Forum Discussion

GMH's avatar
GMH
Explorer
Aug 01, 2020

Just about dropped it!

Hooking up the 5vr to come home from our last outing, I left the front hatch open by mistake. I couldn’t close it or the tailgate. So I opened the jaws of the hitch and pulled forward far enough to close the hatch and then re-hitched. Raised the front landing gear and pulled ahead a couple of inches to release the wheel chocks. As I was walking around doing a final check before hitting the road, to my horror I noticed that I had the release handle still pinned in the open position!:E I thank my lucky stars that I hadn’t pulled ahead any farther to release the chocks or I would have a big hole in my truck bed...or maybe just serious damage to the front of the 5vr?:o
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Aug 02, 2020
    " Morons/jerks can open the jaws and watch the fun or just to make a sick point."

    TRUE!!! I am told I am a lock-a-holic because I lock my handle closed for your very reason.

  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Aug 02, 2020
    GMH wrote:
    I do have a B&W and I agree it is a great hitch. The handle does not always want to stay open when un-hitching though which is why I had pinned it in the open position...usually not necessary.


    I have said MANY TIMES to never leave the handle pinned open!!!!! I use a padlock to lock my handle and on the rare occasion use it to pin the handle open. Seems easier to remember the lock is being used.
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Aug 02, 2020
    good catch.
    Just one of the many reasons a trailer can land on the bed rails. Some want to think the locked jaw is/was forced open by the pin but that rarely happens .
    Your scenario can happen at a rest area or just about anywhere that your parked. Morons/jerks can open the jaws and watch the fun or just to make a sick point.
    Make that check you did another check item before drive away.
  • Edd505's avatar
    Edd505
    Explorer
    Aug 02, 2020
    Never move forward without landing gear down, hope you learned from the almost. That B&W is the best made, wish I had switched years before I did.
  • TXiceman's avatar
    TXiceman
    Explorer II
    Aug 01, 2020
    I love my TrailerSaver TS3 with the Binkley hitch head. Very positive latch up, but I still do a test tug with the front jacks a couple of inches off the ground.

    Ken
  • GMH's avatar
    GMH
    Explorer
    Aug 01, 2020
    I do have a B&W and I agree it is a great hitch. The handle does not always want to stay open when un-hitching though which is why I had pinned it in the open position...usually not necessary.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Aug 01, 2020
    That’s why checking my coupler, chains, breakaway and umbilical cord is on my departure list twice. I don’t trust me!
  • Thermoguy's avatar
    Thermoguy
    Explorer II
    Aug 01, 2020
    I think that is why I like the B&W hitch. The jaws lock even if you forget to pin it. The pin is just for safety. On the B&W you dont' pin it open, the handle stays open, but closes when you back the trailer in. It's a good design.

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