A receiver hitch for a tow vehicle comprises a tubular receiver located centrally of the receiver hitch having a receiver opening facing outwardly of the tow vehicle. Hitch pin openings are located in opposing side-walls of the tubular receiver having a common axis and configured to receive a hitch pin. A detection device, for detection of the hitch pin, is located about an outer portion of the tubular receiver and includes hitch pin openings that are located in opposing side-walls and have the common axis of the hitch pin openings in the tubular receiver. Electrical contacts at the hitch pin openings in the detection device are in communication with an electrical circuit of the tow vehicle. The hitch pin operates to close the electrical circuit upon insertion into the openings in the detection device and the tubular receiver and contact with the electrical contacts.