Hitch pin lock

[RoadtripsOfUnusualSize]

My receiver's hitch pin lock rusted out again. I seem to have to replace these locks every year. No matter how much I keep away from salt and oil-coat them, they just rust out.. I buy cheap ones and expensive ones, but they all seem to rust. I suspect that they're all made in Asia and am not confident that the metal types in the packaging is true, but who knows?

Does anyone have any experience with hitch pin locks (or brands) that don't rust so quickly.

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[Sparky6753]

Rusted out or just some surface rust ? I give mine a light coat of fluid film occasionally

 

[myothercarizahearse]

https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/reese-farm-ranch-bent-pin-draw-bar-lock?cm_vc=-10005

I've had this for a couple years in the rust belt. it still works and unlocks having done nothing to prevent rust. it still looks new

 

[RoadtripsOfUnusualSize]

Rusted out or just some surface rust ?

Rusted to the point that it will no longer lock and unlock.

I've had this for a couple years in the rust belt. it still works and unlocks having done nothing to prevent rust. it still looks new

Thanks.

 

[Big Blue]

My receiver's hitch pin lock rusted out again. I seem to have to replace these locks every year. No matter how much I keep away from salt and oil-coat them, they just rust out.. I buy cheap ones and expensive ones, but they all seem to rust. I suspect that they're all made in Asia and am not confident that the metal types in the packaging is true, but who knows?

Does anyone have any experience with hitch pin locks (or brands) that don't rust so quickly.

I don't know the brand of mine because I've had it on two different trailers. i Probably got when I got my 2011 Ranger, first vehicle I've had with a class III-IV hitch. I never leave my hitch or pin in my receiver when I'm not towing, so that is probably why. The WDH for my camper is to big of a shin knocker to leave in all the time. I has one of the round barrel type keys, all chrome.

 

[Willcuts93]

I fill mine with grease, lock cylinder and all. Makes them last a lot longer.

 

[micl9]

I have had this one since the 90s! It was always on my truck, either with a hitch or receiver cap. So a good +25yrs old (why do I feel old all the sudden!)! At least 20 years of that on my truck. Now I was in FTW TX and Raleigh NC so not exactly the rust belt. Always just sprayed some lube into the keyhole.

I have not put it on my Ranger as I was going to buy a new one, but they all have crap reviews - rust etc. to the OP's point. I have been meaning to to clean this one up and rust treat it then paint it black. You guys just gave me incentive to get on that! If its lasted this long...
There is actually a c-clip holding the lock cylinder in, if my buffaloe tool will work I can remove that and really clean it up!.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

I have had this one since the 90s! It was always on my truck, either with a hitch or receiver cap. So a good +25yrs old (why do I feel old all the sudden!)! At least 20 years of that on my truck. Now I was in FTW TX and Raleigh NC so not exactly the rust belt. Always just sprayed some lube into the keyhole.

I have not put it on my Ranger as I was going to buy a new one, but they all have crap reviews - rust etc. to the OP's point. I have been meaning to to clean this one up and rust treat it then paint it black. You guys just gave me incentive to get on that! If its lasted this long...
There is actually a c-clip holding the lock cylinder in, if my buffaloe tool will work I can remove that and really clean it up!.

Hi Mike,

Remember...Metal remembers when you hurt it or stress it. Old hardware can be somewhat worrisome. Might be time to purchase a new one.

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

 

[micl9]

Hi Mike,

Remember...Metal remembers when you hurt it or stress it. Old hardware can be somewhat worrisome. Might be time to purchase a new one.

Best,
Phil Schilke
Ranger Vehicle Engineering
Ford Motor Co. Retired

LOL - valid point Phil! As an ME I should know better!
I have only had to make use of my trailer safety chains once. Luckily at low speed and pulling just 2 jet skis, but in a open CJ5. Scared the crap out of me!
Restarting my hitch pin search now!

And I guess a lesson to us all - if it rusts up and wont lock, its probably time to buy a new one to Phil's point!

 

[awd.nv]

I dunno, I am in the desert so I am spoiled with dry air but I usually get the metal wet with wd-40 and then spray it down with a Dry Teflon spray that I get at Lowes. Think Home Depot has it too, forget the brand.

Have had it over a year and have done winter camping in Utah many times with no surface rust yet.

Reese Towpower professional
https://www.amazon.com/Reese-Towpow...+hitch+pin&qid=1624949617&s=automotive&sr=1-5

 

[micl9]

OK Sorry Phil!
I hate all the locking pins they make now. so I cleaned up and painted my old one. Aready had it on the truck its already dirty, but still 1000% better than before!

Only using to hold in my alma mater at this time.

If I put something big back there I will get a new one! Promise Phil! ?

 

[JACKSMYDOG]

My receiver's hitch pin lock rusted out again. I seem to have to replace these locks every year. No matter how much I keep away from salt and oil-coat them, they just rust out.. I buy cheap ones and expensive ones, but they all seem to rust. I suspect that they're all made in Asia and am not confident that the metal types in the packaging is true, but who knows?

Does anyone have any experience with hitch pin locks (or brands) that don't rust so quickly.

Have you tried a little lube and trying to work the key in the lock? I find most locks will break free and work pretty well again, unless left for a long time. THRUST is my favorite penetrating oil, but there are lots.

SAFETY GLASSES before spraying oil in the lock though!

 

[KJRR]

I've been running this for 6 yrs. Its on the Edge all year long. Sorry no pix right now as it isn't home right now. It is a little rusty where it contacts the receiver but the lock works fine. Haven't even lubed it at all.

 

[Trigganometry]

To Phil’s point. There is a tremendous amount of sheer forces on these “pins” in both directions. Steel fatigue’s faster than you think. Surface imperfections are the starting points of failure. Oh, Chinese steel is not advisable. Go with a reputable name

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