Can Locking Pins Be Used With B&W Tow & Stow 3-Ball Mount

Question:

Hello, Can the hitch pins that come with the BWTS10048B be removed and replaced with a lock and key style pin? Thanks

asked by: Colton

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contact at B&W about locking pins for the Tow & Stow 3-Ball Mount # BWTS10048B. He confirmed that pins can be used in the ball mount, but they need to be able to span the hitch, have a diameter of 5/8 inches, and be rated for 10,000 pounds.

I found the longer of the 2 pins in the Rapid Hitch Trailer Hitch Lock and Adjustment Pin Lock Set # AM3492 to span the width of the Tow & Stow # BWTS10048B. I have attached some photos I took showing the adjustment pin lock in the Tow & Stow.

The longer pin lock has a span of 4-1/4 inches, a diameter of 5/8 inches, and has a weight capacity of 10,000 pounds.

Keep in mind that locking pins are only needed with this ball mount if you want to prevent someone from taking the pins or adjusting the mount unless they have the key. The ball mount platform cannot be removed from the adjustable channel, and the hitch balls cannot be removed from the mount, while the hitch is installed on your vehicle. The ball mount platform can only be removed from the channel through the small notch on the back side of the channel, which cannot be accessed while installed in a hitch receiver. In the linked review video, around the 1:15 mark and 2:00 mark, it can be seen that the ball mount platform will not slide out of the bottom of the adjustable channel.

As long as the Tow & Stow is locked to your hitch receiver with a locking hitch pin like # 1480DAT, the hitch balls and ball mount platform cannot be removed from the shank.