Preventing Theft: Receiver inserts
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Tomball, Tx
Preventing Theft: Receiver inserts
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).
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).
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Tomball, Tx
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.
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Tomball, Tx
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Tomball, Tx
the adapters are from 3" to 2.5" and 2.5" to 2"
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Weatherford Texas.
Oh you have the 3" hitch ok I have the 2.5. So my adapter looks like your 3-2.5 with the flange.
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Elder User
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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.
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.
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More Turbo
Joined: Feb 2013
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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 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
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Tomball, Tx
AND...because i don't want that crap rattling around in my truck?
Senior User
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It's either in the receiver or under the back seat. Kinda easy to keep up with.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2016
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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.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: 0,0,1
I bought this set from a local bolt and chain supply store.
https://www.ebay.com/p/?iid=40042247...pp=true&chn=ps
https://www.ebay.com/p/?iid=40042247...pp=true&chn=ps
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 996
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From: AZ
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:
Here are numerous hitch pin options and solutions:
https://www.google.com/search?q=hitc...G-9jRwIsrDCWM:
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Fleet Mechanic
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From: Tomball, Tx
