|
|
10-14-2011, 05:46 AM
|
#1
|
Established Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prairieville
Posts: 29
M.O.C. #11656
|
Hitch security from thieft
Trying to find a way to lock my hitch to the truck and don't seem to find anything with the "just right" factor. How do you guys secure your hitch to your truck?
|
|
|
10-14-2011, 06:25 AM
|
#2
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Murrieta
Posts: 5,816
M.O.C. #9257
|
I don't and probably should find some way to create some security. On my hitch there are "holes" where cable locks or other types of locks can be placed.
My reluctance is the number of fastening locks I would have to use means I could have as many as six locks since I have a two piece hitch. There are four locations at each leg of the base, one location where the two pieces meet and one at the pin release handle. I could use only one or two locks but my feeling is that the areas without the locks would be "attacked".
I will probably put a lock at the pin release handle since this handle is the easiest to be messed with and it seems even in this forum this has happened by pranksters who think it's funny to see a fifth wheel become disconnected from the hitch. To date, I have added a check to ensure the handle is engaged after a rest or fuel stop and we have left the rig for some time, but one of these days I just might forget and you know that's when I'll become a victim.
I'm curious what others will post, too.
|
|
|
10-14-2011, 07:31 AM
|
#3
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
|
Reese makes my hitch and also makes some pin keepers that you can put a lock through. I bought some padlocks keyed the same and put them on the pins and the release handle. Here's a link to them at etrailer: http://www.etrailer.com/p-RP58093.html
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
|
|
|
10-14-2011, 07:52 AM
|
#4
|
Established Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prairieville
Posts: 29
M.O.C. #11656
|
That's it. Just Right!! I knew you were out there just didn't know you name. Thanks a bunch.
Quote:
quote:Originally posted by DQDick
Reese makes my hitch and also makes some pin keepers that you can put a lock through. I bought some padlocks keyed the same and put them on the pins and the release handle. Here's a link to them at etrailer: http://www.etrailer.com/p-RP58093.html
|
|
|
|
10-14-2011, 08:57 AM
|
#5
|
Montana Master
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Fayetteville
Posts: 4,200
M.O.C. #11401
|
Dick, mine are just right, thanks. Larry
|
|
|
10-14-2011, 09:36 AM
|
#6
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Lobelville
Posts: 2,128
M.O.C. #6650
|
just drill two of the keeper pins that holds the 5th wheel to the bed rails.... Happy Trails.......
|
|
|
10-14-2011, 12:01 PM
|
#7
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Garland
Posts: 450
M.O.C. #10688
|
Is hitch security a significant concern? I do not fault the idea of being careful, but in 30 years of camping in an RV I never heard of a fifthwheel hitch being stolen or tampered with in the truck. I am not casting stones, but wondered if it becoming an issue in some places.
|
|
|
10-14-2011, 12:53 PM
|
#8
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Texas City
Posts: 5,736
M.O.C. #7673
|
I had the hitch pin locks on my Reese when we had the 1 ton.
I don't think it as much a concern for a stolen hitch as it is for pranksters who walk by, and say, "Watch this!" Then pull the key lock while the others in the group chuckle. Not knowing that they have just created an incident that can take lives. I locked ours for the piece of mind it gave me.
Happy trails.
|
|
|
10-14-2011, 12:58 PM
|
#9
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Bakersfield
Posts: 5,316
M.O.C. #15
|
I know there are folks out there that would take anything that isn't "nailed" down but like Kyle and Bev I've never known anyone who had a problem with someone stealing a hitch. As a matter of fact I don't think I ever heard of anyone having such a problem. Of course there is always a chance of someone taking it. But if they want something bad enough they'll figure a way to get it. I think I'll spend my time and money worrying about something else. But each to his own. Happy Trails, Dennis
|
|
|
10-14-2011, 01:25 PM
|
#10
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Lobelville
Posts: 2,128
M.O.C. #6650
|
I don't worry about someone taking the 5th wheel hitch. But the worry should be when your not at the Truck and some low life pulls the pins and you don't check before moving, can you see the 5er with 5th wheel hitch attached setting on the pavement and of course your tail gate will be destroyed. To each his own.. Happy Trails......
|
|
|
10-14-2011, 02:23 PM
|
#11
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Salem
Posts: 7,554
M.O.C. #2283
|
I agree wihh Delaine and Lindy. If I was worried about somebody stealing my hitch I would go find my house keys.
Lynwood
|
|
|
10-14-2011, 04:21 PM
|
#12
|
Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
|
What got me interested in doing something about it was a long thread on the Escapees forum. A couple of folks had had at least one of their pins pulled, one at a truck stop and the other when their truck had to be parked in overflow parking at a CG. I think there were other stories too, but those two I specifically remember and discovered that it didn't cost much to take care of the issue.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
|
|
|
10-14-2011, 05:51 PM
|
#13
|
Montana Master
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Rock Island
Posts: 1,074
M.O.C. #10457
|
Have B&W Companion hitch and pass a 2" log chain through the floor loops and then Master Lock the chain to the closing handle which keeps it secure to the Monty for both bottom and top portions of the hitch when towing and hitch secure when not towing. Also, we try to remember to check for vandalism when returning to truck when towing.
|
|
|
10-14-2011, 11:51 PM
|
#14
|
Montana Master
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Fayetteville
Posts: 4,200
M.O.C. #11401
|
I have had pins stolen not once but twice. Larry
|
|
|
10-15-2011, 01:34 AM
|
#15
|
Established Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Prairieville
Posts: 29
M.O.C. #11656
|
Thanks to all who replied. The likelyhood of it being stolen is as some of you say probably very low, however, there seems to an abnormal amount of stand alone hitches in the local classieds??? Am I just paranoid? Could be. Hearing your stories of missing pins on the other hand really reaffirms my desire to lock her down. Either done maliciously or mischeviously that could ruin your whole day!
Thanks again Dick. My pin lock plates are on order.
Raymond
|
|
|
10-15-2011, 05:22 PM
|
#16
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 3,335
M.O.C. #10496
|
Good source. Thanks!!
Quote:
quote:Originally posted by DQDick
Reese makes my hitch and also makes some pin keepers that you can put a lock through. I bought some padlocks keyed the same and put them on the pins and the release handle. Here's a link to them at etrailer: http://www.etrailer.com/p-RP58093.html
|
__________________
2010 3150RL
LevelUp, Dual 6 volt batteries, Progressive Industries EMS HW50C, Honda EU2000i Generator, Bridgestone Duravis R250 tires, Torklift Glowstep Revolution Stairs, LED Tail lights
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie SRW LB CC Cummins 6.7L Aisin Trans B&W RVK3600
|
|
|
10-15-2011, 05:26 PM
|
#17
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 3,335
M.O.C. #10496
|
Each person will make his/her own choice on this but having been a victim of crime, I'm less inclined now to take chances where safety/security is concerned. I'm not so much worried about someone stealing the hitch as I am about vandalism.
Quote:
quote:Originally posted by DQDick
What got me interested in doing something about it was a long thread on the Escapees forum. A couple of folks had had at least one of their pins pulled, one at a truck stop and the other when their truck had to be parked in overflow parking at a CG. I think there were other stories too, but those two I specifically remember and discovered that it didn't cost much to take care of the issue.
|
__________________
2010 3150RL
LevelUp, Dual 6 volt batteries, Progressive Industries EMS HW50C, Honda EU2000i Generator, Bridgestone Duravis R250 tires, Torklift Glowstep Revolution Stairs, LED Tail lights
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie SRW LB CC Cummins 6.7L Aisin Trans B&W RVK3600
|
|
|
02-18-2012, 03:01 AM
|
#18
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Homosassa
Posts: 307
M.O.C. #12211
|
I would think most thieves would want to steal something light and easy to carry. Maybe break a side window and steal something out of your truck. I don't want to carry my hitch even with help.
|
|
|
02-18-2012, 03:21 AM
|
#19
|
Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Texas City
Posts: 5,736
M.O.C. #7673
|
To a thief it is not how much it weighs, but how much can they get for it. I good hitch costs upwards to $1500 so to them, it a $500 sale item. Now they are not going to just walk out of the park with it, but they'll probably have a vehicle within a couple RV lengths and off they go.
As I stated in my earlier post, I would not be as concerned about it being stolen as I would about some IDIOT walking by and saying, "Watch this!" (Redneck expression which means "watch out.")
Also, someone pointed out about pulling away and leaving your RV nose on the ground, plus ruining your tail gate and possibly body:
So, also lock the king pin release handle. That's what the holes are for, and don't just lock it with a clip - use a padlock. That is another one of those walk by "Watch this," items.
|
|
|
02-18-2012, 05:27 AM
|
#20
|
Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: San Angelo
Posts: 115
M.O.C. #11213
|
I also agree Delaine Lindy.
|
|
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
Similar Threads
|
Thread |
Thread Starter |
Forum |
Replies |
Last Post |
Security
|
cwalker |
General Discussions about our Montanas |
6 |
12-02-2009 09:27 AM |
hitch security
|
maintechfotog |
Tow Vehicles & Towing |
20 |
07-11-2009 12:45 PM |
Security
|
mikeandcarol |
General Discussions about our Montanas |
6 |
03-11-2008 04:44 PM |
Security
|
gary/sharon |
General Discussions about our Montanas |
0 |
10-14-2003 04:24 AM |
|
» Recent Threads |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|