|
|
Post by jr on Apr 20, 2024 12:07:21 GMT 10
While camping at Sand Bar one of my daughters arrived with her Jayco expander and as she made a sharp turn ready to reverse into her camp spot there was a loud bang. On inspection the hitch had come out of the square towbar mount and dropped to the ground only supported on the chains. The hitch pin had gone but for how long had it been missing. She has a Haman Reese system like in the attached photo.  The drive to Sand Bar is about two hours over two mountains so surely the hitch would not stay put for that distance with no pin and she was sure that it was in when she left home. The missing pin looked like the one in the photo.  Could the tension from the WDH pressured the hitch and held it in its mount for some distance? JR  |
|
|
|
Post by GerryP on Apr 20, 2024 12:29:42 GMT 10
It wouldn't be the first time some ass@#! has pulled the clip out or removed the pin altogether. I'd suggest getting a locking pin or use a padlock instead of the clip.
Depending on how much tension is on the WDH it's quite possible that it could hang in for quite a distance. Perhaps reversing up over a gutter released that tension and any forward movement allowed the hitch to pull out?
|
|
|
|
Post by spaceland on Apr 20, 2024 12:41:54 GMT 10
The drive to Sand Bar is about two hours over two mountains so surely the hitch would not stay put for that distance with no pin and she was sure that it was in when she left home. The missing pin looked like the one in the photo. Could the tension from the WDH pressured the hitch and held it in its mount for some distance? It is a possibility she could have left it home without it. I know of two instances of that happening.
I also believe that this was demonstrated at the Melbourne caravan show when it was held at Sandown Raceway. The demonstrator pulled the pin out, performed a few figure 8s with the rig, and then was able to slide the pin back through the hole.
Many people I have met say they purchase a locking pin just to stop it “going missing” whilst they are on a trip. They are not particularly worried about the theft of any towing gear, just the malicious removal of the pin whilst hitched up and stopping for a break.
|
|
|
|
Post by Frank and Brenda on Apr 21, 2024 7:32:45 GMT 10
It wouldn't be the first time some ass@#! has pulled the clip out or removed the pin altogether. I'd suggest getting a locking pin or use a padlock instead of the clip. Depending on how much tension is on the WDH it's quite possible that it could hang in for quite a distance. Perhaps reversing up over a gutter released that tension and any forward movement allowed the hitch to pull out? Exactly my thoughts Both on the pin removal, I've drilled the hole a little bigger and put in a small padlock, and on the hitch staying in place for a length of time, the pressure put on by the WDH is enough to keep it there for a long time if no rough roads are encountered |
|
|
|
Post by loub on Apr 21, 2024 12:33:07 GMT 10
I always have my pin locked on and a pin in it as well. Clowns think it's funny to pull the pin out.jk
|
|
Badger
Been here for a while
Posts: 93 
Tow/Motorhome: 2011 Jayco Conquest
|
Post by Badger on Apr 22, 2024 20:46:02 GMT 10
Some bastard in Busselton removed the cotter pin from our hitch back when we had a van. I realized when we got to Conto Beach west of Margret River. I bent a nail into it as a replacement till we got to Albany. We have a locking pin for the MH hitch pulling the trailer.
|
|
|
|
Post by stoney on Apr 23, 2024 7:48:47 GMT 10
Just go to super cheap and buy a locking pin. They are reasonably inexpensive.
|
|
