Hammerlock Install
More Turbo
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 541
Likes: 199
I just installed a couple of these, and they were a bit of a PITA. I did read somewhere that some of the bushings are directional, and may have an arrow on the outer surface indicating which way the pin should be inserted.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 260
Likes: 145
As someone else said, use a C Clamp with the help of a second person to keep everything lined up. I just installed mine that way and it worked great. My bushing didn’t have an arrow, so I assumed it was multi directional.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 312
Likes: 73
Mine are the 1/2" ones (12K rating) in red and they worked well with the 3" receiver on mine. Installed them over a year ago and still look new even after over 20+ separate trips pulling our travel trailer. I didn't seem have the woes others have pointed out. Took my time, started the pins in the bushing by lightly tapping on them with a small ball peen, and then once the pins were about 95% in I finished centering them with the round peen end of the hammer. Take your time and they will go together just fine.
Tuned
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 287
Likes: 219
Mine are 1/2" but in black and they work perfectly fine with the 3" receiver. They were an epic PITA to install. Two people working with one big C-clamp and other clamps, pliers, etc. to keep everything lined up. About 15 attempts on each side before they finally started and went through.
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Tuned
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 265
Likes: 31
From: Fort Worth, TX
Just sharing my experience...I started by testing the install out by hammering a pin ever so slightly into its bushing while it was against the concrete floor, and it seemed impossible.
So I started with the C-clamp method. Give the weight of the clamp, the cradle on one side of the clamp, and the position of the hammerlock on the hitch, I couldnt get the clamp to work. Maybe with another set of hands, but it was a no-go on my own.
Eventually as I was running out of daylight, I gave up on the cautious routes and just recklessly slammed the pin with a hammer.
Having a woodblock to work with will save some metal-to-metal contact between the hammerlock and the hitch.
The pins will go in when you bash them hard enough.
I had to do some touch-up on the receiver though.
So I started with the C-clamp method. Give the weight of the clamp, the cradle on one side of the clamp, and the position of the hammerlock on the hitch, I couldnt get the clamp to work. Maybe with another set of hands, but it was a no-go on my own.
Eventually as I was running out of daylight, I gave up on the cautious routes and just recklessly slammed the pin with a hammer.
Having a woodblock to work with will save some metal-to-metal contact between the hammerlock and the hitch.
The pins will go in when you bash them hard enough.
I had to do some touch-up on the receiver though.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 3,509
From: Uh oh, CA
It's crazy that these things are this hard to install... I am using 3/4" D Ring shackles on my truck, but have a set of hammerlocks on the Christmas list... it seems like they are awesome, but with as much issues as folks report just here on this site you would think they could taper the pin just enough to make starting the pin easier...
Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 111
Likes: 55
From: NE Kansas
Im not sure..I bought them on Amazon. The manufacturer is DLLRV. I cant find the manufacturing company location, or in a 5 min web search find much either.
https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Safet...zcF9hdGY&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Safet...zcF9hdGY&psc=1