I will use the lock on the inside, under the hitch to make it tough for access, even with a bolt cutter.

Now I've got to buy a thin, pin style lock used for certain boat type hitches, and
modify that hitch pin for the king pin.

Call me paranoid but I need just a little peace of mind.

[url]

[Lloyd]

If your hitch is like mine, I would recommend you don't get to much on the inside (between the rails). You might have trouble using your slider if you do.

[r2millers]

Originally Posted by Lloyd

If your hitch is like mine, I would recommend you don't get to much on the inside (between the rails). You might have trouble using your slider if you do.

Hooking it up in a couple of weeks for a trip out at the beach.

I will check to ensure there's not a clearance issue.

Thx for the heads up.

[Lloyd]

Originally Posted by r2millers

Let know because the unit you show looks very similar to what I tried on my 16k hitch but there was no way it was close. Let's see if the phone conversation was correct?

I got the lock today. It will not slide over the pin. Not enough room between the rail and the pin for it to go over.
Now they are arguing with me about it. I sent them a pic so we will see what comes of it. I'm about ready to rig up a hunk of cable and a padlock.

[r2millers]

Originally Posted by Lloyd

I got the lock today. It will not slide over the pin. Not enough room between the rail and the pin for it to go over.
Now they are arguing with me about it. I sent them a pic so we will see what comes of it. I'm about ready to rig up a hunk of cable and a padlock.

It looks like a similar lock with the larger head but they just didn't do their homework first.

It's surely easy to say yes when selling stuff. That's doesn't mean it's correct.

[RADMiller]

Wow, kind of like the cable and lock system. Agree with you, Bob, a little security brings a lot of peace of mind....

[DavisK]

I just ran out and took a picture of one of the Reese lock tabs on my hitch. Here it is...

[r2millers]

Originally Posted by DavisK

I just ran out and took a picture of one of the Reese lock tabs on my hitch. Here it is...

Thx Davis. That was my next step if this didn't work. So simple, yet effective.

[r2millers]

Okay, now I'm set. I have both a hitch pin lock and a kingpin lock to hopefully keep my hitch where it belongs while on vacation.

/




The padlock is pretty secure and hard to get to. The pin lock is a stainless steel Master Lock.

Hopefully enough to have the bad guys move down the campground.

[LeBo]

I would think if some one going to steal your trailer or hitch there going to have a Harbor Freight made in China bolt cutter. But these bad guys who play by the rules will give up easy and steal the next guys.

[Lloyd]

Finally got around to getting this done.
I have one in opposing corners. Feel better now.

[mark5w]

I do the same Lloyd but I use a combination lock. Now, if I could only remember the code I can take it off in the fall.

[socoguy]

I don't do any of this. I have more faith in people. Maybe crooks are checking campgrounds and even private property. I do not believe we are major targets for theft. It is like stealing boulders these hitches are heavy. I suppose if someone had a need for a hitch you could be a target. Slim in my opinion, that being said we do not live in a high crime area. As RV'ers we like gear and gadgets so I understand the motivation. I will take my chances and hope my trust in humanity is rewarded.

[Lloyd]

I hope you are right Al.
This isn't done strictly as a theft deterrent. It's also prevention to stop anybody from messing with your hitch. Whether it be at home in your driveway, campground, parking lot at the grocery store, or, at the rest area when you stop for a break and to go to the little boys room.
Somebody pulls those pins and you don't catch it, your rig will end up on your truck and maybe the ground.
I don't feel the least bit guilty about doing this. In fact, I feel a lot more secure knowing my hitch is going to be there just as I left it when I return. There are more good people out there then bad, but it seems like there is getting to be more of the bad all the time.

[DavisK]

I agree Lloyd. I lock mine just as a prevention. I use 2 locks on opposite corners. For the same reasons you stated about stopping enroute, I close the latch over the hitch release handle and put a padlock on it - no surprises!

[mark5w]

I taught in a juvenile prison. After 36 years, I learned that there is nothing they won't steal for drug money. In fact, one of my "clients", steals the spare tires to resell.