Bolt hitch locks

I thought they were the greatest thing since sliced bread until tonight. I almost had to cut mine off my truck. Definitely would not recommend. I wrote them an email. Can't wait to see reply.

 

Word.

Mine locked up frozen. Wouldn't remove itself without a 5 lb sledge hammer and a piece of steel rod.

Never again. Now just have a $4 pin from HF and saving myself the hassle.

 

Yep, I had to put a pry bar on mine

 

I got to where I just use a 5/8" grade 8 bolt with the nut snugged tight. If someone wants something, they'll get it. At least they can't just walk by empty-handed and make off with it.

 

What brand?

 

Bolt by Stattec. It is uses truck key. Learns key when first inserted and turned

 

crap, that's the one I have. I have removed it several times and I spray lithium grease in the key slot and on the pin hole when I do.

So how long have you had it? Please keep us informed

 

3 years. Never sprayed anything in it. Maybe I should have. I remove mine several times a year to change hitches.

 

I only use one hitch since I installed the Ride-Rites so maybe not an issue if it won't come out. I added the lock after a series of thefts by homeless metal collectors in our area. Was just going to just start removing it but a person on a teardrop forum had his trailer stolen in a parking lot while they shopped. They pulled the pin, removed the chains and plug, moved it to their truck, hooked it up and left. They were lucky that when they reported it, an officer monitoring the radio call had just seen it and pulled them over. Just don't want to have a ruined vacation far from home.

So a second question for those reading this thread. Anyone have the Bolt padlocks that key up? I was thinking of buying one every few months (as they are expensive) for all my other needs just to get away from the school janitor ring I have to carry now. Not sure of their quality now.

TIA
bill

 

I am thinking about packing it up in a bag of shit when I send it back.

 

Here is their email reply. I already bought a Reese to replace it. If Strattec sends a new I will just include when I sell the Tacoma.

Good Morning,
I'm sorry for the problems you had with your BOLT Lock. Unfortunately sometimes our locks do malfunction, however we do cover all of our locks by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. If you would like I would of course be willing to replace the defective lock for you with a new one. I would just need to know which lock it was, and for what vehicle, and your shipping address and we could get the paperwork started ASAP.

Once again I'm sorry for the problems you had, and please let me know if you would like to have the lock exchanged out.

 

I wonder if they will let you know what failed when they examine it? Be nice to know.

That phrase "sometimes our locks do malfunction" does not instill confidence for mine.

 

not sure. He asked if I wanted a prepaid shipping label and I said sure. Warranty states that you have to ship on your own dime. I was debating whether or not I wanted to spend another nickel on it. If shipping is free it is a no-brainer. I can use it as a selling point a year from now.

 

Ive been using one like below. I bought it back 23 years ago, around 1993. Its been on all my trucks since then. The newer version is probably chinese made though. I moved it around yesterday to switch ball sizes. Its a little worn looking but still works fine. I do spray it with lube once or so times a year.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/5-8-Lock...Coupler-Truck-Trailer-Boat-Security/181004361

 

Simple fix, don't be a lazy ass and remove the hitch when not using it. It's illegal to have it in when not in use in most states, but it's one of the many laws that don't get enforced.

 

It is not about being lazy. I use my hitch a lot and I leave it in intentionally. I use to always take it out but since Toyota decided to mount the light hook up hanging off the bumper I leave it in for protection when I am deer hunting. Not sure what the law is in Texas and really do not care. If they were serious about enforcing nitpicking laws then they would be pulling people over non stop for improper front plates. I suggest that before you start calling people lazy that you stop and think for a minute but maybe thinking is not something you do well.

 

I have a 3 ball hitch 1 7/8", 2" & some other one that lives in my trailer hitch.

I'm not aware of any laws that prohibit this. I'm in Tx and La for work. Perhaps you can enlighten me with those laws.

I leave mine in mostly for rear bumper protection.

 

I think he busted his shin on one recently. Strattec sent me a prepaid mailing label and a RMA. I will just sell it with the truck and use the Reese when I get a new truck.

 

Stump - my question was a serious one, I've never heard of a law like this.

I travel extensively in my Taco for work and have never heard of this.

You'd think if it was illegal then Reese or some company would have a warning.

I wish I had pics of the Toyota Camry which met my trailer hitch.

 

Actually, I'm 99% sure it's illegal in CT too. Same up here, no one ever gets a ticket having the hitch left in.