SA Police have received several reports indicating split pins (also known as R Pins) have been removed from hitch pins which secure a tow bar to a vehicle (trailer ball mount).
The owners were not aware the split pins had been removed until they attempted to tow their caravans and boats and the coupling has failed.
Removal of split pins is a serious safety concern, especially if a towing vehicle is travelling at speed.
All caravan and boat owners are asked to be vigilant and check their tow couplings as part of their normal safety check prior to towing.
Specifically designed locks are available to prevent this issue.
In short: Please check the split pins BEFORE driving!
SA Police have received several reports indicating split pins (also known as R Pins) have been removed from hitch pins which secure a tow bar to a vehicle (trailer ball mount).
The owners were not aware the split pins had been removed until they attempted to tow their caravans and boats and the coupling has failed.
Removal of split pins is a serious safety concern, especially if a towing vehicle is travelling at speed.
All caravan and boat owners are asked to be vigilant and check their tow couplings as part of their normal safety check prior to towing.
Specifically designed locks are available to prevent this issue.
In short: Please check the split pins BEFORE driving!
I have the lockable version so no problems. No sure if it's legal but I have a small padlock in place of the split pin on the towing handle on the A Frame.
__________________
Cheers
Col
(Picture of my beloved Molly (2003 - 2016) who loved the travels as much as I do. RIP old girl. Gone but never forgotten).