I'm using a 5/8" x 4" hitch pin (found at Tractor Supply), having drilled out the clip hole large enough to insert a pad lock into - to prevent someone from stealing the 2.5 & 3 inch adapter inserts.

I do this on our coach too, to prevent someone from disconnecting a trailer or tow vehicle while towing (or sleeping in rest areas/truck stops etc).

I've heard the inserts are pretty expensive & while this isn't the prettiest solution it works well.

On 2 inch receiver's you have enough length to still be able to insert the clip (close to the receiver).

 

Can't you just buy a reciever pin lock for 2.5" and it will keep all inserts from being removed?

 

i haven't been able to find any 2.5 or 3 pin/locks - and i think they would still be short....

The (red handled) pin pictures is 4 inches (useable), and using a pad lock means i don't need to keep up with a KEY.

 

I found a locking pin that is long enough but don't like the quality so I am looking for another, and I see you have 2? spacers, I take it the inner one you made yourself?

 

I guess you could spend more....

https://www.etrailer.com/Hitch-Acces...ese/58388.html

 

nope - what you see is what my dealer delivered (i added the locking pin set up).
the adapters are from 3" to 2.5" and 2.5" to 2"

 

Oh you have the 3" hitch ok I have the 2.5. So my adapter looks like your 3-2.5 with the flange.

 

I bought this set from a local bolt and chain supply store.

https://www.ebay.com/p/?iid=40042247...pp=true&chn=ps

I paid $35 and gave the short pin to my buddy with a 2016 super duty (2.5") receiver and the longer pin has more than enough length for my 3" receiver. But why would you lock the inserts in the hitch when not using? I put mine under the rear seat and leave no pin at all in the receiver when not using it.

 

Great idea. That will deter 99.9% of the thieves out there and looks perfectly fine from and aesthetic point of view. I had a heavy duty Master lock on a storage unit where I had lost the key. I backed up my off-road rig to the door, pulled out the C02 tank and air line and with a cut-off wheel on my die grinder, I was through the shank in less than 15 seconds.


If you ever watch those Storage War episodes, they used a battery powered 4 1/2 inch grinder to cut through the locks. Same principal, but anything to slow the thieves down is a good idea.


Adam

 

If they're locked in the hitch i know where they are, same reason many of us leave a PIN or locking PIN in the receiver.

AND...because i don't want that crap rattling around in my truck?

 

What do you put them next to? An open case of marbles? Mine hasn't made a peep since I stowed it under the back seat a few weeks ago. And that solution is free.

It's either in the receiver or under the back seat. Kinda easy to keep up with.

 

I totally agree with the rattling and knowing exactly where they are, that's why I keep them under the back seat, LOL. Mine neither rattle or disappear from exactly where I've stored them. And maybe weather isn't an issue where you're at, but in Alaska having things attached to your truck when you're not using them just exposes them to horrendous opportunities to corrode.

 

That's exactly what I use and it works out perfectly.

 

I've always used a hitch pin and drilled out the hole to fit a keyed padlock like what you show. I have multiple padlocks all keyed alike so I don't worry about losing the key - I've got plenty of them.

Here are numerous hitch pin options and solutions:
https://www.google.com/search?q=hitc...G-9jRwIsrDCWM:

 

Heres an alternative pin type... the handle folds or you can pull it off if you like.