R1S Hitch - cotter pin alternatives?

[Dave S]

I just took delivery on my R1S.

I tow pretty frequently, but live in an area where they'll take anything that isn't bolted down to your vehicle (and I hate the rattle when not towing). So I'm regularly taking the hitch off and putting it back on.

It's pretty tight getting the cotter pin in and out of the shank to secure the hitch, and I've already smashed my knuckles more times than I care to on it. In the past I've found the hitch locks to be too bulky and impede getting the brake cable and safety chains on....and with the R1S, it seems even worse.

Has anyone found a good solution or hitch lock to use?

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[Zoidz]

I use these on my farm equipment, but have not tried it with a hitch pin. Depending on the diameter of the hole, one of these might work - Industrial Safety Pin, or 3/16" Lynch Pin. I would personally opt for drilling out the hitch pin to 3/16" clearance and use a lynch pin.

 

[Dark-Fx]

Get a pin for a class V/2.5" hitch, they are the same diameter but longer.

 

[SANZC02]

I just took delivery on my R1S.

I tow pretty frequently, but live in an area where they'll take anything that isn't bolted down to your vehicle (and I hate the rattle when not towing). So I'm regularly taking the hitch off and putting it back on.

It's pretty tight getting the cotter pin in and out of the shank to secure the hitch, and I've already smashed my knuckles more times than I care to on it. In the past I've found the hitch locks to be too bulky and impede getting the brake cable and safety chains on....and with the R1S, it seems even worse.

Has anyone found a good solution or hitch lock to use?

The reciever is a little larger than a standard 2 inch. If you get a pin that fits a 2 1/2 Inch reciever it works better. I am using this one.

 

[Aardvark]

I just took delivery on my R1S.

I tow pretty frequently, but live in an area where they'll take anything that isn't bolted down to your vehicle (and I hate the rattle when not towing). So I'm regularly taking the hitch off and putting it back on.

It's pretty tight getting the cotter pin in and out of the shank to secure the hitch, and I've already smashed my knuckles more times than I care to on it. In the past I've found the hitch locks to be too bulky and impede getting the brake cable and safety chains on....and with the R1S, it seems even worse.

Has anyone found a good solution or hitch lock to use?

I have the same question. The hitch receiver on the R1S is particularly wide. My key-locking hitch pin wasn't long enough, so that meant a trip to the auto parts store for new pin. I couldn't find a locking version long enough and bought one similar to yours. But I will admit to only looking at one store and haven't done any extensive search online yet.

 

[tk21]

I use my locking one but have to wait to lock it until the chains are on or I can’t get the chain installed on that side.

 

[HighVoltOverland]

Any pin that says 2-2 1/2 fit should be sufficient

I got the Reese "Taticool" at Walmart or OReilly's
The Dogbone lock does not block the plugs

 

[Zoidz]

If you are looking for a longer pin, they were in stock at Autozone when I got my R1S.

 

[sac602]

These work on Amazon. RETRUE Hitch Receiver Pin Lock, Trailer Receiver Lock with 5/8" Pin for Class III IV 2" and 2-1/2" Receiver, for Hitch Bike Rack Tray Ball Tow Rope for Trailer Truck Car Boat (2 Pack, 5/8 inch pin) https://a.co/d/iBMFOHU

 

[SSteveEV]

Rhino locking 2.5" pin also fit well. Though I haven't tried it with chains yet just verified it fit once after delivery. On sale for $30. Cheapest option would be a gloves or a pair of old pliers though which is my method most of the time if the cotter pin gives me trouble.

https://www.rhinousainc.com/products/locking-trailer-hitch-pin-2-5

 

[Kanuk]

I just took delivery on my R1S.

I tow pretty frequently, but live in an area where they'll take anything that isn't bolted down to your vehicle (and I hate the rattle when not towing). So I'm regularly taking the hitch off and putting it back on.

It's pretty tight getting the cotter pin in and out of the shank to secure the hitch, and I've already smashed my knuckles more times than I care to on it. In the past I've found the hitch locks to be too bulky and impede getting the brake cable and safety chains on....and with the R1S, it seems even worse.

Has anyone found a good solution or hitch lock to use?

I use one of these and I also padlock my hitch to the trailer ball. Trailers are a pretty common target for thieves.

https://www.masterlock.com/products/product/2866DAT

 

[Erikbecker]

I just took delivery on my R1S.

I tow pretty frequently, but live in an area where they'll take anything that isn't bolted down to your vehicle (and I hate the rattle when not towing). So I'm regularly taking the hitch off and putting it back on.

It's pretty tight getting the cotter pin in and out of the shank to secure the hitch, and I've already smashed my knuckles more times than I care to on it. In the past I've found the hitch locks to be too bulky and impede getting the brake cable and safety chains on....and with the R1S, it seems even worse.

Has anyone found a good solution or hitch lock to use?

I've been using quick-release hitch pins. They're easy to install and remove without the cotter pin hassle. Look for ones with a secure locking mechanism.

 

[mindstormsguy]

I have one of these. It’s the right length, it leaves room for the safety chains, it has a pin as a safety backup to the locking mechanism, and the lock cylinder is well regarded by the lock picking lawyer.

https://a.co/d/fMojzlb

 

[DuoRivians]

I like these hitch pins with locks. The keys are unique enough that they can’t picked by another set of pin keys.

https://a.co/d/cbJ6w4a

 

[JamuJoe]

I just took delivery on my R1S.

I tow pretty frequently, but live in an area where they'll take anything that isn't bolted down to your vehicle (and I hate the rattle when not towing). So I'm regularly taking the hitch off and putting it back on.

It's pretty tight getting the cotter pin in and out of the shank to secure the hitch, and I've already smashed my knuckles more times than I care to on it. In the past I've found the hitch locks to be too bulky and impede getting the brake cable and safety chains on....and with the R1S, it seems even worse.

Has anyone found a good solution or hitch lock to use?

This one works fine on my R1T, I assume your receiver is similar.
META Hardware Trailer Hitch Locks, Hitch Lock with 5/8'' Dia 4” Long Pin Fits Class III IV V 2" 2-1/2", 3" & 3-1/2" Hitches, Locking Hitch Pin with Anti-Rattle O-Rings for Trailer Truck Boat (1 Pack)(Amazon)

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