I just bought the Masterlock set for trailers and my question is about the hitch pin. Is it safe to use for the hitch while towing or are you suppose to swap it out for a real pin?

They do not mention it on any of the docs and there is no rating on the box either. Reason for asking it is a bit loose and not as snug as it could be and I was wondering if the slack might cause it to break after a while or add some banging when braking.

Just wondering if anyone had some real world experience.

 

It should be fine. Reese hitches have slack in them anyways and I've never had a problem. I would think the masterlock pin would be hardened steel even more than the original so it should work fine. They wouldn't make it if it didn't work......Just my $.02.

 

Put some shrink tubing on the shaft until you get a snug fit - that will stop most of the noise.

Steve

 

Thank you!

 

Rebocardo, if you notice, almost all ball mounts and pins fit a tiny bit losely in the receivers. It is not a problem with fitment or bad quality control; rather, they are made that way so as to have a little amount of "give" and not shock load the drivetrain quite so firmly initially. The "give" keeps the initial load shear down on the pin, spreading the load across it a bit more gradually and over each surface edge. Because the pin is loaded on four points, it is not as prone to break or bend or crack.

A person I know at a lumber company uses one of the Masterlocks on every hitch he owns. (Incidentally, every truck for the lumber company, for his farms, and for his private use are Fords!) He loads his hitches very heavily and they are used to tow the loads over exceedingly hilly and curvy terrain. To date, he hasn't had a single failure--and the company and farm trucks are driven by a multitude of people, too!!

If they hold up to what they are put through for him and his workers, if I were you, I wouldn't worry a bit about using them!

 

It has been working fine for me and my home made bumper/receiver has held up so far to the towing I am doing (car dollies and a light trailer). I do like having the lock though, eases my mind about things disappearing.

 

I put hardware-store o-rings on either side of the pin, just outside the receiver. Snugs it up.

 

I also use the master lock hitch pin. I have had no problems with it and it keeps the forged alum drop from being stolen.

Pack the key slot with grease or after a couple of years you will not be able to remove it. Key will not turn.

 

I have used one for severak years without a problem!