Hitch Advice

Cummins12V98 wrote:

up2nogood wrote:

Javi1 wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

Javi1 wrote:
I'll respect your right NOT to do a pull test... but I won't NOT laugh when you finally drop the trailer... :D

If I do drop the RV on my truck It will be my fault for sure. You can laugh I won't mind.

The only time I have heard of a B&W/dropped RV situation was when the guy pinned his handle open backed under the RV DID NOT LOOK AT THE JAWS and drove ahead and bam!

I never pin my handle open and always look at the jaws. I lock handle closed with break away cable attached to said lock.

And doing a pull test is as easy as pinning the lever, plugging in the cord, stepping back into the truck, put the transmission into D, apply the brake controller, take your foot off the brake pedal, lightly tap the accelerator.... if the hitch don't separate.. take your foot off the accelerator, put your foot on the brake pedal, turn loose of the paddle on the BC, put the tranny back in park, get out of truck and finish your routine.

Got used to doing it years ago with 18 wheelers and just don't mind doing it now.

Took a lot longer to type it than to do it... :D

This is a discussion that has been going on for awhile now, there are a lot of new comers ,and ones just starting out towing fifth wheels, and the last thing in the world they need to hear from us seasoned rvers is this or that is fool proof ,it is a recipe for disaster . There are steps to follow, and they should be shared ,but to claim foolproof when there is no such thing is just bad news.

If you are a seasoned veteran here, and chose to skip some procedures ,or practices that insure safety that is your business as long as it does not affect the rest, but has no place on an open forum. Everyone should be encouraged to follow the guidelines of hitching, and not be told there is no need because a product is FOOL PROOF .

That was a good civil response! I do explain what I do and why. I think there are people that can understand a basic mechanical device and treat it as one.

Just the act of doing a pull test can have damaging results if not done properly also.

Thanks again!

And hopefully get this fool proof nonsense off the forum. I am fully aware of a hitch being a mechanical device, which IMO makes it even more important to NOT skip hitching procedures. and will repeat no problem at doing whatever you chose , but some practices need to be kept to ones self . I am all for bragging about the quality of a good proven product, but it should be left at that

You could make argument for or against a pull test. Never have heard of anyone damaging anything, but sure it could happen, these trucks have a lot of power, but there is a guarantee if you don't do one , and happen to do one of the many things that can cause a drop, case in point locking your handle open on a B & W hitch and driving off .