Stowable-lock, convertible-pintle hitch

An apparatus for securing a hitch to a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:

• a mount having a platform portion thereof coupled to a hitch;
• a retainer for selectively retaining an object extending around the hitch, the retainer having a proximal end, and a rearward end;
• a base secured to a vehicle;
• a pivot member pivotably securing the mount to the base, the mount being pivotable about the pivot member between deployed and stowed positions;
• and
• wherein the hitch is rotatable between a first position and at least a second position relative to the retainer.

An apparatus of securing a hitch to a vehicle, the apparatus comprising:

• a base having longitudinal, lateral, and transverse directions substantially mutually orthogonal to one another, the base comprising locating apertures extending in the lateral direction;
• slots located on opposite sides of the base and extending into the base in lateral direction and extending along the base in the transverse direction;
• a mount for supporting a hitch and having pivot apertures and mount locking apertures;
• pivots extending through the pivot apertures and into the slots, the pivots slidably engaging the slots in the transverse direction;
• a lock selectively passing through the mount locking apertures and the locating apertures to restrain translation of the mount relative to the base;
• the mount further comprising:
• a platform configured to be coupled with the hitch;
• a retainer for securing towed vehicles to the hitch;
• a second pivot, the second pivot pivotably securing the retainer to the mount;
• retainer locking apertures arranged for selective locking of the retainer in open and closed positions;
• and
• a second lock selectively engaging the retainer locking apertures and the retainer substantially preventing motion of the retainer relative to the mount.