how does a pental hitch work?

Answer 1

The PINTLE HOOK hitch is designed so that the towed vehicle has an "eye" or ring through which a hook from the towing vehicle is placed and secured by a catch and lock mechanism.
Go here------>

http://www.reese-hitches.com/WD/pintle-hooks.htm?gclid=CMXg0sWLrIoCFTQkGAodpHTCug

…to see pictures of the components.

Happy Motoring