Do I Need a Safety Pin w/ the Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator DM72VR?
Updated 06/09/2026 | Published 05/26/2026
Products Featured in This Question
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?
You can add this information, along with any other questions you have, where it says Add Comment.
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Surge Brake Coupler Lock - 2-1/2" Span - 1/4" Diameter - Chrome
- Trailer Tongue Lock
- Latch Lock
- Universal Application Lock
- Keyed Alike
- Steel
- 2-1/2 Inch Span
- etrailer
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: etrailer Surge Brake Coupler Lock - 2-1/2" Span - 1/4" Diameter - Chrome
- Shop: Power Mountain Tallboy Off-Road Bottle Jack - 8-1/2" to 37-3/4" Lift - 6 Tons
- Q&A: Coupler Lock for Dexter UFP A-60 Coupler
- Article: The Best Trailer Tongue Locks for Preventing Trailer Theft
- Q&A: Will the Andersen Weight Distribution Hitch w Sway Control AN28VR Raise the Hitch Ball 6"?
- Q&A: Coupler Lock Recommendation for Rental Trailer with Demco EZ Latch Coupler
- Q&A: Are There Additional Sensors For The Tire Linc TPMS LC37VR
- Q&A: How to Get etrailer Lock Core Keyed to the Same Number I Have on My Other etrailer Locks
- Q&A: Will Demco EZ Latch Straight Tongue Coupler Fit Tracker Pro 170 Trailer
- Q&A: Can the InfiniteRule Lock for Demco eZ-Latch Trailer Couplers Be Keyed Alike?
- Article: How to Choose a Trailer Hitch Coupler
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Article: 30-Amp and 50-Amp RV Service: What's the Difference?
- Article: Anti-Rattle Devices
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: Is It Illegal to Leave My Hitch on My Truck?
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.