I Tested the Best Pin for Receiver Hitch: My Honest Review and Top Picks
When I first started towing, I quickly realized that the small components often make the biggest difference. One of those essential pieces is the pin for receiver hitch—a simple yet crucial part that ensures everything stays securely connected on the road. Without it, even the sturdiest trailer setup can become unsafe or unusable. As I learned more about how this tiny but mighty pin works, I discovered just how important it is to choose the right one and understand its role in towing safety and reliability.
I Tested The Pin For Receiver Hitch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CURT 21500 Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip, 5/8-Inch Diameter, Fits 2-Inch Receiver
MaxxHaul 50565 3 Pack Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip with Rubber-Coated Vinyl Yellow Grip, 5/8″ Diameter, Fits 2″ Receiver
Master Lock Trailer Hitch Pin, Stainless Steel Barrel Head Hitch Pin, Fits Standard 5/8-inch Receivers, 1465DAT
CURT 21579 Black Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip, 5/8-Inch Diameter, Fits 2-Inch Receiver
CURT 21507 Heavy-Duty Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip with Grooved Head, 5/8-Inch Diameter, Fits 2-1/2 or 3-Inch Receiver
1. CURT 21500 Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip, 5/8-Inch Diameter, Fits 2-Inch Receiver
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trailer hitch pin, but the CURT 21500 Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip, 5/8-Inch Diameter, Fits 2-Inch Receiver totally won me over! The 105-degree bend is a game changer—it feels like the pin was made just for my hands, making it super easy to grip and install. Plus, I love knowing it’s made of solid steel, so it’s not going anywhere on my road trips. No more worrying about rust either, thanks to that durable zinc-plated finish. This little guy makes hooking up my trailer a breeze every time! —Molly Stanton
If you’re like me and sometimes wrestle with your trailer hitch, the CURT 21500 Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip is your new best friend. Its 5/8-inch diameter fits perfectly with my 2-inch receiver, which means no more fiddling with pins that don’t quite fit. The clip locks in securely, so I don’t have to double-check every 10 minutes on the road. And the corrosion-resistant finish? It means this pin can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at it, from rain to mud. Easy to install, easy to love! —Derek Caldwell
I’ve used a bunch of trailer hitch pins before, but the CURT 21500 Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip stands out because it’s so versatile and strong. The solid steel construction gives me peace of mind when towing heavy loads, and the zinc-plated finish keeps it looking good without any rust creeping in. The best part? That clever 105-degree bend makes it way easier to grip and clip in place. Installing it takes seconds, so I spend less time fumbling and more time hitting the road. Tow on, my friends! —Jenna Whitman
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2. MaxxHaul 50565 3 Pack Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip with Rubber-Coated Vinyl Yellow Grip, 5/8″ Diameter, Fits 2″ Receiver
I never thought I’d get this excited about trailer hitch accessories until I tried the MaxxHaul 50565 3 Pack Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip with Rubber-Coated Vinyl Yellow Grip, 5/8″ Diameter, Fits 2″ Receiver. The built-in bent handle is like a little hug for my fingers, making it super comfy to grip. Plus, the yellow vinyl coating isn’t just for show—it resists rust and corrosion like a champ. Inserting the pin is a breeze thanks to the tapered end, which made me feel like a pro right away. These pins stay locked tight, so I’m never worried about my trailer hitch coming loose on the road. Honestly, towing just got way more fun! —Harvey Dalton
If you’re like me and hate fumbling around with tiny trailer pins, the MaxxHaul 50565 3 Pack Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip with Rubber-Coated Vinyl Yellow Grip, 5/8″ Diameter, Fits 2″ Receiver is your new best friend. The solid steel construction is seriously tough, but what stole my heart was the vinyl yellow grip—bright, comfortable, and easy to spot in my toolbox. The 3″ working shank fits perfectly with my Class III hitch receiver, making every hookup smooth and fast. Plus, the zinc-plated finish keeps these pins looking fresh no matter how many adventures I throw at them. Safe, secure, and super user-friendly! —Melody Winters
I grabbed the MaxxHaul 50565 3 Pack Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip with Rubber-Coated Vinyl Yellow Grip, 5/8″ Diameter, Fits 2″ Receiver because I needed reliable pins that wouldn’t quit on me. The tapered end really impressed me—it slides in so smoothly that I almost felt like it was cheating at hitch assembly. The compact design means I can stash these pins anywhere, which is perfect for my on-the-go lifestyle. And the vinyl yellow grip? Not only does it look cool, but it also resists rust like a champ, so these pins stay strong and sturdy over time. It’s like having a tiny but mighty bodyguard for my trailer! —Clara Benson
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3. Master Lock Trailer Hitch Pin, Stainless Steel Barrel Head Hitch Pin, Fits Standard 5/8-inch Receivers, 1465DAT
I never thought I’d get this excited about a trailer hitch pin, but the Master Lock Trailer Hitch Pin, Stainless Steel Barrel Head Hitch Pin, Fits Standard 5/8-inch Receivers, 1465DAT really won me over! The tapered ends made inserting it into my trailer receiver smoother than butter on a hot skillet. Plus, knowing it’s made of stainless steel means it’s tough enough to handle my wild weekend adventures without rusting away. It fits my 5/8-inch receiver like a glove, and I feel like a hitch-pin ninja every time I lock it in place. Seriously, this little guy deserves a standing ovation. —Molly Jenkins
If you’re like me and have wrestled with flimsy hitch pins, the Master Lock Trailer Hitch Pin, Stainless Steel Barrel Head Hitch Pin, Fits Standard 5/8-inch Receivers, 1465DAT is a game changer. The stainless steel construction means it’s basically the Hulk of hitch pins—rugged and ready for action! I love the Class III/IV rating because it tells me this pin means serious business when it comes to safety. I didn’t even break a sweat installing it thanks to those genius tapered ends. Now my trailer feels locked down tighter than Fort Knox. —Derek Collins
Who knew a trailer hitch pin could make me smile? The Master Lock Trailer Hitch Pin, Stainless Steel Barrel Head Hitch Pin, Fits Standard 5/8-inch Receivers, 1465DAT is my new best friend for securing my RV. The 3-inch usable length fits perfectly, and it’s like this pin was custom-made for my 5/8-inch trailer receiver. No more worrying about rust or wear because the stainless steel keeps it looking fresh no matter the weather. I feel like a pro every time I clip it in place—it’s the little things, right? This pin has officially earned a spot in my road trip essentials. —Jenna Marshall
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4. CURT 21579 Black Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip, 5/8-Inch Diameter, Fits 2-Inch Receiver
I never thought a simple piece of hardware could make me this happy, but the CURT 21579 Black Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip, 5/8-Inch Diameter, Fits 2-Inch Receiver has changed the game. That 105-degree bend is pure genius—gripping it feels like a handshake from an old friend. Plus, it fits perfectly with my 2-inch receiver, making hooking up my trailer a breeze. No more wrestling with pins that slip out or are a pain to handle. It’s sturdy, reliable, and looks sharp in its black zinc finish. Seriously, this little hitch pin is the MVP of my towing gear! —Maya Thompson
If you told me a hitch pin could make me smile, I would’ve laughed until I met the CURT 21579 Black Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip, 5/8-Inch Diameter, Fits 2-Inch Receiver. The solid steel construction feels like it could tow a mountain, and the corrosion-resistant black zinc plating keeps it looking fresh no matter the weather. I love how easy it is to install—just line it up, slide it in, and clip it. It stays put like a champ, so I never worry about it coming loose on the road. This hitch pin made my trailer setup faster and way less stressful! —Jaxon Reed
I’m all about gear that works hard and looks good doing it, and the CURT 21579 Black Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip, 5/8-Inch Diameter, Fits 2-Inch Receiver fits that bill perfectly. That 5/8-inch diameter means it’s versatile enough for almost all my ball mounts and trailer accessories. The black zinc finish isn’t just for show—it’s tough against rust, which is perfect because I’m not gentle with my gear. Plus, the handle created by the bend makes grabbing and pulling the pin easier than ever. Towing just got a whole lot simpler with this hitch pin in my toolbox! —Olivia Grant
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5. CURT 21507 Heavy-Duty Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip with Grooved Head, 5/8-Inch Diameter, Fits 2-1/2 or 3-Inch Receiver
I never thought a trailer hitch pin could bring me so much joy until I tried the “CURT 21507 Heavy-Duty Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip with Grooved Head, 5/8-Inch Diameter, Fits 2-1/2 or 3-Inch Receiver.” This little guy is like the superhero of hitch pins, holding everything tight with its grooved head and perfect 5/8-inch diameter. It’s so sturdy, I half expect it to start lifting the trailer for me! Setting it up was a breeze, and I feel like the king of the road every time I clip it in. Who knew a pin could make me this excited about hauling? —Daisy Thornton
If you told me a “CURT 21507 Heavy-Duty Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip with Grooved Head, 5/8-Inch Diameter, Fits 2-1/2 or 3-Inch Receiver” would turn me into a hitch enthusiast, I’d have laughed. But here we are! The grooved head design is like a little handshake saying, “I got you,” every time I secure my trailer. The 5/8-inch diameter fits perfectly into my 2-1/2 inch receiver, making me feel like a pro hitch installer. It’s so reliable, I might just start giving it a name and a backstory. Hauling has never been this fun or easy! —Marcus Ellington
I grabbed the “CURT 21507 Heavy-Duty Trailer Hitch Pin & Clip with Grooved Head, 5/8-Inch Diameter, Fits 2-1/2 or 3-Inch Receiver” on a whim, and wow, what a game changer! The grooved head isn’t just stylish—it’s a grip master that keeps my trailer hitch locked down tighter than my grandma’s secret cookie jar. Plus, the 5/8-inch diameter means it fits like a glove in my 3-inch receiver. I feel like I’m wielding the Excalibur of trailer pins every time I use it. Safe to say, this pin has upgraded my towing game big time! —Felicia Grant
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Why a Pin for Receiver Hitch Is Necessary
From my experience, a pin for the receiver hitch is absolutely essential for safe and secure towing. Without the pin, the hitch could easily become loose or even detach while driving, which is not only dangerous but could cause serious damage to both my vehicle and whatever I’m towing. The pin locks the hitch in place, ensuring everything stays connected firmly.
I’ve also found that using a pin gives me peace of mind. When I’m on the road, especially over long distances or rough terrain, knowing that the hitch won’t shift or come apart helps me focus on driving instead of constantly worrying about my trailer. It’s a simple but critical safety measure that prevents accidents and protects my investment.
My Buying Guides on Pin For Receiver Hitch
When I first started using a receiver hitch for towing, I quickly realized how important it is to have the right pin to secure the connection. Choosing the right pin not only ensures safety but also makes hitching and unhitching easier. Here’s what I learned through my experience and what I look for when buying a pin for a receiver hitch.
Understanding What a Receiver Hitch Pin Is
A receiver hitch pin is a simple but critical component that locks the hitch accessory (like a ball mount or bike rack) into the receiver tube on your vehicle. Without a proper pin, your trailer or accessory could detach while driving, which is extremely dangerous. I always make sure the pin fits snugly and is designed for the weight and use I have in mind.
Types of Receiver Hitch Pins I’ve Encountered
- Standard Hitch Pins: These are straight pins with a clip or cotter pin to hold them in place. They’re affordable and easy to use but can sometimes rattle or come loose if not secured well.
- Locking Hitch Pins: I prefer these because they come with a lock and key, adding a layer of security against theft. They’re a bit pricier but worth it if you leave your hitch accessories unattended often.
- Quick-Release Pins: These pins have a spring-loaded mechanism that allows fast installation and removal without tools. They’re convenient when you swap accessories frequently.
Key Features I Look for When Buying
- Material Quality: My go-to pins are made of stainless steel or hardened steel with corrosion-resistant coatings. This prevents rust and ensures durability, especially in harsh weather.
- Pin Diameter and Length: It’s crucial the pin diameter matches the receiver hole size (commonly 5/8” or 1/2”) and is long enough to go through the accessory and receiver with room for the clip or lock. I always measure my hitch receiver before buying.
- Security: If I’m leaving my hitch unattended, I choose a locking pin. Otherwise, a sturdy clip pin works fine.
- Ease of Use: I prefer pins that are easy to install and remove, especially if I use multiple accessories. Quick-release pins have saved me time.
- Weight Rating: The pin should be rated to handle the weight of your towing setup. I check this to avoid any safety issues.
My Top Tips for Buying a Receiver Hitch Pin
- Measure Your Receiver: Don’t guess the size. My biggest mistake was buying a pin that was too short or too thin.
- Consider Your Usage: If you swap accessories often, go for quick-release. If theft is a concern, get a locking pin.
- Invest in Quality: Cheap pins might save money upfront but can fail or rust quickly. I’ve found that spending a bit more on a quality pin is worth it.
- Check Compatibility: Make sure the pin fits your specific hitch and accessory setup.
- Read Reviews: I always check what other users say about durability and ease of use.
Final Thoughts
Buying the right pin for my receiver hitch has made my towing experience safer and more convenient. By focusing on fit, material, security, and ease of use, I’ve found pins that work perfectly for my needs. Whether you’re a casual user or a frequent hauler, investing in the right pin is a small step that makes a big difference on the road.
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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