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Are you planning a road trip with your family or friends? Before you hit the road, it's important to ensure that your tow hitch and ball mount are securely attached to your vehicle. The ball mount is an essential component that connects your trailer to your vehicle. To ensure the safety of your trailer and everyone on the road, it is important to use ball mounts with dual locking pins. In this blog, we will explain what dual locking pins are and why they are so important.
Firstly, let's understand what a ball mount is. A ball mount is a device that attaches to your vehicle's trailer hitch receiver and provides a platform for the trailer ball to sit on. The ball mount slides into your vehicle's hitch receiver and is secured in place by either a pin or clip. The trailer ball is mounted on top of the ball mount using a nut and bolt that tighten to the correct torque specification.
Now comes the part which is often overlooked - the dual locking pins. Dual locking pins are a safety feature that prevent the ball mount from detaching from the hitch receiver. They are essential because they provide a failsafe if the main locking pin fails or if it is not properly inserted. The dual locking pins slide into the sides of the hitch receiver and prevent the ball mount from sliding out, even if the main locking pin fails.
Dual locking pins are generally easy to install, making them user-friendly for all types of towing applications. They are designed to fit standard receiver hitches and ball mounts, requiring minimal tools and effort for installation. This ease of installation makes them a popular choice among towing enthusiasts and professionals alike.
It is important to note that not all ball mounts come with dual locking pins. Some models only include a main locking pin or clip, which can be dangerous if it fails. Therefore, you should always choose a ball mount with dual locking pins.
The primary purpose of dual locking pins on ball mounts is to provide enhanced security. Dual locking pins offer a redundant system that ensures the ball mount remains securely attached to the receiver hitch. This added layer of security minimizes the risk of accidental detachment, which can result in dangerous situations on the road.
Moreover, dual locking pins can also help you prevent theft. Trailer theft is a common problem that can be prevented with dual locking pins. Thieves often target trailers that are easily removable from the hitch, but with dual locking pins, you can ensure that your trailer is secure and cannot be detached without the correct keys.
Stability is another critical factor in towing safety. Dual locking pins provide improved stability by securing the ball mount in place, preventing any unwanted movement or rattling. This stability ensures that the trailer tracks properly behind the towing vehicle, reducing the risk of swaying or fishtailing. An improperly secured ball mount will only raise the risk of those dangers occurring.
For the seasoned veterans of towing and hitch products, its still important to keep dual locking pins on your mind for the long term. Over time, the pins and locks can become corroded or damaged, which can affect their performance. Always check your ball mount and dual locking pins before each use to ensure they are in good working order and replace them if necessary. Though they may not be flashy, dual locking pins are a vital aspect of any towing setup.
Dual locking pins are an essential safety feature that provide a failsafe if the main locking pin fails or if it is not properly inserted. They can also help prevent theft and keep your trailer securely attached to your vehicle. This prevents ball mount detachment and also provides unmatched peace of mind on the open road.
When you need your hitch pin(s) locked up tight, Fastway Trailer Products is here to help! Our FLASH Simple Dual Lock Pack is compatible with both our standard ball mount & integrated scale ball mount. This lock is nearly impossible to pick or drill, keeping your ball mount secured. To see our dual lock pack in action, check out the video below.