Do hitch pins wear out?

[MVA]

Forum,

Do 5/8" pins "wear out" from metal fatigue? I have not heard of such a failure, but was considering the prospect of single point failure.....

thanks

[Iowa Dave]

When I am concerned about the condition of a connective device of any kind. I replace it. This is for pins, clips, clevices, s-hooks, caribiners, snaps, chains etc. This is especially true if they show damage or wear. I throw the old ones in a box if they are reusable with a tag on the box “Used but could be reused in an emergency”. The second time something shows up there I throw it in the scrap steel bucket. Most folks have better things to do with their time.
Hoarditis is a disease. Buy a new one if you can find a good one.

I have a locking hitch pin. I bought a new one branded by Master Lock when we got the 19. It was unreliable as to staying locked. I caught it “working out” once when the trailer was not hooked up. I threw it away. I bought a new one from E trailer that winter and it has been trouble free. It’s stainless steel. I clean it up and spray a little shot of Tri-Flow lubricant in the “Keyhole” once a year. YMMV
Iowa Dave

[Centex]

FWIW I've had the same pin in my almost never-removed 2005 F150 2" receiver/drawbar since new. I did pull it awhile back to briefly borrow the drawbar for another vehicle, the pin looked like new still. That's a Reese branded pin and drawbar so likely of good quality to start with. The 'loaded in shear' strength of those pins is huge, they don't 'flex' in shear so I don't think "metal fatigue" per-se is a likely failure mode.

That hitch has pulled many, many, loads from ~7k# trailers loaded with tractor, etc. Methinks barring some extremely corrosive environment it's not an issue, but as Dave says, I'd replace it at the drop of a hat if I had any concern or worry at all.

Just one opinion, Have Fun!