Re: [A/S] New AC and Heater + loss of hitch

[Jim Redelfs <jim.redelfs@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Well folks, after a year and a half of dealing with cancer we are getting
> ready to hit  the road one more time.

Congratulations and good luck!    :)

> On a sour note, today we went to St Louis (actually O'Fallon MO) to do some
> shopping for the first trip and while we were in a store (for 5 minutes)
> some one stole the hitch off the back of the truck.

Ouch!   :(

Can I assume that they stole the DRAWBAR that was in the vehicle's hitch
RECEIVER?  (I believe "drawbar" is the proper name for the "hitch/head" part
that goes into the receiver.

I have never left my drawbar in my truck's receiver for no other reasons
than LOOKS and safety.  I think they look bad sticking out from behind a
nice truck and my SHIN'S safety.   <sigh>

When I unhitch my camper, the drawbar STAYS coupled to the trailer's coupler
and just HANGS there.  I then LOCK the coupler release lever.  That is the
extent of my trailer security.  The drawbar provides a bit of security for
my parked trailer and I'm not banging my shins on it still connected to -
and sticking out from - the back of my pickup.

I would use this procedure even rather than using a LOCKING clevis so I
could still KEEP the drawbar in the receiver.  Yeah, it requires MOVING the
HEAVY drawbar BACK to the receiver before each outing, but that is easily
much less hassle than fighting a dirt and moisture compromised locking
clevis pin in the future should you ever need to remove the drawbar.

I have used a locking clevis and could easily see needing a cutting torch to
remove one that had been left untouched for a LONG time (months/years)

Good luck and be safe!

             :)
JR