How do you guys make sure that your hitch doesn't come off....

[kentj]

I'm wondering how you Surfside owners (or people with the same type of hitch) make sure your hitch doesn't "pop" off. With other trailers I have have you could use a safety lock pin like this one http://www.dan-marc.com/143-01054.html . My hitch won't accept something like this anyone have any ideas.

[Mike Taylor]

My 1973 Compact II came with that style hitch and I didn't trust it so I unbolted it and installed a new 2 inch hitch with the locking pin hole. I also had the new hitch welded to frame.

[kentj]

My 1973 Compact II came with that style hitch and I didn't trust it so I unbolted it and installed a new 2 inch hitch with the locking pin hole. I also had the new hitch welded to frame.

I don't have that option because its welded to the frame already......I was thinking maybe a big hose clamp (http://toolsandmore.us/index.asp?Pag...OD&ProdID=2840) not sure is that would work.

[Tom Trostel]

My Compact Jr. has the same hitch. I can manually lift the tongue enough to test if everything is secure. Also you could crank the tongue jack down until you start to lift the tow vehicle slightly. Mine has a hole on the lower curbside of the hitch that will allow a padlock to be used. This stops the hitch from opening.

Tom Trostel

[Byron Kinnaman]

I used a tapered punch and a hammer to alter the shape of the loop just enough that the head of the screws would go through the loop. I supported the loop on a steel vise to minimize the stress on the weld.

[Mark B1]

Hi Kent,

The hitch hasn't come off our trailers in over thirty years. as long as it hasn't worn out it shouldn't now.

[Ed Harris]

I have a hitch on the Fiberstream that looks just like this hitch.
I din't even notice until someone else mentioned it but on mone there is a small hole on the other side from what you have pictured here that will accept a small padlock or locking clip of some kind.
Unlike all the other ones I had seen where the latch could be locked into place,this one has a small hole in the side of the couple otself,for lack of a picture.

Again I overlooked this at first until someone pointed it out.
Maybe yours is the same,at least it is worth a look.

Ed

[Cam A]

Hi Kentj
That hitch concerned me too; check out: Can you lock a hitch like this? The upshot was that a lock in the hole will prevent the hitch from opening.

[Booker B.]

My trailer has the hole through the hitch handle and I used a small padlock to hold it on, mainly because it's easier to deal with then a threaded nut. Works great and though it would not stop a determined thief it might be enough of a deterrent for him to walk on.

[Ed Harris]

Hi Kentj
That hitch concerned me too; check out: Can you lock a hitch like this? The upshot was that a lock in the hole will prevent the hitch from opening.

That is EXACTLY what I was talking about!

[Pete Dumbleton]

KentJ, I think if you check carefully on the other side, you will see a hole intended for a pin or padlock. I prefer padlock so a mischief-maker can't uncouple it.

[kentj]

Thanks guys, I found the hole...lol. I guess I should have searched the board a little more, didn't realize thats what it was for.

thanks again
Kent