How To Measure For Hitch Receiver Lock Pin Span

Updated 02/07/2025 | Published 01/10/2022

Question:

What is the significance of the Span of a Hitch Receiver Lock? How do I know what Span I need? I know my Receiver is 2inch - but I dont understand how to pick the right Span?

asked by: Takahito T

Expert Reply:

The span you refer to on the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2" Hitches # e98880 is the usable length of the pin.

To properly measure for this, you can measure the outside walls of your hitch at the pin hole. If you measured, and got 2-5/8", you'd need a hitch pin with at least a span of 2-5/8" like # e98880,. Additionally, you'd need to measure the diameter of the pin hole, so you can choose the correct diameter pin as well. Usually class I and II hitches have a 1/2" diameter and class III and IV trailer hitches have a 5/8" diameter pin.

expert reply by: Bryce D

Sid H.

2/6/2025

Bryce, I’m trying to order the right hitch lock for my receiver. As I understand it, “span” refers to the side to side, outside, hole to hole measurement of the receiver tube. In my case, that is 3 ½ inches. Therefore, the hitch lock would require a minimum “span” of 3 ½ inches. Am I confused in my understanding of span and how it applies to hitch lock fitment? Please let me know if I’m in error with this. The lock I’m considering getting is the e98881 to fit a larger span receiver on a new vehicle (2025 Toyota Land Cruiser). The e98881 lock description says it has a span of 3 ? inches, so I’m assuming this lock should work. I would like to get the keys made to match a set of e98882 locks I bought in 2021 (Order #111054348). And, since the e98881 is the same brand, I’m hoping keying to match should be possible. Thanks, Sid Hatch

Bryce D.

2/7/2025

@SidH Hey Sid thanks for all the info, and you got it right. The span is the inside to inside measurement between the hitch pin hole on the receiver. So if you measured 3 1/2" like you said, then you would need a hitch pin lock like # e98881 which has a larger 3 5/8" span. As far as getting it keyed alike, you can do that but it's not going to match your older one unfortunately. You'd need to order "X" amount of new # e98881 locks, and they would then be able to be keyed alike. Let me know if you have any other questions!