Notices
All Things Towing Conventional, 5th Wheel, Toy Hauler, Flatbed, Gooseneck, Electrical/Brakes/etc.

Which Locking Hitch Pin

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 27, 2021 | 04:48 PM
  #1  
jdk1's Avatar
jdk1
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 715
Likes: 337
From: Texas Hill Country
Which Locking Hitch Pin

I tried searching, but got a lot of stuff that wasn't even related. I just bought a B&W Tow and Stow. I have an old locking pin, but have seen a bunch of videos showing how easy they are to break. I'd like a good one for this expensive hitch. Does anyone have a recommendation? Also, are there any good options to secure or replace the smaller pins on this hitch? Thanks for your help!
 
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2021 | 06:17 PM
  #2  
cwegga's Avatar
cwegga
More Turbo
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 649
Likes: 395
From: Montana
I like Bolt locking hitch pins because I can get them to use my ignition key to lock and unlock them. That being said, I'd expect anything with a locking mechanism will be vulnerable to destructive attacks.
 
Reply
Old Feb 27, 2021 | 07:02 PM
  #3  
TCNashville's Avatar
TCNashville
Laughing Gas
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,244
Likes: 275
From: South Central Indiana
Originally Posted by cwegga
That being said, I'd expect anything with a locking mechanism will be vulnerable to destructive attacks.
Yep, locks only keep honest people honest. I have a locking pin from Reese and it's hardened steel and it's been a good lock for a number of years but could be easily defeated with a battery powered grinder. 30 years ago, no one would even try to cut that lock off, but such are the times we live in today.
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2021 | 11:36 AM
  #4  
Pugga's Avatar
Pugga
Fleet Mechanic
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 502
Another vote here for Bolt Lock. I use them for the hitch pin and also to lock the trailer tongue. I like them because they use my ignition key so I don’t have to keep track of another key.
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2021 | 02:47 PM
  #5  
jdk1's Avatar
jdk1
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 715
Likes: 337
From: Texas Hill Country
Thanks for the replies guys. as I was looking at the Bolt Lock, I stumbled across Infinity Locks: Infinity Lock It solves several problems. A common complaint with the Tow and Stow is people stealing the ball mount pins (there are three). This combo, while expensive, solves this. It also uses a different locking mechanism which screws into the pin, instead of a collar and groove that's easily broken with a pipe or pry bar/large screw driver. Thanks again for the info
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2021 | 07:10 PM
  #6  
cwegga's Avatar
cwegga
More Turbo
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 649
Likes: 395
From: Montana
Well, no locks are very good in the end. I can't find any good videos about the Bolt locks other than the ones from the Bolt company that I don't really expect to be unbiased. I did find this one about that other lock though. In the end, a cordless angle grinder is probably the most universal tool that none of these things will stand up to, and any lock is going to stop the random unplanned crimes most likely.

 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2021 | 09:21 PM
  #7  
jdk1's Avatar
jdk1
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 715
Likes: 337
From: Texas Hill Country
Because of the way most of these locking hitch pins work, it seems thieves are mainly carrying a small pry bar or short piece of pipe for their work. They can snap off the pin at the groove in a few seconds. Hopefully, the won't turn to picking hitch locks! Though, I'm also thinking of running a small cable through one of the holes on the B&W. Its all about making thieves keep walking due to inconvenience really. With a variety of tools and some time, there's just no stopping them. I was really puzzled by what to do about the other three pins on the hitch. This locking set takes care of that issue, but I wish it was a less expensive.

I'm not worried about it at the house. I back up in the drive way and have cameras. We don't have issue with theft in the neighborhood anyway...yet. Its mainly when the truck is parked at a restaurant or store that I'm worried about and hoping to make my hitch not worth the bother. Ultimately, you hit a point where you've done all you can do! Again, thanks for the input. Its much appreciated!
 
Reply
Old Feb 28, 2021 | 10:30 PM
  #8  
TJReams's Avatar
TJReams
Fleet Mechanic
Veteran: Army
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,801
Likes: 48
From: Abilene TX.
I have and use a Bolt lock pin I have never had any problem with it or the 2 Bolt locking cables that I have to keep my ramps for being stolen. Plus you use the same key that comes with the vehicle, including Pickups with Push Button start.
TJ
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

 Brett Foote
story-2

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-7

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Mar 1, 2021 | 07:14 AM
  #9  
Pugga's Avatar
Pugga
Fleet Mechanic
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,765
Likes: 502
Originally Posted by cwegga
Well, no locks are very good in the end. I can't find any good videos about the Bolt locks other than the ones from the Bolt company that I don't really expect to be unbiased. I did find this one about that other lock though. In the end, a cordless angle grinder is probably the most universal tool that none of these things will stand up to, and any lock is going to stop the random unplanned crimes most likely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aOh4D2GKaw
Don't start watching his videos or you'll start wondering why you ever lock anything to begin with. End of the day, the vast majority of the commercially available locks can be easily defeated if someone knows what they're doing (and some easily defeated by just brute force). My rule of thumb is, you don't have to make your stuff impossible to steal, you just have to make it harder than the guy next to you (or the average traveler in this case). If someone really wants your stuff and is willing/able to plan out how to get it, they're going to get it. If it's a crime of opportunity, even a crappy lock can be enough of a deterrent for someone to pass over your truck and look at the next truck without the security devices.
 
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2021 | 09:47 AM
  #10  
cwegga's Avatar
cwegga
More Turbo
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 649
Likes: 395
From: Montana
Originally Posted by jdk1
Because of the way most of these locking hitch pins work, it seems thieves are mainly carrying a small pry bar or short piece of pipe for their work. They can snap off the pin at the groove in a few seconds. Hopefully, the won't turn to picking hitch locks! Though, I'm also thinking of running a small cable through one of the holes on the B&W. Its all about making thieves keep walking due to inconvenience really. With a variety of tools and some time, there's just no stopping them. I was really puzzled by what to do about the other three pins on the hitch. This locking set takes care of that issue, but I wish it was a less expensive.

I'm not worried about it at the house. I back up in the drive way and have cameras. We don't have issue with theft in the neighborhood anyway...yet. Its mainly when the truck is parked at a restaurant or store that I'm worried about and hoping to make my hitch not worth the bother. Ultimately, you hit a point where you've done all you can do! Again, thanks for the input. Its much appreciated!
Yes, that's what I'd expect too. Though carrying one jiggler or using a hairpin doesn't look like it'd be hard. I'd think most attacks would be on the violent side of the spectrum, not the skilled/prepared side. Bolt has a video that shows how resistant to pipes their lock is, but I don't trust it very much being from Bolt themselves. I'd love it if I could find a comparison between the Bolt and Infinity lock with a pipe/prying attack done by a third party. Are some of the pins different sizes? Isn't that kit just 4 normal locking pins? Anyway, it looks like those locks will work fine other than the inconvenience. I've been on a kick to reduce my amount of keys lately, and don't need a grapefruit sized lump in my pockets. Getting things keyed alike is great.
 
Reply
Old Mar 1, 2021 | 02:03 PM
  #11  
jdk1's Avatar
jdk1
Thread Starter
|
More Turbo
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 715
Likes: 337
From: Texas Hill Country
Originally Posted by cwegga
Yes, that's what I'd expect too. Though carrying one jiggler or using a hairpin doesn't look like it'd be hard. I'd think most attacks would be on the violent side of the spectrum, not the skilled/prepared side. Bolt has a video that shows how resistant to pipes their lock is, but I don't trust it very much being from Bolt themselves. I'd love it if I could find a comparison between the Bolt and Infinity lock with a pipe/prying attack done by a third party. Are some of the pins different sizes? Isn't that kit just 4 normal locking pins? Anyway, it looks like those locks will work fine other than the inconvenience. I've been on a kick to reduce my amount of keys lately, and don't need a grapefruit sized lump in my pockets. Getting things keyed alike is great.
The main pin is shorter, otherwise there the same and keyed alike. I figure it'll look like too much trouble to tweakers and high school kids
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mojavearcher
2017 - 2022 Super Duty
9
Apr 23, 2019 11:53 AM
BlueOvalBud
Pre-Power Stroke Diesel (7.3L IDI & 6.9L)
18
Dec 16, 2010 06:38 AM
rambuck
1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
13
Feb 13, 2009 10:32 AM
kappysworld
All Things Towing
8
Jun 22, 2008 10:54 PM
Guido1
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
3
Nov 6, 2001 10:09 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:56 PM.

story-0
10 Ways Ford is LOSING to the Competition

Slideshow: 10 ways Ford is losing to the competition

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 09:52:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now

Some great targets in today's expensive world.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 09:35:19


VIEW MORE
story-2
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-9
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE