Safety pin on trailer

salmonee

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 26, 2008
Messages
408
I was reading a boy scott safety boating book last night. It mention something about securing the "safety pin" on the trailer as part of the check when towing your boat. I'm new to boating and looking at buying my first boat. Can someone explain what the safety pin is/looks like/where its located on trailer and it's function?
 

ondarvr

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Apr 6, 2005
Messages
11,527
Re: Safety pin on trailer

There is a hole located on the lever of the hitch, when you push the lever down into the locked position you stick the pin (bolt, pin, what ever you use) through the hole, locking the lever in place.
 

djvan

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 3, 2003
Messages
411
Re: Safety pin on trailer

Or if you have a tilt trailer don't rely on the tripper latch at the hinged portion of the trailer, use a pin in addition.

DougV>
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Safety pin on trailer

true djvan, but that is a tilt pin. safety pin is in the lock mechanism, to keep from accidental opening.

i use a pad lock in mine. we had an incident at the boat ramp several years ago. kids(i assume) went thru the parking lot, and opened every hitch they could. was not funny when the guy went to load his boat, and his hitch came uncoupled.
 

Nova II 260

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 27, 2006
Messages
681
Re: Safety pin on trailer

here ya go, I have a lock in mine.
 

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45Auto

Commander
Joined
May 31, 2002
Messages
2,842
Re: Safety pin on trailer

The "safety pin" on my trailer is a pin that goes behind the hitch ball to hold the trailer on even if the latch pops open. See pic below. Never seen any kind of lock that will go through one.

DSC04845.jpg
 

Frank Acampora

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: Safety pin on trailer

WOW! safety pin, latch lock and ball and coupler lock. You really don't want that trailer to be stolen, do you?

Can you spell "paranoia"? LOL
 

mars bar

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Nov 30, 2008
Messages
395
Re: Safety pin on trailer

45auto, Nice , Safety, safety, safety. Can't explain enough. If you put lots of $$$ into your boat what's a few extra bucks.
 

rtpassini

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Nov 27, 2008
Messages
508
Re: Safety pin on trailer

i dont think mine has a spot for the safety pin....

oh well. thats what insurance is for. haha
 

salmonee

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 26, 2008
Messages
408
Re: Safety pin on trailer

45auto,

I think your setup is what the book was referring to. Thanks for sharing.
 

sunburnt

Seaman
Joined
Jan 21, 2007
Messages
67
Re: Safety pin on trailer

looks like a very good xtra, all couplers should have such a device! for added safety an security.I've seen the main finger become loose under the ball if not properly adjusted or not using the correct air craft nut/fiber nut . -------- to make sure your trailer is there when you get back to the dock #1 tack weld nut to thread on ball - cant be unscrewed. #2 tack weld coupler to frame of main on trailer , again cant be unscrewed ether. good locks on both- coupler and male receiver just a little xtra security with min cost of application. a friend of mine has a rear camera ,the type you use for backing your vehicle and not running over the kids or the dog! works great for towing .able to see every thing on the rear as your travelling down the road.also as your backing to load you're rig by yourself, ball to coupler hook up.your able to check condition of- trailer tires- coupler chains- frame - tie downs-road effects- etc . not to mention saving your loved ones.its original intention. thinking of getting one soon.
 

Splat

Lieutenant
Joined
Jul 20, 2008
Messages
1,366
Re: Safety pin on trailer

true djvan, but that is a tilt pin. safety pin is in the lock mechanism, to keep from accidental opening.

i use a pad lock in mine. we had an incident at the boat ramp several years ago. kids(i assume) went thru the parking lot, and opened every hitch they could. was not funny when the guy went to load his boat, and his hitch came uncoupled.

Yea had this happens as well. I'm pretty anal now about checking my hithc when getting back underway after a break. Whether it's just running into the store to grab some bait, or grabbing the truck to head to the ramp to retrieve boat, I always check and do a walk around of the rig.

Bill
 

thepotroast

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Feb 28, 2009
Messages
91
Re: Safety pin on trailer

I just don't understand how (some) people would even tow a trailer without putting a lock or "pin" through the latch, or leave the trailer (with boat attached) wide open for someone to steal...seen it too many times.

I have full coverage on my boat, but I'll be damned if I won't use preventative tactics by putting a lock on the latch. If they really want the boat that bad, they can break the lock and tow it, and at least when the insurance company asks...I can say it was locked, and collect my 10k stated coverage check. :eek:
 
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