Receiver Hitch D-Ring safe?

You need to check and see if the receiver hitch portion of it is solid or hollow. Ideally, you want a solid one piece of metal whether billet aluminum or steel.

I use a hitch made by Factor55. It's just like your setup OP, except the receiver hitch portion is made out one solid piece of billet aluminum. There are also less chances of rust forming in there if you leave it on, which I do. The chances of failure land more on the tow package or the pin bending rather than the receiver hitch itself.

 

Much safer than using a tow ball as a recovery point

 

I've used that setup to pull others out of sand and snow with a 30k strap and has never failed. Good item to have IMO.

I keep mine on for weeks at a time with a locking pin. When I first got it I put blue locktight on the D ring threads so no one could walk up and take it, keeping a crescent wrench in the cab for when I need to use it...but in the end the D ring is $10 so I havent cared since.

 

https://youtu.be/eFD4Fd03bq8

https://youtu.be/MmU5bxtNGyY

https://youtu.be/xjorZuxeRIg

 

Kept the cover on mine, but never sprayed it with WD40. Had to use a universal key for removal.

 

Looks like you have a second gen, the third gen receiver is a tad bit fatter than in previous gens, so that one might not be long enough for a third gen

 

I got an Amazon gift card and bought this one, and this locking hitch pin. I wouldn't feel too safe with a locking hitch pin that didn't have a safety clip.

Only reason I bought this one, was it had more positive reviews than the Smittybilt.


I hope to never need it, but if I do I'll have it. Probably just keep it in the storage spot.

$47 Rhino USA Shackle Hitch Receiver (Fits 2" Receivers) Best Towing Accessories for Trucks, Jeep, Toyota & More - Connect Your Rhino Tow Strap for Vehicle Recovery, Mounts to 2" Receiver Hitches

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06WLMF23C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

$20 motormic Trailer Hitch Lock Pin Set - 5/8" and 1/2" Extra Long Black Pins with One Locking System - 1 Safety Clip, 10 Anti Rattle O-Rings – Tow receivers 1.25”, 2” and 2.5" (Class I,II,III,IV,V)…

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GB17XD7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

Um... we call them "thick".

 

Couldn’t say, I’ve got an aftermarket HC bumper with the hitch relocated behind the license plate. I’m sure there are longer locking pins out there that should accommodate.

I’ve had them seize up before and had to use the master key as well, that sucks. I just check it every so often and if it starts to feel tight a little oil and a few cycles of locking and unlocking loosens it up again. If it starts to get too tight I’ll just replace it.

The easiest thing is the standard pin and cotter pin. Install it when you’re going out, remove it when not in use.

 

I apologize for any implied fat shaming, my tow hitch is also a victim of over engineering.

 

A tow ball is NOT a recovery point, it is an express ticket to join the Darwin conga line.

And if you want the simplest solution, insert end of tow strap/kinetic strap into the empty hitch receiver on your truck and put the standard pin through the receiver and the strap. Boom, secured with no extra points of failure and save having to lug around 20 pounds of metal to accomplish the same thing.

The receiver mount can be nice for angled pulls or large straps that won't fit into the receiver. But if you're pulling at that much of an angle, it should be a slow pull or for safety/security anyways.

 

I had that happen. Lock seized after winter, and it was used occasionally to sway to a tow ball. Don't use them any more. But I also have an RCI bumper with the hidden hitch, so I don't keep anything in there unless I cam using it.

 

I'm no recovery expert by any definition, but there are so many things being done wrong in those videos. Point taken, though.

 

Also leaving it in creates a freakin shin buster!

 

It's good to go, I have one, used it several times. They sell them at Home Depot nowadays. Any hitch pin works. Don't keep it in the hitch there's plenty of places in the truck to store it.

 

I have a left over hitch pin from BOLT, might be this one. https://www.boltlock.com/locks/5-8-inch-receiver-lock - *Will not key to Tacoma Key*

It was keyed to my Trailblazer and the previous owner gave me 2 factory keys and 4 other duplicates so I just kept one and the hitch pin. Plenty long for the Tacoma fat hitch.

 

And not all hitch locks are the same...most just deter lazy folk. Not that I would think anyone would break one for a shackle mount. But good knowledge if you have one that's seized up.

 

I've walked into my own more times than I care to admit. Also up here after one good winter it's stuck in place if you don't remove it.

 

I bashed my shin on my neighbors truck a couple months ago, he parked sideways in front of my garage and I walked out with my arms full and couldn't see down...

 

An employee at a tool rental place was handing me scaffolding, he turned to grab another piece and hit his shin so hard on the hitch he rocked the truck. That had to hurt.