Question about Hitch Pin,

[mrazndead]

Question about Hitch Pin,

Can I just use a bolt with a nut or do I need a hitch pin?

this is what I bought:
TMS CC-SC1201B-1 500-Pound Excess Steel Cargo Carrier with 2-Inch Hitch Mount Car Suv Luggage Basket - Amazon.com

and It's only going to be used to carry a few suitcases and a couple boxes for about 1000 miles, (california to washington state).

is a bolt and nut good enough? I have plenty of those in my garage or do i need to buy a hitch pin? if so, which will suffice?

 

[FordandPolaris]

Depends how heavy the trailer is I spose. If you are in a bind, the bolt will probably work fine, but for the 5 bucks or less that it will cost for you to get a pin from an auto parts store or any place that sells trailers, may as well be safe. If I were to use a bolt for my sled trailer, it would have to be Grade 8 strength and the exact diameter of the hitch pin hole so the hitch is not sliding in and out on braking and acceleration. I imagine that would break the bolt fairly quickly.

EDIT: Sorry didn't see that you were looking at a luggage rack. Then the bolt is most likely fine as long as it is similar in width to the hole, but since you say it will be used to carry suitcases, you might want to do the pin anyways. It would suck to lose a suitcase on the road...

 

[tonydiv]

A hitch pin is only a few bucks, so it's silly not to get one.
I would suggest spending a few dollars more and get a locking one. This will keep someone from walking off with your nice luggage rack.

 

[mrazndead]

I was doing some research on amazon and can't seem to locate a simple hitch pin, that will fit my hitch. 2 inches, and 1/2 inch hole. that's at least 5 inches.

the ones on amazon.com are 4.5inches and people are saying it doesn't fit on a 2" hitch because the length doesn't take into account the bend handle.....

 

[Jeff532003]

Walmart sells them.

 

[tonydiv]

So does Auto Zone and Advance Auto Parts.

 

[Captain Morgan]

works great

Curt Manufacturing 23021 5/8 In Hitch Lock 30000 Lb Packaged : Amazon.com : Automotive

 

[Am3gross]

You could go to a harbor freight or northern tool if they have them in your area and get exactly what you need...

 

[mrazndead]

would it be okay to use a 5/8 pin on a hitch that has a 1/2 hole? any slack or wobble i'm guessing yes?

I want to use my amazon gift card, but it sounds like they're limited so I might have to go to a store and buy one as you guys recommended.

 

[Lightnig]

would it be okay to use a 5/8 pin on a hitch that has a 1/2 hole? any slack or wobble i'm guessing yes?

I want to use my amazon gift card, but it sounds like they're limited so I might have to go to a store and buy one as you guys recommended.

Ummm, you mean a 1/2" pin in a 5/8" hole?

The other way around I don't think is going to work at all - the pin would be larger than the hole you want to fit it into.

As for the smaller pin in the bigger hole, I won't do it. Sure, it will work, but it will be weaker than the hitch is designed for and with long term use will wear out in bad places...

 

[Captain Morgan]

You could go to a harbor freight or northern tool if they have them in your area and get exactly what you need...

Am3gross is correct.

I own this CURT and about 5 other pins, including ones from HF.

The Curt locks and afaik will last you for years, the HF pins aren't the same quality but will suffice for your load.

I don't always want to lock a pin, I just need that in there temporarily.

Another thing is the basic convenience and functionality, I had to literally saw on off once because I had put it on and then couldn't get the key back in to unlock it, so don't buy THIS ONE. I bought another off Amazon and discovered it was just a basic tiny bolt that twisted in the inside when one "locked it" and could be pried off with a hammer.

My suggestion is to buy from several from places where you know you can return it and decide which are keepers.

On the back of your vehicle, that 2" square tube called the receiver, that hole is not 1\2" - it should be 5\8ths or a hair over that. Do you own a tape measure or a Digital Caliper?

Hitch Pin sizes



.

 

[mrazndead]

Wow call me disslecsic. the whole time i thought that hole was 1/2, no wonder i couldnt' find the "right size" hitch pin on amazon.

anyways, my uncle had a couple hitchpins that look rusted but still strong, he also has one that has a lock i can use, also we found a couple of bolts with nuts that fit the hole perfectly. there's just slight wiggle to the hitch carrier, but we shoved a washer in and now it doesn't wiggle....

 

[whowey]

I've been using a 5/8's grade 8 bolt for years without problems.

The one I use is long enough that you can get a lock washer and nut on it.

When it was suggested to me, that a locking pin would keep someone from stealing my drawbar... How many thieves are carrying the correct sized wrenches around with them?? Once the nut is tightened down with the lock washer, it has not even loosened up a bit.

 

[FordandPolaris]

I've been using a 5/8's grade 8 bolt for years without problems.

The one I use is long enough that you can get a lock washer and nut on it.

When it was suggested to me, that a locking pin would keep someone from stealing my drawbar... How many thieves are carrying the correct sized wrenches around with them?? Once the nut is tightened down with the lock washer, it has not even loosened up a bit.

I carry the wrenches I would need.. But I am studying law enforcement, so dont worry about me...

 

[tonydiv]

It's not unusual to have a couple of adjustable wrenches in a vehicle. (especially if you're the type of person whose looking to steal something)