Do I need a hitch pin?

Sorry for the newb towing question...

Just got a D-Ring receiver and don't have a hitch pin. I do have a 5/8 stainless steel bolt, could I just throw on 2 washers and a nut? Or is there something special about hitch pins that I'm missing?

 

hitch pins are made to take on and off easily, id just go buy one.

 

and most are made so the hitch dose not slide in and out to much, and are probably stronger than a bolt.

 

They are made to come off easy...so people can steal them haha

I've had some really nice hitches with hitch pin locks stolen by cutting the lock with a hack saw blade

Of course my truck is lifted so I have to get a nice drop hitch and robbers can't stay away so I just keep it in my truck

 

I'd get a pin, you don't want much play in there and pins are made for hauling. Probably a lot stronger and harder than just a bolt.

 

As long as that bolt is not zinc, but grade5 or grade 8 you will be fine. Without getting into specifics a 5/8" grade 5 in the shank is actually as strong as a 5/8" hitch pin.

 

Til I do some research, I'll have to take your word on that.

 

5/8" grade 5 bolt is about 25,000 sheer strength and grade 8 is about 27-30k (depending on threads)in tensile strength. For a hitch pin where you aren't clamping down when tightening Grade 5 may fair better. Truthfully they would be almost the exact same for a hitch pin. Most hitch pins are only rated at 10k very conservatively.
Make sure the bolt is long enough that the threads are not riding the metal of the hitch.