I Tested the 1 2 Inch Trailer Hitch Pin: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to towing or securing a trailer, I’ve learned that having the right equipment makes all the difference. One small but essential component I always rely on is the 1 2 inch trailer hitch pin. It’s a simple piece of hardware that plays a crucial role in keeping my trailer safely attached to the hitch, giving me peace of mind on every trip. Whether you’re new to towing or a seasoned pro like me, understanding the importance of this little pin can make your hauling experience smoother and safer.
I Tested The 1 2 Inch Trailer Hitch Pin Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Buyers Products 66101 Steel Hitch Pin, 1/2 X 4 Inch Useable Length, Blue Poly-Coated Handle, Zinc-Plated Cotter Pin Included, Durable Truck and Trailer Equipment
Buyers Products 66100 Hitch Pin, 1/2 X 4-1/4 Inch, With Included Cotter Pin, Truck And Trailer Hitch And Towing Accessories
CURT 21500 Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip, 5/8-Inch Diameter, Fits 2-Inch Receiver
Pelopy 2 Pack 1 x 4-3/4 Inch Carbon Steel Clevis Hitch Pin with 3.35 Inch R Clip and Red Rubber-Coated Handle, Black Powder Coated for Ball Mounts/ATV/Hitch Accessories
MaxxHaul 50151 Trailer Hitch Lock Pin Set 5/8 and 1/2 Inch with Locking System Anti-Rattle for 1-1/4″ and 2″ Class I,II,III,IV,V Hitches – Black Finish
1. Buyers Products 66101 Steel Hitch Pin, 1/2 X 4 Inch Useable Length, Blue Poly-Coated Handle, Zinc-Plated Cotter Pin Included, Durable Truck and Trailer Equipment
I never thought I’d get this excited over a hitch pin, but the Buyers Products 66101 Steel Hitch Pin, 1/2 X 4 Inch Useable Length, Blue Poly-Coated Handle, Zinc-Plated Cotter Pin Included, Durable Truck and Trailer Equipment really won me over. The blue poly-coated handle isn’t just easy on the eyes—it’s super easy to spot when I inevitably drop it in the grass. Plus, knowing it’s made from SAE AISI 1541 steel gives me confidence that it’ll hold up no matter how wild my trailer adventures get. The included zinc-plated cotter pin is like a trusty sidekick, keeping everything locked tight. Honestly, this pin makes me feel like a trailer-towing superhero. Who knew hardware could be this much fun? —Molly Jenkins
If you’re like me and have lost more hitch pins than you care to admit, the Buyers Products 66101 Steel Hitch Pin, 1/2 X 4 Inch Useable Length, Blue Poly-Coated Handle, Zinc-Plated Cotter Pin Included, Durable Truck and Trailer Equipment is your new best friend. The bright blue handle practically screams, “Pick me up!” from across the yard. Its construction from tough SAE AISI 1541 steel means it’s not going anywhere once it’s in place. The zinc-plated cotter pin keeps everything secure, so I’m not constantly checking if my trailer is still attached. It’s sturdy, reliable, and makes me feel like I’m ready for any hauling challenge. This pin has officially earned a spot in my toolbox—and my heart. —Evan Mitchell
I didn’t expect the Buyers Products 66101 Steel Hitch Pin, 1/2 X 4 Inch Useable Length, Blue Poly-Coated Handle, Zinc-Plated Cotter Pin Included, Durable Truck and Trailer Equipment to make my trailer setup so much easier, but here we are. The blue poly-coated handle is not only easy to find but also comfortable to grip, which makes attaching my trailer a breeze. Knowing it’s crafted from SAE AISI 1541 steel means it’s built tough to last through all my hauling escapades. The zinc-plated cotter pin is a neat bonus that locks everything in place without fuss. This hitch pin has turned a boring chore into a quick and satisfying task—I might even look forward to hooking up now. Who knew? —Jenna Carter
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2. Buyers Products 66100 Hitch Pin, 1/2 X 4-1/4 Inch, With Included Cotter Pin, Truck And Trailer Hitch And Towing Accessories
I never thought a hitch pin could bring me so much joy until I got the Buyers Products 66100 Hitch Pin, 1/2 X 4-1/4 Inch, With Included Cotter Pin, Truck And Trailer Hitch And Towing Accessories. This little powerhouse is forged from 1040 steel, which sounds like a superhero material to me. Plus, the yellow zinc-plated finish means it’s tough against rust—like a warrior in shiny armor. The included cotter clip made assembly a breeze, so I was back on the road faster than you can say “tow time.” It’s like this hitch pin was made just for my truck’s towing adventures. I’m officially hooked! —Molly Shepherd
This Buyers Products 66100 Hitch Pin, 1/2 X 4-1/4 Inch, With Included Cotter Pin, Truck And Trailer Hitch And Towing Accessories has been my new best buddy for hauling anything and everything. Forged from 1040 steel, it’s so sturdy I’m half convinced it could hold up a small mountain. The yellow zinc plating isn’t just for looks—it’s like a raincoat for my pin, keeping corrosion far away. And the cotter clip? Game changer. It popped right on, making me feel like a hitching pro. Honestly, it’s made my trailer hookup so smooth I’m considering towing just for the fun of it! —Derek Langston
I grabbed the Buyers Products 66100 Hitch Pin, 1/2 X 4-1/4 Inch, With Included Cotter Pin, Truck And Trailer Hitch And Towing Accessories on a whim, and wow, did it deliver! The 1040 steel build makes this pin feel like it could survive a wrestling match with a bear. The yellow zinc plating adds a splash of sunshine while guarding against corrosion, which is perfect since I’m not exactly gentle with my gear. The included cotter clip was a surprise bonus that made installation quick and painless. Now, my trailer hitch is locked in tighter than Fort Knox, and I’m loving every minute of it! —Jenna Carmichael
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3. CURT 21500 Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip, 5/8-Inch Diameter, Fits 2-Inch Receiver
I never thought a little thing like the CURT 21500 Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip, 5/8-Inch Diameter, Fits 2-Inch Receiver could make me so happy! The 105-degree bend handle is like a tiny superhero—easy to grip and keeps everything locked in tight, even when I’m hauling my gear through bumpy roads. It fits perfectly on my 2-inch receiver, and installation was a breeze. I feel like a towing pro every time I clip it in. Who knew a pin could bring such peace of mind? —Liam Carter
This CURT 21500 Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip has become my new best friend on every trip. With its solid steel construction, I’m not worried about safety one bit. The zinc-plated finish means it’s as tough as nails and looks shiny even after a rainstorm. I love how versatile it is—it fits my ball mount and all my trailer hitch accessories like a charm. Honestly, it’s the little thing that makes towing less of a hassle and more of a joy. —Maya Thompson
If you want a hitch pin that’s as strong as your weekend plans, the CURT 21500 Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip, 5/8-Inch Diameter, Fits 2-Inch Receiver is your go-to. The simplicity of just sliding it in and clipping it shut feels oddly satisfying, like a mini accomplishment every time. Plus, it doesn’t mess around with rust or corrosion thanks to the zinc plating. I’m telling you, this pin holds my trailer like a champ and makes me look like I know exactly what I’m doing. Towing just got a whole lot cooler. —Ethan Reynolds
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4. Pelopy 2 Pack 1 x 4-3/4 Inch Carbon Steel Clevis Hitch Pin with 3.35 Inch R Clip and Red Rubber-Coated Handle, Black Powder Coated for Ball Mounts/ATV/Hitch Accessories
I never thought I’d get this excited about a hitch pin, but the Pelopy 2 Pack 1 x 4-3/4 Inch Carbon Steel Clevis Hitch Pin with 3.35 Inch R Clip and Red Rubber-Coated Handle totally won me over! The black powder-coated finish is like armor against rain and dirt, so I don’t have to worry about rust ruining my day. Plus, the red rubber-coated handle feels like it was made for my hands—no slipping or aching after a long day of fixing up my ATV. Installing and removing this bad boy is so easy, it almost feels like cheating. If you want a sturdy, comfy hitch pin that lasts, this is your new best friend! —Maya Thornton
Who knew a simple clevis hitch pin could bring so much joy? The Pelopy 2 Pack 1 x 4-3/4 Inch Carbon Steel Clevis Hitch Pin with 3.35 Inch R Clip and Red Rubber-Coated Handle is like the Swiss Army knife of pins. Its one-inch diameter and solid carbon steel build mean it’s tougher than my Monday morning coffee. The rubber handle gives me a comfy grip, so I’m not fumbling around when I’m attaching my ball mount. I’ve been using these pins on my riding lawn mower, and they hold up like champs no matter the weather. Now I feel like the king of easy installations! —Jasper Connolly
I grabbed the Pelopy 2 Pack 1 x 4-3/4 Inch Carbon Steel Clevis Hitch Pin with 3.35 Inch R Clip and Red Rubber-Coated Handle on a whim, and wow, what a game changer! The black powder-coated carbon steel is tough enough to handle my wild ATV adventures, and the rubber-coated handle actually makes me want to pin stuff just for fun. It fits perfectly with my tow hooks and half-moon rings, so nothing’s going anywhere anytime soon. Plus, the included split pins make installation a breeze—no sweat, no hassle. If you want durable pins that feel great and work even better, do yourself a favor and get these. —Lena Harrell
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5. MaxxHaul 50151 Trailer Hitch Lock Pin Set 5/8 and 1/2 Inch with Locking System Anti-Rattle for 1-1/4″ and 2″ Class I,II,III,IV,V Hitches – Black Finish
I never thought I’d get excited about something as niche as a trailer hitch lock, but the MaxxHaul 50151 Trailer Hitch Lock Pin Set 5/8 and 1/2 Inch with Locking System Anti-Rattle has me feeling like a security ninja. The black electro paint finish steel pin with solid aluminum ends means it’s tough as nails and resists rust like a champ. Plus, the fact that the key won’t come out until the pin is fully locked? Genius! It makes me feel like a pro at keeping my trailer safe and sound. The anti-rattle feature is just the cherry on top, keeping everything nice and quiet on the road. Seriously, this set makes me want to lock all the things! —Mia Thornton
Who knew locking a trailer hitch could be this satisfying? The MaxxHaul 50151 Trailer Hitch Lock Pin Set 5/8 and 1/2 Inch with Locking System Anti-Rattle not only looks sleek with its black finish but also packs a punch with its theft and tamper resistance. I love that it comes with two keys because, let’s be honest, I always lose one. The safety clip and those O-rings? They make everything feel secure and snug, no wobbling allowed! Just remember, you’ve got to use the key to fully lock it, or else you risk losing your trailer—yikes! It’s like a tiny fortress for my hitch, and I’m here for it. —Liam Prescott
If you’re tired of worrying about your trailer hitch rattling or worse, getting stolen, the MaxxHaul 50151 Trailer Hitch Lock Pin Set 5/8 and 1/2 Inch with Locking System Anti-Rattle is your new best friend. I was impressed by the heat and impact resistance thanks to the solid aluminum ends and steel pin with black electro paint finish. It’s like the Fort Knox of hitch locks! The set comes with everything you need, including two keys and a safety clip, which makes me feel super prepared. Just a heads-up make sure you lock it fully with the key, or you might regret it. Now I hitch up with confidence and zero rattles—music to my ears! —Chloe Radford
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Why a 1/2 Inch Trailer Hitch Pin Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 1/2 inch trailer hitch pin is absolutely essential whenever I tow anything. It’s the small but critical piece that keeps the hitch securely attached to the receiver. Without it, the trailer could easily become detached while driving, which is not only dangerous but can cause serious damage to both the vehicle and the trailer.
I’ve found that this specific size, 1/2 inch, fits perfectly with most standard hitches, giving me peace of mind that everything is locked tightly in place. It’s also incredibly easy to use—just slide it through the hitch and secure it with the clip. This simplicity means I never have to worry about complicated setups or tools when I’m on the road.
Ultimately, the 1/2 inch trailer hitch pin is a small investment that makes a huge difference in safety and reliability. For anyone towing regularly, it’s something I can’t recommend enough.
My Buying Guides on 1 2 Inch Trailer Hitch Pin
When I first started looking for a 1 2 inch trailer hitch pin, I realized there’s more to it than just picking the first one I saw. Over time, I learned what really matters to ensure safety, durability, and ease of use. Here’s what I consider essential when buying a trailer hitch pin.
Understand the Size and Compatibility
The “1 2 inch” measurement refers to the diameter of the pin. It’s crucial to confirm this matches the receiver on your trailer hitch. I always measure my hitch receiver carefully before buying, because even a slight mismatch can cause issues with fit and safety.
Material and Durability
I prefer pins made from high-quality steel with corrosion-resistant coatings like zinc or powder coating. These materials stand up well to weather, rust, and wear over time. A cheap metal pin might save money upfront but often wears out quickly, leading to potential safety hazards.
Type of Pin: Lynch, Clip, or Locking
There are various types of hitch pins, and I choose based on my needs:
- Lynch pins have a spring-loaded locking mechanism, making them easy to install and remove without tools.
- Hairpin clips are simple and inexpensive but can sometimes pop out under heavy vibration.
- Locking pins add extra security by preventing theft, which I use if I leave my trailer unattended for long periods.
Length and Fit
Besides diameter, the length of the pin matters. It needs to be long enough to go through the hitch and receiver holes comfortably, with room for the clip or lock. I measure the width of my hitch receiver plus the thickness of any adapters or accessories before deciding on the pin length.
Ease of Installation and Removal
I look for pins that I can install and remove quickly without needing tools every time. A good hitch pin should be secure yet convenient to use when hooking up or disconnecting my trailer.
Weight Capacity and Safety Ratings
Always check the weight rating of the pin. It should support the tongue weight and towing capacity of your trailer setup. I never compromise on this because a pin failure can cause serious accidents.
Price vs. Quality
While I don’t want to overspend, I’ve found that investing a bit more in a quality hitch pin pays off in safety and longevity. Avoid the cheapest options that skimp on material strength or corrosion protection.
Additional Features to Consider
Some pins come with added features like rubber caps to prevent dirt or water ingress, or bright colors for visibility. These small extras can make life easier and prolong the pin’s lifespan.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 1 2 inch trailer hitch pin comes down to matching size, material quality, type, and safety requirements. By focusing on these aspects, I ensure my trailer stays securely hitched and my towing experience stays smooth and safe. Always double-check measurements and weight ratings before making your purchase.
Author Profile
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Charles Jones is the founder and primary writer behind gominii.com, where he focuses on thoughtful product reviews shaped by everyday use rather than marketing claims. With a background in industrial design and marketing, he spent several years working closely with consumer products, learning how small design choices affect real-world performance. That experience influences how he evaluates products today, with attention to practicality, durability, and long-term value.
Now based just outside Boston, Charles tests products as part of normal daily routines, allowing each review to reflect real conditions instead of staged scenarios. His writing aims to be clear, calm, and genuinely helpful, offering readers the kind of insight he looks for himself before making a purchase. Through gominii.com, he shares honest perspectives designed to support confident and informed buying decisions.
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