DROPPED IT

Okay, we're picking up our first FW next week. I don't know what any of you are talking about - dropping, etc? Could someone give me a quick in-service? Thanks

Yep, been there and done that. Really leaves a sick feeling in the pit of your stomach. Right after my incident I purchased a Blue Ox BedSaver. I figure the $250.00 price is cheap insurance.

I drove truck for 17 years, and I have had a 5er for 3 years. I have never dropped a trailer. After you back into the hitch, get out and look at the connection before you move. No exceptions. That will avoid "high hitching", hitches not locked, etc. I also do not do a pull test. I do a visual inspection.

This doesn't have to happen, but it does take a little extra effort on your part. Literally, it takes 10 seconds. Also, you might need a flashlight to be able to see the connection good.

I am sorry you have to go through this, but if you learn from it and no one got hurt, it isn't all bad.

Yup.:R I was moving the fifth wheel to a different spot in the yard, removed the chocks, made sure everything was clear and pulled forward. CRASH!!!Sumdumguy fergot to latch the hitch.

SIGH! I had to delete what I had originally started with - can't have the Mods angry at me (again)! Yeah, I dropped mine a couple of weeks ago, backing into the pin. Yes, the wheels were chocked - just not well enough. No one to blame but myself. Truck damage was minimal. RV damage was primarily restricted to the bedroom closet, busted the clothes rod and shook stuff up pretty good. There is likely other damage however it has not revealed itself yet nor have I been able to uncover it through my rudimentary examinations.

There are those who have and those who have yet to - it happens to all of us at one time or another.

Cheers!

Mike

Yes it was the fifth wheel. there is not much visible damage to the trailer. The trailer was latched, and we pulled it quite a hill to get out of the drive just before it came down. The flip over catch that holds the handle of the reese 15k was forced up by the handle as it went by.

the worst part is really that I tow with about 12" between the box and trailer so it had a long way to fall, and it hit hard.

Typically the 5'vrs usually have minimal damage when dropped onto truck bed.
The overhang cover might get cracked and possibly some side wall cracking.

BUT majority of damage is to the truck bed side walls from 2000-3000# being slammed down on them

The previous owner of my dually must have done it once. There is one side crunched on my truck. A tailgate will never fit the truck again.

Wow sorry to hear of your miss fortune. The crushing of the bed may have saved some damage on the 5er. What is visible?

I assume you mean a fifth wheel. Sorry to hear the news. But fortunately, nobody was hurt. It actually occurs quite often. Learn how to do the "pull test" and make sure you do it every time. It will save you a lot grief and expense later.