2008 Dutchman T@B coupler lock and key

tcassem
tcassem Posts: 13
in Dutchman and Vintage TaB Archives
I only have one key for my hitch lock and was wondering if anyone knows where to get the same key or a new cylinder with keys.

Comments

  • TravelinStovetop
    TravelinStovetop Posts: 14
    I just bought a 2005 and am wondering if the lock is only for anti-theft (which it says in the manual) or also for safety. Mine doesn't have a lock and as far as I know, all couplers should at least have a pin for safety but there's no space for a pin on mine.
  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Posts: 10,035
    Lock info here

    https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/6818/dutchman-trailer-ball-release-handle/p1?new=1
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
  • Denny16
    Denny16 Posts: 5,430
    The lock is the safety latch pin on these European type hitches.  It locks the hitch and prevents the hitch from popping open during transit.  
    Cheers 
    2018 TaB400 Custom Boondock,  Jeep Gladiator truck, Northern California Coast.
  • Geo
    Geo Posts: 160
    @Denny16, @tcassem,   CAUTION !
     Info from old Yahoo forum - Some members experienced the locking pin becoming bent if in place while towing, recommending to only use while parked.  Very difficult to remove once bent.  I have never had one of the locking pins, no experience with its use.  
    Geo & Liz
    T@BMahal
    '04  #100
  • Denny16
    Denny16 Posts: 5,430
    Thanks Geo, that is a good consideration.  In the European reviews of caravans, they always recommended locking the pin whilst towing.  But again, their towing situations are different from ours, slower speeds and smoother roads for the most part.
     Cheers 
    2018 TaB400 Custom Boondock,  Jeep Gladiator truck, Northern California Coast.
  • rfuss928
    rfuss928 Posts: 1,192
    edited July 2022
    From the Alko chassis manual:


    My experience is if you lift on the handle to uncouple before removing the lock barrel, you will bend the end of the brass barrel and will not be able to remove it.  Meaning you cannot uncouple.  It doesn't take much effort so even a tug to remind yourself to unlock it can cause damage.  Many folks have had to drill out the lock barrel.  This seems consistent with the bold center paragraph above.
    I don't ever lock mine.  The spring loaded handle has to be lifted 3 or 4 inches and tipped forward to unlatch.  Very secure IMO.  No problems in 80K+ miles.


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