Share Pics of People Hauling or Towing Something Wrong

[Chilliwack Murray]

We haven’t had safety inspections since about 1981. From the early 90s until a few years ago we had emissions testing... They should’ve converted all those facilities to safety inspections, but I guess they would’ve needed qualified people. The ones they had - not so qualified.

 

[fidowanttobe]

Had an "OH CRAP!!" moment the other night.
After the second car hauled and third loaded in one afternoon, I decided it was too late and I would turn the tongue jack down to take some weight off the tow vehicle for the night.
Before we start the beating, I KNOW I put the clip in because I'm **** about this stuff, double-checking.
But still somehow I found that the clip was gone, and the pin halfway out as in the pictures.
These are the clips I use. Never had an issue before, ever.
Apparently I need to start TRIPLE-checking.

 

[deezler]

I would upgrade or change to a proper hitch pin, or at least a clevis pin. Those linch pins come out ALL the time on my tractor 3-pt hitch. They just seem to lose tension and vibration can open them right up. Or a bouncing stick/rock, etc.

Personally I prefer a LOCKING hitch pin so there's absolutely no question (and so no one can steal my hitch).

 

[fidowanttobe]

These? I have lost these in tall grass, thats why I started using linch pins. I am about ready to start using cotter keys. I remove it after every tow, and with 5 tow vehicles, . . I don't really want 5 more locks and keys around either.

 

[John0829]

I prefer this type of pin, I have had the lynch pins come open as well. Not so much since switching to these.

 

[Code54]

I also go with the locking type as they solve the pin issue. I use the same kind of pin that you lost on a bike rack and lost one the other day - NO idea how as I double checked it was in and seated but it was definitely missing the following day. I was even wondering if someone didn't take it while I was parked at home depot.

 

[California]

I lost one of those skinny ones recently, too.

Never had a problem with the standard heavier ones.

I use the half-circle type like John089 illustrated above, for the latch on my trailer hitch and for what I assume it was intended for - securing the backhoe's hydraulic pump onto the PTO.

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[JohnDeereJoey]

I... I was even wondering if someone didn't take it while I was parked at home depot.

I wish I could say "No way!". Sadly, a low life stealing it or thinking it would be "funny" isn't out of the question.

I often use locks, but they are no guarantee. I also carry small collection of spare pins in the tow vehicle.

 

[3Ts]

I have had my ball mount stolen from my hitch. I use locking pins only now. I used to use one of those circle pins on the wheel of my bush hog, but they kept coming off and my wheel would fall off ??? There shouldn't be any way it would come off, but it did. I went to cotter pins for that.

 

[BravoXray]

Personally, I wish everyone would take the hitch out of the receiver if not towing something. I ran into one in a dark parking lot a few years ago and damn near broke my leg. It was sticking out over a foot from the receiver. I could show you the scar it left. I've seen other people walk into them too.

Is it really that big of a deal to take a few seconds and pull it out and toss it into the back of the truck or trunk of the car? Just be a little considerate for other people.