Do I Need a Safety Pin w/ the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator DM72VR?
Updated 06/09/2026 | Published 05/26/2026
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Question:
Does the DM72VR Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator require a safety pin to prevent the hitch from coming off going down the road in the event something goes wrong with the latch mechanism? I couldnt get the standard 1/4 safety pin to go in without hitting a spring inside the hitch. I didnt think that was correct. Respectfully
asked by: Tracy T
Expert Reply:
Welcome back Tracy! The Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator item # DM72VR does not require a safety pin. The auto-latch coupler is all you need to secure the hitch to your trailer's hitch ball. So long as your hear it click into place when it drops over the hitch ball you'll be locked in and ready to go.
As far as the spring blocking your pin on the item # DM72VR goes, I'm wondering if the latch isn't closing all the way when you have the actuator connected to your hitch ball. If your trailer is resting on a slight incline, the actuator slide will be partially compressed, pushing the coupler mechanism out of alignment.
Is your trailer level with your tow vehicle when you try to insert the pin and have you tried inserting the pin without the actuator connected to your tow vehicle's hitch ball?
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etrailer Surge Brake Coupler Lock - 2-1/2" Span - 1/4" Diameter - Chrome
- Trailer Tongue Lock
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- Universal Application Lock
- Keyed Alike
- Steel
- 2-1/2 Inch Span
- etrailer
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Tracy T.
6/8/2026
Thanks, I just got back from vacation and saw your email. I did get the pin to go in but the spring gets in the way a little. The trailer appears fairly level, so I don't know what to say.