Track Trailer Forum

I have an Isuzu MU-X with factory towbar and tow a Topaz Savannah.  A while back I towed the Topaz from Kingaroy to Dubbo and noticed when I got there that the R Clip which holds the Pull Pin (which holds the towing tongue in place) was missing.  I assumed that it had been stolen by mischievious children or heaven forbid I forgot to to put it in. I was extremely lucky that the pull pin didn't come out as I would have ended up with only the chains holding the Topaz to the car. I then bought a lockable Pull Pin that also has an R Clip and have used that since.

I was uncoupling the Topaz this morning after our recent 10,000 KM trip (Cameron Corner, Strezlecki and Oodnadatta track etc ) and noticed that the straight side of the R Clip was bent backwards slightly so the springy side wasn't even holding on the pull pin.  If the R Clip had been upside down which can happen - it does move around a bit, then it would have fallen out.  I now suspect that this is what happened the first time the R Clip went missing.

I'm hoping that someone on the forum may have had this problem and can advise me on what to do to prevent it happening again. I have been towing trailers and campertrailers for about 30 years and never had this problem.   

Hi Harry,

I use a BTA Towing Equipment Anti Rattle Hitch Pin Lock.
Never had an issue with it and it stops the annoying rattle you get on some hitches.
See the attached PDF.

Cheers

Peter

I can't use a locking pin because they all seem to be too long and block either the trailer connector on one side, or the camera and Anderson connectors on the other.
But, instead of an R pin, my hitch came with a circular pin, much like a key ring which winds through the hole in the pin. No way it can come out. Not sure where you can buy such a pin though - mine came from Best Bars with the hitch.
Thanks,
Russell

I've not seen it happen before but you could try a tractor pin or similar.

Hi Russell,

Do you mean the same pin as Craig has suggested?

Craig, I was thinking of using one of those - I think they are also called Lynch pins.  I did meet a guy recently at Cloncurry that had his pull pin fall out and lost and from what he described to me he was using a lynch pin to hold it in.  Again, perhaps he forgot to put it on or it was stolen.  He improvised when the caravan detached on the highway by using an 8 mm diameter tent peg bent around so it wouldn't fall out.

I have also contacted Hayman Reese and they have requested that I send photos which I will do today.

The only way I can see that this R clip can bend is that one end jams against the car or the tow bar (which it can) and as there is slight up / down movement of the tongue in the tow bar (not a neat fit) the pull pin is being gripped and turned slightly with the bounce of the back of the car.  Afterall, there is a lot of weight on the towing tongue - with 4 jerry cans full in the Topaz right hand storage, the ball wt is at least 260 KG. 

My towbar also has a bolt that can be tightend to stop the tongue rattling but I have been told by a towbar company that it should only be tight when not towing.

I would welcome further comments...

Harry

I've used a lynchpin for years with no issues, I also use them on the two catches on the floor and rear hatch.

I have also had a R clip almost come out,  I now put a cable tie around the clip and modified the pin.

Hi Harry,
No, the one I use is literally like a key ring which you wind a key through. The only difference is that one of the ends is made so you can grab hold of it. I'm away at the moment, but I'll take a pic when I get home.
Having a tractor, I have a box of the lynch pins, but even the smallest wouldn't fit through the hole in the hitch pin. Like patrol dude, I use them on the hatch and the floor.
Btw, I tighten the "anti-rattle" bolt when towing, and it does stop the noise. I can't see why this would cause a problem - certainly hasn't for me after many kms of trailering. In fact, I've been thinking of adding another from the side to stop lateral movement too.
Russell

Quote from: Patrol Dude on September 24, 2015, 08:29:19 PM
I've used a lynchpin for years with no issues, I also use them on the two catches on the floor and rear hatch.

X2
I changed to a Lynch pin as I swap the neck out regularly.
I've never had an issue with it find more used friendly then R clips.
I also use them on the 6 door/deck catches.

My son has the 'key ring' style and there is no way it could accidentally come off. I personally think it's the go.

When towing off road through gullies and the like, my tow bar has been known to plowed into terra firma for a second and has bent the R clip.

If all else fails then a piece of fencing wire will do the trick. [emoji106][emoji12]


"You don't know what you don't know"

Cheers dave

I have always used a Hayman Reese locking hitch pin