dpgllg wrote:
I will be having a B & W Patriot 16k hitch installed later this week. I am replacing a R & W Lil Rocker 15k hitch. The Little Rocker uses a slide bar to secure the pin. I also have a Bed Saver installed.
This is NOT a sliding hitch as I have an 8 foot bed.
I have watched a few videos on the Patriot but really want to feel comfortable prior to an upcoming trip.
Is it really as easy as pulling the pin on the handle and pushing the handle open?
My Lil Rocker would often bind. Can I really just open the handle and pull forward even if the jaws did not open? (etrailer video states this)
Should I order the Bed saver as well? I never used it in almost 15 years of pulling a 5th wheel and they cost $349 for the Patriot hitch. Will I be okay closing jaws and handle insert pin and then do a pull test?
Are there any things that I need to be aware of with this hitch? hitching, unhitching, unlevel ground, and maintenance?
Any issues with high hitching?
Any other helpful thoughts or comments are appreciated!
Dave
I went from a Lil Rocker to a B&W Companion. The B&W is a much easier hitch to use. In my experience, if the handle will not stay forward when you try to unlatch, there is a hole to put the locking pin in that will hold the handle forward so you can pull out. Remove the pin as soon as you pull out. I have to do this every time I unhook at home.
When you back under, make sure the handle goes to the "closed" position, go under the trailer to verify the jaws are wrapped around the pin, THEN put the pin in the handle locking it closed.
I TRIPLE check that the jaws are closed and the handle is pinned by grabbing the handle and looking at the jaws every time I go by it on my walk around. Once when I hook up, once when I start the walk around, once when I get done with the walk around (looking at jacks up, lights working, cargo doors, windows, awning, antenna etc.). I never do a pull test, they are almost always done wrong anyway. This takes about a minute in real life. I drove truck for 17 years, and just kept my habits and I have never dropped a trailer.
Yet. ;)
