Paclock Locking Hitch Pin experience?

[subquark]

I don't even have my Ranger yet but will be towing with it. I'll get a B&W Tow & Stow Ball Mount for various trailers (I'm not rich and the Ranger's a 4x2 XL 101A, so I'll have enough money for the ball mount AND a damper too!). =D

I'd like to leave the ball mount on the truck (at times, not 24/7) and I do live in a sleepy little town, but there are still buttheads that steal catalytic converters here. And watching YouTube makes every locking hitch pin look like a joke. I even saw a video of a PVC pipe being used to bust a locking hitch pin and don't even look at people professionally picking locks, makes me want to go live in a bunker! =p

Anyway, since the ball mount is a zillion dollars, what's another $115 for a Paclock hitch pin?

So does anyone have any experience using them? Thanks!

https://www.paclock.com/products/ucs_80s_250/

Sponsored

 

[miken]

Sounds decent. I usually go to the lock picking lawyer channel on YouTube to see how easily the lock is picked.

 

[subquark]

Thanks miken! I love his channel, he's so laid back, it's almost relaxing watching him work. He did say that there is some sort of "tension" they have that makes "feedback" more difficult. And they also use a narrower opening or slot or whatever the term is so that his normal .005 thick thingie was too big and he had to use a .004 inch one.

LOL, it sounded like he was saying that it was a tiny bit harder to pick, but seeing him do it, it seems like I should just leave the key in the thing! =D

 

[Danager]

That looks like a good lock. I believe the money spent is reasonable for something that looks well built and should last quite some time. What price do you put on peace of mind?
I doubt many of your typical hitch thefts are the result of lock-picking. I would be more concerned with the fact that 10-15 seconds of a noisy grinder will have cut through the pin.

For that reason, I have subscribed to the “make it inconvenient for them so they move on to an easier target” approach. I use a Master keyed alike set for hitch pin, receiver latch, and ball-insert (you know what I mean!). Also have a couple short shackle and a couple long shackle padlocks keyed to match those keys.

Also remember - at some point you will forget where you put a part of this hitch pin/lock. Keys for sure, but usually find them. The pin rolls and it is amazing how dangerous it is to put that in a pocket - shorts, pants, coat, shirt… and then forget it is there and change clothes.

 

[j.war525]

This is what I have on my hitch pin and absolutely love it. I never have to remember where I put the keys to pin lock.

https://www.boltlock.com/locks/5-8-inch-receiver-lock/5-8-inch-receiver-lock-ford-side-cut

 

[subquark]

That's great advice Danager and so true about losing parts. I've been towing for 40 years and there's always something misplaced (especially with boats!).

I won't know until I get the truck, but making inconvenient, like you said, is critical. If I can mount something to making getting to the pin harder, that would help (especially for the die grinder issue you said).

If it wasn't for weakening the receiver, I'd love to tack on some pipe to recess the pin on each side.

But, I'm overthinking it while I impatiently wait for the truck! =D

 

[Cabose-1]

Much better served by. Gen y rebel for a tow hitch.

Imho

 

[subquark]

Thanks j.war525, that looks good and it's stainless steel too! Cutting wise, it's just as strong and I know I'm overthinking it all, especially since I'm daydreaming about this new truck!

 

[subquark]

Thanks Cabose-1 and I like that you're in Texas. I lived there for 14 years and it's been my favorite so far. At first glance, I thought you had sheep in your trailer! My daughter raised them in FFA and that brought me back many years.

The really nice thing with your hitch is that it has only one non-receiver pin to worry about, whereas the B&W has three that someone could walk off with. Hmm, now my daydreaming's got harder! =D

 

[Frenchy]

I have a pin that came with its own key. For what it's worth it will keep those from taking the ball mount easily. As another suggestion make an area in your truck(cab or bed) for all your towing supplies. Less chanve of theft that way

 

[Danager]

That's great advice Danager and so true about losing parts. I've been towing for 40 years and there's always something misplaced (especially with boats!).

I won't know until I get the truck, but making inconvenient, like you said, is critical. If I can mount something to making getting to the pin harder, that would help (especially for the die grinder issue you said).

If it wasn't for weakening the receiver, I'd love to tack on some pipe to recess the pin on each side.

But, I'm overthinking it while I impatiently wait for the truck! =D

Have you watched much of the YouTube Chanel Big Truck Big RV? I think the guys name is JD. He does some good reviews. He is a big fan of the Ft Knox Locks. They look pretty stout. I’m not sure if they have a hitch pin offering. He does review one at some point, not sure of the brand.

 

[awd.nv]

Never heard of them but thanks, love their Travel Trailer storage locks! Might end up ordering them for my trailer. I keep some tools in my front storage and it always makes me uneasy seeing how dinky these locks all are.

 

[subquark]

Thanks Danager, I've watched some of his RV reviews and will look for the Ft Knox locks ones now, thanks for the lead! Hey, I just noticed you're in Alberta - I was born in Quebec (but don't hold that against me). =)

 

[Danager]

Thanks Danager, I've watched some of his RV reviews and will look for the Ft Knox locks ones now, thanks for the lead! Hey, I just noticed you're in Alberta - I was born in Quebec (but don't hold that against me). =)

I won’t hold it against you. Been there twice and find it beautiful. I’m only visiting Canada, since ‘99. Born and raised in the Detroit area.

 

[subquark]

Hi Frenchy, I plan on doing an under rail toolbox under a tonneau cover (bolted internally to the bed). I'm actually hoping to find an aluminum pork chop box that I can mount behind the passenger wheel well. I like to carry a 50 year old chain come-along, chains, cables, and all that stuff, including the hitch but I still want to be able to leave it on and run in for lunch without too much worry on days when I may be between different trailers.

I guess it really comes down to how lazy I am. It isn't hard to remove and lock it up, and that would be the safest bet ...

Sponsored