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Expert Answers about Trailer Hitch Lock


  • How to Remove a Stuck Bulldog Locking Hitch Pin from Trailer Hitch
  • Sounds like the internal ball-bearings on your Bulldog Lifelong Trigger-Style Coupler Lock and 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock, # BD580404, may be stuck. Try using a penetrating spray lubricant, like the UltraLube Biobased Spray Lubricant and Penetrant. The spray lubricant will penetrate to the locks bearing and help break up any contaminates that may be causing the lock to stick. Plus, the spray will make separating the lock easier due to lowering the surface resistance of the metal lock.
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  • Troubleshooting Hitch Lock on SportRack SR2415 and a 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  • The SportRack Ridge Swing 4 Bike Rack # SR2415 has the Anti-Rattle Hitch Lock for SportRack Bike Racks and Cargo Carriers - 1-1/4" and 2" Hitches # SR0901 as you referenced as a related part. I have not heard about this not working on this rack before and that is the longest locking pin available for that rack, which makes me wonder if your trailer hitch receiver is uniquely wide. If so, you may want to consider using an adapter for the rack like Hitch Extender for 2" Trailer Hitches...
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  • Hitch Lock Does Not Open But The Key Turns
  • I consulted with my contact at the Master Lock company and was advised of the following steps to help resolve your issue with the Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock not working # 1480DAT. First ensure you are using the correct key. If you have used any lubricants with the lock, blow it out with canned air. Re-lube the lock with PTFE lube formula (such as Tri-flow). Work your key back into the lock to open it.
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  • Troubleshooting Jammed Key in Master Lock Stainless Steel Trailer Hitch Lock
  • If the key is jammed in the Stainless Steel Trailer Hitch Lock # 1469DAT then try using some lubricant like WD40. Spray the lock and let it sit for a bit before trying to wiggle the key free. If you are still struggling to get it free then you either need to contact your local locksmith or simply replace the unit. This lock and key set does come with a limited lifetime warranty so that may be worth looking into as well.
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  • Will BOLT Hitch Locks Cause Wear on Hitch Pin Hole
  • BOLT does not have a version of their hitch locks that has a straight end. That's interesting that yours is rounding out the hitch pin's hole. There really shouldn't be enough friction between the hitch pin and the hitch pin hole to cause that type of wear. In general the hitch pin does not actually bear any of weight of the trailer since the tongue weight pins the ball mount into the hitch so well that no movement is allowed. To reduce movement which would cause potential wear an immobilizer...
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  • Pro Series 16K Slider 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Will Not Stay Locked in Position
  • On the Pro Series 5th wheel slider hitch PS30094 the red section is the unlocked position. With lever either all the way forward or all the way back it would be locked. So if you are leaving the handle straight up and down that would be the problem. If it is locked and still slides then the lock part is not engaging with the holes in the slider rails which could mean that it was not all the way in position prior to locking it or there is something internal malfunctioning. You can test...
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  • Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock Will Not Lock
  • Make sure that when you put the locking portion on the pin that it isn't already locked. I have done that before.You will know that the unit is locked if you can pull the key out. When unlocked the key cannot come out. Make sure that the pin is threaded in all the way. And when locking the lock, you may need to hold the lock housing with one hand and turn the key with the other to key it steady and make sure it fully engages. Some OEM 2 inch trailer hitches are wider on the outsides than...
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  • Troubleshooting Master Lock Trailer Coupler Lock Key Stuck
  • If you're having issues with the key turning all of the way to release your Master Lock coupler lock, like part # ML389DAT, then I recommend using some spray lubricant like the LubriMatic White Lithium Grease # L11354 to help loosen up any dirt that might be in the lock. Spray it and let it sits for a minute or two and then with the key inserted lightly tap the key with a rubber mallet to make sure it's fully seated. If this doesn't work then you'll either need to drill out the lock or...
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  • Needing to Remove a Stuck Thule Hitch Lock on a Thule T2 Classic Bike Rack
  • If the Snug Tite Hitch Lock that is included in the Thule T2 Classic 2 Bike Rack, # TH9045, is seized and cannot be opened with the key, then the lock will have to be drilled out and may need to be hammered off the hitch to remove. The lock can be replaced with a new lock, # THSTL2. It is recommend that when not in use, remove both the rack and the lock pin. This will keep the winter weather elements from corroding rack components and harming the lock cylinder of the hitch pin.
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  • Reese 16K 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Jaws Will Not Lock Around King Pin
  • I am a little confused because a slider hitch would be in the truck bed not on the 5th wheel trailer. It sounds like maybe you have a telescoping pin box on the trailer. Regardless, when a 5th wheel hitch doesn't lock around the trailer king pin there are some things you can check on the hitch. First, make sure that the jaws of the hitch open and close freely. If they do not or it is difficult to open and close the jaws then the hitch may need to be lubricated. Also, following the hitching...
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  • Lock Cylinder Won't Release on the Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock Part # BD580404
  • It sounds like the ball plunger on the shaft of the Bulldog Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock part # BD580404 has become seized up which would either be from rust of dirt/grime. In order to free the lock cylinder you will want to try tapping it with a hammer while rotating it back and forth if possible. You may then also need to latch onto the lock cylinder with a pair of vice grips and use some heat in order to remove it. I recommend applying some grease to the ball plunger before reinserting...
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  • Curt Q20 5th Wheel Hitch Jaws Do Not Close and Lock Freely On First Try
  • There are a couple of things that could be causing the hitch jaws not to close and or lock when they should. First make sure the handle is always fully extended and the jaws are open and ready to accept the king pin. The trailer skid plate should be 1/2 an inch lower that the hitch skid plate at its lowest point. If the jaws are out of sync or even if you suspect that they may not be lined up correctly here is what you can do. First make sure the flip lock is hanging freely in the clockwise,...
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  • Solution for a XL Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock that Won't Release
  • It sounds like some corrosion may have worked it's way into the latching mechanism of the XL Anti-Rattle Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock # SHP2040-XL that you have installed on your truck. The best advice I can give would be to liberally apply a spray lubricant like WD40 to the lock and the locking mechanism so that that it will free it up and allow it to release. Maybe some light tapping with a rubber mallet will help as well. After letting the lubricant set on the lock for a while I would...
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  • Troubleshooting Recommendations For A Husky 5th Wheel Hitch That Won't Lock
  • If the locking bar of your Husky is not properly locking into place that would indicate an issue with the internal gears of the hitch. Unfortunately no 5th wheel hitch manufacturer will recommend/offer parts to replace the internal components of the hitch due to safety concerns. My best recommendation is to first try reaching out to Husky directly to see if they will warranty the head of your hitch. If not, then I recommend switching to a new hitch like the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch...
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  • Locking T-Handle On Reese M5 27K 5th Wheel Hitch Not Working
  • It sounds like the handle may be damaged on your Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Ford Towing Prep Package # RP30922. Since there is not a better locking t-handle available, your best bet is to replace the legs with the Replacement Legs for Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Ford Super Duty # RP30923.
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  • Trailer Hitch Lock 5200 Will Not Turn - What Can I Do?
  • It sounds like the tumbler in your Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock # 5200 is stuck. Your best option would be to repeatedly direct WD40 into the key hole with the straw and then insert and remove the key several times. Usually repeating this process will allow the tumbler to release. If not, there is not any other kind of troubleshooting we can do for a stuck lock, and it will need to be replaced.
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  • Diversi-Tech Self-Locking, Adjustable, Aluminum Ball Mount Will Not Unlock
  • It is entirely possible that there is enough pressure still on the pin that goes through the hitch pin hole to prevent you from easily turning the locking mechanism. This could have occurred from the weight of the trailer when it was connected. To relive the tension you will want to attempt to move, wiggle, persuade the ball mount. This should make the lock easier to turn. If you have to persuade it, use a rubber mallet so you do not damage the finish or metal of the ball mount. Another...
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  • Troubleshooting Fastway Trailer Hitch Lock Not Turning To Unlock
  • We have a few different hints on how to help get the key to turn so you can unlock the Fastway Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock # FA86-00-3160. First I would try inserting the key and then lightly tapping the back of the key with a rubber mallet to make sure the key is fully seated. If that doesn't get it done then next use a silicone-based lubricant spay like # RM-747 or real penetrating oil, which will help loosen things up. Do not use WD-40 because that could mess things up internally. After...
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  • How to tell the M5 Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch is Fully Locked.
  • The M5 Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # RP30928 has a very simple lock system. There is a groove in the handle that allows the latch mechanism to close then be secured this can be seen in the video I attached for you. The latch mechanism will not close if the jaw is not locked. It appears that the lock is in place but I can't really see the handle. With what you're saying it doesn't sound defective but if you had everything connected per the instructions (attached below) I would use...
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  • Troubleshooting BOLT Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock that Won't Code to Key
  • The BOLT Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock - 2" and 2-1/2" Hitch - Codes to Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep Key # BL7018448 will only work with certain model years and key styles. I've attached a couple photos to assist. We actually have a video that I've attached of inserting the key and turning it to allow it to code to your key. If you have used any other key in that lock, you will need to replace it because it only codes to the first compatible key that is inserted and turned. You shouldn't need...
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