Hitch Advice

up2nogood wrote:

MFL wrote:
I have been on the road all day, so missed a lot of this thread that I posted on earlier.

I am another that said I, myself, just do a look test with my B&W. To be fair, I did the same look test with my previous hitch (not B&W), as it also had a locking pin, and a sliding bar, that was clearly visible, when closed behind the pin.

I do agree with previous poster, about not saying that no one needs to do a pull test, and I did not say that. New RVers should take every precaution. I have been pulling FWs for over 20 years, so I have a pretty good idea where, and what to look for on the hookup. My day may be coming though, especially since I got a new truck.

I am not now, but have towed over GVWR. I do not suggest to others that they should do this. But when some one says they go by RAWR, rather than GVWR on their truck, I don't condemn them for it.

I bought a B&W hitch due to all the good reviews here, and else where. I read many of the posts Cummins made, and after having the hitch, seeing for myself, I agree with him. Still the pull test is something the manufacturer recommends, so each person needs to make their own decision, on ratings, or pull tests.


Jerry

I think some of you B & W owners seem to be missing the point here, which is no matter what hitch you have ,and do a visual check to see if the jaw is closed, well then it is either closed or not, some paint them white to make them more visual, and that the handle is locked ,well you are hooked up, this applies to any hitch.

Agreeing about being fool proof is probably something you two should share between you on a PM, and leave it off the open forum for the new comers ,and rookies . They need all the help they can get, and misleading information is not what they need.

If you reread my above post, you may have missed the point about my doing a visual check on a previous hitch, NOT B&W BRAND, as it too, was clearly locked in.

I never agreed that any hitch was fool proof. I would recommend the B&W to any new comer, due to the fact that it is a very well built hitch, that is dependable, easy to use, can be purchased at a great price, and has excellent factory support.

Forums are for discussion, and giving ones opinion openly!

Be safe, many happy travels to you,
Jerry

MFL wrote:
I have been on the road all day, so missed a lot of this thread that I posted on earlier.

I am another that said I, myself, just do a look test with my B&W. To be fair, I did the same look test with my previous hitch (not B&W), as it also had a locking pin, and a sliding bar, that was clearly visible, when closed behind the pin.

I do agree with previous poster, about not saying that no one needs to do a pull test, and I did not say that. New RVers should take every precaution. I have been pulling FWs for over 20 years, so I have a pretty good idea where, and what to look for on the hookup. My day may be coming though, especially since I got a new truck.

I am not now, but have towed over GVWR. I do not suggest to others that they should do this. But when some one says they go by RAWR, rather than GVWR on their truck, I don't condemn them for it.

I bought a B&W hitch due to all the good reviews here, and else where. I read many of the posts Cummins made, and after having the hitch, seeing for myself, I agree with him. Still the pull test is something the manufacturer recommends, so each person needs to make their own decision, on ratings, or pull tests.


Jerry

I think some of you B & W owners seem to be missing the point here, which is no matter what hitch you have ,and do a visual check to see if the jaw is closed, well then it is either closed or not, some paint them white to make them more visual, and that the handle is locked ,well you are hooked up, this applies to any hitch.

Agreeing about being fool proof is probably something you two should share between you on a PM, and leave it off the open forum for the new comers ,and rookies . They need all the help they can get, and misleading information is not what they need.

I have been on the road all day, so missed a lot of this thread that I posted on earlier.

I am another that said I, myself, just do a look test with my B&W. To be fair, I did the same look test with my previous hitch (not B&W), as it also had a locking pin, and a sliding bar, that was clearly visible, when closed behind the pin.

I do agree with previous poster, about not saying that no one needs to do a pull test, and I did not say that. New RVers should take every precaution. I have been pulling FWs for over 20 years, so I have a pretty good idea where, and what to look for on the hookup. My day may be coming though, especially since I got a new truck.

I am not now, but have towed over GVWR. I do not suggest to others that they should do this. But when some one says they go by RAWR, rather than GVWR on their truck, I don't condemn them for it.

I bought a B&W hitch due to all the good reviews here, and else where. I read many of the posts Cummins made, and after having the hitch, seeing for myself, I agree with him. Still the pull test is something the manufacturer recommends, so each person needs to make their own decision, on ratings, or pull tests.



Jerry

bpounds wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:
If I do drop the RV on my truck It will be my fault for sure. You can laugh I won't mind.

If you did that, you might be considered a fool.

Cummins12V98 wrote:
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 think we could agree that this guy did a foolish thing, no?

Therefore, NOT foolproof.

Every hitch out there is safe if used correctly. And none of them are foolproof. Fools are just too innovative for that.

Well said, hopefully it will be heeded

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 .

Cummins12V98 wrote:
If I do drop the RV on my truck It will be my fault for sure. You can laugh I won't mind.

If you did that, you might be considered a fool.

Cummins12V98 wrote:
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 think we could agree that this guy did a foolish thing, no?

Therefore, NOT foolproof.

Every hitch out there is safe if used correctly. And none of them are foolproof. Fools are just too innovative for that.

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!

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 .

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

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.