Most Popular 2-1/2 Inch Span for 2017 Subaru Crosstrek

This is probably one of the best stainless hitch locks of the regular through-pin style locks. It installs flush, and uses a solid pin. The locking side is also beefier than most, and sits tighter and deeper on the pin than most other pin locks - making it harder to try and hammer it off, or getting at the pin with a cutting tool. The lock uses large solid ball bearings for the lockup, and a disk style locking mechanism, which is harder to pick without specialty tools. So overall, one of the best regular pin style locks. We towed a 6'x12' that weighed around 6,000lbs from PA to FL without any issues with the pin-lock. We actually had to disconnect our trailer along the way, a few times, and the pin was easy to work with, and the lock really smooth. Don't hesitate to get it.

I purchased this Bulldog pin for my 2015 Yukon with a factory installed hitch. In this application this Bulldog hitch pin fits very well. I selected this pin due to its simple design and the generally compact diameter of the lock cylinder and the pin's beveled head-end. The lock cylinder diameter is import since GM penetrates the nominal 2" ID hitch tube through a steel bulkhead. There is only 7/16" distance between the hitch tube's nominal 5/8" clearance hole edge and the face of the factory bulkhead. Also, the hitch tube is fillet welded to the bulkhead. Thus, both the pin head and the lock cylinder need to have some relief (i.e. the bevel on the pin head-end) in order to clear this external bulkhead weld. Most of the above fitment concerns are overcome by the Bulldog pin's grip length being greater than that listed on the etrailer site (and in their videos as well). Specifically, the grip length is 2-11/16" rather than the listed 2-1/2". See the attached photos. Note that in the first photo the lock cylinder is firmly seated on the ball locking end of the pin. In the photo note that the cylinder is fully engaged and locked, which would not be possible if the cylinder was not fully seated on the pin end. The first photo shows the dial caliper fully closed and properly reading zero. Also note that the GM hitch tube is 2-9/16" square (outside dim.), thus technically a 2-1/2" pin grip length would be inadequate in this application. Since I have a metal turning lathe I was prepared to machine the pin a slight amount in order to make it fit. Thankfully, this was not necessary since the grip length is 3/16" greater than advertised. The pin is Chinese made in "stainless steel". I did test the pin with a magnet and it does appear to be austinitic (high enough in Ni and Cr alloys) since the magnet had no attaction to the pin. I do like that the lock cyklinder has an internal o-ring to help keep out "road splatter". I also gave the lock cylinder a short squit of WD-40. In sum, a well designed rugged product at a fair price.