Surge brake lockout safety tip!

[Pawnshop]

I learned something this week: DO NOT substitute a 1/4" bolt and nut for the proper pin to lockout an unruly surge brake on a M101A2! Tractor Supply sells a 3/8" hitch pin that is 4.25" long for $2.99, THAT is the proper tool for the job. The bolt did the job on a 15 mile trip with an empty trailer, mostly highway with few stops, no drama, but when I got it home it looked like this, I do not know how much longer it would have lasted:

 

[JB]

Why did you have it in while in use? If it is in the brake doesn't work right? I put a pin in only if needed for backing. But I will go get a pin like you suggested tho thanks.

 

[Pawnshop]

The dampner is bad so it lurches violently during braking, I ordered a new one, but it is not in yet.

 

[JB]

Ok thanks.

 

[Westech]

well you were using a grade 0 bolt lol

 

[Pawnshop]

I didn't think I needed a grade 8! I am smarter now...

 

[lexluther]

Glad I used a grade 8, although the pin you bought from tractor supply looks better, and sure fits nice...

 

[Pawnshop]

I dont't think the issue was so much the wrong grade as it was size. If I had used a 3/8 bolt rather than a 1/4 I think it would have done better, however a hitch pin IS the correct tool for the job.

 

[HUMONGO]

Funny, I had almost the exact same experience this past Friday! Mine was bent exactly the same way.

 

[mkcoen]

Nothing to get bent out of shape about.

 

[lexluther]

When I got my trailer from GL, it looked like someone had tried to roll up a piece of paper and put it through there for lack of the proper pin or bolt...I previously thought that if you had enough paper it would work...looks like not...

 

[number9]

Whered you get your new shock from?

...

 

[Pawnshop]

Croft trailer supply, their website appears to be down at the moment, when it comes up this is the link I followed:

http://www.crofttrailer.com/site/pr...ml?PHPSESSID=7ab47c88709274f8680fb6325a96ad0c

 

[lexluther]

I googled the part numbers from the manual andwent with the one that was the cheapest with shipping.

 

[Tymkpr]

I looked at my trailer today and the hole you run the pin through seems to be off center and the pin won't go through. Any idea why and how to resolve the issue?

 

[Pawnshop]

I used a pin with a tapered end and tapped it through with a hammer.

 

[hwcurtice]

I don't suppose you still have the part number for this, do you? There's 15 pages of 'Hitch Pins' on their web site.

Is this is? SKU Number: 0268658

http://www.tractorsupply.com/agricu...hitch-pin-3-8-in-x-4-1-4-in-l-usable--0268658

 

[Maverick1701]

Nothing to get bent out of shape about.

ah...I see what you did there!

 

[Pawnshop]

I need to update this thread: The Tractor Supply hitch pin bent too! Not as bad as the bolt bent, but it is noticeable. I was towing an empty trailer and it bent. I will get a photo and post it.

 

[hwcurtice]

I need to update this thread: The Tractor Supply hitch pin bent too! Not as bad as the bolt bent, but it is noticeable. I was towing an empty trailer and it bent. I will get a photo and post it.

ewwwww