Why Do Trailer Hitch Pins Not Have Weight Capacities

Updated 02/11/2020 | Published 02/09/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Hitch Pin and Clip for 3" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 4-13/16" Span

(2948)

$6.94

Curt Hitch Lock - 2", 2-1/2", and 3" Hitches - Chrome

(68)

$27.64

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock - 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - Stainless Steel

(288)

$41.93

Question:

Why are hitch pins not rated? Only info i can is Curt 21506 Tested and rated to 21,000 lbs. GTW. Thats on Curts website. But I do not like the clip. Why dont pins show ratings in description? I had one once that had 10,000 lbs. stamped on it... Will 63223 Tow Ready Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock work with Item # C21506? Sure do not not want pin to be weakest link in hitch setup.

asked by: Michael R

Expert Reply:

The reason most hitch pins don't come with weight ratings is because they don't bear the full weight of the accessory. If you are towing a trailer for example then you would be using a ball mount and the tongue weight from the trailer would then pin the ball mount to the inside of the trailer hitch which takes the stress off the hitch pin. That said, the shear strength of any given hitch pin would far exceed the rating of the trailer in likely every scenario which when combined with the above is why specific weight ratings are not provided as it is just additional testing that is simply not needed.

The Curt Hitch Pin and Clip for 3" Trailer Hitch Receivers part # C21506 won't work with the Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock part # C23519 but the Curt Hitch Lock part # C23025 will work with a 3" hitch so you will be fine with this and it has plenty of shear strength for your setup. I have attached a full list of options for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L