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Who's had there tow ball stolen?

Discussion in 'Towing' started by Alan84, Oct 10, 2013.

  1. Oct 10, 2013 at 12:18 PM
    #1
    Alan84

    Alan84 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Alan
    Denver, CO
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    So I just saw that my tow ball was stolen. I know they only cost 25 bucks but just the fact that it was taken from me really pissed me off. What makes it worst was that it was stolen will parked in a military base. I thought people didn't steal here I guess I was wrong. Anybody else get theirs stolen? Looks like next time I'll have to pay the 10 bucks extra to get a lock.:mad:
     
  2. Oct 10, 2013 at 12:20 PM
    #2
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    That sucks. I don't leave mine on the truck unless something is attached to it.
     
  3. Oct 10, 2013 at 12:24 PM
    #3
    CRU

    CRU Well-Known Member

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    Are you kidding? I used to do contract work for the Navy. Entire computer systems would disappear from rooms. I'm talking tower, keyboard, mouse, cables, & monitor. They would even take the stupid Navy mouse pad.
     
  4. Oct 10, 2013 at 12:25 PM
    #4
    richardbui23

    richardbui23 That guy

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    mouse pads are important for grip and proper mouse use...just sayin...
     
  5. Oct 10, 2013 at 12:26 PM
    #5
    Tacoma VT

    Tacoma VT Well-Known Member

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    More things get stolen on base than anywhere else. IMO
     
  6. Oct 12, 2013 at 4:39 AM
    #6
    Poodle Head Mikey

    Poodle Head Mikey Well-Known Member

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    I take them off trucks if they might bash me in the leg but leave them in the receiver on anything else. After 40 years of that, in NJ, I've never had one go missing. He, on the other hand, always removes his - and he has never had one taken either. <g>

    It started because he asked me what kind of pin lock I used. He was amazed to learn that I just use a standard pin and have never lost one.

    Bases have little sense of community - being essentially filled with strangers - nobody is really 'from there' - so I would suspect that more theft would go on. I wouldn't like buying the pin lock or the idea that I felt like I lived where it was a requirement - but if you are going to be there you either have to lock it or stow it. Although I think I would stow it instead of locking it.

    Good luck.

    PHM
    -------

     
  7. Oct 12, 2013 at 4:56 AM
    #7
    MQQSE

    MQQSE Bannable Galloot

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    I use a locking pin and generally leave the tow ball in all summer when I do the most towing. In the winter I have a D-Ring receiver insert that I secure with the locking pin; makes it easier/safer to hook up the tow strap when I do my Good Samaritan thing pulling stuck folks outta the ditch or snow bank.

    Before I got the D-Ring, I had picked up a receiver plug cover with a picture of a moose on it (matched my license plate which is my tag on here); it got stolen on base from the BX parking lot. And I was in the BX less than 20 mins...go figure. :mad: & :(
     
  8. Oct 12, 2013 at 6:22 AM
    #8
    Tommiet

    Tommiet Well-Known Member

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    I also only use it when towing and store it in the storage box in the bed.
     
  9. Oct 12, 2013 at 7:19 AM
    #9
    A3umph

    A3umph Well-Known Member

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    I always keep mine out of the hitch and stored when not in use. Keeps me from busting my shin on it, plus many years ago I left mine always in on my Jeep Wagoneer and when I needed to swap from drop to rise to pull a different trailer I found it had rusted in. Years of road grime and water getting between the hitch and receiver seized it solid. I ended up hooking to a tree and yanking it out. Since then I always remove it and use a cheap plastic plug in the hitch.
     
  10. Oct 12, 2013 at 7:31 AM
    #10
    CelsisTaco

    CelsisTaco Well-Known Member

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    Never :) But i have a lock! thank god lol
     
  11. Oct 13, 2013 at 9:58 AM
    #11
    acmesupply

    acmesupply New Member

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    Just a suggestion. Drill a hole through the bottom threads below where the bolt and lock washer are. Use a stainless steel lock with a short shank that just fits and has enough length to lock. The hardest part is drilling but just start with a small bit and work up to the size hole you want. Just use a lot of oil to keep the bit cool and for better cutting. Its hard to saw off and the shank is hard to cut with bolt cutters due to the lock fitting tight to the shank.
     
  12. Oct 13, 2013 at 10:07 AM
    #12
    acmesupply

    acmesupply New Member

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    Looking from the bottom

    IMG_20131013_100052_301.jpg
     
  13. Oct 13, 2013 at 3:01 PM
    #13
    BillJC

    BillJC Well-Known Member

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    I don't leave my in the receiver, but when I do, I'm not really worried about it being stolen. The torque spec is 250lbs and I put loctite on it as well. I tried to remove the ball and could barely budge the nut. My old Putnam dual tow also solved the issue by being welded in place. :) It's a similar setup the pic below only it's an adjustable drop.

    [​IMG]
     
  14. Oct 24, 2013 at 4:59 PM
    #14
    HighTQCummins

    HighTQCummins Instagram: stormtrooptaco

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    i've had one stolen at a bar, worst part was I could see my truck from where I was sitting, must have happened when I got up to take a leak. conversation was pretty dry that night, so I kept looking at my truck.

    worst part was, I had just gotten a locking pin and everything, it was sitting in my door pocket, I just hadn't put it on that day yet
     
  15. Oct 24, 2013 at 5:06 PM
    #15
    Artruck

    Artruck Well-Known Member

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    I had the nut stolen of my my old nissan, but they left the ball in the bumper. Never could figure that one out.
     
  16. Feb 8, 2014 at 9:11 PM
    #16
    egres

    egres Well-Known Member

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    Bench-seat covers $180 (Can't believe its not leather),Bed Liner $375 (Bed rug), Roof rack $180 (Rhino-rack 2500 Series, plus DK clamps and pads), Modified Bed extender $85 (Extend-A-Truck 944 Truck Bed Extender), Hood lift assist $80 (RedlineTuning), Hood light $53 (tacomaworld.com âtacodaneâ), Hitch receiver $120 (Curt Manufacturing 13323 Class III Receiver), T connector for trailer $43 (CURT Manufacturing 55513 T-Connector), Manuel tailgate lock $30 (gatekeeper tailgate lock), Tailgate assist $28 (Sachs SG329900EZ Lift Support), Tailgate lock $67 (Pop & Lock Tailgate Lock Tailgate Lock PL5301), Spare tire lock $12 (Trimax ST30 Trimaflex Spare Tire Cable Lock), Hardwired battery float charger $20 (Schumacher SE-1-12S-CA Fully Automatic Onboard Battery Charger - 1.5 Amps) , Vin # Glass etching $33 (vinguard.org), Easy oil drain plug $30 (Fumoto Engine Oil Drain Valve), Floor mats $80 (Husky Liners 2-Piece Front Liner 2-Piece Front Liner), out of space :)
    +1 in Trenton NJ. Was parked for 30 min. Now I got a lock...
     
  17. Mar 28, 2014 at 1:04 PM
    #17
    Phildo

    Phildo Active Member

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    I keep mine locked in the receiver. I have been hit 3 times from dumb asses not paying attention. Every time they have hit the hitch and not made it to the truck. One time a mustang smacked me good in Cabellas parking lot. Hitch poked right through his bumper, not a scratch on my truck.

    I use a B&W hitch, so I don't have to worry about somebody trying to steal the ball alone. Best $300 I have spent, in protection alone, not even thinking about towing.
     
  18. Mar 28, 2014 at 6:15 PM
    #18
    navin

    navin Well-Known Member

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    Harbor Freight has a coupon deal for their 3 ball 2" set up. About $23 with the coupon. 1-7/8", 2" and 2-5/16".

    It figures as I just bought the 2 ball one for $20, lost the receipt and no exchange without! Drat!

    Add their hitch lock for $10. The balls are welded on so you should be able to hold onto it.
     

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